Dad's Day

I consider myself to be one of the luckiest girls alive--especially when I think of the men that the Lord used to bless my life.  Today, as our nation sets aside a special time to honor those men among us who serve the role as "Father", I'm taking the time to reflect and rejoice in my favorite dads.

1.  My Husband, Hunter Newby.  We have been together for so long that I'm starting to have fewer and fewer  memories that he's not a part of--and I wouldn't have it any other way.  I knew as soon as we met that we were in this for the long haul.  We are a team, and soon we'll be a trio :)  I cannot wait to see his tender heart and incredible passion pour into his raising of our daughter.  He is devoted, energetic, and most importantly in love with Jesus.  I know that he will be an amazing role model and Godly influence on our children, and I am honored to be chosen as his wife and the mother of his children.

2.  My Dad, ET Browning.  I'm the baby of three girls and I have always been a daddy's girl.  His sagacity and honesty have always been a fortress for me, and now my husband also leans heavily on them.  He cares so deeply for me and my sisters and it is so evident.  He, with my mom, instilled deep values in all three of us that set the stage for our success.  Nothing is acceptable but my best--behavior and effort.  He set high goals for me which taught me to set high expectations for myself.  He and my mom taught me that family time is a necessity--vacations, dinner, and game nights made our bonds unbreakable.  His ultimate goal (which he achieved in all three of us) was to secure a love of Jesus and His teachings in our hearts.  I am the woman I am today because of the love and guidance of my parents.  I am so thankful for an earthly father who enabled me to know the love of my Heavenly Father.

3.  My Father-in-Law, Frank Newby.  I want to thank you for raising Hunter to be the stronghold of our family.  You taught him a work ethic like none I've ever witnessed before.  He protects and provides; with him, I never worry.  I also thank you for instilling morals and character in him to be a strong Christian leader in the family and in the church.  He will be an amazing father, and your example is a lot of what I owe for that.

4.  My Brother-in-Law, Aaron Valentine.  You are an amazing dad to the three most beautiful children I have ever seen (until Arabella gets here--then I have a feeling they'll be a super close runner-up in my book!).  You give them your attention and your care; you're not afraid to discipline, but you also encourage them to have fun.  You and Melonie are doing an amazing job with all three of them, and I just want you to know that it doesn't go unnoticed.

5.  My ever-loving Savior, God the Father.  You have blessed me with some of the most amazing men you ever created.  You satisfy all of my needs and enable me to be a better person and steward in your kingdom by providing them to me.  The gift of your son is overwhelming beyond words--you're mighty, tender, loving, and uplifting.  You gave me life and the gift of a precious eternity.  Thank you seems so inadequate...  We all have a Father who is worthy of our utmost praise, rejoicing, and devotion every day.  "Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him--his name is the Lord.  A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.  God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing..."  Psalm 68:4-6

Happy Father's Day to all of the amazing dads out there.  I know I've been blessed...