I See the Father...

I'm so thankful for my amazing dad. A girl could never ask for a more loving father than the one I have. Have you ever read the story of the prodigal son? Most of you probably have, but when I read the story, I don't see just a son who ran away & spoiled his inheritance...I see the Father.

Despite the sad conditions of his son, he loved unconditionally...I see the Father.

Who waited & prayed that the boy would come home...I see the Father.

Who killed the fatted calf & had a feast upon his return...I see the Father.

Who gave of the beautiful ring, and clothed with fine raiment...I see the Father.

And in my own life as I think of all the mistakes I've made...I too, see the Father.

My father is a wonderful Christian man who as always, in everything, pointed me to Christ. Whether it was a talent I may have possessed, he always taught me to use it for the Lord. To read God's Word daily, and when it came time to be married, to choose someone who KNOWS our father, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Not only do I see my own father in the story of the Prodigal son, but most importantly I see my Heavenly Father. He is our example, and what a Father He is!!!

I can stand..or sit since I'm typing;)...and say that today all that is good in my life is mine because of the grace of God & from the love of my Fathers...plural;).

I've been blessed not only with an earthly father, but a Heavenly Father. An earthly father who taught me to seek all I need in life through Christ, and that in Him I would find true joy. I thank him for that! And in 1997 when I called upon the name of the Lord in salvation, I then gained a Heavenly Father. There is so much to thank God for today!

God has given to me in abundance, and at times I feel so unworthy. He blessed me with a wonderful husband and father-n-law. I couldn't have asked for a more wonderful, Christ-like father-n-law. My boys have a heritage that to me is priceless. Grandparents & even Great Grandparents who are Christians & who live out the Bible on a daily basis.

Praise God for family! Have you prayed & thanked the Lord for your family today? Have you prayed & just poured out your heart of thanksgiving today? Have you bragged on Jesus in your prayer life today? That kind of praying will change you...it will move you to tears and cause you to raise your hands while you're driving in a mini-van!!!...you may even get a few crazy looks from people, let me tell ya! =)

.....but there's nothing like speaking to Jesus as if he was sitting across from you, face to face. My Jesus is real. He is wonderful. He is merciful. And when I bow my head to pray & get on my knees....I see the Father.

When I wake each day and look into the faces of my 3 sweet boys...I see the Father.

When I look at the beautiful world around me....I see the Father.

When I meet the young person at the drive through who needs to hear about the free gift of Salvation, I'm compelled to tell them because....I see the Father.

When I snuggle on the couch with my husband, slip my hand into his, and lay my head on his chest while he reads, I think of how much I love him and how thankful I am to God for him and...I see the Father.

The presence of Christ is always with me. In all the sweet things in my life I can see Him. Even on a cloudy day, with Christ, I see sunshine. Though if I'm not careful I could become blind to it, but there is nothing like His presence.

Lord, please keep me close to you today! In your presence is where I long to be. Thank you for my wonderful daddy and all you've given to me. I see you, and I love you.

~heidi