they say it's your birthday...we're gonna have a good time*

 * thanks again for the lyrics, beatles. 

1 timothy 3:1-10

qualifications for church overseers and deacons | marks of a godly man

therefore {a man of God} must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. he must manage his own household well, with all dignity. for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace. {a man of God} must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. they must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

dear dad:

on this anniversary of your birth, i celebrate the gift of your life.  you have been and continue to be a loving and honorable son, a loyal friend, a dedicated businessman, a protective and providing husband, and a wise and caring father.  above all, you love your Savior.  you have dedicated your life to the pursuit of holiness.  you exhibit perseverance and resilience and boldness.  all the hallmarks of a Godly man.  the precious and remarkable things that God desires for men.  in the home.  in the community.  in the marketplace.  in the church.

thank you for your earthly example of the Father's great love.  for reflecting His tenderness towards His children.  His abundantly exceedingly above and beyond generosity.  thank you for the numerous daily sacrifices.  for the decisions that you have made over the years for the sake of your faith and out of love for your family.  thank you for being such a hard worker.  for the hours spent pacing on extended phone calls. for the days spent in travel. for going without and  always giving freely to others.  thank you for keeping that cup half full.  more than half full.

for making memories.  for making us laugh.  for joking and dancing and playing catch. for all these things and more. for all the things that make you, you.  i am grateful for your life and i sure do love you.

a very merry birthday to you!