Happy Belated Mother's and Father's Day.

Mother's Day and Father's Day (belated)

I'm giving a big shout out to the mothers and the fathers.  Charlie and I are blessed to have many great examples of godly mothers and fathers.   We were both raised in Christian homes. 

 I can't think of a bigger blessing than that fact. 

It's great to have a good family on this earth but it doesn't compare to knowing we have an eternal family that we will be with for 

ETERNITY. 

 Those of us who are blessed enough to have our earthly family also be part of our ETERNAL family are beyond blessed!!!

I am in the middle of doing a Bible study that deals with family and generations and roles of the family.  And then at church, on Father's Day our pastor preached about the same thing. 

 I love when the Lord just confirms over and over what He is teaching me.

  In this study, I am in the week where I am dissecting family roots to break any 

"generational curses"

 that may be keeping a family in bondage. 

 I am prompted to remember and learn all the ways that family fails or has "issues", 

and to take heart that  we have a big enough God to heal and to break any curse or bondage. 

I am also prompted to list the wonderful things that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Exodus 20:5-6

The Message (MSG)

4-6 No carved gods of any size, shape, or form of anything whatever, whether of things that fly or walk or swim. Don’t bow down to them and don’t serve them because I amGod, your God, and I’m a most jealous God, punishing the children for any sins their parents pass on to them to the third, and yes, even to the fourth generation of those who hate me. But I’m unswervingly loyal to the thousands who love me and keep my commandments.

John 16:33

English Standard Version (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

 And here's the truth...if you don't have 

"family issues"

...you don't have family. ha!

...and if you don't have family you have

 "abandonment issues". 

Either way...you are going to have some issues, and please rejoice when it IS 

"family issues".

 Here's the thing, family is made up of people and people are flawed. 

 EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US. 

 But here's the best part,

 as a child of God and as a parent;

God is our Heavenly Father, and

God is a PERFECT and HOLY GOD and He has it all covered. 

PRAISE HIM

 He heals and restores and provides anywhere we have been failed or fail. 

 Oh the joy this brings to my heart. 

 I'm going to get it wrong a million more times and God is going to cover it a million more times.  PRAISE HIM!!!

Happy Father's Day DAD.

3 of my favorite most vivid memories that I am the most thankful for!!

1.)  My dad was the person that led me to the Lord.  It was after a Sunday night service at church and I was all in a yank because I was not allowed to take communion. When he tucked me in that night....you explained "Salvation" to me and he prayed with me.  I was very young but I remember it like it was yesterday.  Of course I grew up in a Pentecostal church, so I got saved every week after that...haha..but THAT was just to remind ME what God already knew was a DONE deal. 

 I was HIS from that first night forward. 

 THANKS DAD!!!!

2.)  I remember coming out of my room after being tucked in one night when I was pretty young.  I had read something in the Bible that I didn't understand, and I was pretty upset, my Dad took the time to tell me to pray before I opened God's Word, and ask the Lord to help me understand His Word. 

 That is a practice I still do to this very day.  THANKS DAD!!!!

3.)  My Dad taught me to be generous.  My Dad has always given generously to his family and to those around him.  I have been the recipient of his generosity and also I have learned to be generous and there is blessings on both sides of that gift.  THANKS DAD!!!!

Happy Mother's Day MOM  (I know it was last month, but I'm combining the 2 for this post).  :)

3 of my favorite things that my Mom has taught me by her example.

1.)  My mom has taught me to be a wife and a mother.  My mom has been a very faithful wife.  My mom and dad have not had an easy life, they have owned many businesses and that alone makes life challenging.  My mom has stood by my dad and been his helper through the good and the bad.  My mom has been faithful to her family and has worked her head off and her heart out for all of us.

2.)  My mom has taught me the importance of family and friends.  My mom has always been the one to bring the family together and make family vacations and celebrations a priority.  These times bring many valuable memories of my childhood and also to my adult life.

3.)  My mom has taught me how to present myself well. 

 *This one is still a struggle* 

 She taught me to "fix up", and how to talk to people and to listen.  My mom  knows how to act like a lady and she tried with everything in her to pass that down to us girls...and I can't imagine how I would look and act if it wasn't for her constant efforts.  THANKS MOM!

Happy Father's Day to My Man!!!

Psalm 103:13

English Standard Version (ESV)

13 

As a father shows compassion to his children,

    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

I want to say thank you to my man for being the greatest father to our 8 kids (so far..hehe).  He is beyond amazing to our family. 

He always has room to give more.

More time, more love, more discipleship, more effort, more work, more grace, more food. 

 My man is the father to 8 and a father figure to many more.  He is providing for, and mentoring and loving on several more kids across the world.  He never turns away a kid in need.  

We have 2 kids that have been fatherless for a time in their lives and he now calls them his own.  They have his name and hopefully someday they will look a little more like him.  :) ....in character.  

Being the father to the fatherless to kids from many nations is

 THE GOSPEL IN ACTION!

James 1:27

English Standard Version (ESV)

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. 

I can't do a post about parents without mentioning Charlie's folks. 

 They are the BEST. 

 I love them dearly. 

 They are a constant support and love to this family. 

 They ALWAYS encourage us no matter what crazy turn our lives take or hair brain ideas we come up with.

They accept us and love us without condition!!!

They are examples to us in every way, but the most important way is that they love God and they love people.