I am leaving for a missions trip to Haiti on Dec. 28 and won’t return until after the new year, so here is my last post for 2015. Thank you WordPress family for your visits, your kind comments and for your encouragement. You are all an incredibly talented bunch! Looking forward to the journey with you in 2016. Happy New Year!
Just had to post an image of the amazing day camp that we do each year at our church. This is SpyKidz 2015: Crux Grotto! Our sanctuary was transformed into an amazing environment of music, dance, video, skits, fun and, the hope of God’s love for over 500 kids!
My mom and dad…. two precious treasures in my life…. today I want to honor my dad…this is a bit long, so bear with me.
As far as I know, my dad has never won an award. In my heart, the trophy case of awards for my dad would have to be ten stories tall – there are so many! I’ll share a few with you:
Here is the award for his hard work and sacrifice. For most of his life he worked three or more jobs, waking up in the dark, coming home after dark… providing with all his might for our family. In more ways than one, he is the strongest man I know. Thank you dad…for your sacrifice and all it taught me.
Here’s another one: the laughter award. Life was not easy for my dad, but he knew how to smile and laugh so hard…. tears of laughter were common. I may never know how deep that well of laughter is…he is still drawing from it. Thanks for the smiles dad and for teaching me to enjoy family and friends until tears from laughing flow.
Oh look! Here’s the commitment award. My dad’s love for my mom is towering, immovable and exemplary. I find it difficult to explain his love for my mom, only because it is so rare and precious. Vows to love in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow… sometimes I think my parents were the original authors of those vows…their love is so enduring. It’s by no means perfect….well… like the time they had an argument that resulted in my dad locking himself in the bathroom, which, turned a frightening tear filled moment for all us young boys into – yup – laughter. You have no idea how grateful I am for your committed love for mom. I love you so much for that.
He was not the perfect dad, but God brought to my life the perfect dad to teach me, mold me and guide me. The Lord was kind to send me a flawed, loving, giving man whose heart of kindness and love is still speaking into my life. I love you dad. I hope I can live, love and sacrifice – with all my flaws – just like you did.
My last image (for now) from a trip to Puerto Rico with my folks back in 2013. This is to honor mom and dad…. side by side for over 50 years. Their love strong…their union impenetrable… their commitment exemplary… I am so grateful to call them mom and dad and for the legacy of love and companionship they have given me.
Dear WordPress Family: thanks you for your kind words and encouragement. Thanks for stopping by, you are always welcome. May your new year be filled with a little more laughter, a tender hand to wipe away the tears, and the joy of family and friends. Remember this favorite quote: “The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now.” Happy New Year.
That’s my oldest and his son. So, this is a father capturing a picture of a father’s joy in his son, taken by the father of that father, while taking joy in his son’s joy of his son… life and love… so grateful…
This is not my image. It was taken this summer by Keegan Adriance, the AY-MAY-ZING photographer for my oldest daughter’s wedding (http://gentandalady.com). I shared this on my personal Facebook page, but wanted to share it with my WordPress family as well. When the pictures were sent to us this one grabbed my attention and the words below are my reflections.
we danced under the stars that night
just like my heart danced
when i first held you
and the stars were singing then
as i sang my first lullaby for you
a father, daughter dance
we have been dancing
together
ever since i held
your tiny finger in my hand
i’d rather not let you go
but it’s alright
it’s okay
it seems the time has come
time to see you dance
and shine
oneness is your song
i’ll never forget
this father daughter dance
i’ll hum with the stars
as i watch you grow
dancing with your lover
Andrea
always remember
the stars are still singing
step into the story
of the dance
He is weaving
i am still holding you
i suppose in a way
in my heart
i’ll never stop dancing
the father, daughter
dance
young and bold
such a beautiful boy
discovering the world
wide eyed delight
a car!
a train!
running on the sidewalk
giggles that can
make the world laugh
hugs that can make
papa cry
so much joy
promise
and hope
God bless you
my Soren
i
love
you
rutakintome pictures 
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