On this Father’s Day I wanted to write a dedication to my husband for being the amazing man that he is! I have seen my husband grow so much in the twenty plus years that I have known him. I have seen him turn from a surface level faith into a faith in God that is deep and passionate. I have seen him turn into a man that relies heavily on the one true God. To have a faith that is so deep that he does nothing without petition, prayer and fasting. I have been amazed at how God has worked through him. However, I am most astonished in how my husband has allowed God to grow his family! He truly has his quiver full. And he truly is blessed because of it.

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;
They will not be ashamed
When they speak with their enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5 NASB)

As you can imagine, we have a very large table in our dining area. We have a section of this scripture above the doorway in this room:

When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands,
You will be happy and it will be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
Within your house,
Your children like olive plants
Around your table. Behold, for thus shall the man be blessed
Who fears the LORD. (Psalm 128:2-4 NASB)

Our attempt at a family shot with dad!

I have loved growing old with my man. He has taught me so much over the years. Watching him father his children brings my heart pure delight. Seeing him grow in wisdom and discernment has helped me to grow in these areas as well. Russell loves his children well. He has a patience with his children and a way of teaching and directing them that is God honoring. Watching him father his children inspires me to be a better mom. He teaches his children with modern day parables. He takes the time to work with them and show them through hands on experiences.

As a husband, he loves me well. Russell knows my insecurities and works to build me up. He is patient with me despite my many quirks. He spoils me. But most of all he works hard to build our marriage on the Rock with Christ at the center. I could not be more blessed!

Russell works hard for his family. He prays over all of us. He showers us with love. He loves to spoil us with gifts. And he has his priorities straight. God first. Marriage second. Then his children. And because of that the Lord has blessed him and his family!

I am honored to be blessed with such a man in my life! I love you Russell Schweighardt! Thank you for being such a God honoring man! Thank you for being an amazing husband! And thank you for being a God honoring father who is raising our children under the authority of God.

Happy Father’s Day Russell! I couldn’t imagine our lives without you. You are a blessing to each of us. Without you my life would be dull and unimaginative. Thank you for being you. The perfect man, husband and father for this family! The family that you have allowed God to knit together. Each and every child a precious gift from above, only because of your willingness to say, “Yes, Lord.” We have created three miracles together, with another in heaven. We have birthed thirteen from our hearts. God is good. Thank you for your obedience to God. Thank you for honoring your family through your obedience. Thank you for loving us all well.

YOU ARE LOVED!

Thank You precious Lord for the gift of Russell to our family. Thank You for never giving up on him and putting the right people in his life at the right times to help him to grow and to develop into the God fearing man that he has become. I would ask You Lord that You would continue to bless him…continue to grow in him…continue to help him grow in wisdom and discernment. Thank You for showing him the blessing of obedience. It has been a journey of responding and living out a faith in You that looks different to the world. But you have given him the capacity to see beyond what the world sees and does. You have given him a heavenly perspective. I’m so thankful Lord. Thank You! Thank You for blessing me and our family. Also thank You for being the ultimate role model for my husband as being the perfect Father for all of us! Amen.