Tried With Fire

My dad went to be with the Lord last fall, so this was the first Father's Day without him. As a family, we never made a big deal about the Hallmark holidays, but we still gave cards and called. I think my parents appreciated it even if they didn't make a point of remembering those holidays themselves. I was feeling a little weepy last night. Even though we never saw 100% eye-to-eye 100% of the time, I loved my dad. I know he loved me and never stopped being a dad no matter how old I got. At our last goodbye, he asked if we had gas and food for the long drive home. So like him. Last night, my daughter said, "He was the right dad for you and your sister." And she's right. My dad wasn't perfect. He made mistakes. He was a sinner who needed a savior. I  doubt he would have measured up to whatever is the latest conservative Christian ideal man, but he was the right dad for me because God was the one who put our family together. God created each member of my fa...

On this Father's Day, I am thankful for my own dad. He's 81 years old. God has blessed him with health and strength. More importantly, he loves the Lord and is still pressing on every day. This morning, Pastor Ryan shared a very serious message. He challenged the men of the church to be gospel centered men. It was a sobering and convicting message but at the same time filled with grace as he pointed to Christ as the one who can make this possible. As I listened to the sermon, I have to admit that there was some sadness in my heart. I grieve for my husband because he is opting out of this call to be a gospel saturated man. There was a time when I thought he wanted to follow the Lord at all costs. However, he's pursuing his own agenda now. Only God knows the state of his heart, but I still pray for his repentance. But inspite of the sadness, I am encouraged by my brothers in Christ. It is a blessing to see these men wanting to put Christ first in their lives, in their familie...