Just a Bowl of Strawberries

There are no words today. My heart is exploding with so many different emotions that I don't
know where to begin. Our weekend was one of great joy and grief. My littles were so excited to be
celebrating "papa" - presents and treats... they are practically party animals! We shared
so many sweet moments together. Makes me thankful for the time we are given.

On Saturday we said a final "goodbye" to one of Nathan's best friends.
I kept telling people who asked about what happened that he lost his battle with cancer.
While sitting at his funeral I realized that this man did NOT lose his battle with
cancer, but rather he... WON. Won because he was FAITHFUL to God through it all.
NOT one trial threw him off course. He praised and loved God til the end...

AND THAT IS NOT LOSING, my friends. That is pure victory.

Life is precious, delicate - held in time by the Maker of it all.
We are not here by mistake. There is a plan, a purpose, a mission, a call
that we all must answer. And when our time is up... we just fall asleep.
The world will keep spinning, but will it spin to a different tune because
you made the difference God planned for you to make?

I feel so small sometimes. Just a girl who married a boy and had some kids.
Our life is nothing fancy, but it is heaven on earth to us. Every day I am asking
God what He wants of me - who He wants me to reach out to - who He wants me to love...
and it is in the simplest moments that I see and hear Him clearest.

I stood in a strawberry patch, in the middle of nowhere Illinois, after the funeral
and was captured by purity of the scene. Raw earth beneath our toes, country wind kissing
our faces, and family scattered around on the eager hunt for berries - harvesting LIFE that
God sent to take care of our bodies. Can it all really be this simple?

It was just a few bowls of strawberries that we gathered, but so much more was
bound up in my heart. Seize the moments to love the people in your life - and steal away together
to meet the God of the earth who will meet you one day when your turn comes to fall asleep.

He's the Papa

Most people aren't interested in what I think.No newspapers or magazines have interviewed me lately in search of my opinions.Friends aren't dependent on my listening ear or encouragement.But my children...they are a different story.
"Papa's HOME!!! / Hold you Papa! / Papa, tackle you! / Papa, read Bible stories. / Papa, look at THIS! / Papa, no work. Come play with me. Come on! / Papa, WATCH me! Love you Papa!"
There they are. Two beautiful boys exploding with energy, curiosity and emotion.Two little people made in the image of their father. I love you Isaiah & Judah.
Thirty-three years later, I still check in from time to time with my father.Oh the words have changed, but the core is the same.Looking for acceptance, recognition, approval, guidance, and lovefrom the one man for whom we just can't seem to find a replacement.....Dad.
To my earthly father, thank you for living out a legacy of love that this son so desperately needed.To my Heavenly Father, thank You for creating me in Your image and being with me every step of the way.And to my children, may the Lord cover you wherever I come up short. - Nathan

There are not enough beautiful words to describe how I see my husband - the father of my children. He gives to us so freely, unconditionally...I think sometimes I take his never-ending well of love and mercy for granted.
He is perfect for us. Always pointing us back to the heart of THE Father - Our Father in heaven. When I see my children bow their heads low and reverently to praybefore a meal or climb up on the couch with the Bible and ask me to read them a story... I know. I see. I feel the power of a father who is present, active, seeking to bring the Kingdom to his children here on earth. He taught them that. Makes my heart ache with joy.
"Jesus is bringing the Spring." That's what our 3 year old tells me on warm, sweet days. Papa told him so. They are learning to walk with God - to love and live with Him as if they can see Him face to face. This is the legacy my husband is leaving his children. The legacy he is leaving me. Such treasures. I am rich. Not dripping in diamonds and romping around in million dollar bills, but drunk on the happiness that comes from being the wife of a man who fears God and stands to raise His children as an army to advance the Kingdom. - Brittany
:: hope you get a chance to celebrate the "father" in your life this weekend ::
Happy Father's Day to all the papas out there.Our lives are so seriously shaped by the love you give us. LOVE LOVE LOVE to you... and the God in Heaven who fathers us all.