Phillips 66

Today is my AMAZING Dad's birthday!! I hope he doesn't mind me telling his age, he looks like he's about 35 to me! *winks*
Ever since I was a little kid I used to think and daydream about the day my Dad would turn 66. You see, his last name is Phillips and I thought is was so amazing that someday he would be "Phillips 66"!

I had it all planned out in my mind, I'll be twenty seven by that time, and that's really old and totally an adult. I'll have loads of money by then! I'm going to buy him a 1957 Pontiac (his favorite car) for his birthday and he'll be able to get a free tank of gas from Phillips 66 because it's his special day!

Well, now that that day has rolled around twenty seven doesn't seem quite so grown up after all...*laughs*

Dad, I'm sorry I can't buy you a car yet, but I hope you know how much we all love you anyway!!!

I was trying to come up with the top adjectives to describe my Dad and I think I've got them figured out...

1. Selfless- Having, exhibiting, or motivated by no concern for oneself; putting other people's interests before one's own.

My Dad is constantly amazing me by his willingness and desire to do things for others. His family, his friends, his neighbors, his co-workers, he would do anything to help another person. He would give you the shirt off his back or the keys to his car. Not only is he willing to do this, but at any time, day or night, he's always ready to help!

2. Patient- Bearing or enduring pain, difficulty, provocation, or annoyance with calmness. Tolerant and understanding.

I can't think of a time in my life when my Dad has lost his patience! Seriously, I am wracking my brain and I can't think of one! I CAN think of a million times when he could have easily lost his patience, but didn't.

For example...

• while helping your second daughter with her car (selfless), banging your head so hard you see stars...
• having our boat motor sputter to death in the middle of the lake...and saying so kindly, "well shoot, I didn't mean for that to ruin our day"....I'm telling you, he's ALWAYS thinking of others!
• Waiting week after week, year after year for five girls to EVER be ready for church on time!
• Nearly chainsawing your thumb off while helping me (once again) trim my shrubs and shrugging off the pain with a smile and thanking me for a band aid.

3. Encouraging- Giving courage, confidence, or hope.

All I have to say here is not a single time goes by when I see my Dad that he doesn't say "I'm proud of you" and "I love you". Wow!

4. Funny- Causing laughter or amusement.

My Dad tells the best jokes, sometimes even when he's starting a serious story my sisters, Mom and I will all look at each other, have to stifle laughter and ask "is this a joke??"

5. Intelligent- Having a high degree of intelligence.

Dad is one of THE smartest people I know, but also the most humble. What a combo!

I could go on FOREVER because he's that great, but I think all of the above adjectives just add up to tell you that he is an amazing example of a Christian Dad.

Dad, thank you for loving The Lord the way that you do and for following Him so you can be an example and leader to us. We love you to the moon and back!!