Hero is spelled DAD

The Father's day card that ElizaJane picked out this year for her Daddy, to go with the straw hat we purchased for those long hot lawn mowing days here in Georgia said, "At our house we spell Hero D-A-D."

Her card is so right on target! Her Daddy is her Hero!

All of these pictures were taken this year, but we have lots more just like 'em for every 22 years that we have had children. Pictures of him being here with us, always being fun! He isn't a I'm to tired, or maybe later, kind of Dad. He has invested his days being available and present.

He plays, he wrestles, he prays, he laughs, he lectures, he admonishes, he coaches, he corrects, he hugs, he cries for, he comforts, he helps, he encourages, he ribs, he punishes, he reads to, he teaches, he compliments, he drives, but whatever it is that he does, he is here, and he has been doing it for 22 years, and he will continue to do it for as many days as the Lord gives him!

In his heart he yearns for his children to love their God with all their hearts, and to follow and serve their God always. That has always been his greatest desire and prayer, and it always will be.

He longs for them to be great men and women of God, not for the eyes of man, but for the glory of their Father in Heaven.

I can say, because I have watched for 22 years, that he always strives to be the best Father he can be, always, and that takes sacrifice. If given the opportunity he would give his life for each of his kids without a moments hesitation.

In essence he does give his life for his kids, every moment of every day, as he works hard to provide for their physical needs, and comes home and provides for their spiritual and emotional needs as well.

At our house Hero is spelled D-A-D!

funniest card award

The funniest birthday card award for this year, goes to.....drum roll please,

Kartwright,

for this Star trek edition

The front says:

"Analysis, Spock.

If all the candles on that cake were to be lit simultaneously....

And the inside says....audibly says.....

"ANNIHILATION JIM....TOTAL, COMPLETE, ABSOLUTE, ANNIHILATION!" (in Spock's real voice)

The written words say, "have a safe and happy birthday."

and as if that was not enough humiliation for my second born son of my womb to heap on the very head of his endearing, albeit aging mother, he writes:

"hey momma you have just been such a great freind, mentor, teacher, and momma. I can't tell you how much I enjoy our long talks, and discusions. (although my spelling is bad, you might have been able to do better with that!) Love Kartwright"

I should have done better with the hand writing also apparently!

Ya gotta love that boy!!

Now, for my thankfuls of the day, please join in!

Today I am grateful for:
- Kartwright, his sense of humor, and that he lives in the age of computers, where he can compensate for his hand writing!
- Little girls that play "beauty parlour" with stuffed otters and various other fluffy fake beasts in the family room.
- Yummy creamy corn chowder on a very cold night last night
- My new pink birthday Sony cybershot - love it!!!
- That there are so very many things to be grateful for in this crazy mixed up world we live in

What are you grateful for today?

There are no surprises in Heaven

Friday my sweet called, and asked me to lunch...he does that often, and because I have a built in sitter that is ready and willing (thank you Kartwright), I can most often say "yes". He caught me off guard...I was buried under clutter, and 4th grade math, and laundry and life, because life does not stop for tragedy, but keeps moving forward in spite of our feelings....my hubbies low smooth voice pushed it all aside, and I threw on some lipstick, and set up the girls at the computer to review their Latin and grammar, kisses all around, and I flew. Flew to the one I love, to drown my sorrows in a shared piece of red velvet cake. I am so thankful for a man that cares so much for me.

It has been a particularly hard week...lots of light hearted laughs, because one of the chicks has returned to the coop for fall break, but all is not well.

Just two weeks ago It was my pleasure to discover that there was a new life growing inside of me. I was over joyed at the privilege that was ours to parent another. I was so happy that God would grant such a blessing, even as I was still mourning the loss of sweet Crockett. I was so honored that he would entrust one more to our care. I was a bit afraid, I will admit, as we all know I am not getting any younger, but I was granted a full measure of peace, that God was the inventor of life, and that he would sustain me.

It was not to be however, and God chose to take the new life at just 81/2 weeks.

The bible tells us that we do not know the ways of God, and it could not be more right. I do not understand why it had to be this way, at this time......but, I do know, and am comforted by the fact, that my God is in control. Recently I heard a quote spoken once by Corrie Tenboom, she said

"There are no surprises in heaven, only plans"

God knew of this life before the beginning of time, and he knew the purpose that the life would have, to further his kingdom. It is not my job to question, only to be the vessel of his message.

So there it is my friends, a snip of goodness, swept away to be seen only in glory, but an instrument to be used to make us into the children our Father envisions us to be.

pray for us, and we for thee

A must read !

http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/2857842/33977289

What a wonderful reunion that must have been!