My new team and I, Selah worshiped in the safety of our compound last night in the grassy yard with the vision of beautiful African stars overhead in Rukungiri Uganda! I feel at home whenever the stars cover the night sky on a mountainside. It was fathers day and I am feeling so LOVED! I had the most incredible Dad a daughter could ever have and I consider it a blessing to have spent 21 years with my beloved father in my life. He shaped me into a woman who is full of faith, passion and joy! My Dad was selfless, humble and was the biggest dork I will ever know. I miss the times we would make fun of each other in our living room at home and for me it would always end badly. My Dad would have me in a headlock with a grin on his face saying, “you mess around you get hurt!” My Dad taught me everything I know, how to work hard, how to love and how to laugh at myself. He told me to chase after the things that mean the most to me and to love God above anything else. My Dad taught me how to ski, how to dig my truck out of a pile of snow, how to read baseball scores in the newspaper, how to cook a descent breakfast, to be light hearted and to treat others excellently. My Dad had a talent in making everyone he encountered feel so loved and important and as I watched him talk with those who we passed by I would beam with pride thinking to myself, “that’s MY Dad!” No other man in my life will ever make me feel so loved, valued, beautiful, and important than my Dad. I miss him more than anything!
James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift comes from above coming down from the father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
The pain in my heart is still there but here’s the thing, my Dad was a gift from God, my life is a gift from God, my family is a gift from God, and where I am and the people God places in my life are all gifts from above! How much greater is the GIVER than the gifts? The love my Dad gave me is only a glimpse into the love my heavenly father has for me.
I want everyone to know this kind of love that knows no limits! This year I was called to love. To love those who do not know of the love that sets people free, that heals and love that changes lives.
Sony from Sure 24
I have learned about the heart of God this year above anything else! His heart for the nations, for the orphan, for the poor, for the lost, for the broken, for me and for those who don’t even know who he is. To those who don’t know who he is I want to say this, God is after you, he wants you, he loves you because he loves you, because he loves you, because he loves you, because he loves you! Get to know the one who created you it’s well worth your time, I promise you!
Fathers day for me is a day to reflect on all the things God has placed into my life. No words can describe how thankful I am for my family. I would not be where I am standing now if it wasn’t for my incredible Dad and how both of my parents raised me. Mom I see a lot of you in me and I could not have made it onto that plane to Guatemala if it wasn’t for you. I would not be in Uganda right now if it wasn’t for your prayers, love and support. You have taught me JOY, compassion, and how to be a cheerful giver. You are thoughtful Mom and you have such a zeal for life that I want to have. I love you so much! Nae all I can say is thank God for sisters! You and Ty have encouraged me greatly not only this year but also every day! You are so wise and I admire you for the woman you are, selfless, kind, and someone who I can laugh about anything with. I love you!
The joy of the Lord is the strength of my family! He has turned our mourning into dancing!
Praise the one who gives and takes away!
Psalm 73:23-26 “Yet I am always with you; you uphold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Amen
