Speaking of Spirit

By Bliu pastels (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 ] This Father's Day, my mind turns to all those fathers in our world who are struggling to find balance in this life for their families, who are living with the task of making decisions no parent should ever need to make and who are battling forces that threaten the lives of their children as well as their own. My mind turns to all thos e men who have fathered children not their own, simply because t hey needed the love and gentle touch of a man who could spend the time to be there. My mind turns to my father - my Daddy - who battled in equal measure the threats to world freedom and freedom from disease.  My mind turns to my sons-in-love, all of whom work tirelessly to provide their children with the best life has to offer by being present in ways their fathers weren't able to be present. With all these fathers in mind, I offer my humble prayer... Abba , Gracious Source of All, bless those who struggle to raise their childre...

By Andrés Nieto Porras  from Palma de Mallorca, España  via Wikimedia Commons Holy Source of All, bless those who struggle to raise their children in the world of technology and mindlessness. Help those men known as Dad, Papa, Daddy, Pa, to find those precious moments to hold their children, to teach their children, to love their children, as you love all that is - beyond measure, without conditions. When they are tired, bless them with the strength to listen to the adventures of childhood days. When they are worried, bless them with wisdom to know how to let go of their cares. When they are frustrated, bless them with patience to understand the cause of their frustrations, so that they do not lash out at their children. Blessed Parent, shower the fathers of this world in grace so that they will shine as examples of Your Love  for their children and the world.  

  My father and I - 2007   A Daughter's Gratitude Dad, You weren’t around much when I was that little kid with the runny nose and the skinned knees. You didn’t tuck me into bed or, read me stories, or, play catch with me like some kids’ dads. But, as we grew older together, you became my buddy - my friend - the person I turned to when life got difficult, or if I had questions - You were always there for me. So, just in case I haven’t said it before or, often enough… Thanks! Thanks for being the best Dad you could be for me; it’s made a difference! __________________  Early Spring Walk © 2012 LMRN   My Grandchildren's Dad From the day,  you took my daughter’s hand  walking strong and confident beside her,  I wondered how you would meet  the challenges of fatherhood  As you held my grandchild in your arms  on that first glorious day of life  I knew the father you would be…...