Looking back over the years, I see how your life has been filled with sacrifices. A sacrifice means it costs you something. 2 Samuel 24:24: ” … neither will I offer burnt offerings unto the LORD my God of that which doth cost me nothing.”
You’ve given up things you loved because family was moreimportant. Back in Nathan, Christopher, and my early childhood days, you loved to fly small airplanes and be out on the sparkling water in a sailboat. Not only did you see that was taking away resources and time which could be used better, but you also knew it would create appetites in your kids for those same things.
You and Mom made the decision to only have three kids, after seeing Mom’s struggles with depression. Seven years later, when God changed your hearts, you had the courage to reverse that. Raising five more kids was a tremendous amount of sacrifice!
When God led you to leave your corporate job and start a business, that required more sacrifice.
While raising eight kids, you sacrificed so much time and money for our sake. Even now, you and Mom go out of your way to bless the married couples as opportunities arise. Not many people in their 60s would love to have single, young adults living with them. You not only welcome it, but you do it at no cost to us! Sacrificial love.
Sacrifice. The beauty of giving up something because you value something more.
You value your family, and your walk with the Lord Jesus more than anything else in this world.
Most recently, you’ve sacrificed your diet to have more years left to be with us and sharing with others.
Dad, thank you. Thank you for your sacrificial example. I love you!
Love, Sarah for all EIGHT
Steve and Teri Maxwell
Dad with me, Anna, Mary, and Jesse on our “pre” Father’s Day celebration before the girls left
“That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:.” Psalm 78:7
I hope our blog readers enjoyed a fantastic Father’s Day!
We celebrated ours early before my sisters left for their ministry trip. Yes, they’re still gone, with no return date set quite yet, but thank you for praying! They’re doing very well and excited to see the Lord working! Please keep praying for their safety and opportunities to share Christ.
So, onto Father’s Day! First, I have to share two pictures from our very small group on Father’s Day proper.
We had a delightful day at church, a special meal, talking with my sisters, quiet time, and Dad made Jesse and me espresso.
So now to our celebration the day before Memorial Day.
One of Dad’s favorite dessert is pumpkin pie.
One of Mary’s cards above.
Our gift was disguised.
We got him a wheelbarrow! It’s hard to find a good, quality wheelbarrow, but we think we found it. If you wish for one, they’re from Menards.
Dad loved his gift.
Dad with myself, Anna, Mary, and Jesse
Dad and Mom
Jesse is quite the guy! 🙂
So y’all, I’d love to hear something you admire about your dad!
“The fear of the Lord tendeth to life: and he that hath it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil.” Proverbs 19:23
Happy Father’s Day to our amazing dad! Since I shared a special twist on this year’s Mother’s Day post, I wanted to do the same for Dad’s! What awesome memories flooded me as I scanned in old pictures to share.
Dads are a key foundation in a child’s life. Growing up, I knew my dad was always there for me. He listened, he encouraged, he spent time with my siblings and me, and he did many things to lighten Mom’s load. How many guys do you know that will grocery shop for their wife AND take all the kiddos? That was my dad!
Dad faithfully led our family in following Jesus, and also gave us an amazing example, not only by spending time in God’s Word personally each day but as a family.
We love you, Dad! We can never thank you enough for your love and investment in our lives and the lives of the next generation! Happy Father’s Day!
Reading to Christopher and me!
Spending time with Nathan and Christopher.
When I was about 3, he took me out for a daddy-daughter date. He would have been about 34 in the picture above!
He has a soft spot for dogs! 🙂
Dad gave lots of backpack rides to his littles.
Even though work projects would have been easier without small children helping, he knew it was part of the process to equip them. Now, each of my five brothers are great with projects!
Giving a blessing to Joseph on his spiritual birthday.
Before blog days, he and Mom spoke to a homeschool group overseas, and they were also able to spend a little time in Switzerland, celebrating their 25th anniversary! How grateful we are for parents who LOVE each other!
Baptizing Anna
Feeding chipmunks with Mary
Did you know Dad takes great pictures? It’s true!
Dad has a tremendous love for God’s Word.
Here he is again with a son, doing a project together. This is where our house currently is–so we were just in the beginning stage!
Hiking with the family in Colorado
Dad loves to share with Christian parents! His books continue to go out to families across the nation, along with his weekly Seriously Dad e-mail.
The sweet bus days!
Dad loves his grandchildren!
He’s truly a man with a vision!
Happy Father’s Day also to my brothers, Nathan, Christopher, and Joseph! Love you guys!
“Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the Lord.” Psalm 128:3-4
For those of you who have either met my dad or read his books or Seriously e-mails, you know that he’s a man who fears the Lord and loves his family.
My dad has been an awesome role model of what a dad should be. When we were growing up, he always had time for us. He had gentle, kind words to encourage us in the endeavors we pursued. He spent quality time with Mom, taking walks with her, and going on weekly dates during our growing up years. He shouldered the grocery shopping so Mom could have a quiet evening at home (brave guy to take all of us!). He ran errands during his lunch break in Kansas City to help Mom out.
Now, with five adult young people at home, he still has time. His affirmation of our lives is so encouraging, and he provides counsel when we ask for it. He loves his grandchildren, and truly, he has no greater joy than to hear his children walk in truth.
I’ve seen in real life that Dad will do anything for his family. He is an incredible example of a godly man who fears the Lord!
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
An extra “Happy Father’s Day” to my brothers, Nathan, Christopher, and Joseph. I delight to see you raising families for Jesus!
Dad and Mom
Dad reading to Tina, Drew, and Betsy
The Maxwell Family
“Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.” Psalm 112:1
Steve Maxwell, husband to Teri for 40+ years, dad to 8 children, and grandpa to a growing number
Happy Father’s Day to our incredible dad. We are so grateful for you, your love for Jesus, your love for us, and your desire to bless dads across this country. The Apostle Paul well states:Â “I will very gladly spend and be spent for you.” That’s you!
As an interesting twist to this Father’s Day, I (Sarah) asked each of my brothers and sisters to share a memory about dad: either from their childhood or young adult years. Here goes!
Eight Memories from Eight Maxwells:
Nathan: I remember a wonderful cross-country road-trip with Dad—Washington to Kansas, Christopher, Dad and I. The cab of the Ryder truck (a rental company like U-Haul but didn’t break down as often) was never orderly (probably more of a Chris deal than me :)), there were suction cup darts stuck to the windshield (when they weren’t falling off and getting sent flying back up again), and I probably asked when the next stop was way too often—but it was a great trip with Dad, and I’m grateful he took us along. Love you, Dad.
Christopher:Â I remember a winter when Dad and I would go for early morning jogs together. It was dark and cold out, and the only vehicle that would be out and about would be a delivery van throwing newspapers to houses. I had a great time jogging with my Dad and am so glad we had that time together.
Sarah: When Dad worked in Kansas City, he would send us faxes sometimes over his lunch break (that was 20+ years ago, folks). One day I sent him a card at work, and I felt so special when I received my very own fax back (see the picture at the bottom of the post: I found it when working on this!). I also loved when he wrote us notes and left them out for us before going to work. Little acts mean so much to children!
Joseph: One of my most appreciated memories of Dad was our weekly meeting times. On Sunday, he would rotate through chatting with us. It was a heart-to-heart time of discussing problems that we were struggling with as well as him encouraging us in the ways of the LORD. That was such a blessing and something I will never forget.
John: Dad would often do projects, when I was growing up. I am grateful that he would include us on them and let us help. I have great memories of spending many Saturday’s working together.
Anna: Even the small things make impressions on us when we’re young. I remember one special outing with Dad when I was young. We were going to pick up books or something in Kansas City and as we were going down the road I remember discussing what some of the buildings were. Then Dad said he wanted to show me something special. He pulled into a parking lot for a tall hotel. We walked in together, and I remember as a little girl standing there awe struck. I had never been in a hotel with such a huge atrium with flowers and fountains everywhere and a fancy restaurant in the middle! I felt so special and loved that Dad had wanted to show me this pretty hotel. We walked around just a little as I soaked it all in, and then it was time to go. That memory is still imprinted on my mind. It wasn’t just seeing a nice hotel but the fact that Dad had thought of something special just to show me.
Jesse:Â I have fond memories of grocery shopping every week with Dad. We went in the evening and Dad would load all of us in the van, and we would all try to help where possible. Whether we actually were helpful or not, I don’t know, but I do know we had a great time!
Mary: One of my fondest memories of Dad was when I was just starting to think about sin, Jesus, heaven, hell, and death. I was only 5 at the time, which is quite young to understand the concept of Jesus dying on the cross for your sins. I would ask Dad questions about getting saved. He knew I was young and wanted to make sure I fully understood the ramifications. So he would put me in his lap, and we talked about Jesus and what He did for me. Finally one night, I ran to him, begging that I could ask Jesus into my heart that night. He brought me to the living room where we both knelt down (the family joined us too), and Dad helped me pray, and I placed my faith in Jesus Christ. I’m amazed at how much he invests in us!
Dad’s fax to Sarah 21 years ago!
“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.” 1 Timothy 5:17
We celebrated both Mother’s and Father’s Day today, June 14th. Due to unusual circumstances, we ended up not being able to properly celebrate on Mother’s Day nor Father’s Day, tomorrow.
We (Sarah, Joseph, John, Anna, Jesse, and Mary) voted to take Dad and Mom out to a restaurant this afternoon. Kansas City is known for its great barbecue, and Jack Stack is probably its best. We had a delightful time enjoying each other’s fellowship.
After we got home, everyone tackled projects, and we rounded out the day with Bible time (and talking!), dessert, and gifts.
We love you, Dad and Mom!
–Due to our schedule this week, we won’t be able to approve comments, so we’re disabling comments for this post and the next.–
Love, Sarah for the rest
We love you, Dad and Mom!
“Who was faithful to him that appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house.” Hebrews 3:2
The Maxwell family and ministry blog of Titus2.com.
