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Sunday, June 12, 2011

Stampin' Sisters in Christ challenge 93 . . . Father's Day

Happy Sunday stampers! It is time for another challenge from Stampin' Sisters in Christ. I missed last week, finally have returned from having my oldest daughter's wedding and helping my mom with a move. Lots of traveling, lots of activity, but new horizons for many in the family and hopefully, good ones!

Our hostess this week is the lovely and talented Lisa, who has selected this verse from Ephesians 6:2-4, "Honor your father and mother"~this is the first commandment with a promise~"so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. And fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

Lisa is challenging us to make a Father's Day card or a card praising our Father in heaven. And our sponsor is Simon Says Stamp! Be sure to check out the home page here to read Lisa's thoughts about her chosen verse and to see the beautiful creations from the rest of the design team.

I made my card to give to my husband. My own father is gone, but my husband is a stellar example of a man who has risen to the top as a father, and to children not his own. I have three children from a first marriage and the kids and I were on our own for quite a number of years before I met my current husband and he entered their lives. The kids, especially my oldest daughter, were of the opinion that life would have sailed on quite nicely without him, thank you very much, no need for you to get married again, mom. But what an incredible journey we have had.

It was never a question for my husband, he said when he married me he had to embrace them as his own children or it never would have worked. That he has done, all the while walking a delicate line of making sure the kids understand he was not here to replace their own father, who is still alive, but just entering in as an extra helper in their lives--patient, kind, understanding, generous, unselfish, encouraging--always there to support the kids.

This past weekend my oldest daughter got married, which is why I didn't have time to make a card for last Sunday's challenge. The wedding was beautiful, my daughter was, of course, the prettiest bride ever seen. She danced with her dad, her new husband danced with his mom, and then, as a complete surprise, my daughter called my husband to the dance floor for their own special, private dance. It was one of the best moments of my husband's life, a sweet reward for all of his efforts and the love he has shown. Above all, my husband has helped with the spiritual growth in our family because of his love for his heavenly father. All the kids have said that their faith walks would not have grown the way they have without him. Two of my kids are on mission trips this summer.

Parenting is never easy, step parenting is even harder and doing it well deserves a gold medal. I don't have one of those and most of you reading this probably don't either, but take the time to thank someone next weekend, father, stepfather, grandfather, or heavenly Father, who has poured themselves into your life. I don't have photos of the wedding yet, but hope to share some soon!

Have a great week, hope you can play along.

Stamps: Mark's Finest Papers All Aboard and Big Boy Toys (sentiment)
Ink: Ranger distress ink Weathered Wood

13 comments:

Becky said...

What a beautiful story Peggysue, it brought tears to my eye's, how blessed you are to have such a wonderful husband. Wonderful card for a wonderful Father.
Hugs :)

Tenia Nelson said...

This is a wonderful Father's Day card!!! Thanks for sharing and have a great day!

Wendy M said...

Peggysuez, I shed a tear when I read about your daughter dancing at the wedding with her step dad. For personal reasons, your post has helped me. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story and I'm certain your daughter looked absolutely stunning... I have seen a photo of your girls and they are stunning.

God bless you all
Wendy M xx

Miesje said...

Okay - making me cry on a Sunday - not cool! Sharing you journey is WAY COOL! That was a wonderful testament to your husband Ps. Great card to make for him. Have a great week!

Grace said...

Hi Peggysue! I just love your card... it's perfect! I really loved reading your touching words about your hubby and the wonderful example of love he has been to your kids! I bet he shed a tear of his own when she called him up to dance with her.... what a special moment! Thanks for sharing!!! Can't wait to see the pics!
hugs,
Grace

MariLynn said...

Love your monochromatic card using this set. Awesome job. I loved your story you shared about your husband. I almost cried when I read about your daughter dancing with him. I hope this week is a little less hectic for you!

Chris Olsen, Glowbug said...

Oh Peggysue...I am so glad the wedding well and I so enjoyed reading reading your words about the relationship your hubby has had with his step children. What a blessing from God!!

Your card is gorgeous! I love the image and your design!!
hugs,
Chris

seamom said...

I am all choked up... What a tender story and testament to a wonderful man and a caring daughter. This may be my first visit to your blog. I feel as if I have met a new friend who I will very much enjoy knowing.
Oh! Great card! Very masculine, and I love the train and station (?) image. Really nice.

The Mama Monkey said...

I am so glad the wedding went well and I loved reading what you wrote about it!! I love your card...the colors are great together!

Sharron said...

It sounds like your daughter had a wonderful wedding. Your story about the dance was so touching. What a sweet thing for her to do. You must have a truly special husband. And your card for him is perfect!

Cammie said...

Thank you for sharing such a lovely tribute to your husband--both your words and your card.

Sabrina Jackson said...

What an awesome man card, Peggysue and your story sure is a tear trigger but so wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing with us! Hugs and blessings, Sabrina

Lovely Linda said...

Hello Peggysue - what a fabulous card - I love that wonderful image, it is stunning! The houndstooth is a great touch - love it!! What a beautiful testimony your DH is of the Fatherheart of God - it is very moving to hear of the Wedding Dance with him - it would have moved me to tears! Beautiful! Thank you for always sharing your art and your heart my friend - you are a blessing! {{{hugs}}}