Dear Ones,
Happy early Father’s Day! Hope all you dads reading this have a wonderful day and are honored. We are headed for the lake today and will be celebrating Father’s day early with Ann’s family. Maybe we will get swimming and boating too. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Soon Father’s Day is upon us and the stores are full of shoppers trying to find just the right gift for dad, or at least something he doesn’t have. We all had a father and our hearts remember him on this special day, even if he is no longer with us. We have memories of when we were young and if he was there for us, if he loved us, and if he believed in us. Today there is a crises of fatherhood in America as many fathers have opted out of their role and not been there for their children. It could be through divorce, or business pursuits, or occupational challenges, or irresponsibility etc. 
One of our friends has a 20 year old son who he has not seen since he was 2 as his ex-wife made sure he won’t find his son. Sadly, that son needs to know he has a dad who cares. We all need that assurance that our dad loves us- and it is especially important in middle school when bullying takes place and we are finding out how we fit in. But it matters at any age that our dad is proud of us, and for so many that is lacking. That doesn’t mean that dad’s shouldn’t  discipline us, for it is also important that dads set the boundaries and have consequences if we go beyond them; it is a way of loving and protecting. 
One man sadly told Al that he remembers the very day his dad gave up on him and no longer disciplined him; he felt lost and that his dad didn’t care. I was blessed to have a loving father who I never doubted his love for  me; his arms were always open wide to hugs and love. Al’s dad was absent emotionally and spiritually, although he provided for the physical needs of the family. 
None of us got to choose our dads but if you are a dad reading this, you can choose what kind of dad you want your children to remember. In Eph.6:4 (ESV), we read, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” More than ever today we need fathers who train their children according to God’s ways. But even when we have (or had)  an absent father, we all have a Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally, disciplines us when needed, and believes in us.
Challenge for today: Thank your loving Heavenly Father that He is always present, and  provides all that you need, even if it was lacking in your earthly father
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy