Daddy by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Becoming a Father is easy enough

But being a Daddy...can be really tough!

Exhausted at the end of each work day...

But his pride and joy wants to play.

...So he plays dolls with his little dove...

Or grabs a ball and glove...

Daddys know the importance of a "play-date"

...Things like that, just can't wait.

Kids imitate all he will do and say,

As they grow along the way.

Learning by the way he treats their mother

and the way he helps a sister or brother.

They watch him stand for what is good and right

...And they hear him pray at night.

No greater task is found on Earth

Than to grow children of honest worth.

He creates memories for them to treasure,

From simple games of learning pleasure.

Holding his child's hand

He teaches them to stand.

He won't do everything right...

But he will always be "Daddy" in their sight.

He doesn't tell his child how to live

...Just lets them watch him love and give.

Watching him at work and play

He teaches them every day

As he loves with all his heart

He blesses each child with a healthy start.

Encouraging them to do their best

.......Trusting God with all the rest.

It's not an Even Trade! by Theresa Zuber

“I’m trading my sorrows. I’m trading my shame. I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.
I’m trading my sickness. I’m trading my pain. I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.”

Recently during our Sunday morning corporate worship, Tina encouraged us to be sure that when we “trade” God our sorrows, our pain, our worries, etc., that we make sure we take back His joy, His comfort – since that’s what trading is all about! Psalm 55:22 tells us to cast our cares on Him!

Have you ever tried to just GIVE someone something expecting nothing in return? You may no longer have use for it and you just want to pass it on. Some people insist on keeping up their end of the “deal.” My dad’s like that. Rarely will he just let me bless him with something. Even if I give him leftovers, sometimes he will bring me some food (or something) back in return. You just can’t out give my dad.

Our Heavenly Father is just like that- even more so!! He asks for a tithe, not because He needs our money but He needs us to LET GO of it! He promises us in Malachi 3:10 that He will bless us more abundantly than we can imagine: blessings of all types – not just monetary. We serve – He rewards. We worship – He inhabits the praises of His people. We obey – He is faithful. Even when we fall short on our side of the “trade” – God still gives to His children out of His abundant love. 1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

Looking for a last minute Father’s Day gift? How about a Christian CD? Try Mark Schultz “Come Alive” , “WOW Hits 2010” which features various artists, or Phillips, Craig & Dean’s “Fearless.”

MY FRIEND written by Donna (Ensign) Woods

My Friend is always beside me

To share in all I do and see.

Behind me to guard my back,

From Satan's plan of attack.

In front of me to lead the way

Lighting my path for each day.

He is under me---for strength to stand

For trials and joys He has planned

Up over...to release blessings rain

Showering me with mercy....soothing my pain.

In my heart... He lives within

An awesome Friend, I have in Him.

Under, Over, Beside, Behind....

In front of me, to ease my mind.

My Friend protects me under His wing...

Forever gives me a song to sing.

Daily refills my cup of hope

Renewing my strength to laugh and cope.

I feel His arms hug me tight.

For me....I know He'll fight.

He shares in my laughter and my tears,

Calming my doubts, and my fears.

My friend is always very near,

To whisper His truth in my ear.

Caressing my aching soul,

When trials of life take their tole.

When I stumble and fall

I hear Him gently call.

.....Or if I lose my way

....Close by me He will stay.

Long ago.....He went before me

....So my heart could see

.....His forever love....on Calvary.