60 Years Together

This year, the Phipps’ celebrated 60 years of wedded bliss!  60 years, people! 

They made the choice in 1954 to love each other for better or for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, never to divorce…and they’ve succeeded!  I’m sure they’ve had hard times and disagreements and stressful months/days/years…but they made the choice to love each other regardless and stick it out for the long haul!  We are so proud to be from this long line of love…

Wrex and I have actually attended two other 60th anniversary celebrations, one of which was Grandad Phipps’ brother.  The Lord has put some incredible people in our path, it’s true…

We had the honor of decorating for the grand occasion and I regret to inform you that I didn’t get too many pictures.  I left my good camera at home, my iPhone was full and in my nauseous state, we just tried to survive.

With that being said, I’ll share what few I do have!

We went with a neutral theme…lots of white, off-white, gold and a buttery yellow.

The happy couple - matching, no less!
The happy couple – matching, no less!

My favorite part of the party was a display of Doug and Alice’s wedding ensembles.  How incredible is that going away outfit?!  Grandma was so tiny when she got married we barely got that thing on the mannequin!

Alice's going away outfit, Doug's suit, Alice's wedding dress
Alice’s going away outfit, Doug’s suit, Alice’s wedding dress

We had pictures from their biggest anniversary milestones…

Through the years...
Through the years…

We had this little pretty at the entrance of the banquet room…

Really, they do...
Really, they do…

and this right above the welcome table.  That really puts it in perspective, doesn’t it?

By the numbers...
By the numbers…

About a month before the party, I put together a list of questions to ask the Phipps’ and then called them up on several occasions to interview them.  It was, honestly, one of the coolest things I’ve ever gotten to do.  There is sooooo much rich history there…stories we need to know!  We laughed so much, it was almost unbearable!

Did you know Grandma left her wedding and went straight to the dentist to get a tooth pulled before their two week honeymoon??  The dentist did the work for free as a wedding gift, but Grandma told him he didn’t need to do that because she’d been waiting to marry a rich rancher so she could get her teeth fixed and she just had!  HA!

I took the interview and turned it into 60 facts about 60 years.  We printed them out and then (painstakingly) put them on a huge board to display at the party.  We loved how it turned out and people really seemed to enjoy reading little tidbits about their life together.

60 Facts About 60 Years
60 Facts About 60 Years

There was cake and punch and a popcorn bar…boisterous conversations and laughter.   They had such a great turnout; there were well over 100 people that came to hug them and bless them and celebrate with them!

Before we left, Grandad told us thank you for all we did and he said, “I hope you guys have 60 years, too.”  And he didn’t say it in a “I hope you actually make it!” way…he said it like 60 years is worth it.  We’ll make ya proud, Grandad…we promise!

****If I gather up more photos from the rest of the fam, I’ll be sure and share them as an update!****

Much Rejoicing

About a month ago, I felt like my Bible time with the kids had waned a bit and I woke up one morning just thinking/praying that I’d like to just find something to teach them some basic biblical truths.  I got online and searched for pre-school type devotionals and the Lord led me to one called Truth for KidsExactly what I was looking for, yes?

Now, some of it’s a little cheesy and the graphics are a little outdated and I’ve found a few spelling/grammatical errors, but the meat seems to be right on the money.  Every morning at breakfast, we’ve been studying these basic biblical truths and learning scripture and it has been a blessing to me, too.

A couple of days ago, we learned about how the Lord makes us a new creation once we choose to confess our sins and follow Him.  The little devotional talked about how in our sin, we’re like an ugly old caterpillar but when we accept Jesus to be the Lord of our lives, He transforms us into a beautiful butterfly.

At lunch yesterday, Sawyer was putting her dishes in the dishwasher and she started to say, “That ugly old…” and she caught herself.  I said, “Good catch, sugar.  We don’t say ugly.”

In the next second, we both thought of the caterpillar and we said, “Except for that caterpillar.”  I told her that in that instance, it was definitely ok to use ugly, because that is exactly how our sin is.  She said, “Yeah, I want to tell brother about the caterpillar.  And I want to ask Jesus into my heart.”   

I told her we could do it right then and there!  (I think I might have gotten a little too excited *ahem* because her shyness took over and she took a while finishing at the dishwasher…then she wanted her blanket…then she decided she just wanted to play).  I wasn’t going to force her into that decision so I just told her that whenever she was ready, Jesus was ready for her.

She came back about five minutes later and said, “I’m ready to ask Jesus into my heart.”

So we did!  We prayed together.  She said she was a sinner and that Jesus died on the cross.  She said she wanted Jesus to live in her heart and be in charge.  Then she said, “But I’m not going to change my mind.”

I asked, “Change your mind about what, sweetie?”  She said, “About being married and being a mom.  He can live in my heart, but I still want to stay here with you guys!”

She has been sooooooo concerned about that lately and I think she thinks the two are connected somehow; if Jesus is in your heart then you are/become a wife and mom.  How sweet is that?  We talked that through and she felt a lot better about it…even though we prayed about it again upstairs.  🙂

I am such a joyful, proud momma this morning.  I am boasting in Christ, because every good thing about her comes from Him – of that I have no doubt.  She is leaps and bounds ahead of me in this life and I’m glad she is!  It will serve her well…

Thank you, Lord, that you give us the free will to choose you! 

Thank you that you forgive our sins as far as the east is from the west! 

Thank you that you want to be in relationship with us from a very early age. 

Thank you for what you’ve done in Sawyer.

Sweet girl, you will never regret this decision – I promise you that.  Your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life and no one or no thing can revoke that.  I pray that satan does not steal the joy of your salvation and daddy and I join forces with you to push away his nasty attempts to distract and restrain you.  This is the beginning of a beautiful journey and I pray that you follow close to Him all the days of your life.  I pray that you call upon the riches of the Holy Spirit in you to guide your every thought and word and action.  Go take the Kingdom by storm, sweet girl! We are so proud of the wonderful little sweetie you are; you bless us!

Sweet Sawyer, seconds after asking Jesus into her heart...
Sweet Sawyer, seconds after asking Jesus into her heart…

*****If any of you reading this have questions about following Christ or confessing sin or what He did on the cross, please don’t hesitate to shoot me a message or comment and I’ll be glad to help answer those.  It’s a life changing decision to be an heir with Christ…one you won’t regret!*****

Random Rambles

Well hello, September.  What did you do with August?? 

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Tonight is the kickoff BBQ for Cubbies!  There’s a little someone around here that’s awfully excited.

Cutest Cubbie I know!
Cutest Cubbie I know!

She’s been going through her book from last year and teaching Wryder the verses.  I love this program and how it fosters a love for the Word of God.

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We started “back to school” yesterday.

Makin' A's...
Makin’ A’s…

Last year, I did a preschool curriculum with Sawyer that I’ll continue this year.  This girl loves to learn; has since she was a little tyke.  (She knew all of her shapes, including a trapezoid before she was two!)  We don’t go at it hard and we only do four days a week, but it’s amazing what you can accomplish in an hour.

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Wryder has recently discovered he might actually like books…which is good, because we have a few. 🙂

Who doesn't love to read?!
Who doesn’t love to read?!

We are doing some serious rejoicing over here!

He’s on the go all the time and sometimes we force him to sit with us and read a little book, but it’s definitely not his favorite thing.  He came across a farm book and it’s spurred his interest, praise the Lord!

He loves to stand in front of the book shelves and point and say “book, book.” We’ll get him a book and he’ll take it to his little desk and read.  Seriously?  It’s adorable.

Tractor in hand, still...
Tractor in hand, still…

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Wrex’s paternal grandparents recently celebrated their 60th anniversary.

On their wedding day...
On their wedding day…

How incredibly cool is that?!  The family is hosting a party for them later this month because THAT is worth celebrating, yes?!

If you know and love the Phipps’, please join us!

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We’ve been soaking up these last lingering days of summer as they get noticeably shorter.

Sorting imaginary cows...
Sorting imaginary cows…
Digging with spoons...
Digging with spoons…
Dads make trampolines more fun...
Dads make trampolines more fun…

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These little sweeties are growing like weeds!

Brenhem and Berwick
Brenhem and Berwick

I can’t wait to get my snuggle on with them in a couple of weeks.  Seriously, how cute are they?!

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I better get a move on…I’ve got little fingers to paint and lessons to teach and lunch to make and hair to do.  All in a day’s work for a momma…and I love it!

Happy 4th Birthday, Sawyer

Happy birthday, sweet Sawyer!!

IMG_2902My phone just dinged reminding me it was your birthday…as if I needed a reminder.  You are in my heart and on my mind every minute of every day.  At age four, I see you in your princess dress and cowboy boots waving your little hand off to the truck drivers as they pass…I smell the scent of my body spray (that you helped yourself to the last time you were in the bathroom) mixed with your coconut Barbie detangler…I feel your sweet, soft hands on my arms or around my neck and the matted fuzz of pink teddy since he’s always near by…I hear your voice singing “Let it Go” and praise and worship without skipping a beat…

You’re the neatest kid I know!  You’re a little bit of an introvert like your momma, but when you’re with someone you love and trust – you are on!  I feel so blessed to be able to know you the way I do…

IMG_4596I do believe you have the sweetest, most sensitive spirit on the planet!  The way you care for me and daddy absolutely melts my heart.  I love the way you leave water by my bed when you get up in the mornings and you sneak out, so I can have “a little more sleep.”

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You care for my heart just as good as your daddy does.  So many nights I have prayed with you before bed and begged the Lord to forgive me where I’ve fallen short and to help make me a better mother and you are always so quick to tell me I’m “the bestest mom in the world.”

You’re so forgiving – you get that from your daddy.  You don’t have a grudging or vengeful bone in your body.  I can recall several occasions where you’ve gone to bed and hours later called us back upstairs because you felt bad about something or were afraid you hurt our feelings somehow or felt the need to apologize about something.

You care for and protect your baby like his second momma.  And?  He adores you, sweet one.  He wants to be just like you, I know it!  Daddy and I love to see you hold his hand and help him down stairs and feed him his snacks.  He’s a lucky boy to have a sister as wonderful as you.

IMG_4565I love your creative mind!  You absolutely blow me away when it comes to imagination and resourcefulness!  I love to watch you sort through the trash in daddy’s pickup to find something to block the sun or gather his old pop cups to make a vending machine in your play kitchen or the way you tape a box to the back of your pedal car to make a trailer to haul trash in.  Seriously, who does that?!

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Your memory astounds me; it is truly a gift!  You remember names and places and things we’ve done better than I do.  When you tell a story, it’s specific and succinct and accurate.  I love that you can get us to Denver (or get us home) almost better than I can!

I love the way the world is drawn to you.  You’re like this cute, curly-haired magnet that just sucks people in!  I’m sure I’m a bit biased, but I’m also a keen observer and I don’t see this with other people as much as I see it with you; everywhere we go, people want to come make conversation with you or say hi to you or give you gifts.  You have the ability to affect the world for Christ just by being YOU…people see Jesus radiating out of your sweet little face, it’s true.

You have the heart of a worshiper; a little David.  Some of my favorite times with you are when we just sing to the Lord as long and as loud as we can.  I love when I hear you singing in the other room, expressing your love to Him the way you know best.  Sugar, He loves to hear you sing…

I love that you love all things girlie; the bigger the bow, the fluffier the ruffles and the sparklier the shoes, the better!  But you also know how to work and you definitely aren’t afraid to get dirty.  That will serve you well…

You have made the past four years the best four years of my life, no doubt.  On your fourth birthday, I bless you in the name of Jesus!  I bless you in your coming in and going out; your lying down and your waking.  I speak to your future and I pronounce it blessed!  I bless you with rich relationships with people who point you to Christ.  I bless you with good health and a long life.  I bless you with humility and forgiveness and grace and mercy that is as endless as you give it now.  I bless you with obedience, that you would follow the Lord all the days of your life.  I bless the work of your hands, that all you would set them to would prosper and bring glory to the Lord.  I bless you with a continued love for the word of God and I bless you with His abiding presence in every way, in every day.

YOU are who I want to be like when I grow up…and you? You can stop growing up any time you’d like…

Random Rambles

Besides playhouse move-in day, yesterday was also chicken moving day!

Cutest chicken helper I know!
Cutest chicken helper I know!

The 100 little hens that we ordered a while back were ready to join the big flock in the chicken house.  Sawyer is an incredible helper!  She carried two chickens at a time and made about 10 trips with us.  They were still exploring their new digs this morning, but I’m betting they feel right at home soon enough.

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On the playhouse front, I had to laugh/grimace/shake my head yesterday.  After breakfast, we went back out to play and I had a little mowing to finish up.  The kids played in the little house for about 20-30 minutes and then I see them scurrying off……..to the barn………where they played for over an hour.  HA!  Sweet Tredessa reminded me that the barn was just like a really big playhouse…

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I was talking to a friend last night about some of the struggles life throws at us.  She was saying she just felt like she was unequipped to deal with some of the trials that her family has been going through as of late; she felt like she had no strength to dig in and conquer.  She felt frayed and frazzled and a little scared.

As I was chatting with her, the Lord gave me a picture of childbirth.  When you get into transition phase – right before that sweet, beautiful baby that you’ve been waiting on for nine (long) months physically makes its way into the world – things get rough.  The pain is intense, it feels like it’s gonna never gonna be over and you start saying/screaming/yelling/crying “I can’t do this!  It’s too hard!  I’m not gonna be able to do it!” – the tell-tale sign of transition.  Don’t ask me how I know.  *ahem*

And lo and behold, you’re able to…you’re more than able to…and out comes this sweet little life that has been knit inside your womb by the very hands of God.  And?  Every month and day and minute of pain and discomfort was worth it. 

Isn’t that how life is sometimes, too?  When you’re being held over the refining fire…when the Lord is working things out for the better for you, even if it feels like the worst…when we finally get to the other side, there is LIFE.  I’m praying that for her and for you…and for me.

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Sweet Sawyer put on her swimsuit yesterday all by her lonesome!

IMG_5214
Front is on the back
IMG_5216
Back is on the front

I didn’t tell her it was on backwards because she was so proud of herself and I was proud of her, too.  Plus, she looks stinkin’ cute with her backwards suit!  And in these sunglasses…

Smooch!
Smooch!

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Daddy took Sawyer to the sale barn today as part of “birthday week” and I stayed home with little man to have some one-on-one time with him and to catch up on some housework.  I had just sat down with a notebook and pen to make a lit of things that ‘needed’ to be done when I came across this post from Ann Voskamp.

I get increasingly frustrated by moms that celebrate their kids going back to school, not for the sake of the kid, but out of their own selfishness.  THAT’S another post for another day…

Ann beautifully captures the order in which things should be.  She writes:

What if I want to play more games of monopoly and leave the dishes in the sink more often? What if I want to take you fishing more Saturdays and blow off cleaning up the garage? Why doesn’t someone tell all the homemakers: Cleanliness isn’t next to godliness. Love is.

Oh.  My.  Heart.  I’m crying again just reading it.  Let’s just say I haven’t done much cleaning…and I’ve loved every minute.  Please, please take the time to read her post

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I’m off to see if I can catch a nap before WD wakes up…it’ll be all over after that!

Praying for Our People

Wrex and I were working downstairs yesterday afternoon and Sawyer was up playing in her room.  We looked at each and smiled every few minutes as we heard her worshiping at the top of her lungs.  “I’m running to your arms.  I’m running to your arms.  Nothing compares to your embrace.  Light of the world forever reign.”

We got to talk to her later about what was happening in Iraq and that was the perfect way to initiate the conversation.

The images coming out of that country are absolutely heartbreaking.  I’ve come across a few on Facebook and I can hardly bare to look.  I try to scroll right past them as quickly as possible…and then have to remind myself that not looking is not going to solve the problem.

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I can’t help but see the face of baby Wryder in this photo, instead…

I get so comfortable in my corner of the world.  While we’re out going to family reunions and renovating playhouses and worshiping the Lord in our homes, people are being forced from theirs. They’re running for their lives, just hoping to survive.  Children and adults are dying of dehydration, are being thrown off of mountains, beheaded and executed.  Our people are dying en masse because they proclaim the name of Jesus. 

Join me in praying for our people.  We are praying that the Lord shows off in the grandest of forms.  We’re praying that the shield of protection around these people is impenetrable and that because of that, ISIS members will have their eyes opened to the glory of the Lord.  We’re praying for revival, for shifts, for change, for life.

The homes of Christian (and other non-Muslim) families in Iraq are being marked as such.

20140719114236It’s a symbol used 1) as a mark of shame and 2) to give permission to ISIS members to kill anyone left in the residence and to pillage their belongings.  That symbol is nun, 14th letter of the Arabic alphabet.  It’s equivalent to the Roman letter ‘n’ and is the first symbol in words like Nazarene…as in Jesus the Nazarene, as in ‘can anything good come from Nazareth?’…it’s a common Arabic term for Christians.

Some Iraqis around the city of Mosul are standing in solidarity and have began to use this symbol (on social media and in their city) as one of hope instead of shame.

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“We are all Christians”
"Yes I am and I am proud."
“Yes I am and I am proud.”

BtJe9DoCAAAWkO1We will do the same. 

Pray for the persecuted Christian all over the world.

Pray that the Lord will show off and protect His people for His glory.

Pray that the genocide stops, in the name of Jesus.

Pray for our people.

85 Years Young

This handsome cowboy turned 85 on Friday!

WD Phipps
WD Phipps

The family got together this weekend to celebrate him and I had the distinct honor of supplying a little decor.  I was inspired by a roll of newspaper print paper I picked up at a garage sale for a buck, so we went with a black and white “theme” of sorts.

I used the newsprint paper as a table covering and then set it with black and white ware.  DSCF2223We used old records as chargers, I painted the silverware to match (remember that?!) and we found these black and white dishes at the good ole Dollar Tree.

DSCF2211I filled old soda bottles with baby’s breath, green hydrangeas and some black and white feathery balls.

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DSCF2222We made paper fans for each guest, which came in quite handy during set up!

DSCF2218DSCF2219I used an old record as the “guest book” for the party.  We used a paint pen and everyone left the birthday boy some good wishes!

DSCF2213DSCF2214DSCF2215By far, our favorite piece of party decor was the picture timeline we put together.

DSCF2216aGrandma had previously given us some pictures of Grandad growing up.  We enlarged them and had them printed, in black and white, of course. We then wrapped them around foam and made faux canvasses.

DSCF2210They turned out AMAZING (if I do say so myself!) and served as the thank you gifts for the party goers, as well.

Everyone was a trooper and wore black and white.  We had the guest of honor wear red so he stood out on his special day!

The birthday crew
The birthday crew

It was such a fun night to honor a very worthy recipient.

I think he liked it!  ;)
I think he liked it! 😉
WD and WD
WD and WD
Four generations of Phipps men
Four generations of Phipps men

Happy birthday, Grandad!  We love you so much and are so proud of the legacy you have left (and are leaving) this family.  You are one of the world’s true cowboys; a genuine stockman who knows the reward that comes from the work of your hands.  Thank you for instilling the importance and love of production agriculture into your family.  Thank you for serving our country (and looking good while doing it – just ask Grandma)!  Thank you for raising some of the finest people I know and for loving the same woman for 59 years.  You are a treasure.  We can’t wait to party at number 90!

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Random Rambles

It’s overcast and cool out; my soul is begging for fall!  This has been such a mild summer and I have very little tan left on my arms and legs…might as well call it and hide them under sweaters and jeans, right?!  Come on, fall…

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Wryder’s namesake and great-grandpa is turning 85 this year and I have the distinct honor of providing decor for the grand event!  I’ve got about 10 projects half done and quite a few *ahem* that I have yet to embark upon.  For some reason, this overcast weather makes me uber-productive, so I’m hoping to take advantage of that today.  I’ve already got these bad boys in the dishwasher…

A few spoons
A few spoons

Stay tuned for a DIY this week!  Maybe that will REALLY make me get it done this week…

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Our church cleaned out their library and had tables of free books for us to peruse this past Sunday.  For bibliophiles, it was hard not to take them all, but we decided upon these:

Uncle Arthur's Bedtime Stories
Uncle Arthur’s Bedtime Stories

These are the sweetest little stories that discuss character and wise choices and how the Lord would prefer us to live.  They’ve been a fun edition to our daily readings and we highly recommend them if you can get your hands on a set!

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I missed my kiddos terribly while I was at jury duty last week so we’ve tried to make up for lost play time with LOTS of playtime.  I must say, I have the cutest playmates of anyone around.

My little party planner
My little party planner

This girl throws quite the party and this little guest sure makes them fun!

Cheeeeeese
Cheeeeeese

It warms my heart how well they get along.  I’m sure those feelings for each other might change and evolve as the years go on but I hope they only intensify amorously.  It’s so cute to see them interact together and greet each other in the morning and give random hugs and pull each other close to sit…

Awwwwww
Awwwwww

I wish I could say this attentive shot was during our family devotions…but I was letting them watch “Let it Go.”  *ahem*  Maybe I should start theatrically singing all of our Bible lessons…

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I don’t know about your kids, but Sawyer is a lover of rocks!  Every parking lot/driveway/restaurant/farm/house/business/ we visit, she finds at least one to add to her “collection.”  Wrex was cleaning out his pickup last night and found a stash under her seat.  He brought them in and she put them in a little baggie and showed them to us and said, “These are so I can remember all the places I’ve been.”

It was completely cute and completely heart melting.  We talked to her about how incredibly Biblical that was.  Over and over in the Old Testament, stones are placed at significant places of significant happenings so that when people saw them, they would remember what transpired there…they would remember the faithfulness of God and what He did.

That’s sort of what this blog is; a giant rock of remembrance for me and my family.  He has done so much for us and I don’t want them to forget where all of this good comes from.

I don’t think I’ll be forgetting her and her rocks anytime soon.

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If you’re not familiar with Angie Smith, you should be!  She has quite the story, the best red hair, an adorable self-deprecation and I swear she’s my sister from another mister…or something.  Her latest book, Chasing God, is on sale today for $0.99 (Kindle edition) at Amazon.  I haven’t read it yet but if it’s anything like her others, it will be worth the buck.  Bought and downloaded!  

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All right, I better hop to it!  The coffee cup is empty, the play tent is set up and the natives are growing restless; time to camp and then create!  Enjoy this cozy day!

 

 

Daddio

Happy Father’s Day, handsome!

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I don’t say this because I have to or because I’m your wife or because it’s what I’m supposed to say…I say this because I mean it and I believe it…..you’re the best dad I’ve ever met.

You are consistent and unwavering in your love for our children.  You don’t love them based on behaviors or actions or attitudes; it’s completely unconditional, no strings attached…you love them just because they are.

1535738_10153671739330335_60718621_nYou teach them the ways of the Lord and pray for them and over them and with them.  You are leaving a legacy of the fear of the Lord because of your love for Him and how you mirror His love to them.

1618536_10153751739540335_806692384_nYou are gentle, firm and steady; disciplining and teaching in love.  I am so glad that I don’t worry about the kids with you; you are slow to anger and abounding in love…a safe place for them to fall.

600640_10153600313960335_1829945893_n217330_10152871710390335_438323062_nYou are eager to give them different life experiences and allow them to try new things and new adventures.8622_10152875576485335_1846165771_n1617625_10153956259330335_1714097862_oYou never reject their cuddles or hugs or showers of affection…you embrace them!  You encourage their loving kindness and they love the reciprocation.560537_10153214723455335_1106435132_nYou are unafraid to be silly with them and take part in the things that are important to them.  We talk often about what’s big in their lives, as you always want to be involved and aware.

539023_10153104622825335_948084165_n1374768_10153331700210335_1067757142_n1001167_10152917163760335_776290232_n1000481_10152992461970335_1730387915_n599647_10153485508420335_2133395869_n58416_10152584417905335_962239009_n521920_10152751744290335_417259606_n409422_10152380744110335_686671206_n17999_10152344692320335_270207115_nYou’re never embarrassed by us or make us feel like a burden when we tag along to the sale barn or ranch visit.  We know it’s a lot more work with three other bodies around so thank you for always making the time and effort for us.

322994_10151150538820335_1310348120_o1013226_10153675184700335_848197327_nYou’re such a teammate and help to me.  From the day they were each born, there’s never a job that you put into my category as ‘mom’…everything is fair game and you help me more than any other spouse I know of.  Thank you for that.  I love that you want to be a part of the mundane tasks of child rearing and not just the more glamorous ones.

40178_10150255802560335_7022784_n943069_10152820080590335_2099069501_n45844_10150256652290335_4810642_nYou are gentle and kind, never harsh or demanding.  You’re never too tired to play and you do a tremendous job of making us a priority.10155648_10153941279525335_1683475309_n59682_10152762655820335_259560439_n383530_10151424260605335_1431000162_nYou love their mommy and you show them that through your words and actions and support; they have a strong sense of security because of that. 1654012_10153819463995335_549618634_n

Being a dad is no easy task.  Society has made it increasingly hard for men to be worthy role models and leaders.  There are so many ideas and distractions and dreams and lies and sins fighting for their attention.  There is a world and a devil ready to devour them at the drop of a hat.  There is a media that sets out to dumb them down and disgrace them…it’s not an easy time to be a man or father.  THANK YOU for fighting to do it so well.  We celebrate you today!  We sing your praises at the city gates!  You are a man of noble character, integrity and loyalty, with high esteem for his family.  Your greatest mission field in this season is your home and we are living proof that Jesus is alive in you!

Thank you for loving the Lord and allowing Him to shape you into a father after His own heart.

Thank you for loving us so selflessly, so unabashedly, so completely.

Thank you for providing for us so well and for never being afraid of a little hard work.

Thank you for making us feel so safe and secure; you are our rock.

Happy Father’s Day, honey.  I am so proud to be the mother of your children.

And Happy Father’s Day to my dad!

228637_7419760334_1775_nThank you for all you always did for our family to make sure we provided for.  Wish we were celebrating together today…we love you!!

Happy Father’s Day, men!

Happy Birthday, Sexy Wrexy!

You are the most handsome of all.

wwGracious words stream from your lips.   God himself has blessed you forever.
IMG_4700Put on your sword, O mighty warrior!

9523_305261375334_374581_nYou are so glorious, so majestic!

481422_10152367365195335_2039080868_nIn your majesty, ride out to victory,
defending truth, humility, and justice.
Go forth to perform awe-inspiring deeds!

228497_7419745334_5339_nYour arrows are sharp, piercing your enemies’ hearts.
The nations fall beneath your feet.

PhippsDec2013 (20)BESTEDITPsalm 45…a word the Lord gave me regarding you many years ago.  I pray it over you still, especially on your birthday.

You are a tremendous man of God and the fact that I get to spend my life with you humbles me daily.  I don’t know of anyone more loyal, gentle, loving, kind, forgiving, selfless, gracious, merciful, hard-working, even tempered, servant-hearted, encouraging or capable than you.  You are the glue that holds our family together.  You keep us grounded and rooted in the Lord and lead us in the ways of righteousness.

I’ve known you for 13 of your 32 years and am so proud of the man that you were, are and are becoming.  On this birthday, I bless you with health and vigor – 32’s not that old!  I bless you with boldness to shine the light of Jesus in dark places; boldness to be ok with being so different than the rest of the world (it’s a great thing).  I bless you with obedience, that you would continue fulfilling the Lord’s call for you and I pray that you will see the fulfillment of His promises regarding you.  I bless you with a sound mind and strong hands to do the work of the Lord.  I bless our marriage, that it would fulfill you and honor you and bless you right back.  I bless your coming in and going out…with the presence of Jesus in all that you do.

I love you, sweet husband of mine.  Happiest of birthdays to you!