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Fathers

Another great day in Church yesterday! Loved the fun games - so glad I don't have to eat chillis whilst holding weights outstretched!! It was so good to hear Lee's and Ken's stories about what it means to be a man in the 21st century. What wonderful leaders, men of integrity, willing to take risks for the sake of following Jesus. Simon took us to David's story, and challenged us to consider and then let go of things we are "holding" or "wearing" that other people have placed on us, and replace them with what God wants for us.
I read an article this weekend in The Guardian, all about Fathers It was incredibly moving - some for all the right reasons, but many people were articulating their life long struggle to please their dad, or to receive his love. If you do read it, be prepared for the tears to come.
I'm so grateful for my Dad and my experience of being a daughter - I've known unconditional love (even when I returned home at 4am in his car...and he was waiting in his pyjamas at the end of the garden for me!). My own children also have a fantastic experience of being fathered by Simon, who takes his responsibilities as a dad seriously, who accepts them as individuals,  loves them unconditionally and totally believes in them.
I'm in awe of people "doing life well" when they have not had that experience of being fathered well, and I'm totally in awe of our God who can heal those pains and help them to still live with joy and love. Michael Ross Watson's story, shared in the latest Link magazine would bear that out - it's only God who can restore us.
We're praying for Real this week, please join us daily by praying for all those who will be attending; and for all the planning and preparations to come together. 
With the sun shining on this Monday morning,God bless you today x

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