Father ... nothing and no one like him

Happy Father's Day!

 
What a wonderful day to celebrate fathers - not just today but every day. Yet somehow, Father's Day typically does not receive the same level of recognition as Mother's Day. It may be the differences between men and women and what is perceived to be valued by each group. However, I have come to learn (having once been married and raising three sons by myself), that one of the greatest honors you can bestow upon a man is respect. And there are so many qualties to respect and celebrate about those who are fathers or have been like a father to someone somewhere along the way.

Able v Balanced v Caring v Daring v Energetic v Godly

v Honest v Intelligent v Just v Kind v

Level-Headed v Mature v Nice v Optimistic v Patient

v Qualified v Resourceful v Strong v

Trustworthy v Understanding v Vital

Wise v Xenial (hospitable) v Young-at-Heart

v Zealous v

From A to Z there is nothing and no one like a ‘FATHER’

 

 

To all the dads out there – thank you for leading, caring, sharing and doing whatever is necessary to be there for your family and to help them realize all of the potential that God has placed in them. Whether you are a father biologically, by adoption or have simply been like a father to the people in your life, know that you fulfill an extremely vital role. And your efforts – while not always recognized, appreciated or celebrated – do make a difference.

 
To all the moms out there who have to be mom and dad – I wish you a very special Father’s Day. Thank you for taking on the responsibility of a role that can never be completely fulfilled by a woman. Yet, despite that daunting reality, you are doing everything a father is called to do – being the spiritual head and covering for your family, instilling values, establishing identity, creating boundaries, providing for needs, developing discipline and establishing order. It is quite a job!

Thank you all for everything you do … 



Father GOD, I thank You for giving us the special gift of fathers. You have supplied a tangible and visual respresentation of what fatherhood is all about - the love, the care and concern. You have given us an opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of Your many amazing characteristics. On this day, I pray that You would bless all of the fathers, across the globe, with wisdom for every circumstance, strength for every challenge and a capacity to love which mirrors the love You have for us. Bless them abundantly with every natural and spiritual resource - equipping them to be the godly leaders that you have called them to be. May they recognize what an honor and privilege it is to share the title of 'father' with the most Amazing Father of all time. Bless their families and keep them in Your care. I pray all these things in the Matchless Name of Jesus Christ, our LORD and Savior.

 
Happy Father's Day to All ... Have a Truly Blessed Day! 

'A righteous man who walks in his integrity -

How blessed are his sons after him.'

Proverbs 20:7

Father's Day 2012

Happy Father's Day!

What a wonderful day ...
I actually found myself wishing the LORD 'Happy Father's Day' several weeks ago. I am so thankful that He has been a Father to me and to my children. I am so blessed to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. Some days, just the thought of that overwhelms me.

BIRTH DADS
The Word states that children are a blessing from the LORD ... happy is the man whose quiver is full of them (Ps. 127:3-5).' So much truth in those words. When I think about our world, I can't help but to reflect on the vital role that a father plays - creating a secure environment, providing wisdom/direction and helping children to establish there identity in the earth. It is such an important responsibility yet often goes without the recognition or respect that it truly deserves. You have the unique opportunity/privilege of giving a child their first sense of what is like to be in relationship with God the Father. I honor you fathers today!

CHOICE DADS
John 15:13 tells us, 'Greater love hath no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.' Outside of those men who are father's by birth, there is a another special group that deserves recognition today. There is an elite group of individuals out there and something must be done to acknowledge those who will lay down their lives daily to be a father to those with whom they have no biological connection. These elect group of gentlemen have made a concious decision to play a vital and effective role in the lives of young men and women. Despite the fact that they did not play a role in the birth of an individual, they assume the awesome responsibility of playing a role in the WORTH of an individual. They pour out their lives daily and they give glimpses of what it is like to be loved by GOD. So to all the step-fathers, pastors, mentor, teachers, coaches, foster dads and those who have adopted children as their very own - Thank you and God bless you!

MOM 'DADS'
Last, but certainly not least, I take time to acknowledge and celebrate the moms who have had to become dads. All across this earth, there are moms who work double-duty, donning the shoes of both father and mother. Some are in that position because they had children outside of marriage. Some find themselves in that position because of a divorce. Sadly many are in that place because of the death of a much-beloved father. And there are still others who temporarily have to assume that role while the actual father is away (defending a country or working in another location so that he can financially support his family). Whatever the reason, it is never easy to have to be both man and woman to children who are in need. It is a tremendous job - one that requires constant commitment, ingenuity, strength and selflessness ... and a ton of prayer. It is often an 'unsung' position (as is fatherhood in general). Yet those who are on the receiving end are blessed in ways that you can never fully know or appreciate. Do not grow weary in well doing for in due season you shall recognize and reap the fruit of all your labors. I speak blessings over you and pray that God would supply every need (spiritually, emotionally, physically, finacially and relationally)!

No matter who you are or how you came to assume the role of FATHER know that you make a difference!

Happy Father's Day ... Have a Blessed One!

Happy Father's Day

Today I would like to take a moment to celebrate dads...
Biological fathers, step-fathers, uncles, cousins, pastors, friends ….  basically, any man who has assumed the role of a father figure and is having a positive impact in the life of a young man or lady.

Fathers have a unique opportunity to give their children (natural or spiritual) a glimpse and reflection of God Himself.

Typically, a much bigger fuss is made about Mother’s Day than Father’s Day. In fact, to a large extent, many in society have devalued the role of a father. However, fathers, godly fathers who are positively and actively engaged in the lives of their children, are to be celebrated and honored.

Francis Bacon Sr. is quoted as saying, ‘One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.’ This is so true – for they teach lessons that can never be taught in a classroom. And the greatest of the lessons are often without words – they are merely communicated through righteous living and godly example. May your children echo the sentiments of Clarence Budington Kelland who said, "My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

To all these fathers, I say…

Happy Father’s Day!