Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

Some Thankful Thoughts on Dad’s Birthday

Posted on By jennifer

Happy Thursday and just a quick Thankful Thursday post!  I don’t typically do these type of posts (of course, I am thankful! but I just don’t write formal posts as such…) but I have been thinking about my dad today and my heart is full.  Full of love, good memories and much gratitude.  Today would be Dad’s birthday.  It has been far too long since we enjoyed birthday cake with Dad but I am certain of Heaven and a grand reunion that is coming one day.  Something else that not only gives me hope but fills my heart with gratitude.  You can see the beginning of a post, right?

Let’s see…..today I am thankful for:

*the privilege of being raised in a Christian home.  For being introduced to the Bible and Bible truths from a very young age.  Growing up, I honestly thought all homes and families were “like mine.”  It took many years and quite a bit of life experience to truly appreciate about blessed I was.  How blessed I am.  Thankful for my brother as well.  He was a lot of fun when we were little but he is, truly, the best of brothers today!

*the example that my father was of both a gentleman and a man.  He was devoted, hard-working, and faithful – to his family and as a friend.  He had an amazing work ethic and high standards for himself.  Most importantly, he was the strength and stability that my mom, and our family, needed.  Oh how he loved us!  That can be a hard act to follow when a girl is looking for her own husband.

*that God did, indeed, give me a husband who, in so many ways, is a man like my father.  I’m thankful for our almost four decades of marriage.  Many thought we wouldn’t last but, thankfully, I’ve matured a lot since then:)

*the Christian home we have created.  For our children, of course, and just for the sweet, simple life that we enjoy today!  So thankful for all the memories we have created – especially with the kids! – and for the ones yet to come!

*good health.  My husband had his annual physical earlier this week.  That man is the picture of health.  Honestly – one day, they are going to be asking him “What is your secret??”  It has not been my cooking, let me tell you that!  Of course, I have already mentioned several times how grateful I am to be “on the other side” of last year and all my treatments.  God has healed me and continues to restore my strength.  I (truly) do not enjoy exercising.  Even walking.  But I do a walking video every morning “just because I am able” and remind myself what a blessing it is to do so.

*the promise of Heaven.  I mentioned this earlier but oh how thankful I am to be confident (without a doubt) that I will one day see my sweet Tyler again!  As well as both of my parents… and many others.  It truly makes all the difference for me.

Of course, I am also thankful for God’s provision, the abundance we enjoy, our home and all the memories included inside.  For my friends, my church and my church family, and for the freedom to not only go to church but to own and read a Bible!  The more that I type these computer keys this morning, the more heart fills with joy.  With gratitude and with a sense of humility.  God’s goodness is a bit overwhelming when I stop to truly think about it.  This has been a good exercise for me.  And it all started with memories of my dad…and Dad’s birthday.  Thanks, Dad.  I love you!!

 

Memory Lane

Comments (20)

  2. Happy Birthday to your dear Dad. A lovely tribute to him and thank you for such a lovely post with all the reasons you are thankful for, starting with the ones of your beloved Dad. Wishing you and your dear family a very happy and healthy March, and beyond that of course 🙂

  3. Jennifer, March 7th is my dad’s birthday too. He would have been 83. He’s been gone 12 years now, but I still think about calling him every single day.

    I love your post today. Thank you for sharing about your life 🙂

    1. Aw, Debbie, I love it! Two special birthdays yesterday!! Hope you enjoyed sweet memories yesterday!!

    1. Isn’t that such a blessing – to have a wonderful father?? I know not everyone can say that but what a joy when you can!!

  5. Happy birthday to your dad! Sounds like he was a great day, the kind of dad everyone should have. And I just love everything about this post. To believe in God and in heaven truly does make everything so much better.

    1. Thank you, Dawn! He was a great dad and , yes, Heaven makes all the difference!:)

  6. Oh what a beautiful tribute to your dad, Jennifer. Made me miss my dad who went home to be with the Lord in 1982.

  7. Happy Heavenly Birthday to your Dad, my friend. Thank you for sharing your memories and thoughts with us. I miss my Dad so much too. He has been gone for ten years, but I can still hear him in my heart. Beautiful post. Have a cozy weekend.

    1. Thanks…hope your weekend was cozy as well. And here’s to a beautiful week ahead!

  9. This is such a beautiful post. Happy Heavenly Birthday to your dear dad! I was also raised in a Christian home and I’m so thankful for it. My brother and I also went to a private Christian school that was affiliated with our church. I’m so thankful for having that opportunity. I now homeschool my daughter via an online Christian school. My dear mom passed away almost one month ago after a short battle with an evil sickness. She fought it so hard and we all prayed that she would beat it – she remained positive even though she was in so much pain and discomfort, but eventually, her body gave out. I have peace in knowing she’s in Heaven with our Heavenly Father and she’s no longer suffering, but happy and healthy again. I miss her every single day, I miss being able to pick up the phone and call her, I miss getting to spend time with her, but I find comfort in knowing that someday I will see her again. God is who’s getting me through all of this with his comfort, peace, and strength. He is so good. 🙏

    1. Julia – hello and thanks so much for taking the time to comment. So glad you stopped by the blog. So sorry to hear about your mother. What a blessing to know that she was a Christian and is now in Heaven. There will be a wonderful reunion one day!! And such a blessing to have God’s comfort and peace as you miss your mom. Thank you for sharing a bit of this testimony. It was an encouragement to me today!

      1. Hi Jennifer,

        Thank you for your kind and thoughtful reply! I’m so glad I was a source of encouragement to you today. Hope you are having a great day.

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