father – I AM for You!

What’s in a name?

Does the same word mean different things to different people? I grew up learning the definitions of words from the context of the experiences I was in. Did you? No, I don’t mean the context of the experiences you were in, but the experiences I was in. Of course not, you say. And herein lies the problem… or opportunity. When I say, “father” what do I mean? I think of my father. If I am trying to describe to you my relationship with my Heavenly Father do you instantly think of my father? Or, your own father?

I believe some people hate God the Father because they are really thinking He is like their own father. And their earthly fathers did not fulfill their expectations at best, and were evil to them at worst. Satan can encourage real or imagined hurts to grow into bitterness. So when I talk of my Heavenly Father what do I mean?

Jesus is the exact representation of the invisible God (Isaiah 1:16).

When Jesus was born He was called: wonderful counselor, mighty God, EVERLASTING FATHER, prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6). Because Jesus was and is God’s Only Begotten Son, He can perfectly represent God the Father to us.

So what is the character of this Father? Jesus was patient, even when His disciples got it wrong again and again (as I would have gotten it wrong as well), Jesus was kind, even when it cost Him. And forgiving too. He didn’t repay evil for evil. When He was dying on the cross He prayed for His murderers (the religious leaders) and tried to help them discover His Forever Love by reminding them of Messianic Scripture. Though God the Father created all things by Him and for Him, He was not proud. He humbly seeks a relationship with us. He never forces Himself on us. He doesn’t hold our past mistakes and sins against us. He loves us with all that He is no matter what we do or what anyone or anything else does. He believes the best about us and encourages us to become all He created us to be. He does not fail. (See I Corinthians 13 and substitute “Jesus” for “Love”).

Does this sound like a Father you would like to have? You can. Just ask Him to forgive your wrongs and come into your life and heart. He is waiting. And you two have so much to talk about!

I was a perfect parent… until I had children

Preface

The great thing about being young and inexperienced is that you know everything. At least I did. Before I had children I knew what every misbehaving kid needed. Before children I had all the answers. After children I don’t even remember the questions. But it is not just the young and inexperienced who suffer from omniscience. Experienced parents who believe that what worked for their kids will work for all kids cause greater pain. And the parents of special needs kids, in my case kids with mental health challenges, feel that pain. Sometimes from the disapproving looks of strangers, but many times from the comments of their own parents, family and friend

I was a Perfect Parent… Until I had Children

By Jim McNaughton B.S. (Barely Sane)
(Style inspired by Dr. Seuss, only for parents)

Some children are brought home and sleep through the night
They are corrected according to the books
They don’t fight and they don’t bite
And fall in line with one stern look
The parents of these
Children that please
Sometimes take the credit
They write books and give others looks
When the others just don’t quite get it

But we are not the parents of these that please
Our children not only don’t get it
They study us intently to learn our faults and
Our buttons in hopes to upset it

They can weave a lie without batting an eye
They love the crowds all around
To yell “you’re hurting me” and “I can’t breathe”
Though you’re NOT and they CAN
(And YOU just want to LEAVE)

Try Love and Logic they say
It works the best
(Unless you’re kid has no
Cause and effect)
Put up a chart… Charge him for you to do his chores…
You just need to be firm… You just need to love more…
We know the answer… (Though we hardly know your kid…)
We think we know him much more than you ever did

So the next time you see my child and me
Struggling while we go through the store
Please lend us some of your compassion

Advice… We don’t need any more.

A Father’s Gift from God

I cannot imagine being a father to our two sons without their mother (my wife) and her godly influence on my life.

I am a listener. I don’t have the need to talk all the time. But when I need to talk it is an intense need, and the one I want to talk to the most is my wife. She listens then. And she lets me vent my heart without jumping in and “solving” my frustration. I then ask for her opinions and we give and take; or she just gives and I take (when necessary).

When we are having trouble with one or both of our sons she doesn’t try to tell me how I should respond to them. She doesn’t micromanage home life. She asks me questions to help me see what is truly important in the situations we experience with our two sons. These questions help me see critical things I am missing on my own.

My wife prays for me. She knows that only Jesus can help me be a better father. She knows the only one who can change me is God and she puts her time and effort in with Him. She spends time with Jesus on my behalf.

Honey, many women do noble things, but you are my gift from God.

	carlos SP on The Mark of the Beast
	carlos SP on The Mark of the Beast
	Priti on “When they want you silent, sp…
	Priti on Conspiracy Theories thankfully…
	carlos SP on “When they want you silent, sp…