For some reason, I couldn't get all the pics on one post, so here are more...
My dad has been more to me than just a physical and emotional rock, support, foundation. You see, he's been a spiritual rock, support, foundation for me too. I know that if I ask him to pray about something for me, he does. I know he's fasted and prayed for me and for decisions I've made before. How many kids can say that about their dads? What a true leader he's been.
This morning, he got up in front of our church congregation and told a story I've heard many times in my lifetime, but never put into this context. In the winter of 1976, he brought his family to church, as he always did. I was 3, Brock was 2, and Mom was very pregnant with Brad. (Who knew he'd come out a toddler at 11lbs 9 1/2 oz?!?) Anyway, it was a very icy morning and Mom probably wore her standard high heels (Can you believe she used to SHOP in those things?!?) and was unsteady as any pregnant mommy would be. He picked up me and Brock, one in each arm, then held out his arm for my mom to hold onto as he crossed the parking lot that was a sheet of ice. He knew that if he fell, ALL of us would fall and ALL of us would get hurt. He used that illistration, this morning, to say that as a father (although, I took it from a mother's point of view, because God has given me that responsibility) it's imperative that he be steady, strong, and not wavering. (I'm sure he said it much better than I am.) He meant spiritually. Because, if he isn't then how can we be? Whoa. It really touched me and spoke to me about how and what I'm doing in my everyday life. I'm soooo responsible for these arrows, that God has allowed me to raise. Am I walking on my toes and being steady, strong, and unwavering, when it comes to my faith? Do my arrows see that? Paul has a huge responsibility to be the man of our home and leader and he'll have to answer to God for the way he does things, but by being his wife and the mother of his children, I have a huge responsibility as well. It seems overwhelming, but "I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me." God promises that.
So, I say all of that to say....
Daddy,
Thank you so much for standing firm on the "ice" of life. Thank you for the sacrifices you made for me in all areas. I cherish you and the time we've had together. I pray for healing for you and many many more times of togetherness. I pray that my son and daughters know you as adults and that they see the legacy you're leaving for them and grow to cherish it as well.
I LOVE YOU!!!
Ok, here are a few more pics. I don't have any before that because I don't have any of the girls as little ones on my computer....
My arrows and their Grand-dad.My dad has been more to me than just a physical and emotional rock, support, foundation. You see, he's been a spiritual rock, support, foundation for me too. I know that if I ask him to pray about something for me, he does. I know he's fasted and prayed for me and for decisions I've made before. How many kids can say that about their dads? What a true leader he's been.
This morning, he got up in front of our church congregation and told a story I've heard many times in my lifetime, but never put into this context. In the winter of 1976, he brought his family to church, as he always did. I was 3, Brock was 2, and Mom was very pregnant with Brad. (Who knew he'd come out a toddler at 11lbs 9 1/2 oz?!?) Anyway, it was a very icy morning and Mom probably wore her standard high heels (Can you believe she used to SHOP in those things?!?) and was unsteady as any pregnant mommy would be. He picked up me and Brock, one in each arm, then held out his arm for my mom to hold onto as he crossed the parking lot that was a sheet of ice. He knew that if he fell, ALL of us would fall and ALL of us would get hurt. He used that illistration, this morning, to say that as a father (although, I took it from a mother's point of view, because God has given me that responsibility) it's imperative that he be steady, strong, and not wavering. (I'm sure he said it much better than I am.) He meant spiritually. Because, if he isn't then how can we be? Whoa. It really touched me and spoke to me about how and what I'm doing in my everyday life. I'm soooo responsible for these arrows, that God has allowed me to raise. Am I walking on my toes and being steady, strong, and unwavering, when it comes to my faith? Do my arrows see that? Paul has a huge responsibility to be the man of our home and leader and he'll have to answer to God for the way he does things, but by being his wife and the mother of his children, I have a huge responsibility as well. It seems overwhelming, but "I can do ALL things through Christ, who strengthens me." God promises that.
So, I say all of that to say....
Daddy,
Thank you so much for standing firm on the "ice" of life. Thank you for the sacrifices you made for me in all areas. I cherish you and the time we've had together. I pray for healing for you and many many more times of togetherness. I pray that my son and daughters know you as adults and that they see the legacy you're leaving for them and grow to cherish it as well.
I LOVE YOU!!!
Ok, here are a few more pics. I don't have any before that because I don't have any of the girls as little ones on my computer....
2 comments:
great message of love for both paul and steve. the story of the ice was very touching. i wish brad could have heard it. thanks for putting it down so i can remember it for years to come. love gram reese
What a nice tribute to your father and your husband. We were touched by what you wrote. Too bad we didn't see it sooner...but it was a nice surprise when we did read it. Love you!!!
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