"As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love."
John 15:9
My Dad is a man of utmost integrity, with a huge heart, and also the most Godly man I know. He's raised us kids with sound discipline, strong values, and truly exemplified the BEST earthly example of our heavenly Fathers' love for us.
He dedicated his life to the Lord at a very young age and he's continued to live everyday that way. He's reading his Bible at a sweet young age in this picture (above) but now he teaches thousands and thousands of people about God's word every week at church & also on a daily basis. He's actually pretty shy and a more private person in general, but God blessed him with an extra special gift of teaching and he's used that to bring the Lord all the glory. I am so proud of him for that, and for a million other reasons. Oh and he can sing, play the piano, [originally he was a worship leader before he became a pastor] and gets down on the B3 organ at church every week :) He's one all around talented guy!
He's been the best provider for my family, he's been the rock for us during difficult times, he's been the one to offer sound wisdom, advice & counsel during uncertain times, and he's all around been the pillar our entire family looks up to.
He always encourages us to do the "right" thing, leads us with a Godly example, and speaks the truth in love. He is passionate about his faith and gives wonderful instruction on distinguishing what is right and wrong.
He's also the smartest man I know. He knows Latin, Greek & Hebrew and has whole chapters of the Bible memorized in other languages. He reads more books than any person I've ever met. He loves learning, and sharing his knowledge with others. I remember waking up every morning to finding my Dad buried in his Bible, starting every day with his devotions. I remember family trips [or any opportunity where he knew he'd need to wait for my mom or us kids] where he would always bring a huge stack of books and he would constantly be studying any chance he could. I also remember him having weekly "study" dates at Original Pancake House with my brother and me to take us through a book & spend time teaching us. I can pretty much ask him anything, and he always knows the answer [not exaggerating].
I remember "daddy dates" where my dad would take one of us four kids out for a day just with Dad. We loved these days. He always made time for us kids, regardless of how exhausted he was after work. He also made family time a priority and I remember doing family devotions and dinner together.
My Dad taught us kids at a very young age to appreciate anything "cozy." Hot chocolate, foggy days, SNOW!!!, fireplaces, rainy days and more. He's also probably the only person that understands my desire to celebrate Christmas all year round! In fact, for my birthday this past year my dad, mom, husband and me all watched Christmas movies (thank goodness for DVR and hallmark's Christmas movies!).
He's also a very "cool" dad. He knows that Jay-Z & Beyonce are married, who 50 cent is, and much more about the celebrities that I enjoy teasing him about. He also has an iPad & a Kindle now {we got him one for Father's day}. None of us kids even have one - but leave it up to our hip dad to be up to speed on the latest technology!!!
Although he hardly had anything growing up, he did everything he could [and did an amazing job] to give us kids anything and everything we wanted. I admire and respect him so much for being the best husband, wonderful brother, fun uncle, and absolutely perfect dad! He always shows us affection, puts the Lord first and family second, and taught us girls (my two sisters and me) what we should look for in husband's.
He's the most generous, humble, and sweet man I know. He's always looking out for others and putting other's before himself. He's a dad to those who don't have an "earthly" dad. He's a father figure to so many single mom's who are raising their kids without an earthly dad.
He also raised and taught my brother how to be an amazing Dad and husband [ and TEASE!!!].
{my brother & nephew}
It's so fun to watch my brother as a Dad now - raising my niece & nephew with the same values, discipline, and love my dad raised us with.
My Dad has touched so many peoples' lives - performing weddings, funerals, baby dedications, providing endless hours of counseling, leading hundreds {if not more} of people to the Lord. I am so proud of him and I love him !!!
[adam, my dad and me today, on Father's day]
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DOOZ!
[my dad's nickname]
Love you!
xoxo,
espritdecorpdecooklecocklelugamuffinbartamintathuthuthorestthreadsdeadstarvinmarvinviolineyspindlelindle
prayingmantispumbachpoleheadjailbirdBVApcpq
[my dad's nickname for me...!!]
