happy dada's day!

I have the great privilege to honor my husband as a father. Bill has been carrying a lot on his shoulders lately. With his struggling business and having to work late hours, life has been particularly challenging. I know that it worries him at times how he will be able to provide as things are looking a little grim right now. But I have been so encouraged watching him over the past several months, working hard to do his best to keep things going, while trusting in the Lord to take care of the rest. And despite the stresses of work, he has still, more importantly, made time to spend with the boys and me.

It is always so provoking to watch him train and discipline William. To me, it is an incredible wonder to see him deal so patiently and lovingly with him. Like any 2-year-old, William has his challenging and tempting moments. But it is often typical of Bill to meet William with amazing kindness, grace, patience, and much love... exemplifying the gospel to William before he even understands it. I love seeing Bill's character shine through during such moments, knowing that these are the moments that will count before the Lord as he stewards and leads William (and Josiah) as a father.

Boo, with all that I have seen you do and lay down, I hope that one day the boys will see how incredibly blessed they are to have you as a father. And I hope they will love the Lord and seek Him first, as you do. We are so richly blessed to have you!!! You are truly a gift from God to us! Thank you seems like such a small thing to say for how you have served and loved our family. The Lord will be faithful to provide for all that we need. We love you tons!!! May these words from Scripture encourage you:

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

~ Matthew 6:25-26, 33 ~

For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor.
No good thing does he withhold
from those who walk uprightly.

~ Psalm 84:11 ~

I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
but the Lord helped me.

The Lord is my strength and my song;

he has become my salvation.

~ Psalm 118:13-14 ~

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
~ Psalm 32:8 ~