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{SFTH} *'Cause You're My Daddy* 6/15/01
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My apologies for my lateness in responding to e-mails this week. If you
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as I can...
May today's story touch your heart and may you all have a wonderful
weekend!
Michael
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'CAUSE YOU'RE MY DADDY
by David Barnett
One evening a couple years ago, we were getting ready for supper. While
Dana, my wife, was putting the food on the table, I asked my three
children what they wanted to drink.
"You can have milk, juice, or water," I said.
Michael and Manda, my two youngest, both said they wanted milk. Matthew,
my oldest who was almost 5 years old at the time, asked me, "What are you
having, Daddy?"
"Well, I'll probably have water," I answered.
"I'll have water, too," Matthew decided.
I got the milks for Michael and Manda, then decided that milk sounded
pretty good. "I'm having milk, too,"I announced, and poured out another
glass for myself.
"Then I'll have milk, too,"Matthew informed me.
"Changed your mind? Okay, I'll get you milk, too."
During the meal, I asked my wife to pass me the corn. "I'll have some,
too, Daddy," Matthew told me.
I was starting to notice a trend.
"Matthew," I said, "if I went outside and ate some dirt for dessert,
would you want some, too?"
He giggled. "Yes," he said.
"If I ate a bug, would you eat one, too?" I questioned.
More giggles. "Ew. A bug?" he questioned, wrinkling his face.
"Yep. A great big fat juicy one. Would you eat one if I ate one?"
"Yes," he said, laughing.
"Why would you eat dirt or a bug if I ate one, Matthew? Don't you think
that would taste yucky? Why would you eat it just because I did?" I
asked him.
"'Cause you're my Daddy! he said proudly.
I don't remember the rest of the dinner conversation. I'm pretty sure my
wife tried to turn the conversation away from dirt and bugs at the dinner
table. But Matthew's words stuck with me, and I thought about it the
rest of the evening.
"'Cause you're my Daddy."
I think it was then that I truly recognized the awesome responsibility I
had in raising my children. Until that point, I had tried to be a good
father. I tried to teach my kids to be good kids. But at that moment, I
realized exactly how much of an impact I was having.
My children, whether I notice it or not, are watching my and Dana's every
move. As the saying goes, "Actions speak louder than words," and I think
this holds double for children. For at least the first few years,
everything they learn about life, how to act, how to treat other people,
they learn by watching Mommy and Daddy.
If Daddy treats Mommy with love and kindness and respect, they will treat
her the same way.
If Daddy is friendly to people he meets, they will learn to be friendly,
too.
If Daddy reads his Bible and prays frequently, they will learn the
importance of God in their lives.
If Daddy is always honest, they will learn the value of telling the
truth.
Of course, the opposite is also true.
If Daddy and Mommy aren't nice to each other and argue a lot, the
children will treat their parents and siblings the same way, and they
will learn how to argue and backtalk.
If Daddy is grouchy, and curses at the driver in front of him on the way
to the store, they will learn to curse and put down other people.
If Daddy tells Mommy to tell the person who telephoned that he's not
home, they will learn that it is okay to lie.
If Daddy goes to church occasionally, but doesn't live a Christian life,
they will learn how to be hypocrites.
With each of our children, I realize that I only have a few years before
there will be other influences in their lives, competing with me in how
and what my children learn. Some of these influences will be positive,
and some will not. And some will be stronger influences than I am.
Soon, Matthew, Manda, and Michael will be spending more time with
schoolmates and friends than with Mommy and Daddy. They'll be learning
how to act from the older kids down the street. They'll be seeing things
on TV that we may not be able to control, such as watching movies at a
friend's house.
They'll be exposed to the "real world".
It's our job, as parents, to do our best to prepare them for the real
world, and to teach them how to act and to treat others. We have to
teach them how to make good decisions when faced with choices. We have
to teach them how to distinguish right from wrong. We have to teach them
discipline, positive attitude, friendship, love, and prayer.
And we have to show them by our example. It's not enough just to tell
them. We have to show them. We have to live the way we want them to
learn to live.
They'll do what we do. They'll act how we act. They'll say the things
we say. They'll treat people the way we treat people. They'll pray and
worship the way we do.
Matthew, at least for now, will try to be like me. That will change as
he gets older and new role models enter his life. But in the meantime,
I'm it. I'm the role model. And that's a huge responsibility. And one
I take very seriously.
'Cause I'm his Daddy.
David Barnett
barnett2000@juno.com
Send David an e-mail and let him know what you thought of his story!
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David Barnett is a Christian, husband, and father of three, in that
order. He founded the Daily Prayers ministry, and the Bible By Email
ministry. For more information on these ministries and how you can
receive bible verses, prayers, and complete Bible chapters by email, send
a blank email to DailyPrayers@phenomenix.com. In the near future, the
ministry will be adding bible study, book studies, Christian support
groups, and discussion groups.
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From the E-mail Box!
Dear Michael,
I have already placed an order for a copy your book. Reading everyone else's stories or reviews on what they have read makes me real green with envy. I am so anxious to start reading this book just from what others have already shared. And even though I haven't read it myself, I am already contemplating ordering extra copies for the men in my life -- husband, dad, dad-in-law and my ex-youth leader-- hey guys guess what you getting for birthday presents this year!!
Keep up the good work of touching so many peoples lives in such a simple yet special way.
God Richly Bless
Adele Mosley
addiepops@hotmail.com
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Thought For The Day:
"At times it is better to keep your mouth shut and let people wonder if you're a fool, then to open it and remove all doubt."
(James Sinclair)
Verse for the Day:
"Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28
Kid's Thought For The Day:
"Wait for your little sister."
Parent's Thought For The Day
"Work can wait while you show a child the rainbow. The rainbow
won't wait while you do the work."
Coach's Thought For The Day
"Don't just coach them, touch their lives!"
Deep Thought For The Day:
"My friend thought a personal trainer was someone
who did the exercises for you."
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_
/_/\/\ MICHAEL T. POWERS
\_\ / THUNDER27@aol.com
/_/ \ "For I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
\_\/\ \ Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live for the Son
\_\/ of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Galatians 2:20
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the songs were perfect for the video too! Thanks again!"
Kelli-- College Station, TX
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