I can do it!

One summer afternoon when I was 8 years old my father said the most amazing words to me!  I will never forget this phrase, "do you think you are ready to ride?" "Was he really asking me if I wanted to ride the go kart?", I hopefully thought to myself.  What happened next is the recollection of the memories that I have of this momentous event! "Yes Daddy, I can do it:, I proudly exclaimed.


My brother and father had been working on constructing this amazing metal monster for months. They had ridden it around the yard, down the dusty dirt road and around the farm as I watched in the distance, but never, never, never had they asked me if I wanted to. I had always thought that I was ready, after all I was in Second grade! 


What happened next will forever be etched into my memory.


I was given clear directions 

• The gas is on the right the brake is on the left
• Don't go to fast
• Keep both hands on the wheel
• Keep your eyes on the road

As my father buckled me in he reminded me of the directions and encouraged me to have fun. "I can do it!" I whispered out loud. My heart was pounding with the anticipation of what was to come. I pushed down hard on the gas pedal and felt the rumble of the engine. It was just as I imagined! As the go kart began flying down the the driveway I turned to look back at my father and  proudly waved to him. At this moment the wheel slightly turned and I drove directly under our families truck! Guess I forgot to follow all of the directions!

I often feel as though I can do it!  The problem is I try to do it alone without the assistance and guidance of my heavenly Father. The directions for a crash free life have been given to us in His word and we have the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. 

When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you. Proverbs 6:22

This memory has reminded me that "He can do it" My job is to follow His lead.

Father, I know that many times I have tried to do it by myself. I often look at you and wave and then crash.  Please help me to follow your lead and listen to your guidance. I confess that I can NOT do it by myself!  Jann

Thank you Father

God is a father to the fatherless. Psalm 68:5

I learned so many things from my earthly father. He taught me to be kind to others, to help those in need, to give freely of your time. He was a hard and diligent worker. He always made people feel comfortable and he smiled all the time. These are some valuable things that I learned from him. I did not learn godly things however. He was not a man that followed God. I am not exactly sure why, but he did not teach me about Jesus or how to follow him. This was probably because he does not know Jesus. I will always be thankful that he is in my life and that I have good memories of times with him and I continue to pray that someday he might embrace the God the father. (Abba Avinu) Romans 8:15

Praise God that He knew I needed Godly men in my life to be examples of Fathers who love Jesus. When I became a Christian in High School, the youth pastor, Dan Webster was giving a message about God the father. Even then God knew what I needed and thus began the journey of my life. Through the next couple of years I learned through Dan's leadership what it meant to allow God the father, to love and lead me. Thank you Dan for the impact you had in my life.

In early college, Jon Byron became the next Godly man that God used to shape my image of God the father. Jon and his wife Francie lovingly showed me how a couple who loves the Lord raises a family to love Jesus and how a christian couple can glorify God. They continue to be a Godly examples for me.

Through the years I have had the pleasure of being a part of amazing fellowships where Godly men have stood in the gap to show me Godly fathers. Thank you.

Lastly I want to praise God for my husband Kevin. God has used him mightily in my life to show me the Father's love. He is an example in all of his caring ways towards our girls and continues to bless our lives with his gentle and loving leadership.

God is the father to the fatherless. We might not always have been in Christian families. We might not all have had loving fathers or any father at all. There are some who lost there fathers early or who still mourn their loss. We are not fatherless.

Abba- Thank you for choosing me and for giving me godly men to teach and love me. You are the great provider. You are an amazing daddy. Bless all who hunger and thirst after you that they might be satisfied. Happy Fathers day!

Your daughter,

Jann