Happy Father's Day!

 When I think of my daddy, the word strength comes to my mind.  It was not by means of stature that provided this strength; for he would not be considered a big man.  But he was a strong man, a protector, provider, and defender.  He did not have to express in words...it was by his actions that proved it true.  I am thankful for all that he did for me and I honor his memory today...how I wish I could say these words to him.  I love you Daddy!

My husband also brings the word strength to my mind...and his stature brings it to those around him as well.  But it's not because of his height or size that I think of strength...it is Christ within him.  He exhibits the love of Christ in our home and there is nothing on earth stronger than that!  I am so thankful for you, Paul!  Happy Father's Day!  

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.      Ephesians 6:4

Oh God, who art our Father, take my human fatherhood and bless it with thy Spirit.  Le me not fail this little son of mine.  Help me to know what thou wouldst make of him, and use me to help and bless him.  Make me loving and understanding, cheerful and patient and sensitive to all his needs, so that he may trust me enough to come close to me and let me come very close to him.  Make me ashamed to demand of him what I do not demand of myself; but help me more and more to try to be the kind of man that he might pattern after.  And this I ask in the name and by the grace of Christ.

 Walter Russell Bowie

What gift has Providence bestowed on man that is so dear to him as his children?

  Cicero

Douglas Macarthur: By profession I am a soldier and take pride in that fact. But I am prouder – infinitely prouder – to be a father. A soldier destroys in order to build; the father only builds, never destroys. The one has the potentiality of death; the other embodies creation and life. And while the hordes of death are mighty, the battalions of life are mightier still. It is my hope that my son, when I am gone, will remember me not from the battle field but in the home repeating with him our simple daily prayer, 'Our Father who art in Heaven.' 

Anonymous: Small boys become big men through the influence of big men who care about small boys. 

For unflagging interest and enjoyment, a household of children, if things go reasonably well, certainly all other forms of success and achievement lose their importance by comparison.
Theodore Roosevelt

May God bless all the Fathers today!