Fathers bring blessings to families

Fathers are called by God to do so many different things. They teach us, they lead us, and they provide for us. But above all they love us, even when we make bad choices they still love us with the same unconditional love that our Heavenly Father has for us. They are living examples of our Heavenly Father and they help us to see just a little of what our Heavenly Father is really like.

Fathers teach us so much, even when we don’t realize it. My father helped teach me how to walk and I’ve walked around all day every day for the past twelve years without stopping once! The thing is, our fathers teach us so much and we take advantage of that way too often. Fathers are not credited  nearly enough for all that they do for us and they still continue to do that. Why? Because they are natural teachers and they love us.

Fathers are also leaders. In the scriptures, so many kings lead not only their sons and daughters but also their whole kingdoms in the same manner as them. Those kinds like King Benjamin lead their kingdoms in righteousness and love and everyone was blessed because of it.

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society today.”  - Billy Graham

I’d like to thank all of the fathers who have ever been, are now, and are soon to come, for all that they do. I know that it is a sacred calling to be a father and that it definitely isn’t easy but they are so important to the family. They bring their families so many blessings and will always love and support them. I know how important it is to have a father in the home and I am so glad that I have a wonderful dad who loves and cares about me.

                                                                            - This article was submitted by a youth in the ward

Fatherhood: A Mighty Work of the Lord

I appreciate having a loving father to guide me and direct me. He is such an amazing example to me. He is kind, loving and sensitive to my needs. And  most importantly, he taught me to love the Lord. I am now very blessed to have a loving husband who is an amazing father and teaches our children to love the Lord. Fathers are an important part of our lives. And fatherhood is a mighty work of the Lord.

Earthly Father, Heavenly Father

"Of all the titles of respect and honor and admiration that are given to deity, He has asked us to address him as Father."
- Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

I'd like to take a moment to say a few things about my Earthly father. He loves me profusely and I never doubted it. Growing up he made sure I was well provided for, supported me in all my endeavors and always answered my many questions thoughtfully. I respect him and would be utterly lost without him. I am thankful he is in my life and am glad I have had the privilege to grow up with a father in the home such as he.

I must also include that I have another father, my Heavenly Father who also loves me, has provided me with a loving family, has answered my questions, and supported me through hard times. Like my Earthly father I am glad I have the privilege to know that Heavenly Father lives and that I am his daughter. With that in mind I was greatly inspired by the quote below. Knowing my Earthly father loves gives me an idea of how Heavenly Father sees us. How much he loves us and how we cannot forget that he is our father. Though Father's Day has come and gone let us take a moment to thank our fathers, both of them.

"Noble Fatherhood give us a glimpse of the divine."
- James E. Faust

A Father's Influence

One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters.

George Herbert

I strongly believe in this saying. The following story is about my dad and how through his example he taught me many things. 

The way my dad treats his brothers and sisters is truly Christ-like. Every aunt and uncle of mine has fallen away from the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Each has been and/or currently reliant on my dad for financial and/or emotional aide. The way they have used my dad to alleviate some of their consequences with little to no gratitude is astounding. I remember telling him when I was younger that he is weak for not being able to say no to them. He would quietly hear my "wisdom" and continue helping them. As I grow closer to my Heavenly Father and learn more about my savior, Jesus Christ, I have grown a deeper appreciation and understanding for my dad. He, through his actions, has shown me true unconditional love. I hope one day I can be strong enough to serve someone in need even if I don't receive recognition for it. 

I can rely on my dad for strength and support. Because my dad held high expectations for his daughters, we have been able to go to college, serve in the church and do hard things. My dad is the one who helped me understand who I was and how I can become a better version of me. 

Through my father's righteous example, I can feel my Heavenly Father's love for me. I can understand a little more clearly the love God has for me. I can better comprehend how my Heavenly Father teaches and guides me to be a divine daughter of God by how my dad teaches and guides me to be a better person. I love my dad and my Heavenly Father. I am grateful to know them and I am more grateful that they are a part of my life. And although I can never repay them for all they have taught and given me, I can at least make them proud of who I've become.  

Happy (belated) Fathers Day

Your Greatness is Measured by Your Kindness

I love hanging out with my Dad.  He is a lot of fun to be around.  He's jovial, happy, doesn't take himself too seriously and he'll always stand up for anyone who deserves it.  Whenever someone needs some help or is lacking in confidence, he'll be a friend even if no one else will.  He has always worked hard for me and his whole family.

The most important thing I've learned from my Dad is to not give in to the pride of the world.  I had to learn from my Grandpa that my Dad was a four sport athlete in high school.  He's held leadership positions in the church, he owns his own small business and built hundreds of custom houses.  Yet he shies away from awards and prestige he's been given and hides them away in the past.  He has done an incredible amount of service unthanked and unnoticed, more than I know.  He knows how to handle any situation.  He could talk about himself all day and mention all the things he's accomplished in his life, but he doesn't.  He remains who he is - a humble, hard working man.

He is a very special person in my life.  I observe the things he does closely and want to be more like him.

We don't need to look at other people and tell ourselves that we need to be better than them.  We can simply live our lives how we think is best, showing love, kindness and respect towards all regardless of others' circumstance.

Here is a short video about simple acts of kindness.  This video changed my mood and made me want to be more aware of little things I could do to help others.  The video took place in Pakistan.

"Your greatness is measured by your kindness; your education and intellect by your modesty; your ignorance is betrayed by your suspicions and prejudices, and your real caliber is measured by the consideration and tolerance you have for others."
-William J.H. Boetcker

My Hero - My Father.....

With Father’s Day fast approaching it gives me pause to reflect on my own Father.  My dad passed away almost 11 years ago, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could speak with him.  I miss his advice, his straight forward way of looking at a problem and being able to fix it.  My dad was a great example of hard work and hard service.  He worked hard for his family every day, and he served diligently for his Heavenly Father.  Because of my Dad, I learned how to be a good husband and father to my family.  If there is one attribute that I owe to my dad it is the ability to work hard at things, to never give in or give up. 

            But also I owe my dad so much more than my work ethic.  He was a great priesthood holder, honoring his priesthood through his service.  Some of my earliest memories are of my father dragging me along as we went to a widow’s home to repair something that was broken.  He always had time, even if he didn't; to help someone in need.  He also wasn't afraid to bless his family with our Heavenly Father’s priesthood.  He was always ready and willing to give us blessings, using his priesthood power to enrich our lives.  I owe my father so much, more than I could ever put into mere words.  Dad, I Love You and Miss You…… but I also know that you will be my father for eternity.

The following video expresses my feeling for my own father and my feelings that I have for my Heavenly Father.  How has your Father impacted your life?