Dedicated Dads

My computer screen is blurry because my eyes are filled with tears.  When I wake-up (in three hours) it will be Father's Day.  I try not to write when I'm emotional or tired, so bear with me. :)

My Heavenly Father

Of all the people who have ever lived, and who will ever live on this earth, there are only two people who can call me "daughter".  My mom and my dad.  I love being their daughter.  I love them, because they first loved me.  Before my parents loved me, my Creator and Everlasting Father loved me. Of all the titles and names I bear, the one I am the most proud of is daughter of God. 

I believe in a Heavenly Father who is loving and giving.  A Father who blesses me and shows me evidence of His love on a daily basis.  I believe He is my greatest cheerleader and during times I lose my way He inspires me to take courage, have faith and walk toward Him.

My Earthly Father

I was born unto a goodly father who loves the Lord and loves me unconditionally.  I realize this was a blessing from the first breath I took. My dad has taught me many things.  He taught me to walk and talk (with a Southern accent).  He taught me how to ride a bike. He patiently sat at the kitchen table and taught me math.  He taught me how to drive.   He taught me to work hard and be honest.  He taught me about centrifugal force.  He taught me the scriptures.  He taught me swear words like "dadgumit" and "dadblameit".  He taught me to not gauge the butter.  He taught me how to balance a check book.  He taught me how to love.

If there is a word that describes my dad, it's charity.  My dad is long suffering and kind.  He does not envy and he is not proud.  He does not behave unseemly, he seeketh not his own.  He is not easily provoked (although the kid working at the Draper Cinemark concession stand might disagree).  My dad thinketh no evil.  He rejoices in truth.  He bears all things, he believes, he is hopeful and he endures.

My father is without guile.  He has taught me to love and see the good in everyone.  I don't think there is a person my dad has met who he doesn't like.  And if there is, he would never tell anyone. While my dad has taught me a lot, I think the greatest lesson he taught me was how to be a parent. 

The Father of My Children

My boys are with their dad, which is where they should be, but as I caught a glimpse of their empty beds I felt myself shrink for a moment.  I never thought we would be the "every other weekend" family.  However, I think we're doing a pretty good job. 

I can't write a Father's Day post without recognizing the father of my kids.  My boys adore their dad.  He is their hero!  They love spending time with him and he is really good about making and keeping promises with them.  He is a fun dad!  He works hard to support and provide for them.  He rarely takes time off from work because he takes his financial obligations seriously.  I am eternally grateful for his support and for his dedication to having good working relationship with me.

Father of Hope
dedicated to DSM

To his kids he is their father. 
Their trusted confidant. 
Their rock and one sure thing.
He sacrifices, works, worries, prays, ponders, listens, serves, encourages and loves. 
He thinks no one notices.
I notice. 

His influence reaches far beyond the walls of his own home. 
Teacher, friend, partner, coach, cheerleader,
Happy, but never content.
He is a doer and a fixer. 
He motivates and inspires. 
He encourages and blesses. 
He is steadfast and immovable.

He is a father.