Family is an amazing miracle, when you actually think about it. Amber and Jesse probably don’t realize what a gift it was for me to witness this miracle. To watch them welcome Jaxson into their family, to see their love bloom. I am also thankful for the things God has shown me about Himself over the past few weeks.
To most this probably just looks like a photo of Jesse looking at his son’s face for the very first time. Maybe they see the wonder and the love. But I see more… I see God looking at me. Do you see it? Isn’t this how God looks at us? Such love… perfect secure love actually.
Mark and I are both so very grateful for our fathers, who model Christ’s love to us. Both of our fathers gave their lives full time to ministry. They both served overseas… my dad in Suriname, South America and Mark’s dad in Johannesburg, South Africa, and also stateside. I love that Mark and I share this common heritage.
Mark’s dad, taught Mark the value of hard work… teaching him at a very young age the skills he now uses as an amazing builder. More importantly he continues to model to Mark and others, what it looks like to love and serve God with passion. I am grateful that Mark and his dad share a healthy relationship. That says alot about both of them.
{this photo was taken last fathers day}
I have shared much about my dad on this blog, so I won’t repeat it all. But I am very thankful for the heritage given to me. I am thankful that my dad also modeled a life filled with love and passion for God and people. And even today, in his condition, he still let’s God’s love shine through.
And then there is Mark… I am so thankful for the way he loves his daughters and son-in-laws.
And I look forward to the things he will share with Jaxson.
So on this Fathers Day, I am thankful that God uses babies, new fathers, and older and wiser fathers, to show me how He loves us.
“ And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ.” Ephesians 3:18
“For God so loved the world (you and me), that He gave his only begotten Son. That whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
HAPPY FATHERS DAY!
Ruthi's Reflections 
Ruthie,
You say things in such a wonderful way!! I love what you said about “fathers”… yours, Mark’s, your son in law… you know just how to say things. Thank you for sharing that with “all of us”.
For those of us who have or had what you write about… we are indeed thankful and blessed!!
Love, Dawn
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thanks Dawn – I am always happy to know that others find my words encouraging.
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Dear Ruthi,
You are such a blessing to our family. Thank you for your pictures and encouraging, loving words. I can hardly wait to share your blog with David today. I know it will be such a blessing and encouragement to him. These are difficult days for him but his spirit remains sweet and he keeps active. It is a joy to be his wife and a step-mother to Mark and you. I count it all joy to be where God has placed me.
With love,
Sylvia
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and I am thankful for the way you love Mark’s dad
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Thanks Ruthi for sharing the insight about God as a Father and His love for us. He truly is the role model that we, as dads who love Him, wish to follow. It is so encouraging for me as a father to see my sons following in my footsteps as I follow in my heavenly Father’s footsteps. Thanks for encouraging Mark to be a godly father to your daughters and sons-in-law. They are blessed by who you are and the example you both set for them.
Love you,
Dad De Jong
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and we are thankful for your example!
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