Sunday Words of Encouragement June 19, 2022, Happy Father's Day

This week had grief triggers. Bob and I would always call our children and grands on their birthdays to sing "Happy Birthday". This week was our son's birthday and Heather and I both got tears when we thought about calling him.  We didn't want to make him weepy during the day so we waited and she did a conference call in the evening. We were able to get through the birthday song for him.

I woke up triggered again this morning missing my Bob and knowing it would be a hard day for our son and daughter. Our son, our first born, was born on Father's Day, so it always has held special meaning for us.

I decided to attend church online. Unfortunately the technology didn't seem to work well this morning and I only got a few minutes of the service.

While trying to get the live stream, I came across this video song. Talk about triggered!

So I am sharing this for all those who are missing their Dads or beloved husbands this Father's Day.

Scars in Heaven

Verses for Today
Revelation 21:3-5 NIV
3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 18, 2017

Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s out there! 

Our Sunday School teacher lost his father last Friday. He shared part of the eulogy he gave for his father which was lovely. Although he and his family were sad, they had the comfort of knowing his father was a committed follower of Jesus and his hope was in eternal life. 2 Corinthians 5: 1-5.

He then asked for everyone to share characteristics of a father that earthly fathers share with our heavenly father. These are the characteristics that were shared: Love, discipline, forgiveness, grace, encourager, teacher, provider, protector, strong, faithful, trustworthy, kind, patient, giving, compassionate, rewarder, understanding, counselor, wise, they sacrificed for us and they want to talk to us and hear from us.

Those traits that our earthly fathers don’t have are: omniscience, omnipotent and omnipresent.

Pastor continued his Sermon on ‘Dependent’ from James 4:11-17. He noted that as soon as men become fathers they discover they need to become expert at various things. Expert at loving spouse, leadership, managing stress; building, fixing and becoming a prayer warrior. To be an expert we must always learn and improve. (Kids see fathers as heroes and don’t learn until they grow that their fathers are just human.)

But there are two major dangers in becoming 'expert'. First, we look down on others and more importantly, we trust ourselves instead of God. James tell us that we can’t judge others. God never tells men to compare themselves. If you criticize others then you are criticizing God and you may discover that God will defend them against you.

The Point: God is THE expert! This is an indisputable law.

God knows more than we do. He knows what to say. He knows how to use our resources.

Proverbs 3:3-10 tells us to Trust in God… We must learn to surrender to God; to obey Him and cast our nets where He directs.

Trust in God with all your heart; Obey God; cast the net when and where He directs and he will pour out blessings on you. Honor God with your first fruits.
God loves you. Trust Him.

This song fits perfectly for me today:

Verses For Today:
Proverbs 3:7-10 (NIV)
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.


Lord, I thank you for the many blessings you have poured out on me and I pray that you help me to submit to You in all things, every day.

 

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 16, 2013 - Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to fathers everywhere-

including mine in heaven.

We had a nice service and our associate pastor gave a nice sermon for Father's Day.
We came home and soon our daughter and family came over to fix her Dad a great dinner! Thank You!
After fun swimming time we spent about an hour on Skype with our son in Hawaii. His birthday was yesterday. He was born on Father's Day 27 years ago.
So today's words are said by family pictures!

 Starting to cook -

I got to play with the little ones. :-)

P-Pop and Zane pick in the garden!

Fun collection!

Middle child toss...

  

Youngest toss - she goes high then says "done"

We all watch as Zane flips.

P-Pop and the Princess sit in the shade!

A Verse for Today:
Proverbs 23:24 (NIV)  
The father of a righteous man has great joy;
he who has a wise son delights in him.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for earthly fathers who set a foundation in the home and teach us to love you.