Know, what you know…….Then act on it….
John Wayne said it best, “A man’s got to have a code, a creed to live by.” ….and that’s what this is about. I grew up in the late 40’s the 50s and 60’s and my father was a man’s man, my brother Homer is a man’s man, and I sure hope I am too. My father was a John Wayne type character, in my mind and heart. He and the Duke taught me much of what I built my Foundational Self on. So as the Duke said, “A man’s got to do what a man’s got to do.”
He also said, “Talk low, talk slow, and don’t say too much.” guess I’m going to fail on that one!!! 😉 So, here are some select quotes from my father and the Duke that have helped me decide who I wanted to be, or at least who I’ve tried like hell to be.
“I’ve always followed my father’s advice: he told me, first to always keep my word and second, to never insult anybody unintentionally. If I insult you, you can be damn sure I intend to. And, third, he told me not to go around looking for trouble.” JW
Authenticity is one of my most valued traits in others. People who know who they are, what they believe in and are not afraid to live by that.
“Words are what men live by…words they say and mean.” John Wayne
My father, William Pelle Fortney, taught me to:
Believe and trust in God.
To consider the Ten Commandments as a code to live by.
To always treat others in the same way I would like to be treated by them.
To never ask others to anything I was not willing to do myself.
To love my family and stay close to them.
Let’s admit it, the world we live in, is in a stupid state today! So many people are lost, confused, desperate and afraid. Satan is having his way with us. Politics has become a contact sport, and it is not what God wants for us. Sherelene constantly has to remind me that we are not wrestlsing with men but against principalities of evil. It is the hardest thing a Chrisitan has to do, pray for those that persecute you. Watching the news I saw where a female Senator in a previous grilling of one of the people beign considered for the opening on the Supreme Court, said she had a problem with her DOGMA; (dogma | ˈdôɡmə | noun a principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true: the rejection of political dogma | the Christian dogma of the Trinity.) She is a devout Catholic and holds to the principles of her faith and this Senator saw that as a serious problem, God help us all!
“When you come slam bang up against trouble, it never looks half as bad if you face up to it.” JW
If you really want to know how you are doing, look at your calendar, it will reveal what you consider most important in your life. “Spend time with your kids, they grow usp so fast.” William Pelle Fortney
“A man oughta do what he thinks is right.” John Wayne
What do I think is right? We better find out before we start to put our wheels or mouth in motion. I have a few;
I believe in God and I know He loves me.
My greatest desire is to share His love with others.
I love my country, stand for the National Anthem, salute the flag and support my President.
I deeply appreciate our military, police and first responders, and support them in word and deed.
I’ve become sadly disappointed in top people in both the FBI and DOJ.
I’m Pro Life, Anti Socialism, Pro Capitalism.
I believe in, will stand for and will defend the 2nd Amendment.
I miss the Democratic Party of John F. Kennedy.
Sorry but, “Well, there are some things a man just can’t run away from.” JW
“Words are what men live by…words they say and mean.” JW
“When the road looks rough ahead, remember the ‘Man Upstairs’ and the word H-O-P-E. Hang onto both and ‘tough it out.” JW
“Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” JW
“Stand for something, a real man doesn’t doubt his convictions!” William Pelle Fortney
….and finally, “It looks like it’s going to be another fine day.” John Wayne
Blessings,
the pilgrim
My father, William Pelle Fortney, I miss him everyday….
This entry was posted on Friday, July 6th, 2018 at 2:49 pm
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Yeah things are crazy stupid lately. Sometimes I just have to turn off the news and turn on some science fiction to stay sane. Otherwise I’d be depressed and angry all the time with all the nonsense I see in the news lately. 😉
I’m avoiding as much as I can!!!
Great post Bill…..
Thanks Mike!
I guess there will be another civil war soon – in reality, it is already going on I think. It is God-fearing people (not Republicans, not conservatives) vs God-hating/neutral people. I agree with Sherelene, the best way to combat it is prayer. It is not my war – it is God’s! God moves when prayer is offered.
Whether we can get enough people to turn off the TV and get on their knees is another question, however!
If we want to win this, we better!!! Only God can turn this around! I’ve read the end of the book and we do in fact triumph, but tough times may be between now and then! I fear that if the fever pitch stoked by the drive by media, is leading to something that could end tragically, I pray that doesn’t happen!
Truth. I started to say I agree with your words but how could I not with William Pelle Fortney, John Wayne, and William Glenn Fortney as my heroes and role models!! I miss dad too, but we were so lucky to have as a role model. Love you brother.
I love you too Homer! We were fortunate indeed! I also have a great brother, sure wish I could get him out in the field with me, one of these days!
Some very good thoughts, my friend. I liked your one a lot about missing the Democratic party of JFK. (And I also miss the GOP of Ike, Dick and Ron.) Both parties are so far out of control. The Democrats are so fixed on extremes like same sex marriage, abortions and bathrooms (which affect a sliver of the population) and have forgotten the folks on Elm Street. The Republicans no longer are the party of farmers and merchants, forsaking Main Street for the uber rich who pull money out of the economy. Neither party can work together and each is waiting for the other to screw up so they can swoop in like a shark in the water. Nowhere in the Constitution does it say that’s our method of government. It also doesn’t mention one word about liberals or conservatives but rather of Americans. You know this, of course, but your comment on JFK is dead on. JFK preached optimism and American exceptionalism. The county had a positive outlook. We could do anything. We could put a man on the moon. Sure, we have problems but we have the ability to work them out. We pissed away that optimism into decades of fear and dependence instead of shooting for excellence. Reagan took a little shot at it. What did Pogo say? We have met the enemy and he is us? I don’t look for any improvement soon. We need politicians who are leaders who speak for Main Street and Elm Street again. We need people who inspire us, not incite us. And we need leaders who will show the world that Americans are strong and united. And we need better choices than we had in 2016. Plus we need leaders who believe, as JFK did, that God’s work must truly be our own. You nailed this one, Bill.
Thanks Dick, means a lot to hear that from you!
Hi Bill
I don’t always comment but read your blog each time you post. I agree with what you said. It saddens me to see the state of our country right now. The left are trying to change this great Republic to suit their own twisted view of society. It is scary.
I’m a year younger than you so I grew up in the same country and values you did. I taught my children those values and they are teaching their children. But we are far outnumbered.
Many people are trying to persecute and bring down our President. The level of evil they are throwing at him along with the media is unprecedented. Yet through it all he stands unwavering working tirelessly to make America Great Again!
The few good politicians (like Tray Gowdy) are leaving government and I can understand why. If it weren’t for Fox News, Rush Limbaugh, and other conservative voices we would be in even worse trouble. The great number of uninformed would be even higher.
Thank you for standing your ground and adding your voice to the cause.
Thank you for passing our values down to your children, and especially your grandchildren!
We,use ehen this battle!
Sorry bad typing – We can win this battle!
I buried my father just yesterday. It was a celebration of a blessed long life. I was with my father the day he gave his heart to Jesus and received him as his savior and Lord. I know where he is now.
As I read your post I thought about what was the greatest saying my father gave to me and immediately a thought came, it would be when my father told me… I love you.
What could be a better saying to hang on to and to tell my kids and grandkids. And just what the world needs to hear now.
You’re so right Gregg! I try everyday to introduce joy, peace and love into every incounter!
So great to hear from you, blessings!