Fathers make the World a better place.

 
What a wild summer! Finally with the cool, crisp air and the feeling of autumn, I can honestly say I am thankful for fresh beginnings and each new day.

I was thinking about my dear husband this morning and couldn't help but wonder at the faithful man he is. This summer above all others has given us reason to question everything we believe, stand for. The quality of our hearts, the expected struggles of a family. This summer gave us the perfect opportunity to be disappointed in one of our kids, and even to throw in the towel if we wanted to. What amazes me, is that my guy never even considered it. No matter how hard it has been, he just pushes forward and chooses to LOVE all of us. No strings attached. I adore him for that.

This old county song by George Strait fits so perfectly. The more I look at the young people who use to be my babies, the more I just love them for everything they are, everything they aren't, and everything they will be. I can't help it, and I wouldn't want to love them any other way.

Our Father in Heaven loves families. He knows that being in one means things get rough, we get irritated, and it can get ugly. But He WANTS us in families because that is where we see Jesus best.
 
 A Father's Love - George Strait
I got sent home from school one day with a shiner on my eye ,
Fighting was against the rules and it didn't matter why.
When Dad got home I told that story just like I'd rehearsed
Then stood there on those trembling knees and waited for the worst

And he said, "Let me tell you a secret, about a father's love.
A secret that my daddy said was just between us-
He said, daddies don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen, its a love without end, amen".

When I became a father in the spring of 81
There was no doubt that stubborn boy was just like my father's son .
And when I thought my patience had been tested to the end
I took my daddy's secret and I passed it on to him

I said "daddies don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen, its a love without end, amen."

Last night I dreamed I'd died and stood outside those pearly gates
When suddenly I realized there must be some mistake
If they know half the stuff I done they'll never let me in
Then somewhere from the other side I heard these words again:

And they said, "Let me tell you a secret, about a father's love
A secret that my daddy said was just between us
You see daddies don't just love their children every now and then
It's a love without end, amen, its a love without end, amen."

If you have time, read 2 Samuel 13 and remember how David felt about his son, Absalom, even after all he did wrong. Some think David was a loser Dad because he didn't deal justly with him- for all the mayhem and murder he committed. I think I understand a little how he felt. Being a parent is the greatest gift, and the greatest responsibility of life.  Lord, help us live up to that great calling.

Had to add on this photo blog- it was too funny. We all have great intentions, like George Strait... but I think I end up more often looking like this guy!! Click the link below:
World's Best Father Article 

To live a little...

June 2012...not possible. It's raining, it's cold, and I'm not ready to be 6 months into a year that came too fast. We have spent the last month with proms, and graduations, and goodbyes to so many things. I just wanted to stick my head in the sand and pretend it all wasn't happening.

Thinking about Jordan and Jasmine both being seniors next year, I have felt like this summer needed to be the best, most amazing yet...and I had no idea how to make it happen. Then I realized I don't need to "make" it great. It will be great just because we will be together. Sure we have said goodbye to childhood games, friends who have grown up, family that has chosen to move on, school, etc. etc. This next year there won't be any "Danny" running over to hang out or talk about zombies. There won't be as many bike rides to the country store or free days to trail ride with a best friend for hours. Work will take the time of video gaming, and school will mean something entirely different when you know the grades are part of your college transcript. Bur we will also say "Hello!" to new friends, and new experiences, and all new moments where God just blows our socks off.

Yesterday I picked up my phone and saw a text message that completely changed my focus. It was my beautiful young friend in a hospital gown, holding her "moments old" newborn son. I remember that moment so vividly for myself- the first time you hold your "heart" in your arms- you look into the eyes of another person and realize THIS was why it was all worth it. I saw in her smile all this next season is going to bring- the adventure of life and the amazing privilege of sharing God's love and story every chance we get. To hold the hand of a sweet, innocent child who is just figuring it out, or kiss the cheek of an 87 year old dear lady as she prepares to see Jesus face to face. I will spend hours listening to the hurts and successes of my high school girls, and get the opportunity to plan and encourage the young men around me to live courageously. I will fall, and I will watch those around me fall. I will succeed at times too, and rejoice with those around me who win. That's the life I get to live, and it is such a blessing.

King David fascinates me and I have spent the last month just reading his story and his songs. It is shocking yet comforting to remember how badly he screwed up, and yet how much God still loved him and protected him. He lied, he cheated, he womanized, he was a "bad father" at times...and yet, listen to his last recorded words:
"“If my house were not right with God,
    surely he would not have made with me an everlasting covenant,
    arranged and secured in every part;
surely he would not bring to fruition my salvation
    and grant me my every desire." 2 Samuel 23:5


Ahhh...what a comfort it is to know that in spite of where I fall short, Jesus more than makes up the difference. He is my rock, my shield and my redeemer. He is my salvation and my song. And because of that, I can laugh at the days to come, and just LIVE a little. It's going to be great. 

All photos credited to Kalahan Kayla Photography She is amazing!