Happy Father's Day

So, as some of you might know, I make the programs each week for our Sacrament meetings at church every Sunday. Each week I like to put a quote or scripture on the front of the program that either correspond to the day or theme in Sacrament. Because this week is Father's Day I went to lds.org and typed in Father's, etc. I had done the same thing for Mother's Day. The results however were vastly different. When I looked up Motherhood, the references were all gushing with how wonderful and sacred Mother's are, all of which I agreed with. When I looked up Fatherhood I found the results were mostly reminder's to men about the important role that being a Father is and instructions on what to do to be better at it. While surely the church praises the role of our father's, they also take it very seriously and want to make sure that the men know what a great responsibility it is to be a father and to never forget that.

The quote I pulled to go on the cover was this

“What confidence the Lord has in fathers, and what a responsibility He has placed on fathers! Great things are required of fathers today… Fatherhood is not a matter of station or wealth; it is a matter of desire, diligence, and determination to see one’s family exalted in the celestial kingdom. If that prize is lost, nothing else really matters.” Ezra Taft Benson, “Great Things Required of Their Fathers,” Ensign, May 1981, 34

I am grateful that the Lord has confidence in my Father and that I can share in His confidence that my Dad, while not perfect, has shown me the path I should chose in order to gain that perfection and exhaltation.

Ok so enough of that spiritual seriousness, I truly am grateful for my Dad. Here are a few reasons why.

He's always provided for us. He works hard, takes on overtime whenever he get the chance, even though we were never fabulously rich growing up, I never felt worried that we wouldn't have enough, my Father made sure of that.

He's fun! (Just ask his grandkids about that one) They all love their Papa Jeff because he plays the best with them. My dad always took us for bike rides to the park, played games and had food fights with us.

He's artistic. Believe it or not, my dad, while he enjoys manly things like going camping and shooting, is also very talented is several fields of the arts. He's been participating in Stake Plays since I can remember, including Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, Hello Dolly, Wizard of Oz, Beauty and the Beast, and more. He also is a great story teller and used to make us stories about us when we were on road trips to keep us entertained. And I've never seen anyone be so willing to help their children build castles, and missions, and Indian Villages, and Pinewood derby cars, as my dad, he always made our projects into masterpieces.

He's a protector. My dad always made me feel safe. It helps that he's 6 foot 3, has guns, and a loud booming voice, but more than anything I knew if my dad was there no one was going to hurt me, and that's such an important thing for children to feel.

He's handy. While he's been known to push the limits when trying to fix things, and end up breaking them even more, my dad has really been great at tackling big household projects and being Mr. Fix-It. Adam and I have had to call on him several times to help with various tasks, and he comes over and knows just want to do.

He holds the priesthood and a temple recommend. For that I am eternally grateful.

I know this is getting long - but really only my family is probably still reading thing any, so I'll finish up soon. But I just have to say, that while my dad and I may not have always seen eye to eye and we've had our fair share of fights and all out brawls, I wouldn't be who I am and where I am today without his guidance, protection, encouragement and love.

This blog wouldn't be complete without a shout-out to my wonderful Father-in-Law as well. I am grateful Adam has such a great, loving, patient, honest and hardworking father that we both look up to and love!

Happy Father's Day! Hope you enjoy these pics!
My Dad played the Wizard and Uncle Henry this year in the Wizard of Oz

BYU Graduate circa 1981??

Pepperdine Masters in Business 2006 - He hasn't changed a bit!

Still having food fights and lots of fun!