Daddy's Girl

I'm sure some of you have one of these in your home.  Maybe you were one yourself.  My daughter, Ainsley, is a daddy's girl to the extreme.  There is absolutely no one who compares to her daddy, and she makes sure everyone is aware of that!  I've been watching this relationship for about 3 years now, and it struck me the other day what a perfect example this is of the relationship we should desire with our Heavenly Daddy.  The Bible makes it clear that God loves us in a much more perfect way than any earthly father could. 

Matthew 7:11 (NLT) - "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." 

Having a wonderful father doesn't automatically make you a daddy's girl though.  It's your response to him that will give you that closeness.  God Almighty wants us to know that he is our Abba Father.  Abba is an Aramaic word that translates to "Daddy."  It was meant to show a close, intimate relationship of a father to child as well as the childlike trust that a young child puts in their "daddy."

Romans 8:15 (NLT) - So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God's Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, "Abba, Father."

With God acting as our perfect Dad we have countless opportunities to respond like a daddy's girl and enjoy our relationship with him to the fullest extent.  Here are 4 ways that stood out to me:

1.  Be excited about time together.  I lose track of the number of times Ainsley asks how long until daddy is home.  She is excited to spend time with him.  From how much she talks about him, I would have to assume that he is always on her mind.  She knows how good it feels to spend time together, and she has a constant anticipation for it. 

Psalm 119:148 (NASB) - My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.

2.  Be engaged.  Ainsley doesn't take time with her daddy lightly.  She focuses all her attention on him.  She's never too tired to spend a quality moment together.   She will make multiple stacks of her favorite books to have ready for a marathon story reading time when he gets home from work.  Even at 3 years old, she is prepping to make sure their time together is special.  

Psalms 145:18 (NIV) - The LORD is near to all them that call on him, to all that call on him in truth.

3.  Share your heart.   Is there anything more special than having your child share with you what is on their mind and in their heart?  I know my heart melts when I eavesdrop on Ainsley telling her daddy how much she loves him and everything they do together.  I know God doesn't feel any differently.  I'm sure his heart swells the same way when you pour your heart out to him.  He cares for you and wants you to know that he will take responsibility for what's troubling you. 

1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

4.  Call on him for help.  When Ainsley has had a bad dream or a problem at night who does she call immediately?  Daddy of course.  Why?  Because she knows Daddy cares and won't rest until her needs are met.  Again, our Daddy in Heaven is infinitely more powerful and wise.  Who better to call on and rest in when we are feeling unsure? 

Psalm 63:7 (NIV) - Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

Psalms 34:18 (NIV) - The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

These 4 things just scratch the surface of what you can do to foster a daddy's girl relationship.  What do you do to feel close to your Heavenly Daddy?  Share your ideas with us!

Sara


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SISTER TO SISTER MENTORING MINISTRY 

Thursday, February 8th at 2:00 pm

Women of all ages are welcome!  If you feel God's nudge to be a mentor and share in another women's life by using what God has done in your life OR you are a women who has been feeling the need to talk to another Christian woman who has "been in your shoes" and with God's help made it through... please come to our Orientation Coffee on February 9th to receive more information. 

TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Starting February 10th at 9:30 am

We will be studying the book "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver. It offers Biblical insights and practical tools. Sign up in the atrium. There is a book to purchase for $12. For questions, contact Dale Noordyk at 920-242-2858. 

 

FUN AND GAMES

Thursday, February 12th at 6:00 pm - Downtown Kidtropolis
Bring your family to have some good old fashioned fun. There will be board games, puzzles, and some other creative activities. The night is geared towards kids ages 3 through middle school. You are encouraged to stay and play with us, but if your child is 5 or older, they are welcome to join us on their own. No sign up is required.

MARRIAGE RETREAT

February 13-14, 2015
Our annual Marriage Retreat is returning to Oak Creek Assembly and having Ted Cunningham back for a 2nd year.  Brochures can be found in the Atrium with all the details.  Here is the link if you would like to register online:  http://www.wnmdag.org/index.php/events/marriage-retreat. 

SCRAPPERS AND CRAFTERS

Friday, February 20th from 6-10 pm
Saturday, February 21st from 9-4 pm

Attention Ladies! Bring your own supplies for your favorite hobby (scrapbooking, card making, knitting, etc.) and come work on them alongside other ladies from WFA. You can come and go at anytime and leave your things set out from Friday to Saturday if you please. For more information, please contact Maggie Scherr at maggiescherr@yahoo.com.

LITTLE BLESSINGS

February 26th at 7:00 pm

A message from Amy Prebil: "Little blessings is a group for women with young children. It started out for women who were pregnant up to babies a year old. We quickly found we need continued support and encouragement and opened it to all moms with young children. My passion is for mother's and young children and I love meeting with these amazing women. We meet the 4th Thursday of every month in the cafe, sometimes we go out to a restaurant or meet at my house. Our group is full of laughter, encouragement, support, and prayer. We would love to welcome some new mother's and share with them what a true blessing this group has been for so many. God is the center of this group and He has blessed us all with such great relationships and compassion for each other. We would love to see this group continue to grow and flourish. Please call me if you are interested in joining the group (262-442-7516.)"

Little Blessings Christmas Party

FOOD PANTRY AND SOLES FOR JESUS COLLECTIONS

In case you weren't aware, we have a collection point in the foyer for the Waukesha Food Pantry, and one in Uptown for shoes to be donated to Soles for Jesus.  We collect all year for these ministries.

NURSERY NEWS During the cold and flu season, our nursery is being disinfected weekly and paying attention to symptoms of illness to keep it a well baby area. If you are parents of nursery age kids, would you consider volunteering once a month to help with our growing baby population? Please see Amy Prebil in the nursery or email amyprebil@gmail.com with questions or interest.

TREEHOUSE TREASURES

Our church family is growing! Many babies have come and will be coming in the next few weeks/months. We would love to bless our new moms with a gift bag filled with newborn items (diapers, wipes, baby bath items, onesies, gowns, or swaddlers). Amy Prebil organizes this and has set up a Treasure Chest back in our nursery area to accept item donations.

If you ever have a specific prayer request, please don't hesitate to contact us at nurturewfa@hotmail.com.  We have a group of moms with a passion for prayer who would be more than happy to cover you in prayer.