Sunday blessings

A little this and that today as we thank Him for all He's done. Thanking Jesus for a great night last night when after church Shiloh and Brian came over and cooked us a deluxe steak dinner. With busy schedules, it's rare that we all get to sit down together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOJzZ5jocHo

Yes, I still dream of the day when all my children and grandchildren will be at my table, but I'm learning to enjoy what I have, when I have it for now. A day at a time. Uncle Rudy popped in with some notes for a story I'm writing about his love and care for Aunt Mary as she battled Alzheimer's. I think it may be one of the most poignant stories yet and am praying that it will get in Chicken Soup for the Soul. If not, it is something that I always wanted to put into words as I honor a man among us who took such wonderful care of his wife.

Last night at FWC they blessed the teachers with wonderful supplies for going back to school and the kids with filled backpacks. What a giving church, truly a beacon in our city. We add prayers today for Pastor Ray Dubois who has had some voice issues and is taking a rest for his vocal chords. With a gift for teaching as he has, I know that is hard to be on the sidelines. May the Lord send complete healing soon. It is always a wonderful privilege to hear Pastor Cathy Mazza  and last week Pastor John Mazza minister beautifully and so soul-felt, though.

Side note and something to make you smile, I did a little experiment at Isaiah's surf camp this week, where I decided I would do instead of WWJD what would Pastor Cathy do? She is such salt and light and says an encouraging word to everyone. So I made sure I greeted the teachers with an extra big smile, talked to the grandmother who brought her grandchildren to class, finding out some info about her family and spent some in-depth time with a widow raising three children alone, with all that entails. I left surf camp feeling better than when I came. Key verse from Proverbs 31:26 that describes Pastor Cathy, " She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness." May her tribe increase!

Isaiah is getting blessed with an extra vacation with his parents and Aubrey as they explore Salt Springs this weekend and Devil's Den to snorkel tomorrow. He goes to try out middle school for his preview day on Thursday. Good times!

Plunging to the True Father

I must admit, Father’s Day is not my favorite holiday. When you have experienced abuse, abandonment and more at the hands of a “dad” it is often a long road home to trust.

Yet every so often as this day approaches it comes again—that longing, that wanting, that thinking maybe I will search again, maybe he is alive somewhere. And along with that is “Why?’ Why didn’t he search for me, why didn’t he try to save me from harm, why didn’t his parents, my grandparents ever show up? It was quite known that abuse of me was the reason my first stepfather went to prison. Did I not matter to him? Was I replaced so easily? Was my birth and the reminder of the little girl who thought he was a stranger who came every now and then with a doll or colored Easter chicks unacceptable to his family? Yes, I am from a flawed family and have reproduced dysfunction at times. But maybe because of the lack in my life I plunged to the Lord at a young age. He is my Father, my love and my strength. He is worthy and so very loving and kind. There is none like Him and I am in awe sometimes of His goodness and what He alone teaches me.

To my True Father, Jesus I give my love, allegiance and worship on Father’s Day!

I beg each person reading this to watch this movie; maybe it will help a Father learn, maybe it will spare a child some heartache and heartbreak. Man-up, Dads in Jesus name.

I believe the lack of true Fatherhood has brought about the pain of addiction in so many lives.

This movie will rock your world. Family Worship Center in Port Orange is having a whole weekend centered on it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9VT_NBIVfs