Happy Father's Day!

Dear Clark, 

I will never forget when you became a Dad.  Parenthood turned our world upside down, and you have been with me every step of the way!  You were the kind of dad that changed diapers, helped with bath time, bandaged the many injuries, calmed wild boys (and sometimes made them even wilder!), you made fires, fished, fervently sought the Lord's will throughout our adoption of Isabella, taught two boys to drive, soothed hurt feelings, helped with Science Fair Projects, as well as all homework, (now even college homework), and the list goes on and on and on.  You are without a doubt the spiritual leader of our home, and the hardest working man that I know.  

Happy Father's Day to the world's most deserving man!  

We love you and think you are the greatest!

I love you most,
LaTrisa

Dear Dad, 

Thank you dad for everything you have done for our family!  

The early mornings leaving for work and the late nights coming home.  

Thank you for all the love and support you have given us! 

Most of all, thank you for teaching me what it means to be a Godly man.  

                                                                

Love you, Dad....Avery

Dear Dad, 

Happy Father's Day!  

I love you so much, and words can't even describe the respect  that I have for you.  

You have shown me what it is like to be a Godly man, 

and have taught me how a father is to act. 

And that is something I will never take for granted.  

Love, Riley

Dear Dad, 

You are the best dad a son could ask for.  

You're the most amazing, loving, and caring dad in the world!  

I love you dad so much.  

Thank you for everything you've done for our family.  

You really are SUPER MAN!

 

Love, Landry

Dear Dad,

You are the best dad on earth!  

You make me smile.  You are a funny and kind dad.  I love you so much. 

You are my dad and I am your daughter, forever, I will always love you.  

You are strong, and my friend.  

I know you will always be there for me even at my darkest hour.  

When you hug me, I smile.  When you kiss me, I laugh.  

I will always love you!

 XOXOXOXO, Isabella P.
(Isabella also included many drawings of heart, stars. and flowers that I could not replicate on the computer.  lol.)

Hallmark doesn't always say it best...

"The just man walketh in his integrity, his children are blessed after him." Proverbs 20:7

"Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge." Proverbs 14:26

Standing in the Gap...

I took my little circus to the prayer room on that Sunday night many years ago.  I had a seven year old, a four year old, and an infant.  We were brand new to First Apostolic Church.  I was nervous about establishing our family in the flow of church life, but at that moment I was more concerned about keeping my boys calm enough to utter a few words of pre-service prayer.  I heard a voice fervently praying nearby.  It startled me when the lady on her knees called my oldest son's name out in prayer. It was my son's new teacher.  She prayed that Avery would feel comfortable in his new classroom, and quickly make new friends.  She asked the Lord to keep His hand of protection on him, and bless his life.  I was amazed.  This teacher had known my son for less than a week, and she was fervently calling his name out before the king of kings.  I listened in astonishment as she continued to pray for each child in her classroom.  She prayed for healing upon them, situations in their families, and their success as a student.  She continued to call the names of her high school students as well. She asked for special blessings upon each of them, as well as particular needs they had in their lives. Next, came each of her piano students.  She asked that the Lord would use their talents for His glory. Tears streamed down my face as I heard her love for her students in the depths of her prayers. 

My son has since graduated.  In fact, all four of my children have been the recipients of Sis. Karen Kirby's prayers and teaching.  She has taught each of them to read, write their names, and even quote their prepositions.  All of Sis. Kirby's students know that, "You get what you get, and don't pitch a fit!"  More importantly she has taught all of them the power of servanthood.  

Not in her school lessons, 

not in her words, 

but in her actions.  

I received a text from Sis. Kirby last Wednesday.  She was encouraging ME, reminding me that by God's stripes my daughter was going to receive a needed healing.  Reminding me 

God has a plan for Isabella's life, 

but my job was to trust and obey.  

Not our will, but His.  

My friend, Sis. Karen Kirby, 

has stood in the gap for many of our children.  

Now it is our turn to stand in the gap for her.  

Join me tomorrow as Sis. Kirby undergoes surgery.

For where two or three are gathered together 

in my name, there am I in the midst of them. 

Matthew 18:20