Aspire to Inspire {Father's Love}

Thank you to the following ladies who participated in my first Aspire to Inspire. I appreciate you all taking the time to link up.


Paula from Paula Grace Designs
Traci from Beneath My Heart
DeeDee from DDzine
Audry from At Town Square

Aspire to Inspire {Fatherly Love}


A while ago, a friend sent me a link to this video. Thanks Louise!

In case you don't watch it, which I highly encourage you to do so, I'll summarize.  It's the remarkable story of Patrick Henry Hughes. Born without eyes and a medical condition that prevents him from straightening his arms and legs, Patrick has succeeded his "disability" to become an amazing virtuoso pianist, vocalist and trumpeteer.

As if Patrick HENRY"S story is not enough inspiration, you meet his father, Patrick JOHN.

Spoken in true humility, Patrick JOHN says this "I'm just a parent of a young man that wanted to be in band". Patrick JOHN works midnight shift just so he can attend his son's every class and band practice. Acting as his son's eyes and legs, Patrick JOHN tirelessly maneuvers his son's wheelchair through the formations of the 220 member Marching Band at the University of Louisville.

How amazing is that! A true testimony of the love a father has for his child.

As I thought about this story I was momentarily saddened that my father and I are estranged. But then I remembered I have a Heavenly Father that loves me just as much as Patrick JOHN loves his son and has sacrificed so much more for me.

Here's a letter I received from my Heavenly Father reminding me of how much he loves me:

 

Works for Me Wednesday at We are That Family

My Dearest Child,


You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Ps 139.1)

I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Ps 139.2)

I am familiar with all your ways. (Ps 139.3)

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10.29-30)

For you were made in my image (Genesis 1.27)

In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring (Acts 17.28)

I knew you even before you were conceived (Jeremiah 1.4-5)



I chose you when I planned creation (Eph. 1.11-12)

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Ps 139.15-16)

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17.26)

You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139.14)

I knit you together in your mother's womb (Ps 139. 13)

And brought you forth on the day you were born (Ps 71.6)

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ( John 8.41-44)



I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ( I John 4.16)

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you (I John 3.1)

Simply because you are my child and I am your father (I John 3.7)

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7.11)

For I am the perfect Father (Matthew 5.48)

Every good gift you receive comes from my hand (James 1.17)

For I am your provider and I meet your needs (Matthew 6.31)

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29.11)

Because I love you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31.3)

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore (Ps. 139.17-18)




And I rejoice over you with singing (Zephaniah 3.17)

I will never stop doing good to you (Jeremiah 32.40)

For you are my treasured possession (Ex. 19.5)

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32.41)

And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33.3)

For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4.29)

So, delight in me and I will give yo the desires of your heart (Ps. 37.4)




For it is I who gave you those desires (Phil. 2.13)

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine (Eph. 3.20)

For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thess. 2.16-17)

I am also the Father who comforts who in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1.3-4)

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you (Ps 34.18)

As a shephered carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40.11)

One day I will wipe away every tear form your eyes. And I will take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21.3-4)


 

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ( I John 4.10)

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8.31-32)

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me (I John 2.23)

And nothing will ever seperate you from my love again (Romans 8.38-39)

When it's time for you to come home and I'll throw the biggest party Heaven has ever seen (Luke 15.7)

I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father (Eph. 3.14-15)

My question is...Will you be my child? (John 1.12-13)

I am waiting for you (Luke 15.11-32)



Love Dad,

Your Heavenly Father



This weekend, as I celebrate my birthday, I know I've already received the greatest gift.


Sincerely, Lisa