Happy Late Father's Day!

My sweet daddy, my gorgeous sister and I on my wedding day

So yesterday was Father's Day and I for one and really really sad that I couldn't spend it with my dad. I know a lot of you may say that your dad is the best...but mine really is. He's the greatest in the world and I was reminded of that yesterday at church.

Of course, Brother Gaines at Bellevue Baptist Church gave a talk about dad's entitled, "Is There a Man in the House?" Let me tell you what, there was a man in the house when I grew up and there is a man in my house now who is a great man and husband to me and he'll be a great man and husband to our future babies. Here's what Brother Gaines had to say.

1. A man who leaves. (Ephesians 5:31)

2. A man who loves.

A. He loves his wife. (Ephesians 5:25-30, 32-33)

*Love her with fidelity. (Ephesians 5:28, Matthew 19:6, Hebrews 13:4)

*Love her with gentleness. (1 Peter 3:7)

*Love her with respect. (Galatians 3:28)

*Love her with understanding. (1 Peter 3:7)

*Love her with provision. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 1 Timothy 5:8)

*Love her with protection. (Ephesians 5:25)

*Love her with time--"dialogue daily, date weekly, depart quarterly".

B. He must love his children.

*Teach his children. (Deuteronomy 6:6-8)

*Discipline his children. (Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 19:18, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13, Proverbs 29:15, Proverbs 29:17.

*Encourage his children. (Colossians 3:21)

3. A man who leads. (Ephesians 5:22-24)

A. He leads spiritually.

*He should be spirit-filled.

*He should be saved.

*He should love Jesus and his Church.

*He should lead in family devotions.

B. He leads by example. (1 Corinthians 11:1)

C. He leads with God-ordained authority. (Genesis 3:16, 1 Corinthians 11:3, 1 Timothy 2:12)

D. He leads as a servant. (Matthew 20:25-28, Colossians 3:19)

I absolutely LOVED this sermon, because I thought of my awesome dad the whole time. He is a provider. He is a protector. He loves me and my sister. He loves my mama. He serves us. He is a godly example. He disciplined us (much to my dismay). He had us do family bible studies every night. He is spiritual. He is saved. Gosh, he's just the greatest ever. Is your daddy like this? I hope so! The greatest thing is that Jamie, my husband is the same way. He loves and serves me. He protects me and leads me spiritually. He helps me grow in my walk with Christ. He treats me with respect and undstands that I am a sensitive girl who needs to be treated gently. He's awesome, and I know he'll be an awesome daddy whenever that day gets here! I'm so grateful and beyond blessed. I don't know why God chose me to have an outstanding dad and husband, but I am grateful. Thank you, Jesus for your countless blessings in my life!

What is your dad and/or husband like? Does he fit into these areas? I hope so.