what a wonderful surprise...

This past week, I went to my moms and while looking through some old boxes of things I had saved, I came across a great surprise. It brought back so many wonderful memories and it also taught me a few things.....things that I already knew the importance of, but I was just reminded of it even more. Here is what I found...

My dad was such a wonderful man, but unfortunately his life ended earlier than I ever thought it would. For those of you who know me well, you know my father's life ended very tragically. I am not going to go into all of that, but there is one thing I know for sure, my daddy loved me so much and he always made me feel like the prettiest, most special girl in the whole world. I have heard that if children get this encouragement from their parents, they are less likely to look for acceptance and love in the wrong areas of life. So true...

After his death, I sort of forgot all of this and the good was out-shadowed by the bad. I am just being honest here.... I was very upset, angry, confused, and heart-broken. This really doesn't make much sense when I think about it though because as a nurse and through personal experiences, I know first hand how real chemical imbalances are and how these sicknesses are just like cancer or any other terminal illness. However, it was still the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with. This past week, when I found these letters, it was a reminder that I should definitely remember the good again when it comes to my dad. I began to think of his personality and all of the good moments we had. He was such a jokester and "cut up." This is just one example.... When I lived in the dorm as a freshmen in college, daddy sent me a lot of letters and often sent me a little money. One time, my letter was open and the money was taken. Here's what he wrote on the next letter he sent.... :)

Everyone loved him and half the time, he was so stupid, that he was funny. I also began to think about how much time he invested into my life. He always had a million questions for me after every day of school, after every trip I took without him, and of course a billion questions after every date! I remember him saying to me, as I reacted to his constant curiosity....
"At least I want to know all about your life. You'll understand one day." 
He was so right! As a concerned parent and one that wants to be a big part of my children's lives too, I now know exactly where he was coming from. Another thing is for sure....he loved Jesus and he constantly shared this with me and the importance of loving Him too. He shared this in almost every letter he wrote me and when I found the letters I had saved, I remembered that and it was almost like his way of telling me again how much he loved me and the importance of trusting God. My favorite part is where he writes.....stay close to Jesus. I will always save these. 

I am very blessed to have been born to Christian parents. I am also so blessed to have a God-fearing mom, who daily demonstrates a love for Christ and others. She is awesome and even before I can remember, my parents took me to church. I think I was only 13 days old when I first attended :)! Even though (like I said before), I have had a problem forgetting how my father's actions and sickness affected my life negatively, so many of his actions affected me in a positive way and helped me to become the person I am today. I know my dad is in heaven and I can't wait to see him again one day. Because of him, I am a better person, a stronger Christian, and a thankful, more attentive, parent. So here is the lesson of the day.....

• If you are a Christian, long to be a stronger one.
• If you are not a Christian, become one. Life is not worth living, if not with Christ. If you don't know how to become one, find someone who can help you or contact me and I will!
• If you have lost a parent, remember the good times.
• If you still have your parents, tell them how much you love them every chance you get. Be thankful for them and don't take them for granted. Mend the relationships that aren't great and make those that are great even greater. 
• If you are a parent, invest as much time as you can in to the lives of your children. It really does make a difference....no matter how young or old they are.
• If you are not a parent, remember this blog when you do become one (or even in your daily life when you interact with others).... write your children (or others!) letters, tell them how "pretty" and special they are, encourage them, and constantly remind them to "stay close to Jesus."

These are some of my favorite photos of Timmy and I with our precious children. My dad sure would have loved them. I am overjoyed and speechless when I think of them....they are miracles and God allowed me to be their mom! Wow.....really makes me forget all the silly things in life that we dwell on and worry over. I'm sure it does you too when you think about all God has blessed you with. God is so good.