Abba-Aramaic for "Father"
Father's Day is a day set aside to honor our fathers, grandfathers, and the men in our lives that have helped to shape us into the men and women we are today. Throughout the ages the word father has been used. The bible refers to God as our "abba" meaning father.
In Mark 14:36 it states, "Abba father all things are possible unto thee." Romans 8:15 proclaims, "Ye have received the spirit of adoption, where we cry Abba Father." Then again in Galations 4:6 we read, "And because you are sons, God hath sent forth the spirit of his son into your hearts crying Abba father." I am blessed with a heavenly father who claims me as his child, who hears my cry, who holds me tenderly, and above all knows my name.
I am so thankful for my Abba daddy, but also thankful God has blessed me with an earthly father, to not only honor one day out of the year, but everyday of the year! I believe that the most important feelings in life are never expressed; especially to those we love the most.
Daddy, no matter how many miles life parted us, you were always there for me. I love you dearly and am so thankful for your energy, your dedication, faithfulness, love and selflessness. You have taught me to love, laugh, fear God, love some more and just have fun doing it. Life had its ups and downs, set backs and set ups, we are still climbing and reaching, and learning but I am so glad I have you by my side. I remember those songs you used to sing to me, "You are my sunshine, my only Sunshine" and "Jesus, Jesus, there's just something about that name." You taught me to love and serve God will all my heart and that is one of the most import lessons anyone could ever teach me. The question has been asked, "When does a woman stop needing her daddy?" My answer, "I'll let you know when I find out!" You are my #1 man and I appreciate all you do and all you are. I wouldn't trade you for the world, even if you are a grumpy old man sometimes.
I have had the amazing opportunity of getting to know a miracle baby over the past year. Carisse Lynn is the only child of Tim and Jennifer Butts, a dear couple in our church. Her story is incredible and tearful, but God has shown his mercy and grace through every lofty step. 
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Life has a way of sending you unfortunate events that rock your world! Wednesday evening a childhood friend of mine and a dear friend to our family was involved in a motorcycle accident. At this time he is stable, but his life will never be the same. The accident has deformed his lower leg and after 6 hours of surgery the doctors have decided they could do no more. Below is a story that was sent by his mother hours before the accident. The young man along with his father are not in church nor serving the Lord, but know the truth. I only heard this story second hand so I have added my own adjectives and twists, but I know you will understand the purpose and meaning. Please keep the Seward family in your prayers, and pray Michael comes to know how precious life is and how threatening it is without the promise of eternity. God has each of our lives in his hand!
I heard of a story of a not so wise, yet not so negative King who had a trusted servant whom spent every moment with the king. The king had a jolly phrase he quoted each day, "It's all for the good!" One warm afternoon the king took his trusted "side kick" hunting with him, in the confusion and excitement of the sight of game, the servant pulled the trigger of the gun and unfortunately blew the kings thumb off. Angered the king had the servant thrown into a bitter jail. Many years later the king was traveling in a foreign land and was captured by an ancient tribe. He was tied to a stake and prepared for an offering. One brave noticed that this so called king was missing his thumb, and superstitious as they were, released the king for all sacrifices were to be whole in every way. The king gratefully returned to his kingdom and was met with the familiar phrase, "It's all for the good!" The king quickly ran to the jail and had his long time ago friend released. Upon their glorious reunion the king told of his story and ended with "It's all for the good! But I am sorry I so hatefully threw you in prison" The man heartily accepted the apology and said "But my king, it was all for the good that I was thrown in prison for all this time. For if I had been with you, I would have taken your place as the sacrifice and would not been able to celebrate this precious life with you my friend, my king!"
I have always felt so terrible for the disciples as I reflect upon their walk to Emmaus that they had not said to Jesus, "We still trust"; instead of "We trusted."
If they had only said, "Everything is against our hope; it looks as if our trust was in vain, but we will not give up; we believe we shall see Him again. "
But no they walked by his side declaring their lost faith, and He had to say to them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe!"
Are we not in the same danger of having these words said to us? We can afford to lose anything and everything if we do not lose our faith in the God of truth and love.
Let us never put our faith, as these disciples did, in a past tense-"We trusted." But let us ever say, "I am forever trusting!"
