Actually, I should say, “Dear Daddy, ” for even at my age, I adhere to the unwritten rules of my southern birth and still call you “Daddy!” Though I will talk to you in honor of Father’s Day, I also want to honor you through this blog post. You have strongly encouraged me to continue in my writing, and so I will use it as just another way of saying, “Thanks, Daddy!”

~You have lived in our home the words that you taught in the pulpit. Thanks, Daddy!

~Your total devotion to following God’s Word continues to leave a permanent imprint on my heart and in my life. Thanks, Daddy!

~Your incredible love for Mom is one of the greatest gifts you give to all of us! Thanks, Daddy!

~Your desire to share God’s Word at every opportunity He gives is evident in your speaking and in your writing. Thanks, Daddy!

~Your early-morning time for personal study in the Word is implanted in my memory from early childhood to the present. Thanks, Daddy!

~Your willingness to ask forgiveness, even from your children, speaks volumes. Thanks, Daddy!

~You have taught me to look forward, not to the past. Thanks, Daddy!

~You served our country in World War II and in Korea ~ willingly. Thanks, Daddy!

~You have taught me to take it to the Lord first. Thanks, Daddy!

~You love what you do, and I love who you are. Thanks, Daddy!

~You have taught me to laugh, to work hard, and to combine the two! Thanks, Daddy!

~You have answered questions, problems, and difficult moments with Scripture. Thanks, Daddy!

~Your alliterated outlines make me smile. Thanks, Daddy!

~Your total reliance on God is demonstrated in your frequent use of “Let Him take care of it.” Thanks, Daddy!

~Your ongoing persistence against the uninvited but very present Parkinson’s Disease has in many ways made you stronger rather than weaker. Thanks, Daddy! (Keep punching back!)

~You are my father, my dad, my daddy, and my pastor for life! Thanks, Daddy!

Happy Father’s Day!

I love you more than the whole wide world and back again ~ Brenda