The word "Father" is a special one for me. I know that I am very blessed to be able to think upon that word with great affection because there are many who have not been blessed with great fathers in their life. Many of you have commented on my faith through this journey I am on. It is with great appreciation to my Father (and Mother) that I have the faith that I do. They brought me up in an environment that gave me the foundation for the relationship that I have with God, my Heavenly Father. My parents were very involved in our church (Hacienda Heights Baptist), and the church became my second home. We did family camps, we hosted youth events at my house. My parents even worked with the college kids and I saw them at work in the lives of others.
My Father, Marvin Weston, has always been an example of what God wants for all of us. My Dad taught me that I can't have everything I ask for because it is not always in my best interest. My Dad taught me about good stewardship with my money and how to treat others with dignity. My Dad is so friendly and caring towards others it seemed like we could never go anywhere that he did not run into someone he knew. My parents taught me to pray and live my life according to God's Word.
My Father is the type that is very hugable. He gives big hugs, and I still like to sit and cuddle with him and feel safe. He worked at Foster Freeze as a young man, and he became a pro at making malts. He was also known for hot roding in his blue Chevrolet (1956?), so when it came time for me to drive, Mom had to take over. I had to throw that story in because Rachel is in Driver's Training!
My Husband is also that same type of Father to our kids. Jon is the most caring and thoughtful man I have ever met. Some of you have received cards from him encouraging you during difficult times, or a comic that he thought you would get a chuckle out of. Jon prays with our children each night and is an example to them on how to talk to God in one's own language. Thanks to Jon we all get up on Sunday mornings and get to church even when HE felt like sleeping in. Jon teaches our kids Godly principles about money and goals. Jon was the one who prompted our family to write a Family Mission Statement.
I get compliments about Jon all of the time. He is amazing as a coach of kids. He is very good at complimenting them, and instructing them. He is always looking to be fair and build up every child's confidence. I constantly have parents coming up to me and telling me how thankful they are for Jon. He is an amazing light for God in the mission field of sports in our community. Because my parents were on every committee known to church life, I always thought we needed to be the same. I see now that Jon's mission is just being himself and having people see the reflection of Christ through whatever he chooses to do with his talents.
God, my Heavenly Father, is the richest relationship I have ever know. While the two most important men in my life are amazing, they can't even come close to the amazing love of God. The scripture's tell us that God's love for His children is slow to anger, and abounding in love. The word sacrifice has a new meaning when you realize that God sacrificed his Son so that the ransom could be paid for us to enter into heaven and be pure enough to stand before Him.
The words that describe God are numerous. He is Holy, majestic, protector, redeemer, provider, protecting, merciful, comforting, truth, creator, almighty, omnipotent, impossible, alpha and omega, Lord of everything... He is beyond our capability to comprehend, and for that I am thankful. I don't want a predictable God, I need to know that even the impossible could happen, and that He can do things we could never imagine. I have been the recipient of the impossible happening, and I have seen miracles in others.
Generation after generation is documented through the fathers of history. What sets certain fathers apart is their legacy to the next generation. My father gave me a legacy to hand down to my children, and my husband is doing the same. There is nothing more precious than giving faith, hope and love to your children. Knowing God as your father is the greatest gift you can receive, and the best one to give. God will never disappoint when you know His heart.
Thank you to all the faithful Dads out there who walk before their children with faith, and show them the way to salvation!
Love,
Sandy
