Missing My Daddy

 My daddy's name was Jack Pettus. If he were still alive we would be celebrating his 76th birthday soon. Daddy was a hard working man who knew no different. He was raisied as he youngest of 10 children in a share cropping family This is a picture of them. He is the one with the blue sweater vest. He didn't have much education because he had to quit school in the 9th grade to work on the farm. Looking back at the things he accomplished in his life I realize how smart he was. He seemed to be able to figure anything out. I was 19 when daddy died and ,as you can imagine, I had nothing in common with a 61 year old man. We were not very close and I resented him being so old and sick all the time. I thought at that time life with him was boring. What a fool I was! My daddy read and studied the Bible with commentaries and study helps. He tried diligently to teach us the word with tears dripping off his face. Spiritual things moved my daddy to tears daily. Where are those men today? I had no idea what a treasure I had in my daddy. He sang base in a quartet and sang on stage once with the Oak Ridge Boys. He would take Adam (the only grandchild he really knew) outside for long walks in the woods and explore everything they could in one day. He did most of the cooking for our family. He would come home from working at the pipe shop, wash up, clean up the house, then cook supper for his family. I was so unthankful for all he did for us, it was just expected. My daddy loved my mama. She was his jewel. He was never afraid to grab her up and give her a big ole kiss in front of us. Before I cared what discipleship was, he was practicing it. This is just a bunch of thoughts put together quickly, I hope you can follow me. We wonder what daddy would have thought of his 2 girls having him 12 grandchildren. I miss him much more now than I ever have. I met Lisa S. daddy the other day and I couldn't help but think of mine and miss him. Her daddy still makes sure her tires are working right, e-mails her safty hints, and has turned his yard into a childrens wonderland that sends a big message...I LOVE MY FAMILY. I miss my daddy. He would be just like that. Only 2 of daddy's sisters are still living. The others have gone on to be with the Lord. Aunt Demeris and Aunt Elvie with my cousin June came to visit me the other day and it was so nice to sit and talk with them. I took pictures but failed to have my memory card in my camera. I was so disappointed. These are just a few thoughts about him that I've been having lately. If your daddy is still alive, please treasure the time you have with him and ignore the things that you see as old fashioned or boring. From what I have learned old fashioned in mostly wisdom speaking. But Daddy is at home singing and praising Jesus, knowing Him as He wants to be known!! HALLELUAH

Spoiling our Daddy

 

 

We decided that Daddy does enough for us so we spoiled him this Fathers day. We stayed up and surprised him with this home theatre system. (40" LCD, PS3 Blu-Ray, and surround sound). We put it all together(confusing work) and stayed up until 2am waiting for him to get home from work. He was so surprised. It was worth it to see his face. This thing is so nice. So Happy Fathers Day, and Anniversary (June 29th) and Birthday, and Valentines, Christmas, Easter, Forth of July, ect...........

Happy Fathers Day

Daddy,
Thank you for swimming with us even when it is cold. Thank you for teaching us the Bible and praying for us when we are sick. Thank you for liking the music we like and wanting it loud like we do. Thank you for loving Mama. Thank you for cleaning the kitchen for me when it is my turn. Thank you for fixing the pool and the bikes and for trying to fix the 4 wheeler. Happy Fathers Day. I love you
Elyona

Daddy,
Thank you for building us a new bedroom. Thank you for working hard and so we can go out to eat. Thank you for having pillow fights with us. Thank you for my piano so that I can play for you and Jesus. Thank you for letting us ride the lawn mower. Thank you for waking up the same everyday. Happy Fathers Day. I love you.
Bailey

Daddy,
Thank you for kissing us goodnight. Thank you for making money so we can go to the doctor. Thank you for having lots of brothers and sisters for me to play with. Thank you for making sure the doors are locked every night. Thank you for wrestling with us rough and when you tickle me and I can't breath and say "UNCLE" you stop. I love you,
Annalee

Daddy,
Thank you for fixing the drinks for us at supper time. Thank you for feeding Jack so he doesn't jump on me and scratch me all over and get me dirty. Thank you for letting me sit in your lap and drive the van. Thank you for taking us to see Prince Caspian. Happy Fathers Day
Mary-Grace

Daddy,
Thank you for letting me practice shaving with you. Thank you for carrying me to the van instead of making me walk so Jack don't jump on me. Thank you for teaching me how to play the 4 wheeler game. Thank you for doing the "bumpy thing" every time I ask. I love you.
Jadon

Daddy,
Thank you for checking on me in the middle of the night to make sure I am all covered up. Thank you for bathing me up and getting me dressed every Sunday morning. Thank you for being so strong that you can throw me super high and catch me when I come down. I love you
John Mark

Daddy,
Thank you for letting me sleep in the middle every night since I was born so that I can snuggle with mama. Thank you for spending special time with me, holding me and talking in your funny baby voice that makes me laugh. Happy Fathers Day.
Judson

Buddy,
Thank you for being a faithful daddy. Thank you for sacrificing your dreams and replacing them with us. Thank you for the tears that fell from your face and landed on mine when Elyona was placed in your arms for the first time. Thank you for looking out always for me and deciding Judson should be the last. You make our family strong. Happy Fathers Day. I love you.
Alicia

My Friend Jyoti

 

My precious friend from church, Jyoti Krammer, was able to go back home to India this past month. She had not seen her family in 5 years. We were all so happy for her. There were many things in her trip that God worked out as only he could that made the trip so special for her. One of those things was that she was able to share the gospel with about 150 Hindu school children. She was invited to come back to her former grade school and speak about America and Christianity. She was thrilled, for this is what she knew God had her there for. The gospel made such an impression at the first speaking, she was invited to come back. 5 of the girls wanted to hear more about Jesus and decided to go to Jyoti's house for more. Jyoti was also able to feed all these 150 people when she went to speak. She is such a servant. She is an example to me in so many ways but her willingness and love for serving is the greatest example to me and my children. She has fed me so many unexpected meals. Back to the story...While in India she had a much needed surgery. While recovering she wasn't able to go shop for the things that she wanted to buy for the people back home in the USA so her brother was able to bring the store to her. He brought a whole bunch of things for her to choose from. She bought these dresses for all the little girls in the church. My girls were so excited. They counted down the days until they could were them to church. We are so thankful to have a friend like Jyoti, who can not only share in the fellowship of Christ with us but can bring to us a part of her side of the world and make India and her people something familiar to us. Thank you Jyoti!! I am so blessed to have a friend like you.

Girls at Camp

 

This is a new experience for me. Today was the girls first day of "day camp". They had so much fun and were exhausted when they came home. Swimming, singing, boating, and friends were just a few of their favorites. I, on the other hand, was feeling a little left out being the only girl home with all these boys. I got to experience what school days would be like. I had to make a lunch and have them out the door before 8 and I get them at 2:30. I don't think I could do it everyday, I would miss them too much, but this week is going to be fun for them so it is worth it.