90 Days for Noelle - Day 36

Tonight is one of those nights of the year that Cora gets super excited about. Tonight is the annual 'Daddy Daughter Dance'. She has been talking about it all week. In fact, as soon as we got home yesterday, she had me in the closet pulling out every tie I own (which isn't that many) so she could pick the "perfect" one. This is one of those events I look forward to being able to share with Noelle as well. It will probably be a couple of years before she will be ready and old enough to go though. Cora is really starting to warm up to the idea of getting a baby sister, but she has had some "concerned" questions this week in regards to the dance. She asked, "Will you still take me to the Daddy Daughter Dance when Noelle gets here?" I told her of course I will. I will just have to go to two of them, one with Noelle and one with her. (they have 3 or 4 on the same weekend) Now, all of Cora's life she has always said, "I get to go first because I am the youngest". This time she thought about it and replied, "Well I have to go first because I will be the oldest". I said we will work it out. I have to admit, I think I enjoy the dance as much as she does if not more so. I know that these moments spent with my girls will be over before I know it and I want to cherish each one. Now time to get ready, I have a date.

Psalm 127:3-5

  ^3-5 Don't you see that children are God's best gift?
      the fruit of the womb his generous legacy?
   Like a warrior's fistful of arrows
      are the children of a vigorous youth.
   Oh, how blessed are you parents,
      with your quivers full of children!
   Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; 

Thank you God for the blessing of children. To be able to shape and mold their lives and raise them as You would have us to. We know that children hold a special place in Your heart because of all the references of them in Your word. Father, let these moments we share with our children bind us together in Your Love. In Your name. Amen.

90 Days for Noelle - Day 33

The recurring theme for today seems to be "Daddy". Let me explain. I am currently reading the book, 'Wild at Heart' by John Eldridge. It is about what it means to be a manly Christian, and of course talks about the roles and influence of fathers. Then at church tonight, the topic of "daddy" came up. We are currently doing a series on 'Crazy Love' by Francis Chan. We talked about the love of the Father for us. Scott (my brother & pastor) talked about our dad and how we were so blessed to have an awesome dad. I know other people have great dad's, and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but they are not as great as mine....Anyway, I digress. One of the study questions presented tonight was, "Do you remember when you "got it"? When you first realized you loved God with all heart, mind, and soul?" I thought about this for a few moments and realized mine. I will condense it for you. It was the day Cora was born. Jessica had a rough pregnancy and was 10 days over due. She was having contractions, so off we go to the hospital. From the time we walked in the door until Cora was born was a whirlwind. They took vitals and discovered neither Cora or Jessica was doing very good. In just minutes they had rushed Jessica back for an emergency C-section. Everything happened so fast it was constant chaos, nurses running everywhere, machines beeping, then.......silence. They were gone and I was left standing in a hospital room, all alone. All kinds of thoughts were running through my mind. All I knew to do was start praying. As I prayed, I began to feel peace. I began to feel God's love. I heard God speak to my spirit and say, "It's time to be Daddy". That was my "got it" moment. I knew to be the father I needed to be, I had to love God with everything within me. I want to be the the best husband and father I can be. I know I am/will be responsible for three (at least) beautiful girls. I want Cora and Noelle to be able to say one day that they can understand their Heavenly Father's love because of their Earthly father's example.

1 John 3:1

 ¹ See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! …

Dear Lord, thank You for loving us as our father. I pray that you lead me as the father of our household and to be strong in You. Let me be an example of Your love to Cora and Noelle and all of my children. I pray they see Your love through me and do great things for You. In Your name we pray. Amen.