Hey you all!

Just reaching out because, I just want you to pray for my big baby girl, Angelique, She has been quite a help to me. When God gave me my girls I'd never have though that they would be taking care of me. She is always trying to do something for me. Yet she doesn't want anything in return, but of course she does get daddy's love (a little spoiling not to much, : D). I am a very strict dad, but I still try to stop and give them attention and time. I love my girls and I am so glad that Angelique is with me. I am grateful to have girls, though a son would have been cool I guess.

I got sick a few weeks ago with bronchitis, and had she not been here with me I probably would not have gone to the hospital (because I don't like MDs and I am not very obedient when it comes to medicine), but I knew that I needed help because I couldn't breathe. I wasn't going to go to the hospital, but I couldn't stand to feel that I was hurting Angelique with her seeing me in pain because I was gasping for every breath and she was crying and begging me to let her call for help. So I finally agreed to let her call a fellow Elder to take me to the hospital but while she waited for help to arrive she prayed for me and cried with anger to God "don't take my daddy from me". She told told Him that she needed me to raise her and she didn't want her daddy to die. I don't ever recall anyone pray so fervently for me in my life as she did that night. So I got to the hospital and Angelique stayed with the neighbors while I was gone. When she came home she took care of me like a nurse would (but without instruction), bringing me water, and my medicines, and would wake me up to eat and reminding me to eat before she went to school, preparing a bath for me, and checking on me in the wee hours in the night. I don't know how I would have gotten along without her. I am a blessed Dad.

Then again, she shocked me a few days ago when we were sitting at the table eating dinner (boy I didn't feel like cooking that day) and she said, daddy (with a long pause), I'm so glad that you are a strict dad . I didn't know how to respond to that. There was a lull in the conversation after that comment . So then we sat there and the she just continued to compliment me on my cooking, and thanking me for being her dad, and that she was glad that she was living with me, and how happy she was to have a dad that was a preacher, and that she was glad that I knew how to pray, and that she likes to hear me pray, especially for her. I just started crying at the table . Not quite ballin', but just a mass flow of tears streamed down my face, though I tried to keep my composer and not startle her. As if it was Appreciate Dad's Day or something. I thought it would be twenty years before I would hear my daughter say such heart warming and loving things to me. I am proud to be a daddy of my girls and if the Lord sees fit to bless me to marry again, it would be a honor to have more . The word of God promised me that my seed would be blessed, but it is even more of a surprise when that seed blesses you. Again I am truly grateful that my big baby girl is maturing in to a beautiful blossom of a woman even at 11 years old. I pray that she is as loving and as patient with her HUSBAND (when she has matured) and vise versa as she is with me (he's got to a good one). Her birthday is soon and boy is she going to have a grand one.

I can't leave out my little big baby Alexis (6 years old) though she lives with her mom she too is a Jewel. She calls me needing daddy love and tells me about how she is learning in school. It is awesome to be a parent, to guardian over something that God is molding, for His purpose. They make me proud. I just hope that He is as proud of them and me, as I am of them. Pray that I continue to be a patient & loving father and that my character emulates that of our Father and His Son. Thank you in advance! Be and stay blessed.

Your Bro, friend, fellow-servant, and their Daddy

Apostle SM3

PS. Dad's love on your kids and show them that you appreciate them. Let them know that regardless of the lack or the circumstances that you are proud to be their dad. I still kiss my father when I see him and when I leave him. I am always mindful to plant one right on his cheek, and he lets me too. I love to hear him brag on me, his oldest son, as a preacher, even if he doesn't tell me himself. He doesn't do very much to let me know that he loves me, but he does tell me He loves me when I do see him and that I am grateful for. Father's Day is to honor the one who has been a father to you. So, Dad's make it your business to show/earn your love and appreciation on that day. Most mom's earn theirs and we should too.

Let love resonate and not dissipate and it will always remain even in our absence!!! (a word from the ApostleSM3)