As we approach Fathers Day, I am so grateful for my Dad and all the love and encouragement he has given me over the years.  Dads play such an incredible role in the lives of their children.  However, today I want to pay a special tribute to my children's Dad.  Steve has been an incredible Father to our children.  I remember so many times when he came home at the end of the day, very tired yet had a little bit more energy to pour into our kids. That time will eternally be etched in my children's memories.

 

Our daughter is getting married in less than 3 weeks.  I tear up as I write this article because I want you to know what having a loving role model in a Father does for a little girl. When Janae was small, Steve would wake her up many mornings like this.  "Well Good Morning Miss America!"  He said that to her so many times that as she grew up, she believed that one day she would be Miss America.  It rang true one morning when she walked into the kitchen to where I was and with her little hands on her hips she said, "Momma, I have a problem."  I asked her what the problem was and she replied, "When I become Miss America, I don't know if I should sing or dance!"  You see, she believed the words of her Dad.  That is the man she trusted and she hung on his every word.  Steve dated Janae over the years.  He would intentionally take her out and show her how a man should treat her.  Her would open the car door for her, allow her to walk in front of him, he would order for her and just treat her like a queen.  She loved those nights with her Daddy.  One date night, she looked at Steve and said, "when I get old, I'm going to marry you, Daddy!" Steve replied, "well what are we going to do with Momma?"  She said, "I don't know but she can stay!"  Steve was her first love which is what every little girl needs.  Because of his love and attention, Janae set very high standards in what she wanted one day in a man and husband. We watched her over the teenage  and college years being extremely picky in who she dated.  I would ask her every once in awhile if she had found anyone that she was crazy about and she would say "No Mom, I'm waiting to find a man just like my Dad."  I will be honest and tell you that I really was worried that she would not find someone like Steve.  He is very rare in how he loves me and his family.  But Steve and I continued to pray for that special young man.  About 2 years ago, God brought him into our life.  He first got to know Steve and they developed a relationship while working together.  I remember Steve coming home and talking about Kenny and how much he loved his heart and his loyalty.  Little did we know that just a few months later, Kenny and Janae would meet and before I knew it, I saw a love developing.  Kenny is the just like Steve.  He is loving, compassionate, loyal, loves God and guess what?  He treats Janae like a queen!  We are so proud of her for setting her standards high and waiting for the man of her dreams. In just a few days, Steve will see all his efforts come to fruition when he walks that precious daughter down the isle and officiates the marriage of Kenny and Janae. As you can well see, we will all be a puddle of tears. However, they will be tears of extreme joy and gratefulness for instilling time and love into a child.

 

Dads, please take the time to play with your kids.  They love a Fathers time and attention.  It teaches them about God and how to love.  Also talk to your children.  They set their morals and values by what you say and how you live.  Remember that one day, you will see yourself in them. Lastly, pray for them everyday!  Pray for protection, ability to be strong and not conform, and pray for their mates!  You carry a big influence and responsibility and we could not make it without you!  Remember that rules without relationships always leads to rebellion.  Build on those relationships every single day!  The bible says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."  Proverbs 22:6.

 

HAPPY FATHERS DAY!