Fresh Brewed Sundays: Behold, What Manner of Love

Photo credit: Megathon Charlie

"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, 

that we should be called children of God; and so we are..." 

(1 John 3:1)

I could go on and on today, Father's Day, about the wonderful earthly daddy I've been blessed with, who has never once given up on me and has been one of my biggest cheerleaders throughout my life.  Or I could go on and on about the husband God has blessed me with who makes my heart swoon each time I see the fierce love he has for our little ones and how much he loves being their daddy.

But, I know there are men and women who find today so hard, who grieve the loss of a father, wish they had known the love of a father, or hurt because of a father's betrayal.  So, today, I want to share His words and the hope found in the only Father who never disappoints and never abandons.

Linking up with Barbie for Fresh Brewed Sundays...

 

 ...and with The Sunday Community at Jumping Tandem.

On Father's Day...

...I am so thankful for my hubby, who is already such a wonderful father to our daughter. This morning, when I woke up early to shower, she woke up just to cuddle with daddy. When he set her down to go to the bathroom, she cried and cried until he picked her up again. There's nothing sweeter than seeing her cuddled up in her daddy's arms and seeing the smiles on both their faces. When he comes home from work she starts bouncing with excitement and smiles the biggest smile the moment he walks around the corner to the living room. If he walks past her without saying hello, she lets him know! There are definitely times when mommy just isn't enough and she needs the love of her daddy. He loves to play with her by tickling her till she giggles, walking her around outside, and listening to her babble and responding to her. When she was in the hospital, he was one of her biggest advocates, always questioning the doctors and making sure the best decisions were made for her. I know he will always be her biggest advocate too, because he wants so much to protect his baby girl from the struggles and trials this world will bring. He has already told her he will hand pick her future spouse...and that she can't date until she's 30! I love my hubby even more when I see what a great daddy he is - Happy Father's Day, Ted - I love you so much!

***

...I am so thankful for my dad. My dad has always been my biggest supporter. In college he would always send me a care package before finals week with a handwritten note saying how proud he was of me and reminding me that he loved me no matter what. Those notes and his constant encouragement gave me so much confidence and dedication during those college years. He has also shown me what to look for in a husband. The love my dad has for my mom is always evident in the way he looks at her, cares for her, and supports her. My dad showed me that love is displayed not though words, but in the little things he does each day for my mom and for his children. I remember many times growing up I would get frustrated at my dad for telling me "no" about something I wanted to do, but realizing later that he made the decision out of love for me. Dad, I don't think I can thank you enough for everything you have done for me - I love you!

***

...I am thankful for my Heavenly Father, because there is no greater father. He picks me up when I fall, carries me through the storms of life, loves me when I'm unloveable, welcomes me home with open arms...no matter how long I've been gone. He loved me even before I was born...enough to send His own son to die in my place. As a mother, that sacrifice means more to me today than it ever did. He is my Comforter, my Healer, my Best Friend, my Prince of Peace, my Deliverer, my Savior. Thank you, Lord, for being the best father there ever was and ever will be - I love you Lord!