It is an awesome, challenging thought. The Lord comes to us in a
Father. But, if that makes us feel sad, then that very sadness
can be a blessing,
for it can make us long for the real love
of a Father, our heavenly Father
- thus tragedy in life becomes a gift, for it draws us to heaven, where we are safe forever.
♥♥♥
Father. But, if that makes us feel sad, then that very sadness
can be a blessing,
for it can make us long for the real love
of a Father, our heavenly Father
- thus tragedy in life becomes a gift, for it draws us to heaven, where we are safe forever.
♥♥♥
Fatherhood.... Music click ~♫ I'm walking behind you ♫
He was handsome, not like those men in the magazines, that pose with biceps,
trying to be somebody admired for externals
but deep down inside, he had the ability to lead others, with His Godly wisdom and courage to stand as a man,
to bless others with kindness and care.
He didn't think about how he was presenting himself to the world, but he got on and did was right and good, reaching out with words of comfort, peace, joy and love.
God saw and gave him more - more of what he needed to live and give.
His children saw and knew him as a man worth following, his wife saw and loved and admired his courage,
goodness and thoughtfulness to her and others.
He was a good man
trying to be somebody admired for externals
but deep down inside, he had the ability to lead others, with His Godly wisdom and courage to stand as a man,
to bless others with kindness and care.
He didn't think about how he was presenting himself to the world, but he got on and did was right and good, reaching out with words of comfort, peace, joy and love.
God saw and gave him more - more of what he needed to live and give.
His children saw and knew him as a man worth following, his wife saw and loved and admired his courage,
goodness and thoughtfulness to her and others.
He was a good man
~Dad's Love Eternally~
Take me back, oh memory, heart, take me to the time
When Daddy was my Daddy and all his love was mine
Take me back remembrances, when there was childhood glee
The lovely times, the special times, when it was Dad n' me
Return to me, oh images, flashing in my mind
Glimpses, feelings, sounds and scents, that never fade with time
Restore the sweetness that I savour, refill my childlike heart
With warmth, security, the joy, of hearing Daddy laugh
Oh, such wondrous grace to know, my Daddy's heart is still with me
For in leading me to heaven's Father, I'll have his love eternally
Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2008
Poetry from the Heart
"A Man's children and his garden both reflect the
amount of weeding done during the growing season."
~~Author Unknown.~~
Take me back, oh memory, heart, take me to the time
When Daddy was my Daddy and all his love was mine
Take me back remembrances, when there was childhood glee
The lovely times, the special times, when it was Dad n' me
Return to me, oh images, flashing in my mind
Glimpses, feelings, sounds and scents, that never fade with time
Restore the sweetness that I savour, refill my childlike heart
With warmth, security, the joy, of hearing Daddy laugh
Oh, such wondrous grace to know, my Daddy's heart is still with me
For in leading me to heaven's Father, I'll have his love eternally
Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2008
Poetry from the Heart
"A Man's children and his garden both reflect the
amount of weeding done during the growing season."
~~Author Unknown.~~
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|
~ A Father's love ~
Was it only yesterday, I kissed you goodnight, but those days are now long gone,
For you have grown into adulthood, the end result of being born..
I am grateful for your tender years, as I thank God for your love,
I had no idea on your birthday, how precious you'd become.
All the special memories I recall, of your head upon my arm,
With lots of fun and adventures, as I protected you from harm.
Now, I must let go those yesterdays, the nights I paced the floor,
For you have another path to walk, to find your open door.
As you grow into the joy, of finding life can hold much more,
My encouragement I give, as you follow your own call.
For a Daddy's love is not enough, there's courage needed on your way,
As you put your hand into the hand of God, my part will be to pray.
But the treasure I will keep forever, is my delight in who you are,
And as I will always be your father,
You will be my shining star.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Her daddy's love, so tender and so pure.
Her daddy's love, through all of time will endure. Mark C Shelley © 2008
Was it only yesterday, I kissed you goodnight, but those days are now long gone,
For you have grown into adulthood, the end result of being born..
I am grateful for your tender years, as I thank God for your love,
I had no idea on your birthday, how precious you'd become.
All the special memories I recall, of your head upon my arm,
With lots of fun and adventures, as I protected you from harm.
Now, I must let go those yesterdays, the nights I paced the floor,
For you have another path to walk, to find your open door.
As you grow into the joy, of finding life can hold much more,
My encouragement I give, as you follow your own call.
For a Daddy's love is not enough, there's courage needed on your way,
As you put your hand into the hand of God, my part will be to pray.
But the treasure I will keep forever, is my delight in who you are,
And as I will always be your father,
You will be my shining star.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Her daddy's love, so tender and so pure.
Her daddy's love, through all of time will endure. Mark C Shelley © 2008
~ Ship To Shore My Father ~
You've sailed upon the highest seas, you've sailed upon the low
And ship to shore, I'm truly proud of all the faith you show
You've kept the sails to face the gale, to bravely turn the wheel
The decks maintained, through sun and rain, no matter how we reeled
You've swung us all from every shoal, though danger may loom close
With both your eyes, set to the sky, you seek what's uppermost
You've gathered up of God's own stores, to meet our every need
So He alone, will sail us home, upon life's stormy sea
Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au - Poetry from the Heart
God grant to you a peaceful spirit midst storm and tempest roll,
To know a rest, a quiet within,
A calm deep in your soul
You've sailed upon the highest seas, you've sailed upon the low
And ship to shore, I'm truly proud of all the faith you show
You've kept the sails to face the gale, to bravely turn the wheel
The decks maintained, through sun and rain, no matter how we reeled
You've swung us all from every shoal, though danger may loom close
With both your eyes, set to the sky, you seek what's uppermost
You've gathered up of God's own stores, to meet our every need
So He alone, will sail us home, upon life's stormy sea
Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2008
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au - Poetry from the Heart
God grant to you a peaceful spirit midst storm and tempest roll,
To know a rest, a quiet within,
A calm deep in your soul
~A Daddy, All My Very Own ~
I wished I had a daddy to sit and talk with me,
A comfy cosy daddy who laughed contentedly.
A daddy who was wise, so gentle good and kind,
Who'd watch me very quietly, with love deep in his eyes.
I'd wish he'd potter here and there, in my garden and my home,
Fixing little problems, so I wouldn't feel alone.
A daddy all my very own, who never went away,
Who'd scatter every storm cloud and always be my stay.
He'd keep me tucked in and warm, all through the darkest night,
And give me songs to sing, to take away the fright.
And then, I realized, 'twas my Jesus, I couldn't have a daddy, truer,
My own Father's right here with me, in Him, I'm ever safe, secure.
Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © June 2009
Poetry from the Heart
It is enough for me to know, 'tis true because He says 'tis so;
On His unchanging Word I'll stand and trust till I can understand.
--E. M. Winter
I wished I had a daddy to sit and talk with me,
A comfy cosy daddy who laughed contentedly.
A daddy who was wise, so gentle good and kind,
Who'd watch me very quietly, with love deep in his eyes.
I'd wish he'd potter here and there, in my garden and my home,
Fixing little problems, so I wouldn't feel alone.
A daddy all my very own, who never went away,
Who'd scatter every storm cloud and always be my stay.
He'd keep me tucked in and warm, all through the darkest night,
And give me songs to sing, to take away the fright.
And then, I realized, 'twas my Jesus, I couldn't have a daddy, truer,
My own Father's right here with me, in Him, I'm ever safe, secure.
Soft whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © June 2009
Poetry from the Heart
It is enough for me to know, 'tis true because He says 'tis so;
On His unchanging Word I'll stand and trust till I can understand.
--E. M. Winter
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|
~ Daddy Loves Mummy ~
My Daddy loves my Mama lots and oh, it sure makes me smile inside,
My whole world is perfect, when I see my Mama happy, with sparkles in her eyes.
Now, don't worry 'bout me none, I can share her for a bit
Just hug 'n' kiss your lovely wife,
It makes my heart go so, pitter patter sha-boom
That I have to clap in sheer delight.
And you know what, when I grow up big like Daddy
I think I might love a Mama too, for, if just watchin' makes ya feel like this
Then the lovin' must be really really good.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Love makes all things huggable
My Daddy loves my Mama lots and oh, it sure makes me smile inside,
My whole world is perfect, when I see my Mama happy, with sparkles in her eyes.
Now, don't worry 'bout me none, I can share her for a bit
Just hug 'n' kiss your lovely wife,
It makes my heart go so, pitter patter sha-boom
That I have to clap in sheer delight.
And you know what, when I grow up big like Daddy
I think I might love a Mama too, for, if just watchin' makes ya feel like this
Then the lovin' must be really really good.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Love makes all things huggable
~ Her Daddy's Love ~
You are heaven's little princess, you are Daddy's little girl
He loves you more than anything, every freckle, dimple, curl
He made you in His love and cheers each loving move
He keeps you as He promised, every heartache He can soothe
Your special person is His joy, your heart-felt love for Him
Each time you lift your eyes above, He wears a loving grin
He carries you with gentleness, close unto His heart
Because of Jesus dying love, His life to you imparts
He talks to you in many ways, through creation and His word
And deep inside your special heart, you see His hand at work
For you are your Daddy's girl, His spirit's yours today
He loves you tenderly with joy, forever and always
Soft Whispers for you from Derry's Heart Poems © 2005
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
"To her the name of father was another name for love."
~~By Fanny Fern.~~
He brought me out into a spacious place, He rescued me because He delighted in me - Psalm 18:19
You are heaven's little princess, you are Daddy's little girl
He loves you more than anything, every freckle, dimple, curl
He made you in His love and cheers each loving move
He keeps you as He promised, every heartache He can soothe
Your special person is His joy, your heart-felt love for Him
Each time you lift your eyes above, He wears a loving grin
He carries you with gentleness, close unto His heart
Because of Jesus dying love, His life to you imparts
He talks to you in many ways, through creation and His word
And deep inside your special heart, you see His hand at work
For you are your Daddy's girl, His spirit's yours today
He loves you tenderly with joy, forever and always
Soft Whispers for you from Derry's Heart Poems © 2005
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
"To her the name of father was another name for love."
~~By Fanny Fern.~~
He brought me out into a spacious place, He rescued me because He delighted in me - Psalm 18:19
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~ How Far Can You See ~
Daddy tiptoed into the nursery, to the son of his heart and said..
' It's time to go'....But the baby said, 'It is too far'
So Daddy said, 'How far can you see,'
The baby whimpered, 'Only to the door.. '
'Then go little one, for Daddy is right here.'
The days passed by in dreamy years and the little boy lost those early fears,
The journey of life was drawing near, but, all is well, for Daddy's here.
Once again Dad said, 'It's time to go'
But the lad replied, 'It is too far,'
So Daddy said, 'How far can you see?'
The young lad replied, 'Only to the gate,'
'Then go on out', Daddy said, 'For I will still be here.'
Daddy tiptoed into the nursery, to the son of his heart and said..
' It's time to go'....But the baby said, 'It is too far'
So Daddy said, 'How far can you see,'
The baby whimpered, 'Only to the door.. '
'Then go little one, for Daddy is right here.'
The days passed by in dreamy years and the little boy lost those early fears,
The journey of life was drawing near, but, all is well, for Daddy's here.
Once again Dad said, 'It's time to go'
But the lad replied, 'It is too far,'
So Daddy said, 'How far can you see?'
The young lad replied, 'Only to the gate,'
'Then go on out', Daddy said, 'For I will still be here.'
 |
 |
And thus the years sped swiftly by, the lad became a man, with much to try,
The days of childhood now all gone, the day arrived when Dad couldn't go along.
So Father said, 'It's time to go'
But the young man cried, ' It is too far,'
So Father said, 'How far can you see'
The man cried, ' I cannot see at all how life should be trod,'
So Father said,
'Go forth into the darkness now..
But put your hand within the hand of God.'
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2006
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Blessed in deed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father. ~*~ Lydia M Child
The days of childhood now all gone, the day arrived when Dad couldn't go along.
So Father said, 'It's time to go'
But the young man cried, ' It is too far,'
So Father said, 'How far can you see'
The man cried, ' I cannot see at all how life should be trod,'
So Father said,
'Go forth into the darkness now..
But put your hand within the hand of God.'
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2006
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Blessed in deed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him father. ~*~ Lydia M Child
 |
|
~ For A Wonderful Father-My Husband ~
I love you now, I loved you then,
I'll love you always, no matter when
And no matter where... I will love you always
For being a wonderful father, to our darlings each day.
Derry's Heart Poems © 2005
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed,
and yet so unquestionably valuable in our society.
~* Billy Graham *~
I love you now, I loved you then,
I'll love you always, no matter when
And no matter where... I will love you always
For being a wonderful father, to our darlings each day.
Derry's Heart Poems © 2005
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed,
and yet so unquestionably valuable in our society.
~* Billy Graham *~
 |
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~ For My Beloved ~
Sweetheart, I thank you today for fathering the little buds the blossom of our love I love you, admire you For the beauty of your fatherhood, the way you give yourself, always for another's good I love you darling for all you softly are beloved of my heart I give you my hug today with thankful delight for all the loving you impart I thank God He gave me you to flow within the river of life Derry's Heart Poems © 2008 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au |
~ To My Husband ~
Soaring thoughts for you my precious Thoughts of admiring love For the loving Father you have been To each and every one Soaring thoughts for you my darling For providing for us all Working hard for every need To fulfil your father call Soaring thoughts for you sweetheart For all the years we've had I thank our God you're by my side For you I am so glad Thankyou dearest You are a wonderful dad Derry's Heart Poems © 2008 heartwhispers@iinet.net.au |
~ Being A Single Dad ~
Some Dads have to be so very brave and do it very tough,
To muster up the courage, for that tender loving touch.
For though hurting deep inside, they now determine to be kind,
To put the welfare of their child, uppermost in their mind.
Even with life not turning out the way that they had planned,
They will always make the time to care, to try to understand.
And with a fortitiude as days go by
They keep being a precious Dad,
to be there, as a needed father, they are so very glad.
Every moment relying on the Lord, to know just what to say,
For wisdom, love and strength, to lead along the way.
And no matter where their child may be, prayer plays the major part,
For Dad carries his treasured child
Forever in his heart.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au - Poetry from the Heart
A Father means so many things...an understanding heart,
A source of strength and of support right from the very start.
A constant readiness to help in a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness no matter what comes our way.
A special generosity and always affection, too
A Father means so many things, when he's a man like you...
~Author Unknown~
Some Dads have to be so very brave and do it very tough,
To muster up the courage, for that tender loving touch.
For though hurting deep inside, they now determine to be kind,
To put the welfare of their child, uppermost in their mind.
Even with life not turning out the way that they had planned,
They will always make the time to care, to try to understand.
And with a fortitiude as days go by
They keep being a precious Dad,
to be there, as a needed father, they are so very glad.
Every moment relying on the Lord, to know just what to say,
For wisdom, love and strength, to lead along the way.
And no matter where their child may be, prayer plays the major part,
For Dad carries his treasured child
Forever in his heart.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au - Poetry from the Heart
A Father means so many things...an understanding heart,
A source of strength and of support right from the very start.
A constant readiness to help in a kind and thoughtful way.
With encouragement and forgiveness no matter what comes our way.
A special generosity and always affection, too
A Father means so many things, when he's a man like you...
~Author Unknown~
~ My Dad's Windmill ~
I love to see a windmill, it brings such memory
When I was little with my Dad, reaching just up to his knee.
He'd grab his rusty crescent and climb up, oh so high,
To fix those scary blades way up in the sky.
Those blades, forever creaking, those BIG blades..... ever squeaking,
When those BIG, SHARP, blades, were in a whirl
All was right with our small world.
Those BIG, SHARP, angled blades
Were a source of life to us of such refreshing water,
If that old windmill did breakdown, my Dad he didn't loiter.
He'd jump into his minimoke, this bloke and tear off through the sand,
"Gotta fix the windmill" he'd yell, with a wave of greasy hand.
He'd crank and pull and siphon until the thing ran free...
Willing the wind to blow a gale, "Turn you blades, turn, not just for me."
Then slowly the wind would come and to a greater force
those strong blades submit, bowing to the windy sky ...
Giving itself so freely, never asking why.
And then the stream would flow, cool and clear and sweet,
And all night it would pump up and down
Filling the great big water tank, unless it sprang a leak..
Now when I see a windmill, standing there true-blue, stoic on it's stand,
I think of my Dad's fight for water, to keep us on the land.
Oh windmill of my mind, where the winds of Spirit blow,
Forever fresh on me, that I may ever flow
With living water - a fountain springing up
with life so full and free.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2003
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Our fathers toil with hands and heart, to make our lives complete.
They quietly brave the winter cold, endure the summer heat.
Our fathers' lives are busy, but there's always time for us.
They boldly face the ups and downs and seldom ever fuss.
Our fathers are the greatest dads. we know you know this, too.
But thank you for the chance to share our love for them with you.
© David A. Olds.
I love to see a windmill, it brings such memory
When I was little with my Dad, reaching just up to his knee.
He'd grab his rusty crescent and climb up, oh so high,
To fix those scary blades way up in the sky.
Those blades, forever creaking, those BIG blades..... ever squeaking,
When those BIG, SHARP, blades, were in a whirl
All was right with our small world.
Those BIG, SHARP, angled blades
Were a source of life to us of such refreshing water,
If that old windmill did breakdown, my Dad he didn't loiter.
He'd jump into his minimoke, this bloke and tear off through the sand,
"Gotta fix the windmill" he'd yell, with a wave of greasy hand.
He'd crank and pull and siphon until the thing ran free...
Willing the wind to blow a gale, "Turn you blades, turn, not just for me."
Then slowly the wind would come and to a greater force
those strong blades submit, bowing to the windy sky ...
Giving itself so freely, never asking why.
And then the stream would flow, cool and clear and sweet,
And all night it would pump up and down
Filling the great big water tank, unless it sprang a leak..
Now when I see a windmill, standing there true-blue, stoic on it's stand,
I think of my Dad's fight for water, to keep us on the land.
Oh windmill of my mind, where the winds of Spirit blow,
Forever fresh on me, that I may ever flow
With living water - a fountain springing up
with life so full and free.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2003
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
Our fathers toil with hands and heart, to make our lives complete.
They quietly brave the winter cold, endure the summer heat.
Our fathers' lives are busy, but there's always time for us.
They boldly face the ups and downs and seldom ever fuss.
Our fathers are the greatest dads. we know you know this, too.
But thank you for the chance to share our love for them with you.
© David A. Olds.
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~ Daddy we miss you so much ~
Daddy it's your day of honour every day, so we sure need you here,
I wish you weren't so far away, it's so long waiting, year after year.
'Cause Mommy and me, we miss you so, but try to be brave, and never fear,
And when we're really sad, like you said, we wipe each other's tears.
Any day is not real good without you, but, we still set your place,
At the top of the dinner table and pretend we see your face.
Then as the sun is setting over there, we tuck ourselves in tight,
And say our prayers again, for God to keep you while you fight.
We're so proud of you dear Daddy, of your big heart and all,
When I'm big I'll serve God and country too, and in your footsteps fall.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au - Poetry from the Heart
"The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad!"
~~Author Unknown.
Daddy it's your day of honour every day, so we sure need you here,
I wish you weren't so far away, it's so long waiting, year after year.
'Cause Mommy and me, we miss you so, but try to be brave, and never fear,
And when we're really sad, like you said, we wipe each other's tears.
Any day is not real good without you, but, we still set your place,
At the top of the dinner table and pretend we see your face.
Then as the sun is setting over there, we tuck ourselves in tight,
And say our prayers again, for God to keep you while you fight.
We're so proud of you dear Daddy, of your big heart and all,
When I'm big I'll serve God and country too, and in your footsteps fall.
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2004
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au - Poetry from the Heart
"The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad!"
~~Author Unknown.
~ Remembering Dad As Always ~
A day of loving Dad is here once more, on this day, as always, you so gently mourn,
For your father gone on home with angels, where his heart has been re-born.
You try to keep your brightest smile, so those around may never know,
But deep inside a little cry still lingers, for you miss your daddy so.
You'd love to walk again, holding to his hand, for him, you're lonesome all the while,
As you try to be glad he is at home, restored with his sweet smile.
God took him when His time was right, you know, no more suffering he will see,
For now every burden of his loving heart, is at rest eternally.
How you cherish all the special ways, he poured forth of his tender love,
Giving selflessly, now in peaceful joy forever, rewarded in his Lord above.
Your treasured Dad, kept in your memory, how you miss the Father you adore,
But one day soon you will be together, close, just like you were before.
God bless and comfort you today and every day, in the missing of the Dad that was yours,
(until the new day dawns)
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2007
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
"It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was."
~~By Anne Sexton (1928-1974)
A day of loving Dad is here once more, on this day, as always, you so gently mourn,
For your father gone on home with angels, where his heart has been re-born.
You try to keep your brightest smile, so those around may never know,
But deep inside a little cry still lingers, for you miss your daddy so.
You'd love to walk again, holding to his hand, for him, you're lonesome all the while,
As you try to be glad he is at home, restored with his sweet smile.
God took him when His time was right, you know, no more suffering he will see,
For now every burden of his loving heart, is at rest eternally.
How you cherish all the special ways, he poured forth of his tender love,
Giving selflessly, now in peaceful joy forever, rewarded in his Lord above.
Your treasured Dad, kept in your memory, how you miss the Father you adore,
But one day soon you will be together, close, just like you were before.
God bless and comfort you today and every day, in the missing of the Dad that was yours,
(until the new day dawns)
Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems © 2007
heartwhispers@iinet.net.au
"It doesn't matter who my father was; it matters who I remember he was."
~~By Anne Sexton (1928-1974)
'I'm Watching You Daddy'-utube
Dad taught us - utube.
'I'll Need You Dad' -utube-
'Why We Love Dad'-utube
'Dad, You're My Hero' - Tribute from a daughter to her father-utube
'Father's Day Video'- utube.
"Godly Dad's" - utube
1.Father's love letter-babies-utube
2. Father's love letter - children utube.
3. Father's Love letter video @ e-water.net ( 3a-Same script pics on utube)
4.Father's love letter -Bible pics-the original
5. Father's love letter-the original on utube
6. Father's love letter - another lovely version utube.
A Father's Love
A father is respected because
He gives his children leadership...
Appreciated because
He gives his children care...
Valued because
He gives his children time...
Loved because
He gives his children the one thing
They treasure most - himself.
A father is respected because
He gives his children leadership...
Appreciated because
He gives his children care...
Valued because
He gives his children time...
Loved because
He gives his children the one thing
They treasure most - himself.
I Want to Be Just Like You
He climbs in my lap for a good night hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow
and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says,
"I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him good night
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God
'cause he's seen Jesus in me
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me
Got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes
and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life
I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind,
filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn
from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me
Right now from where he stands
I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from
the best Father of them all
~(Craig and Dean Phillips, © Star Song)~
“My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it”
~ Clarence Budington Kelland
He climbs in my lap for a good night hug
He calls me Dad and I call him Bub
With his faded old pillow
and a bear named Pooh
He snuggles up close and says,
"I want to be like you"
I tuck him in bed and I kiss him good night
Trippin' over the toys as I turn out the light
And I whisper a prayer that someday he'll see
He's got a father in God
'cause he's seen Jesus in me
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me
Got to admit I've got so far to go
Make so many mistakes
and I'm sure that You know
Sometimes it seems no matter how hard I try
With all the pressures in life
I just can't get it all right
But I'm trying so hard to learn from the best
Being patient and kind,
filled with Your tenderness
'Cause I know that he'll learn
from the things that he sees
And the Jesus he finds will be the Jesus in me
Right now from where he stands
I may seem mighty tall
But it's only 'cause I'm learning from
the best Father of them all
~(Craig and Dean Phillips, © Star Song)~
“My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it”
~ Clarence Budington Kelland
'My Father'
My Father When I was: Four years old: My daddy can do anything.
When I was: Five years old: My daddy knows a whole lot.
When I was: Six years old: My dad is smarter than your dad.
When I was: Eight years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything.
When I was: 10 years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, things were sure different.
When I was: 12 years old: Oh, well, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He is too old to remember his childhood.
When I was: 14 years old: Don't pay any attention to my dad. He is so old-fashioned.
When I was: 21 years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date.
When I was: 25 years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long.
When I was: 30 years old: Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience.
When I was: 35 years old: I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to Dad.
When I was: 40 years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise.
When I was: 50 years old: I'd give anything if Dad were here now so I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him.
By: Ann Landers
My Father When I was: Four years old: My daddy can do anything.
When I was: Five years old: My daddy knows a whole lot.
When I was: Six years old: My dad is smarter than your dad.
When I was: Eight years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything.
When I was: 10 years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, things were sure different.
When I was: 12 years old: Oh, well, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He is too old to remember his childhood.
When I was: 14 years old: Don't pay any attention to my dad. He is so old-fashioned.
When I was: 21 years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date.
When I was: 25 years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long.
When I was: 30 years old: Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience.
When I was: 35 years old: I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to Dad.
When I was: 40 years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise.
When I was: 50 years old: I'd give anything if Dad were here now so I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him.
By: Ann Landers
Perhaps we'll never understand each other.-loving doesn't mean that we agree.
If that were so, then I would say, why bother?
But there are things I know I'll never see. I'm sure your heart knows what I don't yet know:
The pain of loving a reluctant child; The anger, coming fast and building slow,
Of being helpless to control someone. You want only that I grow up right,
But you know what right is, and I still don't. I have to learn to wield my inner light,
And if I follow yours, well, then I won't. I'm sorry for the anger in the air;
Though we fight, my love is always there.
unknown
If that were so, then I would say, why bother?
But there are things I know I'll never see. I'm sure your heart knows what I don't yet know:
The pain of loving a reluctant child; The anger, coming fast and building slow,
Of being helpless to control someone. You want only that I grow up right,
But you know what right is, and I still don't. I have to learn to wield my inner light,
And if I follow yours, well, then I won't. I'm sorry for the anger in the air;
Though we fight, my love is always there.
unknown
************************************
G’day, my name is Darren Lewis, I am the founder, facilitator, and fatherhood coach at ‘Fathering Adventures’.
What would you have loved to experience with your Dad?
What would you have wanted to receive from, or hear from him?
Offer those things to your son now.
Fathering Adventures.squarespace.com
Turning the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.
G’day, my name is Darren Lewis, I am the founder, facilitator, and fatherhood coach at ‘Fathering Adventures’.
What would you have loved to experience with your Dad?
What would you have wanted to receive from, or hear from him?
Offer those things to your son now.
Fathering Adventures.squarespace.com
Turning the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers.
Practical Dad Tips
10-practical-ways-to-be-a-good-Dad
1. Prioritize fatherhood. - Some dads worry that by emphasizing family so much they will lose their edge at the workplace and not be as competitive for positions as those who lack family ties or neglect them.
Research doesn't support that fear. Plan your work around your family. Decide that father-child time is not negotiable, but work time is. With calendar or planner in hand, schedule first the activities of your children, the school events, the games, then write in your work obligations.
2. Get involved with your child from the beginning. - Remember, there is only one thing
you can't do for a baby. And even then, you can still establish a role for yourself:
bathing, burping, comforting and taking the baby out for a walk.
3. Become an Expert Dad. - Keep up with the language of child rearing. Talk to other dads informally or in groups or in parenting classes. Read articles and books about good fathering. In too many families, the woman becomes the "expert" and Dad feels relegates his responsibilities to her. Don't let that happen to you.
4, Have regular one-on-one time with each child. - Sometimes it's fun to talk while you're doing errands or making home repairs, but be sure that there are times that you turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, and give your kids your undivided attention. Arrange alone times with your kids. Go out to eat a favorite meal or to do an activity the child enjoys or just go on an errand alone together.
5. Show affection often. - Even if older kids seem squeamish, kids enjoy a hug and always enjoy encouraging words from their dad. My son's friends asked why he had such a random collection of shirts from so many different cities. He said his Dad brings shirts from the trips he has been on.
6. Make yourself Available Always. - Interrupt your meetings when anyone in the family calls. Learn to text and respond quickly. Don't be busy all of the time. Build in opportunities for spontaneous conversations.
(Cf: “Spending Quantity Time with Your Kids“)
7. Take kids to work.- This is a great way to teach them about the world of work that you are a part of.
Take kids with you on business trips when possible.
8. Stay connected when you have to be away. - Sometimes work takes dads out of town. Set up a routine to stay connected. Some families schedule a specific time Dad will call that is convenient for all members of the family. When you return, bring home something special for the kids. It need not be extravagant. My boys wear my gifts proudly.
9. Teach them. - No dad has every gift or skill. Kids may learn certain things from other males in their lives. Use opportunities to share your talents. In my family, I lack auto mechanical ability, but I have passed on the gift and love of sports by personally coaching their teams.
10.Connect with your child at all levels. - Make sure you have some contact with every aspect of your child's life. Visit the school, meet the teacher and kids and have at least fleeting contact with an after-school activity. If you have seen where your children are and met their friends, you will have more to talk about and more interesting conversations. Parent involvement during children's schooling is critical to their school success. Work with your employer to see that your work schedule doesn't preclude your involvement in your child's schooling.
By Scott Thomas, President of Acts 29
10-practical-ways-to-be-a-good-Dad
1. Prioritize fatherhood. - Some dads worry that by emphasizing family so much they will lose their edge at the workplace and not be as competitive for positions as those who lack family ties or neglect them.
Research doesn't support that fear. Plan your work around your family. Decide that father-child time is not negotiable, but work time is. With calendar or planner in hand, schedule first the activities of your children, the school events, the games, then write in your work obligations.
2. Get involved with your child from the beginning. - Remember, there is only one thing
you can't do for a baby. And even then, you can still establish a role for yourself:
bathing, burping, comforting and taking the baby out for a walk.
3. Become an Expert Dad. - Keep up with the language of child rearing. Talk to other dads informally or in groups or in parenting classes. Read articles and books about good fathering. In too many families, the woman becomes the "expert" and Dad feels relegates his responsibilities to her. Don't let that happen to you.
4, Have regular one-on-one time with each child. - Sometimes it's fun to talk while you're doing errands or making home repairs, but be sure that there are times that you turn off the TV, put down the newspaper, and give your kids your undivided attention. Arrange alone times with your kids. Go out to eat a favorite meal or to do an activity the child enjoys or just go on an errand alone together.
5. Show affection often. - Even if older kids seem squeamish, kids enjoy a hug and always enjoy encouraging words from their dad. My son's friends asked why he had such a random collection of shirts from so many different cities. He said his Dad brings shirts from the trips he has been on.
6. Make yourself Available Always. - Interrupt your meetings when anyone in the family calls. Learn to text and respond quickly. Don't be busy all of the time. Build in opportunities for spontaneous conversations.
(Cf: “Spending Quantity Time with Your Kids“)
7. Take kids to work.- This is a great way to teach them about the world of work that you are a part of.
Take kids with you on business trips when possible.
8. Stay connected when you have to be away. - Sometimes work takes dads out of town. Set up a routine to stay connected. Some families schedule a specific time Dad will call that is convenient for all members of the family. When you return, bring home something special for the kids. It need not be extravagant. My boys wear my gifts proudly.
9. Teach them. - No dad has every gift or skill. Kids may learn certain things from other males in their lives. Use opportunities to share your talents. In my family, I lack auto mechanical ability, but I have passed on the gift and love of sports by personally coaching their teams.
10.Connect with your child at all levels. - Make sure you have some contact with every aspect of your child's life. Visit the school, meet the teacher and kids and have at least fleeting contact with an after-school activity. If you have seen where your children are and met their friends, you will have more to talk about and more interesting conversations. Parent involvement during children's schooling is critical to their school success. Work with your employer to see that your work schedule doesn't preclude your involvement in your child's schooling.
By Scott Thomas, President of Acts 29
Five-Godly-ways-to-be-a-good-Dad
Develop a relationship with your heavenly Father, the perfect Dad, that informs everything you do as a dad.
By cultivating a deep understanding of the Scriptures,
you grow in wisdom, grace, and ability to raise your kids well and to the glory of God.
To pursue that goal, we must worship God first by repenting of sin and coming to him by faith for grace to love him,
as an example and pattern for our kids and, God willing, grandkids.
As we daily commit ourselves to his ways and being his sons,
we’re instructed on how to care for our children and lead them to worship God with us.
Here are some practical ways to love your kids like God, our Father, loves us:
1. Delight in your kids before discipline.In Proverbs 3:11–12 the father says,
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Before any father disciplines his children, he is commanded to delight in them. Practically, this means
that most of a father’s time is spent enjoying his children, encouraging his children, laughing with his children,
being affectionate with his children, and enjoying his children
so that there is a deep bond of love and joy between the children and their dad.
“A godly father models submission to authority and the welcoming of correction by repenting of his own sin.”
Part of that love includes a father disciplining his children as needed to keep them
on a path of wisdom and righteousness. This pattern is to be modeled by the father
who has God as his Father and gladly receives instruction and correction from God the Father
and other authorities God has placed over him (e.g., church elders and other leaders).
Therefore, a godly father models submission to authority and the welcoming of correction by repenting of his own sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking in restored intimacy with God the Father by empowering grace.
All of this is the essence of love, as sin leads to death and hell, and discipline leads to repentance,
which points us back to life and God. Practically, this means that a good father lives out the gospel every day
in fellowship with God and his child, and that he knows what to do about sin in the life of his child
because he’s been dealing with his own sin in his own life first.
2. Protect your kids by fearing God.Proverbs 14:26 says, “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,
and his children will have a refuge.” Sadly, our world is not a very safe place for children,
as the statistics on neglect, abuse, molestation, fornication, and rape indicate.
But God says that the safest place for children is with a man who fears the Lord.
Men who fear God take God’s wisdom and use their masculine strength to create a fortress
of protection and provision around their homes so that their wives and children
can live freely and happily under their care. Practically, this means that a godly father does not allow
his children to be unsupervised at the homes of people he does not know,
is very careful to oversee any dating done by his daughters,
and goes to great lengths to ensure that safety is pursued in everything from where the family lives
to who they are in close friendship with and who is welcomed into their home.
3. Be a man for your kids and live righteously.Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” Similarly, Paul tells the Corinthians
that when he was a boy he acted like one, but when he became a man he put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11).
It is imperative that Christian fathers repent of their childish ways
(laziness, lust, whining, drunkenness, juvenile antics, neglecting family
in the pursuit of hobbies, foolish spending, and so on)
because their sins impinge upon the lives of their children and grandchildren.
A Christian father should aspire to live in such a way as to be a righteous example to his children,
which produces a path of blessing that flows to the children from the faithfulness of their father
as they follow his loving leadership.
4. Work hard for your kids.Lazy fathers are disobedient to God but want to have children who are obedient to them. Such fathers may speak good wisdom, but it is overshadowed by the loudness of the foolish hypocrisy in their lives. Proverbs 26:7 stands as a warning to such men, saying,
“Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.”
Wisdom is not merely what a father says, but also his lifestyle and the degree of congruence between his words and his actions. Foolish fathers say things such as, “Well, don’t do as I do, do as I say.” What they mean is,
“I’m a complete hypocrite, but do what I tell you to do anyways.” Proverbs says that these men speak with no authority and so their children ignore them or mock them as funny and foolish hypocrites.
Tragically, these children often face the most devastating teen years because they have no wise father to turn to in a culture of folly, and themselves fall prey to many sins and pains.
5. Create a legacy for your kids.While fools are consumed with the present, wisdom looks to the future.
Proverbs 17:6 leans us into the future, saying,
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
The point God is teaching here is that young men should be thinking about what kind of grandfather they aspire to be before they even take a wife, because they have a lot of work to do to get there.
Godly men aspire to be both good fathers and good grandfathers, like Jonathan Edwards,
America’s greatest theologian, who prayed each day for five generations of his offspring in hopes of being a patriarch like Abraham. Wisdom enables a father to see that the way he lives affects the kind of children he raises,
which affects the kind of children they raise, and so on.
This post is adapted from Pastor Mark’s book, Pastor Dad: Scriptural Insights On Fatherhood.
Download a free PDF version of the entire book here.
More on Biblical-manhood-Fathering
Lovely site to visit
1. GenelleTennant/fathersdayindex
2. Theaustralian.com.au/why-dads-matter
Artofmanliness.com/18-tips-for-being-a-great-dad
Develop a relationship with your heavenly Father, the perfect Dad, that informs everything you do as a dad.
By cultivating a deep understanding of the Scriptures,
you grow in wisdom, grace, and ability to raise your kids well and to the glory of God.
To pursue that goal, we must worship God first by repenting of sin and coming to him by faith for grace to love him,
as an example and pattern for our kids and, God willing, grandkids.
As we daily commit ourselves to his ways and being his sons,
we’re instructed on how to care for our children and lead them to worship God with us.
Here are some practical ways to love your kids like God, our Father, loves us:
1. Delight in your kids before discipline.In Proverbs 3:11–12 the father says,
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Before any father disciplines his children, he is commanded to delight in them. Practically, this means
that most of a father’s time is spent enjoying his children, encouraging his children, laughing with his children,
being affectionate with his children, and enjoying his children
so that there is a deep bond of love and joy between the children and their dad.
“A godly father models submission to authority and the welcoming of correction by repenting of his own sin.”
Part of that love includes a father disciplining his children as needed to keep them
on a path of wisdom and righteousness. This pattern is to be modeled by the father
who has God as his Father and gladly receives instruction and correction from God the Father
and other authorities God has placed over him (e.g., church elders and other leaders).
Therefore, a godly father models submission to authority and the welcoming of correction by repenting of his own sin, receiving forgiveness, and walking in restored intimacy with God the Father by empowering grace.
All of this is the essence of love, as sin leads to death and hell, and discipline leads to repentance,
which points us back to life and God. Practically, this means that a good father lives out the gospel every day
in fellowship with God and his child, and that he knows what to do about sin in the life of his child
because he’s been dealing with his own sin in his own life first.
2. Protect your kids by fearing God.Proverbs 14:26 says, “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence,
and his children will have a refuge.” Sadly, our world is not a very safe place for children,
as the statistics on neglect, abuse, molestation, fornication, and rape indicate.
But God says that the safest place for children is with a man who fears the Lord.
Men who fear God take God’s wisdom and use their masculine strength to create a fortress
of protection and provision around their homes so that their wives and children
can live freely and happily under their care. Practically, this means that a godly father does not allow
his children to be unsupervised at the homes of people he does not know,
is very careful to oversee any dating done by his daughters,
and goes to great lengths to ensure that safety is pursued in everything from where the family lives
to who they are in close friendship with and who is welcomed into their home.
3. Be a man for your kids and live righteously.Proverbs 20:7 says, “The righteous who walks in his integrity—blessed are his children after him!” Similarly, Paul tells the Corinthians
that when he was a boy he acted like one, but when he became a man he put childish ways behind him (1 Cor. 13:11).
It is imperative that Christian fathers repent of their childish ways
(laziness, lust, whining, drunkenness, juvenile antics, neglecting family
in the pursuit of hobbies, foolish spending, and so on)
because their sins impinge upon the lives of their children and grandchildren.
A Christian father should aspire to live in such a way as to be a righteous example to his children,
which produces a path of blessing that flows to the children from the faithfulness of their father
as they follow his loving leadership.
4. Work hard for your kids.Lazy fathers are disobedient to God but want to have children who are obedient to them. Such fathers may speak good wisdom, but it is overshadowed by the loudness of the foolish hypocrisy in their lives. Proverbs 26:7 stands as a warning to such men, saying,
“Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools.”
Wisdom is not merely what a father says, but also his lifestyle and the degree of congruence between his words and his actions. Foolish fathers say things such as, “Well, don’t do as I do, do as I say.” What they mean is,
“I’m a complete hypocrite, but do what I tell you to do anyways.” Proverbs says that these men speak with no authority and so their children ignore them or mock them as funny and foolish hypocrites.
Tragically, these children often face the most devastating teen years because they have no wise father to turn to in a culture of folly, and themselves fall prey to many sins and pains.
5. Create a legacy for your kids.While fools are consumed with the present, wisdom looks to the future.
Proverbs 17:6 leans us into the future, saying,
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”
The point God is teaching here is that young men should be thinking about what kind of grandfather they aspire to be before they even take a wife, because they have a lot of work to do to get there.
Godly men aspire to be both good fathers and good grandfathers, like Jonathan Edwards,
America’s greatest theologian, who prayed each day for five generations of his offspring in hopes of being a patriarch like Abraham. Wisdom enables a father to see that the way he lives affects the kind of children he raises,
which affects the kind of children they raise, and so on.
This post is adapted from Pastor Mark’s book, Pastor Dad: Scriptural Insights On Fatherhood.
Download a free PDF version of the entire book here.
More on Biblical-manhood-Fathering
Lovely site to visit
1. GenelleTennant/fathersdayindex
2. Theaustralian.com.au/why-dads-matter
Artofmanliness.com/18-tips-for-being-a-great-dad
- Building Your Resiliency: Part VII – Building Your Children’s Resiliency
- Free book - Fatherhood.org/ultimate-guide-to-connecting-with-your-child