Father's Day

Father’s day is a tough day for me because I miss my dad so much.  He would be sitting right beside me at church and then going on the boat!  One Sunday I noticed Mom had tears in her eyes and I said, "are you ok?"  She smiled through her tears and said, "I was just thinking how Charles would love this church!"  Mom said she could see him "carrying on" (southern for having fun and being silly) with Pastor Barry and Pastor Tim.  It is comforting to me to know that Dad would approve and be proud of how I obeyed God’s nudge to come to PVUMC.  I guess we never outgrow wanting our father's approval.

Like many of you, when I made the decision to come to PVUMC it was one of the hardest things I have ever done.  The biggest battle was that my mom was not coming.  God said to me, "Are you choosing your mother over me?"  I had to pick God.  Little did I know, it almost seems silly now, that God would bring Mom over - on her own nudge!  

I believe God was testing me - would I stay comfortable or would I trust Him?  1 Thessalonians 2: 4, "But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts."  I was being burdened but I wanted to stay in my comfort zone because I had always done it that way.  I prayed for wisdom and clarity and trusted that God was redirecting my path.  Proverbs 3: 5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths."  God has proven Himself faithful beyond belief!  The Holy Spirit is here!  

I know my earthly father would be proud of us for our decision to follow God’s call but what is most important is that we please our Heavenly Father.  Matthew 6: 33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."  I feel He has "added" so many blessings to my life and helped me grow by leaps and bounds since coming to PVUMC.  This father’s day is your Heavenly Father calling for your obedience?  

Happy Father's Day!