Happy Father's Day!

It's Father's Day, and I simply couldn't let this day slip by without paying tribute to the special men in my life. In addition to my own dear, incomparable father, I have been blessed to have a wonderful father in law who was nothing short of a dream. And of course there is my sweet Mr. Magpie who I have introduced to you before. I love all of them more than I can express here in words.

But the Father I want to spotlight today is the one who has taken care of me since I was born. The one who has loved me unconditionally. The one who cheered through every dance recital, clapped at every school play, smiled at every crowning moment, and wept at every heartache of my life. The one who is always there. He especially became my father when, at age nineteen, I lost my own beloved Daddy. That Father would be the Lord.

I cannot begin to thank Him for everything He has done for and meant to me. He has been my go-to guy in all the seasons of life, my protector in every storm, and my happy place daily. He is the lap into which I crawl when I'm scared or hurt or simply want to chat, and He is the shoulder that gladly bears me when I let Him. He is my inspiration, my devotion, my all.

In short, I cannot imagine my life without Him in it, and I am thankful, so very thankful that He is my Father. I am thankful, too, that He gave me His Son for redemption and His Holy Spirit for guidance and comfort. And while my Father is formidable and awesome, He is more tender and kind, more loving and forgiving, more generous and wondrous than I could ever imagine or express. So that is why, with the angels, I cry, "Holy!"

Thank you, Abba (Father), for loving me so well. I hope you know I love you, too.

XO,

Sheila :-)

P.S. Many thanks to my new friend Melissa of The Missionary Mama for making that beautiful header for me. She asked me my favorite scripture, and while I have several, the one that came to mind was Psalm 100, a Psalm I have carried in my heart and mind since a very young age after memorizing it thanks to my grandmother. It is a true hymn of praise, and I think it's perfect for a Father's Day benediction:

Psalm 100 (King James Version)

Make a joyful noise unto the LORD all ye lands

Serve the Lord with gladness

Come before His presence with singing

Know ye that the Lord He is God

It is He that hath made us and not we ourselves

We are His people and the sheep of His pasture

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving

And into His courts with praise

Be thankful unto Him and bless His name

For the LORD is good

His mercy is everlasting

And His truth endureth to all generations!

Amen

PLEASE NOTE: I also wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to fellow blogger Mollye of MizMollye whose son Jake was accidentally killed this past week. Mollye is a true sweetheart, and I would ask your prayers for their entire family. I'm sure Mollye would appreciate any and all prayers, and if you would like to leave her a note of condolence, you may get to her blog by going HERE. Thank you! XO