July 5th is a federal holiday. Most people think it is to celebrate our country's independence, but I know the real reason: today is my wonderful father's birthday! Yes, you read me correctly -all those fireworks are just commemorating the birth of the best father. Alright, well, the Declaration of Independence may have influenced the decision a bit, but my case still stands, right? 
  In all gravity, though, I wanted to post a little something about my father.  But first, we are playing Shanghai. I will be back.

~

   I am back. And, if any of you wonders, I lost -terribly. Anyway, about Daddy dear. As I thought about him this morning, Ephesians 6 came to mind. 

"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

  Papa is an ever patient father, disciplining and instructing my brother and I in the word. When I read the command, "Do not provoke your children to anger..." I think of consistency. An inconsistent parent is very, very provoking. I cannot complain of that when it comes to Daddy. He consistently brings us up in the way of the Lord, consistently exhorts us, consistently romps with us, consistently loves us. 

  Yet the rest of Ephesians 6 applies to him as well. Verse ten directs us to be strong in the Lord, for our battle is a spiritual one. In Daddy, I have seen a strength which can only find its source in God. He has been a spiritual rock for our family, never losing sight of God's sovereignty in every situation. The chapter continues to describe the armor of God. The belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness are mentioned first. While no one is perfect, Daddy speaks truth. Words of wisdom flow from his mouth and bear upon the given circumstance. Truth does not stop on his lips, however, but runs into his actions, too. Daddy sincerely strives for righteousness, giving up his life for God's will and conforming his heart to God's. He preaches the gospel of peace with the shield of an unwavering faith in his hands. Because of Daddy, I understand why Paul used salvation as the helmet. That salvation marks Daddy's mind and thoughts, as well as protects it. Yet what strikes me most powerfully is the way Daddy uses the sword, the Word of God. He lives by it, proclaims it, and models it. I have seen Scripture upheld and affirmed in my home and, by God's grace working through Daddy, the mystery of the gospel has been unlocked for me. My Heavenly Father was so kind in giving me my earthly one. I love you, Daddy, and happy birthday!