All relationships can be difficult at times, but they should not be destructive to our well-being. Learn the difference between a destructive pattern and a difficult season with this free resource, “Is This Normal? 15 Red Flags You May Be Missing in Your Relationships.”

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Doing the Right Thing

June 12, 2013

If you’ve read anything about my life story you know one of the great heartbreaks of my life was my biological father’s absence.

Rejection hurts.

Especially when a little girl experiences rejection from her father; it cuts deep.  And it stings long.

But the Lord was so good to me.  When I was at the awkward age of 12 my mom met Charles. And when he proposed to my mom, he gave me a ring too. I’ll never forget that. He didn’t have to do that. But he did. Because something in his heart said it was the right thing. The rare thing. The thing a very broken 12 year old girl needed.

Charles has been in my life for 30 years. He is my dad. He is my hero.

And you know what my favorite thing about him is? No matter what, no matter how hard it might be, no matter how much it costs or inconveniences him… he’s a man who truly desires to do the right thing.

Always desiring to do the right thing even when it’s hard, is a rare thing. A rare thing indeed.

Recently, he had the chance to sell a business investment. It would have taken a huge load off of him mentally and financially.  There was a buyer. It was a good time to sell.

But selling that business would have meant putting some good people out of a job. And Dad couldn’t do that. It wasn’t the right thing. So he did the rare thing. And he passed up the deal.

When I heard about what Dad had done, there wasn’t one ounce of surprise in my heart.

And I love that.

I love that my dad is known as a man of his word. A man who will do the right thing- the rare thing.

Oh how I want to be like him.

Each day we are faced with decisions.

With some decisions, the right thing is the easy thing.

But some decisions aren’t so clear cut. The right thing isn’t the easy thing. Or, you could even justify that the right thing doesn’t seem so right in light of present circumstances.

Sometimes things are a little muddy. Complicated. Hard. Justifiable. Hidden.

But I always come back to the question my dad asks, “What is the right thing?”

And wrapped in the answer to that question are threads of a legacy that tie my heart to my dad’s. Though we don’t share the same DNA, his imprint on my heart makes me his daughter.

That love runs deep. And it lasts long.

I love you, Dad.

In honor of Father’s Day I have a fun giveaway. My friend, Rob Teigen, wrote an amazing book called 88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates; and he’s agreed to sign and send a free copy to five randomly chosen commenters from today’s blog.  How fun!

88 Great Daddy_Cover

Just leave a comment below with a Bible verse or quote that you think is important to consider when making a decision. Or comment on a time when you had to wrestle with figuring out what the right decision to make really was, and what helped you.

I can’t wait to learn from all your fantastic wisdom today. Thanks!

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327 Comments
  1. Trish

    And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
    Colossians 3:17

    Reply
  2. Esther

    My dad gave to others no matter his circumstance. I try as hard as I can to emulate that characteristic even if our times are difficult.
    Happy Father’s Weekend!

    Reply
  3. Heather

    Philippians 4:6~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

    Psalm 46:10a~ He says, “Be still, and know that I am God.

    When I ask the Lord for an answer or guidance, waiting for the answer is always the hardest part. And I find that if I am not intentional about being quiet-or still-that I doubt whether or not I am following God’s Will. So I take it back to Him, sometimes WAY more than I should, but eventually I get feel peace and that is when I know that I am following His Will. When there is no hesitation or worry or doubt, but peace. And that peace is an easy thing to miss if you are constantly busy like most people are in our world today.

    Reply
  4. Jennifer

    We have three daughters and a son and I am blessed with a godly husband who loves to spend time with his girls and quality bonding time with his son. They go on daddy-daughter dates often – the girls LOVE it!!

    Reply
  5. Melissa

    Throughout my entire life, I have always been a “daddy’s girl”. No matter what I need, no matter what it cost him, my dad is always there. Recently, my dad was diagnosed with lymphoma. I struggled with y decision to do the right thing: I had been looking for a new job, however, I knew in my heart my search had to end because the support and love I get from my company and co-workers means I can be there for my dad now when he needs me. My time for a new career will come, but it is not right now.

    Reply
  6. Tammy Beyer

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

    Reply
  7. Debra

    Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

    Goes a LONG way in decision making. 🙂

    Reply
  8. Michelle

    I heard a quote once from a secular source, but it has helped me in many, many decisions I’ve had to make and I have passed it along to my children:
    “You never have to think twice about doing the right thing, but doing the wrong thing often weighs heavily on your mind.”

    Reply
  9. Jill Bryant

    I, too, suffered the absence of my biological father. What I wouldn’t have given to have had a “Charles” in my life! But instead of my MOM marrying a “Charles,” I did! If you ask my 16 year-old son (who is adopted), the one thing that stands out to him about his dad, he will quickly tell you, “My daddy (yes, he STILL calls him “daddy,” not DAD, at 16!) always tries to do the right thing, even when it’s not the easy thing.” What a blessing that is, to know that my partner in life can be counted on to always try and do the right thing! Mark (my wonderful husband) is definitely a man of good character…a man after God’s own heart!!

    Reply
  10. Linda

    You have no idea how close to home your blog hit me today. My biological father is at this moment living me due to his health concerns. The situation has not been ideal due to extinuating circumstances which have broken our family apart. My siblings are no longer speaking to me because I felt as if I needed to the “right thing” to protect my dads rights and show him respect. I wish I could say that I have always felt loved by my father but that is not the case. With father’s day approaching I read the cards and my heart has a hard time picking one with loving words of sentiment. My father desires to return to him home and as much I feel this is not in his best interest health wise I must respect his wishes. Our time together has been special to me and unfortunately when he returns another barrier will be put up. So I seek Gods answer on the moving forward and doing the right thing through this scripture…Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

    Reply
  11. Bambi

    1 Corinthians 10:23-24 (NIV) “Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive. Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.

    Reply
  12. Charlene

    I aboslutly Love this book and Im going to buy it now! , and WHEN I win I will plant the seed into another MAN life for him and his daughter .

    Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
    1 John 4:4(KJV)

    Reply
  13. Shana Hodge

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    ” Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

    I don’t always understand and I don’t have to. I just have to trust Him because He will never steer me wrong.

    Reply
  14. Emily

    My husband and I just found out yesterday that we’re expecting a little girl – our first child – in November! My heart swells with emotion just thinking about my big strong man falling in love with this little lady who will soon be in our arms.

    My relationship with my own dad is strong and sweet, and I definitely grew up a “daddy’s girl.” I admire my dad so much – he is a man who has always demonstrated to me true strength, confidence, and integrity. I know my husband will do the same for our daughter.

    In today’s world, it is easy to grow weary of doing the right thing when so many around us follow a lower, “easier” standard. I take encouragement from Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

    Reply
  15. Carrie Cheney

    Phillipans 4:13 I can do all things thru Christ who give me strength. This is my life verse, it keeps me focused when doing the right thing is the hard thing.

    Reply
    • Stephanie

      I have to agree with you on this verse. This verse is my mantra. It would seem that I live life in the valley more than I live on the mountain. However, I know that God has chosen me for this feat because He sees a strength in me that I don’t see. Most of us work in the secular world and it is difficult to not get caught up in the things of this world. When I do mess up, God slaps me in the face and tells me to get back on track. I know that I can do EVERYTHING because God tells me that I can, and in the face of fear and of the unknown, this verse a great reminder that HE is in control.

      Reply
  16. Stacey

    Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and acknowledge Him and He WILL direct your path,
    I love these verses they are my favorite, why because in all the ups and downs that life my life has thrown at me, this promise is the one that holds me up and keeps me looking to my heavenly father for love, guidance and acceptance!
    Those were the things that I have been trying to receive from my earthly father my whole life. I love my dad and I know he loves me but there just always seems to be that little girl of a divorced dysfunctional family trying to get noticed and praise from her dad… I now know that after 41 years of trying… I need to seek God for that unconditional love, praise, acceptance… Really everything I need I can receive from my heavenly father! Praise God for that!
    Blessings Lysa… Thank you for all the wisdom, time and love you pour out into all you do!

    Reply
  17. Sue Molitor

    Psalms 32:8–“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” I love this verse and I pray it often for the Lord to help me in making decisions. It is so true that daily we are faced with doing the right thing or not. I pray I will do the right thing even when it is hard. Thanks for this today! -Sue

    Reply
  18. Erin

    I go to Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. I love that God has gone before me in each situation and is holding me whatever comes my way.

    Reply
  19. Mona

    I love this – I had a wonderful father and my kids have not had that blessing. I pray daily for my son to be the father that every child would want to have. He is fourteen and I pray that he has a heart for God more than anything else.

    Reply
  20. Judy

    I’m lucky to have married a man like your step-father, one who does the right thing no matter what. And because of his influence we have raised 2 wonderful children, who are raising our grandchildren with the same Christian values.

    Reply
  21. Carol Ann Whitley

    Being in the ministry is wonderful and difficult all at the same time. Sometimes making decisions, especially when your decision will effect church members, can be daunting. One verse we use is to “Be wise as serpants, but gentle as doves.” It has led us well in hard choices and in dealing with the people those decisions will touch.

    Reply
  22. Chris Carter

    I just keep thanking God for giving you this wonderful amazing Dad. I am just so happy that he filled the places in your heart here on earth for your purpose and His Plan. Praising God for His provision for YOU, and when I think of all you have served and led people to Christ and nourished endless souls and their faith with the gift of who YOU are- it just fills my heart with gladness for His Abundant Love for you and His Powerful Plan in using you for His Glory. Simply amazing…

    Reply
  23. Halona Luna

    I don’t really have a scripture because my parents were never very into a relationship with God. My mother married and divorced four times by the time I graduated. I have unfortunately been split with my oldest father but her “dad” is amazing. Although, her bio dad sees her ~once a yr~ she knows who her father is

    Reply
  24. michelle h

    I remember Rom 8:28 because even tough choices and the “obvious” repercussions are used by God!

    Reply
  25. Amanda

    Well I claimed this verse years ago when I had nothing, or no onelse pointing me in the right direction…
    If God is for us, who shall be against us? Romans 8:31
    Seems simple right? Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in the feelings of whatever that thing is. But ultimately if it lines up with the Word, then the answer is easy. Tough to follow through with at times, but easy to line up. Thank you for your words and sharing a piece of your dad’s heart with us today! Precious man!!

    Reply
  26. amy

    I would love a copy to give to my husband. Is a baby Christian and struggles with how to be the spiritual leader in the house. We have one girl and I remind him all the time that he needs to spend one on one time with her. She’s almost 6 but now is the time to make that relationship. He and my daughter would benefit greatly from this book.

    Reply
  27. Roxanne

    Thank you for your inspirational message. I, too, had a biological father that was not present in my life. And even though my step-dad (my dad) has been a part of my life since I was 5, I struggled for many years with the negative side affects caused by this absence. Unfortunately, my (bio) dad passed away in 2007 before I had a chance to reconnect with him. However, God used his passing to heal some broken areas of my heart. I no longer wonder where he is, what he’s doing, if he’s thinking about me, etc. and I was told that he knew the Lord before he died. Those negative thoughts have now been replaced with the excitement of seeing him up in heaven one day! God is so good!

    Romans 8:28
    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

    Reply
  28. Pamela

    “Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson

    this used to be part of my email signature…. life is too short enjoy time with those you love especially your dad on this weekend honoring dads 🙂

    Reply
  29. Angie

    I have an amazing husband who is a wonderful father to our kids. And he is one to always do the right thing, because that is how his dad taught him.

    Reply
  30. Angela S

    My husband wants to take our two girls on dates as they get older (3 & 6 now). We just watched Courageous and I think this book would be a great next step for his journey!

    Reply
  31. Tammy

    Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him (Psalm 37:7). This verse helps to remind me of the importance of waiting on God’s guidance so I don’t jump into something too quickly and have to regret the decision later.

    Reply
  32. Margaret

    Sounds like a great book. My son just became a dad and this would be great for him and his daughter as she grows.

    Reply
  33. Robin Redmond

    This really tugged at my heart. I too know well, the sting of rejection by my father. His mother raised me and he showed no interest in being in my life. It does my heart good to hear stories of happiness & hope, I rejoice in the gift you were given in your Dad (2nd Dad). When I’m struggling to make a good decision, I pray, Psalm 25:4, Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. He’s been guiding my steps (to my eye) since I was 12 years old, making his presence known to me then. This would be a great gift to my husband and two daughters. Times are tight (as I recently finished breast cancer treatment), so good relationship-building ideas are GREAT! I may have to hunt for this on at the Christian bookstore though! ;o)

    Reply
  34. Carla Boggs

    1Peter 4:19 “If you are suffering according to God’s will, keep on doing what’s right and trust in the God who made you, for He will never fail you.” This is the first scripture I ever memorized and it’s truly a divine act from God that I did for it’s been what has carried me, shaped me, and loved me through MANY hard decisions.

    Reply
  35. Missy

    Lysa – first of all, this line right here literally brought tears to my eyes, “Though we don’t share the same DNA, his imprint on my heart makes me his daughter.” Beautiful testament to one of the million ways that only God knows how to bind up our broken-heartedness.

    I try to fall back on Proverbs 3:5-6 when I’m making a decision. (The Message version speaks so clearly to my heart) “Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
    Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
    Don’t assume that you know it all.”

    And to wait. Wait on the answer!

    Reply
  36. Kay

    I was so touched by your story. It certainly brought back many memories of my father always doing what was right, even though it wasn’t the most popular thing to do. As one that has been in the business world for 35 years, I now understand some of the many challenges he must have faced. I look back at his career and see examples of where he made choices that were in the best interest of his employees, and also his family.
    His integrity and Christian principles were very often noticed by others.
    I am very blessed to have been taught these same principles that have carried me through out my career and in life. Thank you dad. I know you are looking down on me from heaven with a smile.

    Reply
  37. Jan

    My father was a Baptist minister and he loved The Lord with all his heart and he requested at his memorial service that the Bible he was ordained with and the one he opened every Sunday morning for 50 years was opened to the scripture he loved. Psalm 27: 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation -whom shall I fear?The Lord is the stronghold of my life -of whom shall I be afraid? I loved my father with all my heart and I miss him. I will celebrate his 7th Father’s Day in heaven this Sunday . He was a strong, kindhearted, loving father and loved me unconditionally. So , in my own life I remember this scripture and know its truth.

    Reply
  38. Dianna

    How blessed you are, Lysa! Thanks for sharing your love for your dad with us

    Reply
  39. Christy

    My dad is the most generous man I know. He has taught me you can not out give God.

    “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

    Reply
  40. Wendy Cockrill

    My daddy would always listen to me. I mean really listen and be there, fully devoted to listening. Which, now that I have two tween girls, I realize just how exhausting this may have been. His love for me taught me how to love too.

    Reply
  41. Jasmine

    Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)
    “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might […]”

    Reply
  42. Jennifer

    My husband is a man of character and is so deliberate in each decision he makes. I love that fact about him as he is a great example to our seven children. When I am faced with a decision, I not only have to process if the Lord would be glorified with it, but also how will this affect my husband/pastor His character and reputation in the community is vitally important and needs to be “above reproach.” I am privileged to be his first line of defense, but that often makes me think twice before making a decision which not only affects me but also the character of my husband AND Heavenly Father.

    Reply
  43. Dana

    “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
    Happy Fathers Day to so many special fathers especially mine. Love you Dad!

    Reply
  44. Elosia

    It’s amazing how God works!!! I’m a new wife to a Charles (literally) and he is struggling to do the right thing with his 16 yr old daughter from a previous marriage. This just strongly reminded me of how important it is to encourage and support him in trying to do the right thing even when it is so hard for my selfish self. This is not what I expected to come from reading your blog today but thank you.

    Reply
  45. Alicia

    When my husband and I got married, we moved 14 hours away for a job opportunity. After three years in a place we absolutely loved, we found we missed family more than we loved that place. Family is so important! We moved home, and even though this isn’t the physical place we want to live, it’s the emotional place we NEED to live. Happy Father’s Day weekend!

    Reply
  46. Tatiana Williams

    Oh Lisa, this message today really warmed my heart. To know there are still honest, just and righteous people out there. In your words, I can visualize, your father with his amazing heart to do what is right is exactly the example of love this world needs. I am so happy you grew up with such a love and an awesome example of the love of Christ. Thank you, Lisa, for sharing this story. I hope all are truly touched in the way that I am on today. My heart is full because there really are still people who ethically and morally want to do the right thing.

    Reply
  47. sammie perkins

    I never had the opportunity to experience the love of a natural father,but I am so glad I met my spiritual father at a young age. He has shown me so much love. God has been my Rock. I have been leaning and depending on him so long that would be lost without Him. I am so glad my mom introduced me too HIM when she did!

    Reply
  48. Debby

    God has blessed my life with a wonderful husband. After going through a very tuff divorce my 2 daughters and I learned to live a God filled life together.
    They were terrific during and after I had a stroke. When I recovered I went back to teaching and living a full life. Years later, I meet the man of my dreams. We married and my girls fell in love with a man who helped them face the facts that their biological dad was still their dad but he (my husband) would be their Very Best Friend on earth, they could ever have.
    God blessed our family with my husband and his 2 sons. And now we have 5 grandchildren. Now my 2 girls have 4 of our 9 grandchildren total.
    Very Blessed!

    Reply
  49. Brittany

    Colossians 3:23 – I was weary with a job I had been doing at church and just ready to give it up. It seemed as if my work was going unnoticed and was in vain. I was also pregnant and felt like it should be someone else’s turn. My pastor preached on this passage one night and the Lorder dealt with me. I decided to keep on keeping on and not give up my position.

    Reply
  50. Andrea

    Oh Lysa! I have always been one whose heart’s desire is to also do the right thing. While I would “know” what was right in my heart, the consequences of some of my decisions just didn’t seem to produce the results of my rightness …is that a word? 🙂 Earlier this year, God blessed me with a revelation “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Proverbs 16:25) I was so convicted and saw how my “right” way had not been producing Godly results. While it hurt to see and acknowledge the damage that those decisions had produced and the way that I had gone about them was so wrong, it blessed my heart that God loved me enough to open my eyes and provide was for me to make amends. Now instead of doing what I think is right, I first pray “God, show me what You say is the right thing to do.”

    Reply
  51. Cherlyn

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Prov 3:5-6

    Sometimes things don’t make sense and that’s when I know MORE THAN EVER that I need to Trust in Him and lean on His ability to help me make the right decision.

    Reply
  52. Tara

    Love the bond between dads and daughters, would love this book for my husband and also to share with our church!

    Reply
  53. Stephanie Pinsonat

    1 Corinthians 3:16
    Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

    Reply
  54. Andrea

    “Do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap a harvest if you do not give up!” Galatians 6:9

    Reply
  55. Tracy B Niles

    O my, this is a great book to have. We have 3 daughters. 22, 13 and 6. We plan on adopting more girls because my husband says they are the heart of the family. Thank you for a generous offer! God Bless!

    Reply
  56. Tonya

    “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (NIV) Luke 6:30 – Most often our decisions affect others and not just ourselves. This verse sticks out in my head when I have to make decisions, and I pray that God will help me in that decision making. Thank you again for your ministry! May God bless you!

    Reply
  57. Bonni Shearer

    I have a sweet friend that is a single dad and is thoroughly engaged in his daughter’s life. It is rare to find single dad’s out there that are interactive in thier kids life even when they are “off duty”.. Thiers is a beautiful relationship and he is constantly striving to do the right thing even when that right thing is very difficult.

    Reply
    • Bonni Shearer

      Would love this book to give to my friend…

      Reply
  58. Kristy

    I loved this! My favorite verse for making decision is Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path

    Reply
  59. Kerry Ann

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
    II Corinthians 5:10

    Reply
  60. Jenny Landstreet

    2 Corinthians 8:21
    (NIV)
    “For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.”
    We will be an example to our children, even when we think they are not watching!!

    Reply
  61. Maddison

    I have some of the same ‘daddy issues’ that I have been overcoming my whole life! I just found all of your sites after I watched your sermon on Elevation Archive last week… and I am in love with you. I already feel renewed just by reading the few blog posts that I have. Anyways, I would love this book for my stepfather (my dad who didn’t have to be).

    The verse that always keeps me grounded and faithful in the decisions I make is 1 Corinthians 10:31: ‘So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.’ Do ALL to the glory of God.

    Thank you Lysa!!

    Reply
  62. Kath

    With the absence of a great father role model in my children’s lives, I strive to be like your dad… a woman of my word… And I hope to instill this in my children by the power of my example. Thank you for an inspiring story.

    Reply
  63. Rachel

    For me, it is Matthew 6:33. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Life is full of choices. Some easy, some terribly difficult…enough so it leaves you frozen in ‘No Decision’. In those time, I turn to this…I seek His ways first and somehow I tend to make the better/right decision.

    This weekend has always been a harder weekend for me. My biological father was not always in my life. It’s left scars of hurt & loneliness. The daughter just wanted to have the love and acceptance of being good enough by her daddy. What gets me through as an adult trying to heal those inner scars with dad today is knowing that my Eternal Father loves me like I can’t even fathom. Accepts me for who I was yesterday, am today and who I will be tomorrow. I also know that my Eternal Father loves my dad with the same amount of endless love too…His compassion and understanding of what drives my biological father to be the way he is helps me to try to understand him too. That has to be good enough…because none of us perfect in this world. My biological father is doing the best he knows how to do and I need to love him for who he is.

    Reply
  64. Crystal

    There are so many great verses that help me choose between right and wrong. I just always try to think about what I would want to happen to me if I was on the other side of the choice.

    Reply
  65. Rebecca

    Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” saith the Lord. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you.”

    Reply
    • April

      My dad who is my step dad also us amazing he paid for my wedding and is now a wonderful papa to my 2 children who are adopted and my husband is similar to they things you said about your dad My husband would love to have this book for my daughter! Love and Blessings!

      Reply
  66. Dee A

    Be Still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
    Has helped me to step back and rest and trust God, stopping me from jumping ahead of what God wants, helping me to make the right choice instead of the “flesh” choice.

    Reply
  67. Cassie

    I have had an absent father my entire life. My Mom remarried when I was 7 and although he’s been a provider for our family, he was never the Godly father I longed for. A verse that has always been dear to me is, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for your rod and your staff they comfort me.” AMEN

    Reply
  68. Sarah

    This devotional this morning in my inbox, was the best thing I could have read given the present circumstances in my extended family. I can’t say our legacy is one of doing the right thing as it concerns my grandfather, but there have been lights shining through and I pray for healing and grace. Thank you for your encouragement.

    Reply
  69. Funmi Peters

    MY dad is my “HERO” now that I’m a grown married woman. When I was growing up I taught my dad hated me, you see in culture, girls are not necessarily considered as a child because they will marry off, a male child is important because he will continue with the family name. But in my father’s case he is the first born of his father and he has “four girls” so there was a lot of pressure on him to marry another wife but because his faith he chose not to but became strict with us but harder on me being the first. I did not understand that he did that so I can became something in life. I love you so much dad!

    Reply
  70. Brandy

    Blood doesn’t determine who your relatives are, and this story portrays just that. This sounds a lot like the relationship between my daughter and my husband. This book would be put to good use in our house.

    Reply
  71. Theresa

    I recently lost my sales job because I refused to be unethical and “beef up” my sales forecast. Consequently, my numbers did not meet my managers expectations. Although it has resulted in financial strain and loss of benefits for our family of 6, I have a sense of peace that I know I did the right thing and that God, in his ultimate wisdom, will honor that decision. This period of unemployment has enabled me to be there while my mother recovered from shoulder replacement surgery and now to be with my dear mother-in-law through her numerous doctors’ appointment as she battles cancer. “Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 has been my encouragement through it all.

    Reply
  72. Sheila Krege

    That’s a beautiful story what your dad did… It reminds me of Proverbs 4:6-7 “Cling to wisdom-she will protect you. Love her-she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgement.”

    Reply
  73. Funmi Peters

    My verse is psalm 37 vs. 3.

    Reply
  74. Shayne Dunkelberger

    Romans 8:37-39
    “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

    The love of man may fail but we can ALWAYS count on the enduring love of our Father! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
  75. Kristi Hunter

    Proverbs 3:5 this is the scripture I went to when I was wrestling with the idea of adopting our daughter. I was trusting myself and my abilities and not God. I read this and realized I needed to surender. God gave me such peace after that. Now she is 11 and is a blessing for our family.

    Reply
  76. Pam Anderson

    I LOVE this writing about your dad. I too was a wounded young girl who had an alcoholic, abusive dad. There were many very frightening times growing up. As an adult I have been gifted with an incredible husband who loves God and our family. I would love to share this book with him.
    Thank you.
    Pam

    Reply
  77. Melanie Moyer

    “….Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”. Joshua 1:9

    Reply
  78. April R

    My husband has left because of a misunderstanding concerning my step-children and finances. He has to discover for himself through God “what is the right thing?”. Please pray for our marriage. I would love to be able to give him this gift for him to share with our children. Phillipians 1: 27 Whatever happens conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

    Reply
  79. Linda

    “For I am the Lord, your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you do not fear, I will help you.” Is.41:13. I love this verse. Isn’t it comforting to know that our Father in heaven is holding our hand and telling us not to be afraid?

    Reply
  80. Deborah Carson

    When I was in second grade my father decided it was time to show me what dirty old men do to little girls. I suffered the physical and sexual abuse till I was 18 years old and walked out on my 18th birthday. I was told by my mother to ever come back I would have to apologize to my father.

    I never found a father figure. But I have found 2 wonderful women that have adopted me into their hearts as their daughter even though I am not their birth child.

    Thank you for sharing the story of your dad (Charles)

    Reply
  81. Leah Elliott

    My children also lack involvement from their dad, but almost 3 years ago, I married a wonderful man and we have 5 great kids together. He is the father to my kids that their father is not. We are so blessed to have him in our lives and thank God him! Lord, help me remember that when I tend to come “UNGLUED” over small situations ;)!

    Reply
  82. Sarah

    To radically obey, to follow HIs voice as He leads, to lay down it all, and take leap of faith. Packing up a baby and a toddler, sharing Jesus in villages, huts, around the world. Serving as missionaries. Forever ruined for the ordinary, our little family.

    To radically obey, to follow His voice as He leads, to lay it all down again and take a leap of faith. When gently asked to come back home, to the US, I said no. Finally yielding, rejoicing in doing the right thing, ultimately letting my Abba lead, each and every step. We came.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not own your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge him and he will direct your paths.”

    Reply
  83. Amy

    “Though we don’t share the same DNA, his imprint on my heart makes me his daughter.” I love that, Lysa.

    I recently saw an Oprah Master Class with Susan Sarandon, and she said something that, other than God’s word, will be the most important guiding factor for me when making decisions in my life in the future. She said, “you have to be ready to be by yourself.” So many times in my past, the thing that’s made decisions or speaking the truth hard has been fearing that people won’t support me, or won’t like me, or (and this is the big one) they’ll leave. This little quote has given me the courage to make decisions fearlessly.

    Amy

    Reply
  84. Dana

    When I have to make a tough decision I make sure to write it down in my journal as I’m praying about it. I love to look back and see how God answered. I look back over them each time I have to make another tough decision and am reminded that God hears my prayers and answers. It’s really neat (and encouraging) to see how he has answered each and every time!!

    Reply
  85. Tracey

    I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil 4:13. My dad has always been a wonderful father but I didn’t appreciate him until I became an adult. I look back now and realize how fortunate I have been to have such a strong spiritual leader who raised me in the church. All through my life, my dad has quoted this verse to me and when I went through my divorce and struggled raising my two daughters by myself, he would send me a card with encouraging words and this verse at the bottom in bold and underline. I wish my daughters could have the same kind of dad as I do but unfortunately, he is not involved in their lives. I have tried to be a strong spiritual leader for them like my dad was for me and make sure they know every day how much I love them and that my love is unconditional. Thanks for sharing your story.

    Reply
  86. Myesha

    In Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law (NKJV),” the bible addresses the fruits of the spirit. I believe God wants us to experience and share these characteristics in our everyday lives as Christians. It is so important that keep these things in the forefront of our minds when making decisions.

    Reply
  87. Nancy

    “The LORD will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” Psalm 138:8 (NLT)
    Just read this devotion on your website….so true. No matter who or how our earthly fathers were, God can redeem any hurt or injustice and give us others to express His love thru, if we let Him.

    Reply
  88. Nicole

    (disregard the very last part…mobile version isn’t working with me – can’t select the very end to delete!)
    I love reading stories with which I have a personal connection! My mom divorced my biological father when I was still a baby and married the only Dad I ever really knew… a “Charles” by a different name. He even asked *us* to marry him, not just my mom. He and my mom have always been great servant examples for me, always willing to help when able. Today, I find it hard to say no to an opportunity to help if I know I’m able. When faced with a decision, I try to remember Prov 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”
    know theres an opportunity where I am able

    Reply
  89. Janet Hattem

    Thank you Lisa for sharing that great personal testimony about your Dad! I am convinced that in situations like these, your Dad is the dad that God chose for you! I have seen it numerous times before. You do have your Dad’s spiritual DNA which is the most important kind!
    I have had a situation where I was to write what God was saying to me during a particular week. My Pastor was going to read it and I happened to be upset with him at that moment. I began to think of what else I could write about that God was saying to me, and at that moment God SPOKE, loud and clear!! He said, “If you don’t write the truth, then you will be closing the door on Me. I only move in truth.. no matter how hard it is, I will always be free to work in a situation when it is honest.” Wow!! I got it!! I then, had to work through the situation, forgive, allow God to adjust me and my attitude and then shared what He had taught me.I learned an incredible lesson/ truth, that I have stood on and sharing many times with others. Even though the other thing that I was going to write would have been truth, it wouldn’t have been the biggest truth!! God is a God who will only work within truth!! John 8:32 “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” That is the right thing to do!

    Reply
  90. Alex

    I was a daddy’s girl, even though now, looking back, I see how our damaged relationship impacts me even still now. My husband, on the other hand, is a man of integrity and loves and cherishes our children (including our daughter) and makes sure they know it. So blessed to have him as the father to my children!

    Reply
  91. Brenda

    See, my servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. (Isaiah 52:13 NIV)

    Reply
  92. Barbara Cole

    When doing the right thing is unclear or difficult, I have found it helps to remember what 2 Chronicles 16:9a says, “The eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.” Lifting our eyes to the Lord and longing to be seen by Him changes our perspective on the situation and opens the way for the Lord to reveal Himself and His plans for us.
    My husband and i have 2 grown sons who are now fathers to little girls. Thanks for suggesting this book.

    Reply
  93. Marilyn

    Even if your mother or father forsakes you I will not forsake you.
    I was a rejected woman. I love the way your father did the right thing. I was married and my daughters step father didnit accept her. It is so important fir fathers to show live to there children as when I was growing g up my dad was a great provider but would yell. It is so important for fathers to speak and be there a d show love. I do thank Gid my Heavenly Father was always there and I knew to turn to him. He is my protector and he loves me inconditionally. Now I have a make friend I do tell him how important it is to be there for his daughter and I admire tve way he is with his daughter. I would love that book to give to him. To all the great dads happy Father’s Day. I love your testimony. It truly ministered to me. Everything we go through makes us who we are. May the ikder woman I strict the older woman. Keep up great work. I am blessed and highly favored

    Reply
  94. Rachel Cole

    Love this….thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  95. Alicia

    But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
    Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

    We will never be perfect, but we should always try to do our best to live a holy life!

    Reply
  96. Amy Mize

    Colossians 3:17
    And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    If I can remember this – keeping the Lord in the forefront of what I do and say, letting Him guide me – it is very difficult to make the wrong choice or decision.

    Reply
  97. Marianne

    My husband and I are foster parents. We have been fostering for 15 years and have been blessed to touch the lives of 59 fatherless children. We have also adopted 4 children. My husband is such a great daddy. He is consistent, kind, hard working, selfless, and loves God. Happy Father’s Day to an amazing man who deserves to be honored. I love you!

    Reply
  98. Julia Ganaway

    Philippians 4:8 – This is my go to verse for those times when the situation is grey. Your post today was my story. We are blessed to have men of integrity in our lives. Because of his example, I married a man of integrity. As a pastor’s wife I don’t have the luxury of being selfish in my decision making. People are watching. People are imitating. People are following. Often I find myself taking the high road because of Philiippians 4:8. Doing it because it’s right. Remember taking the high road is often difficult. If it weren’t then everyone would do it. But the eternal reward and the internal reward are priceless. Thank you Lisa for your obedience to share. God bless! – Julia Ganaway

    Reply
  99. Haley

    Would love to have this book for my husband. He is an amazing father. I didn’t grow up with a father at all in my life and I am blessed so much when I watch the way my husband adores our daughter.

    Reply
  100. Ronda

    Oh my, Lysa! Your words always speak to my heart.
    On the verge of *big* decisions that effect my sons and daughter, constantly praying for my husband, as he is the father our sons will be and the husband our daughter will look for… Jeremiah 29:11 for I know the plans I have for you….
    Isaiah 52:12 you will not leave in a hurry…the Lord will go ahead of you…
    2 Thessalonians 3:16 ..may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation…

    Reply
  101. Stacy King

    I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens Me <3

    Reply
    • Jamie Cristali

      God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, of self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

      Reply
  102. Amy Holland

    1 John 5:14 ESV “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”

    My problem though is inserting MY WILL, thinking it’s HIS WILL…..:-/

    Reply
  103. Rebecca

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

    My husband passed away almost 2 years ago and my girls are 4 and 7 now. I pray everyday that a Godly man comes into our lives just as your dad came into yours and shows them the love that they are missing now. Because my husband was an amazing man and Daddy!!

    Reply
    • Annette D.

      Rebecca – I also feel your pain. My hubby passed 7 years ago and left me and our three children. We lost him to cancer, quickly, and we are still feel the pain, especially my son. I also love Proverbs 3:5-6. You are in my prayers. Annette

      Reply
  104. Jennifer

    “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.'” Jeremiah 29:11

    When I have a decision to make about a path to take, either for myself or my family, I ask God for wisdom, talk it through with my husband, and move forward with what I have a peace about. God will work out the details as we make choices as long as we are moving forward in obedience in our hearts. He will make our plans firm and established according to HIS will. Knowing this allows me to make tough decisions trusting that God will get the glory for the outcome.

    Reply
  105. Crystal G

    Hey Lysa~ I’m already tearing up and I’m just on the first sentence! I’m sad to say we share in this great heartbreak. I’m 49 and still feel the pain and hurt deeply, though I don’t even have an earthly Father in my live to relief some of the hurt and pain. You are blessed in that way! Yesterday I read Day 26 in your book Unglued Devotional and it was a true blessing and just what I needed to get me through the day! Thank you for sharing the ups and downs of your life, and your encouraging words! God bless!

    Reply
  106. Lucy Sanguinetti

    My daddy passed away 17 years ago, at the young age of 69. He was the BEST man I have ever known (with the exception of my husband, Jay 🙂 ) My dad was a strong Christian man who was the spiritual leader of our home. And he was loved be everyone who came in contact with him. When he died, and we were going through some of his things, we found many scraps of paper with something written on it, tucked away in pockets of pant, jackets, folded in his Bible, tucked into his wallet, in the console of his little pickup truck….and all of them said the same thing: “The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him abolutely no good.” That was my dad! What a lesson he taught me!!!!!

    Reply
  107. Leslie W

    Thanks for this word!! Plan on forwarding this to someone who has struggled a lot with dad issues! God bless you!

    Reply
  108. Shannon Boyer

    Proverbs 19:21 ESV
    Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

    Reply
  109. Carmen Miller

    I truly thank God for my husband. We both grew up without our father’s. We discovered our Heavenly Father together. Today my husband is everything I would have wanted in a father and I am so overjoyed that our 3 year old daughter and son experience that daily.

    Reply
  110. Chris Sargent

    In the past 4 days, the rejection of my father has once again broken my heart. I’m nearly 40 years old, and I truly thought I was “over” it, that I had accepted that he’s not going to change. I was called Sunday afternoon by a family member to tell me that my father was in a hospital with an area of bleeding on the brain after a fall, and his left side & thinking/speech was affected. In God’s great orchestration, my father’s information was given to a Pastor where my father was hospitalized 700 miles away. In the course of the visit, when asked of my father and his wife if they have children, the rejection came verbally… “We have a son”… It’s different when you hear the words that your heart have known for decades.
    I am rather choosing to forgive and pray for them, and thanking God for the Pappy he has blessed me with. A man who has chosen to embrace me as his own, who hugs and holds me while I weep and speaks words of God’s truth into my heart. Genetics are NOT relationships.
    When rejections comes, choose to forgive 70 x 7 and pray for those who you are privileged to intercede for.

    Reply
    • Annette D.

      Praying for you …

      Reply
  111. Jules

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  112. michelle murray

    Althought my parents never took me to church… My mom raised me to always do unto others as i would have them do unto me..luke 6:30. Now grown with 2 daughters and 4 granddaughters i have passed the advice along to them got them all in church and taught them all that trusting in the lord and always doing the right thing in life, that you will never go wrong. My dady was an alocholic and my daughters struggle with their daughters daddys… but i stand firm in how important doing the right thing is and trusting in the lord to help you do that. Give lots of advice when asked to the dads…

    Reply
  113. Alice

    Hi Lysa, thanks for sharing about your dad…a man of great character. You are so blessed to still have him in your life. One of my favorites is Exodus 14:13, 14: Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. Hope you have a great Father’s Day honoring your dad. 🙂

    Reply
  114. Ginnie Seva

    My father wrote me this…
    Tue, Dec 6, 2011 at 3:16 PM
    I knew I could depend on you when I passed on the Mantle of Peacemaking! And you go, after successfully accomplishing the mission I ardently hoped and wished for — that of Family Unity!
    Go forth, with God’s Grace, reap success in all your undertakings, remembering what He said: For whatsoever you do for the least of my brethens, you did it to
    Me! Much Love.
    Daddy

    I held on to this when I migrated to the U.S. in dec 2011. Everything has changed since then, I was estranged, ostracuzed expoding a terrible wrong doing of my sister. I just have to do the right thing. Me, my father, and my siblings never spoke to each other again up until today. My heavenly Father stepped up to the plate and walked with me in my journey to righteousness. He strengthen my faith and gave me courage, patience, and humility to survive here in the U.S. In GoDs perfect time, I await my vindication. Thank you Lysa for your inspiring story

    Reply
  115. Ruby Barnes

    Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  116. KariB

    I would love to give this to my son who has just retired from the Army. He has been away from his girls for 3 different tours to Iraq and I think this would help him to be able to reconnect with them in a very meaningful way!

    Reply
  117. Lena

    5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    And lean not on your own understanding;
    6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
    And He shall direct your paths.

    Reply
  118. Sarah

    Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
    This is what I was taught and are trying to teach my daughter. It is simple but very hard sometimes. Thank you for your words today!

    Reply
  119. Kendra Jenkins

    Jeremiah 29:11…Love love love this verse!!

    Reply
  120. Amber Friedli

    My 13 year old has a father just like your “Dad” he is a great man. Her biological father walked away when she was little and didn’t seem concerned for her. It is amazing that God put my husband in my life to help me with her and our other daughter. I am blessed.

    Reply
  121. Vickie Rasnick

    Philippians 1:27 Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.

    Reply
  122. Cindy Alewine

    My children’s father is “in” their lives but not really part of their lives. I felt such frustration each time he would disappoint them until I turned them over to the Lord. God’s Word says He will be a father to the fatherless. So now, when I feel fear and frustration rising, I say out loud, “Thank you Lord for taking care of my children and for filling the void their father has left behind.”

    Reply
  123. Stacy King

    I grew up without a dad, He was around, just never around me and my 3 sisters. I am 33 today and know all to well how heartbreaking it is and how much I would give anything to be able to pick up the phone this Sunday and tell my dad happy fathers day, and how much I love him, but we do not share that bond, the bond we would have had if had been there for me, I always felt growing up that i wasn’t good enough, or that i did something wrong and to this day i still struggle with these feelings, and it still breaks my heart today.
    I am a single mother of 2 Daughters 16 & 11, I have been their Mom & Dad for almost 10 years now, their Dad is like a remake of mine and it hurts me so deeply, he is around just not in their lives. My heart hurts that they feel the feelings i have always felt
    I try my best to be the best Mom & Dad that i can possibly be for them because i don’t want them to even feel a fraction of the hurt i felt and still feel.
    verse for me : Psalms 56:3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.
    I always tell my girls the same thing my mom told me <3
    "YOU ARE THE KING'S KID"
    verse for them : I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens Me <3

    Reply
  124. Diane

    My favorite life quote and also helps with decision making is 2 Corinthians 5:7, Walk by faith not by sight. It is a constant reminder to not lean on my own judgement or what I can see at the time to to make decisions in faith even when they are scary or hard or I don’t know how they will work.

    Reply
  125. Elizabeth Durfey

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
    ~Proverbs 3:5-6

    Reply
  126. Belinda

    I loved ready about your dad and Thank you for chance to win one of those books

    Reply
  127. Amanda Duncan

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Reply
  128. Jamie Stein

    Love this blog post! So precious! My go-to verse is Jeremiah 29:11. I just have to remember that God has plans for me. I just have to seek Him to find His will.

    Reply
  129. Beth

    Thank God for spiritually strong men. Thank you Lord for setting all the example of a loving father. My favorite verse is Phillipians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious, about anything, but in everything be in prayer and petition, thanksgiving present yourself to God. Thank you for this challenge to find verses that relate!!

    Reply
  130. Jessica Pearson

    Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

    With every decision I have to trust that God knows the desires of my heart and TRUST that He is in control, knows what He is doing & knows whats best for me. Love this verse to remind me He is on MY SIDE. 🙂

    Reply
  131. Derricka

    I LOVE today’s blog! One of my motto’s in life is: “Always to the right thing.” I have tried to do that in my life, and I am trying to instill that in my kids. I always say the right thing is not always the easy thing, but still do the right thing.

    Reply
  132. Kim McCarter

    Our heavenly Father is so faithful to provide just what we need at the exact moment we need it.

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  133. Tricia

    When I may be puzzling over a particularly difficult decision, I invariably go back to the beginning and remember. Ephesians 2:8-10, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Remember that I may rest in His plan for my life, knowing that in Him all things do work together for good. Rest in His timing and while I listen and wait, do the next right thing. God is good, all the time!

    Reply
  134. Lauren

    I remind myself of this scripture over and over…and listen for His promptings:

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6

    Thank you so much for sharing, Lysa. I had an amazing Daddy in my youth. He was kind, funny, loving, humble and grateful. Although he is still alive…through the years… I believe worldly success has ruined him…and made him trust more in himself than on the Lord. He has hurt everyone in his immediate family…and has become quite “toxic” to be around. I have not spoken to him in 6 months…for I feel it is easier for me to keep him in prayer while I am not being verbally attacked by him. He is so lost…and I pray constantly that he gives his heart to Christ. He is missing out on so much…and I pray that God heals his heart of whatever it is that binds him…before he leaves this earth. I’m thinking of what to write to him this Father’s Day (the typical cards just are not appropriate…as he’s NOT been a great dad or supportive or loving). Still….I love HIM. Not his actions/words…but the lost person that he is. So hard. Trustin’ in the Lord to bring me His words that can speak healing….

    Reply
  135. Tonya

    a verse that has helped me in hard times has been Jeremiah 17:7
    Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord: and whose hope the Lord is.

    God gave my husband and I 5 precious kids, he’s brought us through a house fire in safety and through sickness and health. He is a good God and he always provides for our needs in his time. I’m so blessed because I’ve learned to trust in him.

    Reply
  136. Shelley Adams

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5-6

    Reply
  137. Michelle Weibel

    Ps. 5:12 For you bless the godly, O Lord, surrounding them with your shield of love.

    Reply
  138. Chris Sanders

    Lysa, thank you soooo much for always giving me great nuggets of Truth in your writings! I was blessed to have a great dad who always tried to do the right thing… he passed away 16 years ago, and I still miss him every day! But The Lord blessed me with a Godly husband who also tries to always do the right thing!
    Through the years I have learned the questions to ask: WILL MY WORDS (actions, deeds) HONOR GOD, AND WILL THEY MAKE OTHERS WANT TO KNOW HIM??

    Reply
  139. Dana Force

    Trusting God to help me make the right decision is so important. I think the key for me is to get on my face before Him and to hear Him. I think that old children’s song has so poignantly said it: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.” The Bible even speaks about when we do things our own way, we are rebelling against God. I do not want to have a rebellious heart against God!

    Reply
  140. Renee Strickland

    My father was absent most of my life and you are correct. It has a terrible impact on a little girl. God showed me through Romans 8 that God is my Abba. I am joint heirs with Christ and adopted into a most wonderful family! He showed me that my human father could never meet my expectations of the love I needed, but Abba could! What revelation! Being able to let go of the hurt and know how much I am truly loved is amazing!

    Reply
  141. Sheila

    I enjoyed your blog today. I heard about a family that was a yours, mine, ours situation but they said they didn’t have any step children. They called them all their children. Special love does touch deep!

    Reply
  142. Eva

    Matthew 5:16
    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Thank you for such a wonderful blog today. Father’s are so important and needed. My father was NOT a part of my life after my parents divorce, I was 13 yo, but I had a Father in heaven that filled that void. And now…my husband of almost 24 years could not be a better father to our 2 children. God knows how to make up for our losses. So thankful!

    Reply
  143. Paige Ward

    Last week we had a yard sale. We sold the remainder of our household stuff that was in storage. It was a hard decision, but the right decision because God had told us to do it. The verse that kept me going was Joel 2:25 – “I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten -“

    Reply
  144. Lisa Myers

    Lysa, thank you for sharing your very touching story and for allowing God to use you to minister to others. I have to say that your writings have made such an impact in my life and I thank God for what I’m learning through your writing.
    “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22

    Reply
  145. Beth

    When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2

    Reply
  146. Stephanie S

    James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

    I always ask God for the wisdom to make the decision he wants me to make knowing that He is in control and has plans for my life. Sometimes the decisions aren’t the ones I want to make, but I have peace knowing that they are the ones God wants me to make.

    Reply
  147. Staci

    Ps 37:23 the Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.

    Reply
  148. Ana Vel

    God is sooo god!!!..my biological father r pass away when i was 6 years old, and my grand “hero” father, took his shoes and rise three grand kids by his own..no perfectly but with a lot of love, and protection, i never r feel award because of him, he was my father, my hero, he was doing the right thing, and now when my house is full of men, , i have tow sons, i am trying to remember him in every aspect of their life’s, because , even he wasn’t a Christian men, he follows Jesus steps to serve others instead to be served.and this lesson i would like to transfer to my kids in many wisdom ways.

    Reply
  149. Sarah

    “Be still & know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10 When the chaos of uncertainty abounds, the best thing to do is to shift focus from the decisions at hand to the God who fills our lives with purpose & meaning. When I let go of my own ability to reason & attach myself to the Father, He gives me peace, wisdom & understanding to approach every circumstance through the lens of His truth.

    Reply
  150. Robin

    Trust the Lord with all my heart, and do not rely on my own understanding. In all my ways acknowledge him, and he will make my paths smooth.
    Proverbs 3:5-6

    My husband loves our little girls, but struggles with what to do with them. “Pink” does not come naturally for him. I love his efforts though, and share his disappointment when he tries something they don’t like.

    Reply
  151. Susanne

    I have granddaughters, 12 and 15, who so wish this was true of their daddy. But they are looking to their grandpa as a wonderful example of a godly man! We are very blessed to have them spend the summer with us.

    Reply
  152. Annette D.

    HI Lysa – I lost my hubby Jeff 7 years ago to cancer at age 41. He left behind our 3 awesome kids. My son is now 18 (almost 19) and just graduated high school. He is a good kid but so lost and still hurting over the loss of his dad. We are on vacation and he lost Jeff’s sunglasses in the ocean (he wears them) and just sobbed on the beach. My moms heart was breaking.. Loving Dad’s are such a blessing. Jeff was such a person…please keep my Christopher in your prayers.. thank you, and God Bless all the loving Christian Dads out there!

    Reply
    • Debbie

      Praying for you and Christopher! Praying that God will move mountains and show Himself to Christopher. Praying that somehow and in someway those glasses show up! So sorry for your loss.

      Reply
  153. Brandi Martinez

    I love the verse below! When we don’t know what descions to make we can always go to te Word of God and read and ask Him. This explains all!
    James 1:5 ESV
    “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:

    Reply
  154. Tammy

    I wrote something about my dad a few years back call the “Measure of a Man” and sent it to his pastor since we live in different states. The pastor read it at that Sunday in church, he didnt know what to say. My dad has taught me so many things over the years and one verse that comes to mind is
    Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
    My dad has always taught me to give and it does come back overflowing.

    Reply
  155. Katelyn

    Romans 12:9
    Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil. Hold fast to what is good.

    Reply
  156. Christy Gloyd

    I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!! Phil 4:3. Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories!

    Reply
  157. Alyssa W.

    One quote that pops into my head is from my dad. “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” A Bible verse that pops into my head is Micah 6:8. “Human, the LORD has told you what goodness is.This is what he wants from you:Be fair to other people.Love kindness and loyalty,and humbly obey your God.” (ERV)

    Reply
  158. Renee Peebles

    I also grew up in the shadow of being rejected by my biological father. He just didn’t want me. Thankful that I now know my Heavenly Father my daddy God. Hardest right thing I’ve done over the past two years? God called me to pray and at times to fast in order to eradicate the generational sin of fatherless ness in my family tree. You see I was a little girl with no father. My sister had no father. Then my son doesn’t know his biological father ( thankfully he had a great dad who adopted him when we were married). Now my sin had a child that needs his daddy to be more than an every other weekend dad praying for him to see this need. It breaks my heart and had been a hard fight. Hard but necessary. Interceding is hard work.

    Reply
  159. Paula Tenney

    I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me! Praise my FATHER!

    Reply
  160. Kelly

    Proverbs 3:5-6 trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all they ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

    Reply
    • Angie

      This great guy I work with during end of life discussions will tell families, “sometimes you just have to turn this (points to brain) off, and trust this (hand over heart).” So true, a man plans his way, but The Lord directs his steps…

      Reply
  161. Carrie Turansky

    I love hearing about your dad. Being a man of his word is a wonderful quality to be admired and emulated. The book sounds fun too. If I win I will give it to my son who has a beautiful 3 year-old daughter. He is a great dad, but I know he would love to have some fresh ideas for connecting with her. Thanks, Lysa! I appreciate your posts.
    Blessings,
    Carrie

    Reply
  162. Angela Taylor

    Hi Lysa
    Your life story and mine sound a lot a like. My farther walked away from my mom when I was 2 months old, and she married a man 2 years latter that raised me. He was a great man. He would give you the shirt off his back in 20 degree cold weather if you needed it. He was also honest as the day is long and he always tried to do the right thing all the time. This man my dad was my hero also. He passed a way when I was 14 years old and I miss him like it was yesterday.

    Like you said he may not be by blood but he has left an imprint on my heart and life, he will always be my DADDY. He always said if you don’t want it done to you don’t do it to others. All ways try to give instead of take it feels better in the long run. I try to live by this and he is right it does feel better when you give instead of always taking.

    This is my 2 verses I like, its hard to pick, I love every word in the bible. Here are two of mine.
    Jeremiah 29:11

    “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.’”

    Proverbs 3:5-6

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

    In Christ Love
    Angela

    Reply
  163. Paula Tenney

    I just finished your book – unglued. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it definitely struck my heart not to mention my mind. I have alot on my plate, single mom, 2 jobs, kids that continually argue, etc etc. However, after reading the book I found a calming spirit in my heart that I know was sent from God through your writings. I pray for continuing changes for myself. I know He is always with me and am blessed to have found your ministry. I pray for blessings for you and yours

    Reply
  164. Mary Shepperson

    Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. (PROVERBS 16:3)
    We need to include God in our decision making. This is something I’m beginning to learn thru Made to Crave. Thank you.

    Reply
  165. Linda

    Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
    …SOOO difficult for me sometimes….

    Reply
  166. Amber Smith

    Be satisfied with your present circumstances; with what you have. For God Himself has said, “I will not, in any way, fail you, give you up or leave you without support. I will not, will not, will not, in any degree, leave you helpless, forsake you, let you down or relax My hold on you.” Hebrews 13:5 AMP

    Love this post. You are a tremendous encouragement as a woman, daughter, mother, and especially; a mother of the new “normal” family. Leaning on your blog/facebook posts daily as we wade through the ups and downs of foster care, adoption and coming unglued in general. Thank you for mentioning this Daddy Daughter book. Delicious.

    Reply
  167. Toni

    Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in The Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.

    Reply
  168. Osayi

    Zephaniah 3:17
    “The LORD your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice.”

    I can’t say that I always do the right thing, and sometimes when I try to do the right thing and it causes pain, I end up going back to the easy thing. But whenever I think about how much God loves me, and how he rejoices over me, and how he delights in me, and how he wants the best for me, I can’t help but want to be a better person today than I was yesterday.

    Reply
  169. Lana

    I think the trouble I get into is when I try to fix things in my own strength instead of taking a moment to consider what God says about a matter…Philippians 4:8 reminds me to keep my thoughts in check – if they’re turning negative, I’m probably handling things on my own & forgetting to allow Him to help me…

    Reply
  170. Nellie

    I heard this on K-Love and I really love it.
    The way that you know your dreams are Gods dreams is, you can not do it without Him.
    When God wants you to do something he will show you over and over again and in many different ways to let you know that with Him beside you it can be done.

    Reply
  171. Christy

    Close is not close enough. Do not compromise and do not rush. Keep asking for clarity and wisdom. Have the needed, even if hard, conversations. Wait on God.

    Reply
  172. Kimberly Anderson

    Ephesians 3:20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infnitely more than we might ask or think……..I LOVE this verse, because it tells me that my God can do anything He chooses to do through me……even when doing the right thing is so hard……….and all through HIS power, not my own. My God is awesome!

    Reply
  173. Tristi

    What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy & walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8 (I have three girls and my husband would love these date ideas!)

    Reply
  174. Andie

    I love Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in The Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ~ My husband would LOVE the daddy-daughter date book! 😉

    Reply
  175. Kim

    My dad always took my sister and I out on birthday dinner dates. They were so special because it felt like the only time we had real heart to hearts. He worked in sales and my early years I don’t remember him around much. Unfortunately and fortunately my parents divorced when I was 11 and we now saw dad every Wednesday for dinner and every other weekend. We actually saw him more than. We still have a great relationship. My husband and I are hoping to adopt a little girl and I’ve shared with him how special these dates were. I would love to bless him with a book of new ideas.

    Reply
  176. Carolyn

    Philippians 4:6-7 :: 6) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7) and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
    I struggle with bad anxiety and depression on a daily basis and the devil uses that to really beat me down. Sometimes it’s hard to see through the depression to make the right, Godly decisions. But I use this verse to help me through it.
    I have a daughter in between my 2 sons and I would like this book to give to my husband. I lost my dad at 17 to suicide and I know how close we were. My husband is a wonderful dad and is so good with our kids. I would like him to have this book to get ideas from so that he can spend time with our daughter and develop the special bond I had with my father.

    Reply
  177. Amy Hawkinson

    I had an amazing Dad, he dies when I was 19 to cancer. I will always remember how every morning when I woke up, he would be sitting at the kitchen table reading his Bible before breakfast. It is something I want my daughter to remember me by. Our favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11, such a good reminder of Gods plans for us. He knows best!!

    Reply
  178. Sarah K.

    We are moving soon to a new state for my husband’s job. What a difficult decision this was to make! We prayed a lot and could feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit speaking ever so gently to our hearts. God knows exactly what we need.
    “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” Psalm 143:10 NIV

    Reply
  179. Anne

    I think of the prophet who said, 2 Chronicles 20:12 b, “Lord I don’t know what to do, but my eyes are on you.” That verse helps me because I often DON’T know, but want to do the right thing. Like your dad.

    Loved your post today, even though I didn’t have a hero, it made me appreciate that God was the dad I needed.

    Reply
  180. Brandi

    “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ”
    Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)

    Reply
  181. Janelle L

    Phil 4:13…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

    Reply
  182. Sandi in MN

    Oh Lysa, your post today made me cry. My husband just did the right thing yesterday even though it was a very hard thing. He’s been unemployed for six months and desperately looking for a job. He had a chance to work a consulting gig that he didn’t have peace about. The owner of the company has a reputation of “doing business a bit differently” and when he asked other if he was ethical the response we got was “well, you’ll have to figure that out on your own” (the person didn’t want to bad mouth him).
    After lots of prayer and seeking godly counsel from family and friends(more information about this man was uncovered). The unanimous theme was “run, don’t do it, doesn’t seem like a door God would open” etc, etc So even though we really need a job, he did the right thing, the ethical thing and is still waiting for God to open another door. Wow, it’s hard sometimes waiting, trusting and being true to your word. But I believe God WILL provide and will honor my man for doing the right thing!

    Reply
  183. Rachel Lynch

    Wow, Thank you for posting…I NEEDED this.
    I was JUST talking about this yesterday. I have lived with the fear of rejection & abandonment for just about my entire life.
    My parents divorced when I was about 2yrs (I’m the only child). My mom then remarried when I was older. My biological father asked it my mom’s new husband would adopt me. Even though I had a nice life….I NEVER could get over the fact that my father chose to give me away to someone else.
    ( My mom’s husband passed away about 17-18yrs ago. Wonderful man )
    I have a message on my phone that was left YESTERDAY by my biological father saying that he has just about everything needed to adopt me & for me to be his again. So after 30+ years….my biological father is going to be my dad again! Full Circle…..I’ve been wanting this for SOOOOOO long. Thank you JESUS! ♥

    Reply
  184. moni

    i wish i had a dad like that when i was growing up. but unfortunately i didn’t. my biological father was there in person, but did not seek any relationship with me or his other 2 daughters. now i am so blessed to have a husband that is exactly as you described your dad! he is all that to our 4 kids! i love him so much. all that my father was not, my husband is for our kids! such a great example he is for our kids and how the lord wants them to be once they are dad’s themselves (i have one 14 year old daughter that adores her dad and 3 boys that i could not be more proud of – they are always looking up to their dad!).

    Reply
  185. Patricia Diamond

    I had an awesome Father who died at the age of 57. He was always there for me when I need him, he took care of our family never complaining. He could do anything he put his mind to but his family was always his priority. He always took us places to see and was just always there. When I met my husband I had prayed for a Godly man like my Father who would love his family and love his Lord more. God blessed me with my husband and he has always been there for me and our children. When job opportunities came up that meant he was away from us he told his employer no his family came first. Thank God his employer respected his wishes. My favorite verse is Psalm 46:10 ” Be still and know that I am God”. He reminds me that when ever a big decision is to be made pray and patiently wait for God’s answer!

    Reply
  186. Lynn Leaming

    Lysa, I too was blessed with a Charles in my life. I was sexually abused by my birth father and my mom protected me from that by divorcing him. At 15 God brought Edwin into our lives and his three children (I had two brothers). From the get go my father of heart showed no difference between his children and us. We were never allowed to use the term “step” in our family. We were family!! I am so thankful for all that he taught me about about my heavenly Father’s love and grace. I am indeed blessed!! I am still praying for the salvation of my birth father as he continues to live under Satan’s rule.

    Reply
  187. Wendy

    Psalm 69:13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

    Lisa, I absolutely LOVED your post today!

    Reply
  188. Ginger Hayes

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

    I may not always understand why some things happen the way they do but if I keep my trust in the Lord and rely on him to guide my path, he will never steer me wrong.

    Reply
  189. Margaret

    My granddaughter is blessed with a loving step dad that adopted her as his own last year. He is not always sure what to do with a 5 yr old girl but at least he tries. I am so blessed to see his love grow for her everyday! The verse that helps us thru most of our days is Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  190. Kristin

    Frequently, I find myself asking, “Is this Your will or mine, Lord? Your time frame or mine?” Faith can be a struggle when His answers haven’t yet been revealed to me. I pray daily for discernment and clarity of both purpose and path, trusting He knows what’s best, especially when I don’t.

    Reply
  191. karen

    knowing your Daddy makes your story even more powerful. As i looked for Father’s Day card today, it was difficult because there wasn’t anything that really fit my situation. it made me think about the difference it might make if Dad’s would take time to read through several of the cards and think about how they would like to deserve to get one of those from their child. The life verse that keeps me sane (most days, at least to keep me from coming “unglued”!!) is Rom. 8:28 and trusting (by faith, not sight or feelings) that God truly will work all this together…. Trying to live out unconditional love for a father who tho physically there, wasn’t really there for us emotionally; and also for a husband who abandoned me, had numerous adulterous relationships, then returned and gave me a disease…. BUT GOD is all I can stand on.

    Reply
  192. Kacie

    Proverbs 3:5-12
    The Message (MSG)
    Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
    Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
    Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
    Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
    Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
    Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
    But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
    It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    A father’s delight is behind all this.”
    🙂 I love that he keeps me on track and I think I might need Made to Crave to help my body glow with health. 😉 thank you Lysa for your wisdom. I finally get to see you in person in Melboure FL next year!!! Yay!!

    Reply
  193. Katie Call

    I love my husband for the great father and step father he is to my kids.
    Proverbs 3:5-6
    New International Version (NIV)
    5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
    6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  194. Melissa Price

    Psalm 111:10
    The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (NIV). I have a 9 year old daughter who has an amazing step dad but she struggles with this still not being her biological dad. This book would be great for my husband!!

    Reply
  195. mikeNtam

    Our favorite verse here at home, when it comes to any kind of decision that may especially take into consideration our character is 1 Cor. 16:13… 13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. For us, it is a reminder to be alert to how the decisions we make will affect others and will tell of what our true character is.

    Reply
  196. Shawn.

    Lysa,
    Doing the right thing can be tough and hurtful. The scripture I look to to guide me is “a wise man counts the cost before he builds.” I have started many endeavors only to realize that they would cost me more than I can afford or more than I want to pay.

    Reply
  197. Crystal Cohea

    “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” That pretty much answers almost every question I have about what to do! When I think of how I would want to be treated, the answer comes pretty easily!

    Reply
  198. Shaye

    I too was abandoned by my biological father and my step-father…. and then my daughter was abandoned by hers. I struggled for years with pain and heartache. The cycle was broken a few years ago when God brought my husband into my life. My husband loves and cherishes our daughter and I know he was a gift from God for her and even for me. Throughout these difficult years, I held onto this scripture: Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.” As I have grown in the Lord over the years, I have come to know the great love of our heavenly Father. God doesn’t intend dads or moms to leave. God doesn’t intend for families to separate, but unfortunately they do and we are left with the pain and scars. I praise God today because He is the great healer. He has always held His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us. The closer we get to God, the greater comfort knowing our Heavenly Father never intended for us to hurt and is always there to help us.

    Reply
  199. JLewis

    Phillipians 4:8 … helps redirect my thoughts and motives .

    Reply
  200. Lynette Gerbe

    After reading your blog today, I had to comment. I have four sons, all grown now but when they were 12,8,7 and 6 the man they call “Dad” came into our lives and he has always been a man of his word and always made sure that the boys and I had before he would ever think of himself. And even though they are spread out over three states now, I would like to think that they still love and respect him to this day. He knew that I could not give him a child of his own and he told me…”That is not a problem, WE have four boys already” and that is when I knew he would be “the Daddy” for my sons and he has never let us down since. I know that I have sons and the giveaway is for daughters but my sons have daughters and one niece that is about to have a daughter and I know that at least one of them would love the book…Thanks fort listening….Lynette

    Reply
  201. Kelly

    It is hard to do the right thing sometimes, but especially in this age of social media. I always refer back to Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, when I question a decision: “Right is right, even if no one else does it.”

    Reply
  202. sandi

    Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

    Reply
  203. Brenda

    When our niece needed a safe home at a few months old, I approached my husband gingerly. We had two boys and our youngest was only 14 months. This would be a hectic home with lots of diapers. Without hesitation he agreed we needed to step up and be what Timothy speaks about in Tim5:8 to care for our family.. 13 years later we have adopted and God has blessed us with a beautiful daughter who has only known us as her parents. It was the right thing to do without an expected ending. I love my husband he is such a man of God.

    Reply
  204. Joy

    Thank you for this Lysa! This is my goal for my life!

    Reply
  205. Tara

    Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

    The answers to every tough question are found in His word… There have been so many times that the questions I have brought to Him in prayer have been answered through reading His word!

    Reply
  206. Elizabeth Tuttle

    This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14, 15)

    Reply
  207. Rebecca

    I am not always the popular parent in my home. This is because I want to uphold justice and set a consistent example. I desire to do the right thing with my kids. Sometimes that means saying no when yes would be easier. (Easier for me.) One of our house rules is, if your chores aren’t done you can’t go with your friends. Recently one of our boys was invited to go to a friends and his chores weren’t done. It would have been so much easier for me to say yes and let him go. I said no. It wasn’t pretty. Amidst wails of, “It’s summer!” And, “Youre so unfair!” The chores got done, the lesson was learned. Today, when asked about a sleep over, I was able to say yes b/c the chores were done! It’s so nice to say yes. The right choice is not always the popular choice, but it yields the most wonderful blessings in my life.

    Reply
  208. Dana Alvey

    “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:6
    That’s is such a wonderful story of your father giving you a ring too!! I have a step-father, and with Gods help I’ve been able to forgive him for all of the years if emotional and physical abuse. Forgiveness is a blessing!

    Reply
  209. Rachel

    One verse that I always come back to is Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ” Sometimes when I’m trying to weigh all the pros and cons (or rationalize why the right thing doesn’t seem so “right”, like you mentioned), it helps me to remember to not rely on my own wisdom, but on God’s principles and His promises, even when it doesn’t seem to make sense.

    Reply
  210. Sandra

    So thankful to be married to a man whose goal in life is to do the right thing! It has cost him dearly at times but his integrity has been a set an example for our children and has made me proud to be his wife! Thanks for sharing your story today

    Reply
  211. Kristy

    My husband and I are in the process of adopting twin boys with Down Syndrome in Hong Kong. About a month ago I was looking on the waiting children website from our agency and I found a little boy that was in HK and fairly healthy. I immediately thought maybe this would be better for our family bc we want to be able to do more mission work in Asia. Well God impressed on me right away that easy isn’t always right. He reassured me this little boy would be adopted, but our twin boys might not ever be adopted. Sure enough about a week after this the little boy was no longer on the list. So we are moving forward with the adoption if our twin boys and there is nothing like peace you get from God when you are walking in His will for your life. I learned a very valuable lesson. Easy doesn’t always mean right. Most times what we are called to as believers isn’t easy. That’s how we stay humble and rely on Christ and how Jesus is glorified. Usually anything worth doing is hard.

    Reply
  212. Cheryl

    This really spoke to my heart. I was one of those girls raised without a father in my life. It was difficult but what I learned from it was that I never wanted my daughter to grow up that way. This book would be a blessing to my family, especially my husband and daughter. Thank you Lisa!

    Reply
  213. Krista

    Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

    I don’t know the “right” way everytime but I love and serve a God who knows my future. I tend to be anxious over situations/decisions that need to be made. This verse reminds me where my mind and heart need to be focused on during those decisions. Praying to Him and not worrying about the decision but seeking God out through it!

    Reply
  214. Irene

    After reading my devotions today from Proverbs 31 Ministries’ Encouragement for Today, I continued reading chapter 10:(His Choices) of “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian. Guess what- Psalm 19:21:”There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the LORD’S counsel- that will stand”(NKJV) has been quoted and look on the comments above by Sandi. Do you call this a coincidence? No way!
    I have been praying & earnestly seeking for God’s leading after I have been laid off from the job I love & thought of to be with, till retirement. But God in His unfathomable wisdom pulled me out there. So now by faith I declare that soon I will be doing His best will for me as I wait for His perfect time!

    Reply
  215. Kirsten

    I always remember Proverbs 3:5&6- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  216. Connie Bjorklund

    I loved this story about your Dad. This world would be a much better place if everyone tried to do the “right thing” instead of what is in their own personal selfish needs. I know I need to work on that too.
    I would love to share the book by Rob Teigen with my son-in-law for my 4 year old granddaughter.
    I really liked the power verse from the story sent to me today. Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.”

    Reply
  217. Liz G

    Lovely. Would love to give that book to my husband and daughter. Thanks for doing what you do!

    Reply
  218. wendy {mommy to 10}

    Honestly- you just described my husband. It is what I love the most about him.

    Reply
  219. Gigi

    Whatever you do, do it as if you are doing it for the Lord. Nothing halfway or half-hearted. Go “all out” for our Lord!

    Reply
  220. Kristi

    Great lesson! As I learned from my fifth grade teacher, it only takes a minute to do the right thing. 🙂

    Reply
  221. Gloria

    Romans 12:2, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” paraphrased this recently when my teenage son in a rush to a party picked out a birthday card that while not severely bad had crude humor. Told him this was an opportunity not to conform to the world and that I deemed the card to be inappropriate. We had to delay delivering the card but helped him to reconsider his choices.

    Reply
  222. Diana

    Man plans his own way but it is the Lord’s plans that prevail; This is a great verse to remember when making any decision. I always ask the Lord to direct my steps, thoughts, & actions. Do I always make the right choices? Absolutely Not! But He is showing me a day at a time that His Grace Is Sufficient for me.

    Reply
  223. Darlene

    Lisa, I love the story about your Dad. I had a great Dad. He passed away while I was pregnant with our daughter. I see him in her at different times. The bond between a Daddy and his little girl is great. Our daughter is a shadow with her Daddy. Whatever he is doing, she is right there. I am so blessed. I know that they would love to have a copy of the book.

    Reply
  224. Ashley G

    We just went through a whole string of difficult decision-making and it often overwhelmed me. I wrote this out on an index card and clung to these words. Isaiah 26:3 to 4 (NIV), “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal”.

    Reply
  225. Denise

    My daughter had an incident this year at school. A sub was teaching her class and all of her friends chose not to do what they were supposed to she on the other hand did what the real teacher had told them the day before to do. Her friends made fun of her, tried to sway her but in the end she told me I kept thinking about the saying we have hanging in our bathroom….”Right is right even if no one is doing it and Wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.” She then said mom, it was the right thing to do. Thanks Lisa for sharing your father’s wisdom today!

    Reply
  226. Carrie

    Galations 1:10
    10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

    I love that he gave you a ring! That’s so beautiful and such a great idea.

    Reply
  227. Nichole

    “Always do the harder right instead of the easier wrong” is what my husband teaches our children. This is not a bible verse but it certainly does reflect the Golden Rule of the bible or “treat others as you would have them treat you”. I love this about my husband and it certainly makes me very thankful for him as a husband and a father to my children.
    Matthew 7:12
    New International Version (NIV)
    12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you…

    Reply
  228. Sandy

    I too was truly blessed with a Godly father!!! He left this earth my best friend and I miss him everyday!!! My husband was not as fortunate, however he always said my Dad was the Dad he never had!!! Daddy’s favorite saying which sticks like glue was “were too soon old and too late smart”!!! His bible verse which he lived by was;Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

    Reply
  229. Shirley Smedley-Theiss

    This is the best, heart-warming “Father’s Day” devotional I have read this year! Every word true. Especially liked the “DNA” reference. Thank you for writing it.

    Reply
  230. Elise Daly Parker

    My heart is warmed by your story Lysa! God loves you so much and He wanted you to know some of His love through your Dad Charles. My dad, also Charles, was also like your dad. A man of integrity. I hope I carry on that legacy. And one thing he did was date his daughters. He also wrote letters to us, some of them through the tough teenage years. One thing is for sure, we knew my dad’s love. And how I miss that still today. Bless you!!

    Reply
  231. Cindy D

    Doing the right thing-it’s when God captures your heart and you know that you know that you know, to do anything but the right thing would be an act of disobedience. It’s trusting Him even when the right thing might have difficult results. It can be faith in action as in your story, “actions speak louder than words”.

    Reply
  232. Stacy l

    I tell my kids and myself to think about what will happen with the decision you make and do what is best, especially in Gods eyes. To let their yes be yes and no be no.

    Reply
  233. Noelle Thomas

    I find this hard to read about doing the right thing being a separated mother of three for the third time. All that I have ever wanted is a man of God for my children. My first husband is showing the children what not to do to your spouse and your family and my current husband would rather win a fight than to see what is truly important. I am a woman of faith. I look to God for answers. Maybe this book will be truly hard to read seeing that I don’t have a great role model for my children. But maybe I can give this to my 16 year old son, and one day he will read it. One day he will truly treat his wife and children in a Godly manner and will take the advice of this book and make a better future for them.

    Reply
  234. Crystal

    Matthew 26:42
    Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.”

    it is not my will, but God’s will. Sometimes that is hard to remember. What I want and what is right are not always the same thing.

    I am also part of a blended family. I have two daughters, ages 12 and 14. When my husband and I started dating they were 10 and 12. He was in his early 40s and a bachelor his whole life. Let me tell you, it was a pretty big transition when 3 women moved into his house. But watching him grow and learn to talk to the girls, relate to them, and love them like his own has been a true blessing for me. I know that this man loves my daughters and will do anything for them, and he is truly a great example for all of us as we grow as a family.

    Reply
  235. Nicole Edwards

    I absolutely love this post! I can relate 100% as I too have an amazing dad in my step-dad. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Reply
  236. Lindsey E

    I’ve been anxiously waiting to get another vehicle that I’ve had for 6 years. This is the longest I’ve ever had a car and I’m just ready for something new although its in great condition. I was rear ended 3 years ago and I remember asking God to total the vehicle so I could finally get something newer. But it wasn’t His timing. We’ve looked into getting another car ever since and every time I’ve felt God impress on my heart that its not the right time. And He’s completely right. We still have a little one in daycare so any large payment would be putting us over the edge. So the only advice I have is to listen to what your heart is telling you. If you have that gut feeling it’s not the right direction, then it’s not.

    Reply
  237. j

    Wrestling w a decision now regarding my son. Searching the scriptures, soliciting the advise of trusted Godly advisors, & praying for wisdom.

    Reply
  238. Jennie Jackson

    I’d love to give a copy of this book to my 3 year old granddaughter’s biological father. He is trying to do the right thing now and spend time with her on his visits once a month, and I think he could use some godly encouragement and ideas on how to make it quality time. He’s not saved, but praying that he will be! Thanks for the book idea!

    Reply
  239. Cindy Fuller

    I can’t quote it and it is from Bible today. Heard it on a 3 hour trip. Faith is doing what is right based on the righteousness of the character of God. I have always taught my children to do what is right. By doing what is right then it is faith with works. I love your postings. I am now the mother of the groom and have very little input into the wedding. It is out of my control and I am now praying to not be out of control and responding in ways that is honoring to God and keeping this a special time for my son and future in daughter in love(law).

    Reply
  240. Lina

    My Daddy always said “sometimes you gotta do, what you gotta do”. This was always in reply when doing something somebody had thought was going the extra mile. I am making sure that legacy stays alive as Daddy went to Heaven last year and I want my kids to remember as much as they can of him. I especially want my grandson (his great-grandson) not to forget him or what he stood for. Father’s Day is a bitter sweet day without him.

    Reply
  241. Phyllis Nichols Gutierrez

    Proverbs 3:5-6 is a favorite. I used that at my husband’s funeral. But today I choose Jeremiah 17:7 But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.

    Reply
  242. Marilyn in East Texas

    Rules for holy living

    Please pray for my son who is going through a viciously nasty divorce to be finalized later this month. Pray that this divorce will be fair to Chris as far as child support payments and with liberal visitation rights with his 8 y/o son and 13 y/o daughter. Both children are emotional wrecks from the lies their mother is feeding them on a daily basis. This mother is all about herself and the children represent an income to her. The court does not view the mother as being addicted to narcotics since they are physician prescribed for migraine headaches which she claims incapacitate her to the degree she can not work a full time job. However, if there is something the mother wants to do, she never has a migraine to interfere with her desires. This mother has yet to work full time in any job to support the children. This mother has been denying the father the right to visit with his children for most of the last 11 months based on lies. We had to obtain different legal counsel to force the mother to allow visitation. When the children are here with their dad and grandparents they don’ t want to go home. The son clings to his daddy throughout the entire visit and cries when he has to go back to his mother. This mother shows no interest in doing anything with the children while they are with her. The mother does not cook for the children and if the food doesn’t come through a car window the children don’t eat. If I win this book I will give it to my son to help him build a stronger father-daughter relationship so that my granddaughter can grow up in confidence, knowing she is cherished and loved and adored by her father. My verses are from the Apostle Paul.

    Colossians 3:12-17

    12) Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
    13) Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
    14) And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
    15) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
    16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
    17) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

    Reply
    • Kim

      Marilyn~ Please know that I am praying for you, your son, and his children. Your story struck close to home as we’ve dealt with a very similar issue. Fortunately our grand daughter was much younger, and my son now has primary custody. I pray the same for your family, and I pray for God’s strength, patience, and love for one another as you navigate this. Kids are a lot smarter than we tend to give them credit for and it sounds like your grandkids already have a pretty good idea of what’s really going on. I pray too for their mother because she seems totally lost and that is a very empty and fearful way to live… and all actions are ultimately a reaction to that. As I just read my Bible, Luke 12:11-12 stood out to me….. maybe it will be of help to you? No idea. But we’ve been “there”, and telling the truth in love was always blessed with a move forward for my son’s situation. . Hang tight and breath deep. It’s so hard being the mama, the wife, the grandma, and the ex-mother-in-law all at the same time. Blessings to you and your family.

      Reply
      • Marilyn in East Texas

        Dear Kim,
        We need your prayers so desperately, thank you for praying us. The verses are just what I needed to hear and I will remember to just let the Holy Spirit teach me at that time what I should say. Thank you for reaching out to me and for caring.

        Reply
  243. Brenda

    I loved your story. The verse I try to live by is , In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path. God will guides us in all decisions if we let Him be in control.

    Reply
  244. Diana

    The verse that comes to me is “Man plans his own way but the Lord directs his steps.”
    Do I always when faced with difficult & even small decisions do the right thing I try but not pperfectly. I believe he is showing me even in the big & small his grace Is sufficient for me.

    Reply
  245. Diane

    10″Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10

    I am so blessed that my children have a great daddy. My parents divorced when I was nine and didn’t have a close relationship with my dad. I struggled with relationships with the opposite sex, unknowing that God had a plan. At 29 I met the love of my life and we were married three years later. We have been married for thirteen years and have two kids, we could not be happier. We both give full credit to God that we never married until we met and only He brought us together.

    Reply
  246. Sasha

    Lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.

    Reply
  247. Nicole

    “May God’s will be done” has always been what I recite in good and bad times.

    Reply
  248. Elise

    Love your blog today.

    Reply
  249. Debbie Paskewich

    Could you all please pray for my son whose wife has just left him with their two year old daughter. My heart is so heavy.

    Reply
  250. Carisa

    Awesome story. <3

    Reply
    • Barbara L. Courtney

      Dear Lysa,
      Thank you for sharing your touching story about your dad, and furthermore, your heart. The advise I have shared with my employees and managers is this: Make the best decision you can,at the time, with the information that you have.

      Thank you for letting me share. God Bless.
      ~Barbara

      Reply
  251. Carolynn Dowlen

    Thank you for your testimony about your dad, Charles. I have been secure in the knowledge that I am ‘Daddy’s Girl’ all of my life (I have four brothers!). And though Dad is approaching his 91st year and I am 61, I’m still his Number 1 Daughter, married to his Number 1 Son-in-Law. God truly blessed me. And as Jesus said in Matthew, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much MORE does your Father in Heaven give good things to those who follow Him?” (my paraphrase) What a picture of Himself God gave me in my Daddy! Thank you!

    Reply
  252. Library Momma

    Lord grant me the serenity
    to accept the things I cannot change;
    courage to change the things I can;
    and wisdom to know the difference.

    Reply
  253. Pat

    17 years ago, my husband of 30 years had a stroke. It was global and took his speech the use of his right arm and part of his right leg. He was determined and so was I. He was in the hospital for 6 weeks, 4 of those were for rehab. They told me that he needed to go on to a nursing home and I said I wanted him home. “Oh, you can’t care for him at home!”
    My answer was “Just watch me!” We’ve been through so much since then; but we are more deeply in love than ever. Sometimes the right thing looks impossible, yet when God puts it on your heart to do it you can bet you won’t be doing it alone.

    Reply
  254. Beth Denison

    Trust in the Lord with all your heart and Lean not on your own understandings, in all your ways acknowledge HIm and he will direct your paths…This has been a favorite verse of mine for as long as I can remember. I believe we can trust God in all things, and knowing what the right decision is in all situation if we just listen to Him.

    Reply
  255. Sarah

    I try to be a good Christian person and mother. It is easy to do the right thing with small decisions. However, I am currently being faced with knowing what to do and what the right thing is. I left my first marriage with my 2 children when they were just 3 & 4 years old because he was physically and mentally abusive and I wanted my children to know that no one should be treated that way and to never accept that hurt and abuse as well as to know how you should treat people. Well, thought I had met the perfect man and had two more beautiful children, but then custody issues came up with my first two children and their father and it was messy. My current husband has resentment and anger and unable to forgive my older children because they did what any child would do. They told their dad they wanted more time with him and they told me their mother they wanted more time with me. Well time has passed I still have main custody of my two older children, but since that time my current husband is hash and verbally abusive to the kids and I and it has gotten physical between him and I . So I actually am at those same cross roads what is the right thing to do? I have been praying a lot over my children, husband and for their to be peace and love more consistently in this home. Within the past week my son told me he wanted to go live with one of his friends, he said he loved me and it wasn’t me it was because of his step dad. Tonight my daughter just told me something very similar. I told her I was working one asking things better and praying a lot for it to get better because I know it has been rough lately and she commented it has been rough for a couple of years now, and she is right. We have tried counseling and he won’t go back. The other day other day he asked what I spent all of my money on as boxes had been delivered to the house. I told him spiritual books about how to fix our marriage because I don’t know what else to do. Since then I have been praying more and reading as much as I can, and there has been a sense of calmness over our home. Until tonight when my daughter opened up and told me how she really felt lately, and my current husband wasn’t even home he is working late, but she opened up about how she is truly feeling. So which road do I take now? Do I stay and try to fix my family? Or do I go and get a divorce, and oh my it will be ugly and then I am afraid I will loose my 2 youngest. If I stay and try to fix things and things are not getting better, at what point do I leave. How do I know which way to go and how to protect my children? My current husband can be a good father he is just very resentful towards my two oldest children. I am looking for any kind of guidance. For Father’s Day I bought him a how to be a ad to a boy and the same, but for raising girls and a woodsmen bible, he is a hunter so I thought it would be appropriate, and a devotional for men. He likes to read so here goes hoping that he reads them and hope things can change for the better. Any advice and or ideas where to go in the bible are appreciated. Thank you for listening.

    Reply
  256. Mara

    Wow..so good. My husband was just faced with making a right decision…even though it meant turning down a new job offer. God brought to mind psalm 37:23 which says the steps of the righteous are ordered of Him.

    Reply
  257. Allison A.

    A sweet lady at my church says, “Doing what’s right is not always easy but it is always right.”

    Reply
  258. Tiffany

    Seeking God’s will and following his ways. 🙂 I have a hubby and two girls that I have been wanting to get this book for….would love it!!!

    Reply
  259. Lisa

    Luke 10:22 I have been given it all by my Father! My husband proposed to me many years ago I told him yes, And also told him that if he wanted me he also needed to adopt my then three-year-old son. My son Jackson was born 27 weeks premature and I was a single Mom. His biological father took one look at him and decided he wanted nothing to do with a child that sick. So David wholeheartedly adopted Jack! Jack is now over 18 years old still lives with us and we also have three other children. My husband is a great dad! He is the kind of dad that I wish I would have had! When our daughter Kristiina was born I gave David a list of things that I thought were important for a father to do with his daughter In order to make her a strong confident Christian woman. I see him working that list and watching my daughter growing into a very confident and competent young girl! Jackson adores his dad! Our other two sons Are being raised as Godly Children by David’s example! Happy Father’s Day David!!

    Reply
  260. Kate Insley

    Love this idea! My husband is a man who desires right over easy as well, I very much admire that in him! We are 6 weeks away from celebrating our daughter’s first birthday and I love the idea of starting Daddy-Daughter dates early! We always consider Proverbs 16:9 – The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.

    Reply
  261. Rosey

    Proverbs 3:5&6. Follow Gods way, becaise It’s better than anything we can conjure up ourselves. Plus it keeps us out of the trouble we get ourselves into doing things our way.
    A situation on which I spent much time in prayer and thought was about dating a man who was divorced and had a young son. I knew that making the decision to enter a relationship with this man was not something to be taken lightly when there was a little guy involved.
    After much prayer and seeking the Lord’s will, I decided to go ahead with the relationship. My life is so blessed from this decision. It’s been years since that decision was made, and I am blessed with an awesome husband, incredible bonus son and two extra little blessings. God is so good. I am thankful that I didn’t listen to the people who were negative about our relationship and discouraged me. Sometimes It’s hard to see the path that God has laid before you when this world has so many distractions and so many people ready to tell you exactly how you should choose or live your life.

    Reply
  262. Amy

    I use Philippians 4:13 and Prov. 3:5,6, prayer, and wise council from others who have been Christians longer than I to make hard decisions.

    Reply
  263. Hayley

    It probably doesn’t apply to the general definition of “the right thing”, but for me, when faced with tough decisions lately, I’ve been focusing on Luke 10:42–when Jesus reprimands Martha for worrying over too many things, and reminds her that “only one thing is needed”. For me, as a perfectionist, I have to force myself to look at the “one thing” God is directing me towards, and not focus on the myriad of little things I *think* ought to be considered in the decision process as well, to make sure I’ve covered everything I think is necessary (but isn’t!).

    Reply
  264. Heather

    My biological father passes away suddenly (auto racing accident) when I was 8 years old. My mom remarried when I was a teenager, and although my stepfather has always cared for us, he is not the “lovey” type. I know growing up that the void for me was never filled. Now having children of my own, I feel truly blessed that my daughter (& son) have an amazing father who is in the Word daily & a man of God to look up to and care for them.

    Reply
  265. Mary @ The Calm of His Presence

    What a beautiful post. My father was not a father who chose to do the right thing. There was a time when I was very young when I thought he hung the moon but at an all too early age I realized there was another side to him, my daddy’s girl heart broke in to. Now that I am a Mama with a daughter of my own my prayers have been answered for my little girl. My husband is a “man after God’s own heart”. He strives hard each day to do the right thing, even when faced with enormous opposition he follows God’s leading. He loves his little girl deeply & wants to show her the way she should be treated by a man. This would be a great book for him. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  266. Julie Bennett

    I always remember – and am working to train my kids using Philippians 2:3. We use a little song that we learned at our youngest dance recital, “Philippians 2:3. What’s it gonna be? Do nothing out of selfish ambition – VAIN CONCEIT. But in humility, consider others – BETTER THAN YOURSELF!”

    Reply
  267. Lori

    Psalm 25:5
    “Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior and my hope is in You all day long.”

    I pray this verse often throughout the day. It invites God’s guidance in my decision making, and it reminds me that my hope rests in Him not in the outcome of any given situation.
    In His Grip,
    Lori

    Reply
  268. Rachael Oldja

    Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. AND Jeremiah 33:3: Call to me and I will answer you and will show you great and mighty things which you do not know.

    Trusting in the Lord and knowing He will answer brings me comfort when I have a decision to make!

    Reply
  269. Amber livermore

    My husband and I are expecting in November, and the importance of making our little one always feel loved and special is already heavy on our hearts and prayer list. I would love to be able to hand this book to my husband.

    Reply
  270. joann Marchand

    James 2:8 If, however, you are fulfilling the [a]royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
    Loving your neighbor as yourself, translates to me to always ask myself, how would this be if it were done to me.

    Reply
  271. Bertha

    Proverbs 3:5-6
    Trust on The Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding acknowledge Him in all your ways and He shall direct your paths.
    Such wonderful words and such a promise. I have taught these to my children as one of our theme verses. I had a wonderful earthly father and so do my children. Our daughter is now 15 and I have encouraged my husband to take her out on daddy dates as this is such an important relationship! Time is fleeting they grow up so quickly live in the moment.

    Reply
  272. Amy

    “The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.” Trust in Him.

    Reply
  273. Karen

    I just read this quote and I thought of my husband. “Some people love Jesus and think about changing the world. Others love Jesus and do it.” My husband left with my almost 13 year old son this week for a 3 week mission trip in Romania. It’s the fourth summer my husband has taken him. I love that he’s putting feet to the words of Scripture.

    Reply
  274. Jessie Tucker

    Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!

    Many people have forgotten the beautiful simplicity of WWJD? Some of our decisions are difficult, but many can be simplified by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus!

    Reply
  275. Rebecca

    Be still and know that I am God. I know a lot of times I pray but do not take the time to actually listen for God to speak. Sometimes in our busy lives we just need to pause and be quiet and wait for God. He is always there but I do not think we are always listening.

    Reply
  276. Katlyn

    The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?

    Jeremiah 17:9

    Reply
  277. Karen Gardner

    This tribute to your Dad brought me to tears. I lost my Dad when I was 24 and pregnant for my daughter. He sounds like a wonderful human being and you are blessed to have a Dad like him! God Bless him this Father’s Day!!!

    Reply
  278. Anna

    I was not blessed with a loving Earthly Father who loved his family and chose to the right thing. I am an adult child who grew up in domestic violence. God’s love is so amazing that he blessed me with a husband who is an amazing Dad!! He is caring, and gentle to our two kids ages 8 and 10. He is an example of gentleness to me.
    Growing up in an abusive environment its hard to trust and be gentle, but only with our Lord who restores all that was broken, I’m now changing the course of generations. I know the past doesn’t define me. About doing the right thing…My parents are still together so I have learned to love from faraway. My mother decided to stay with a man who was abusive to her and to us kids. I have learned it’s ok to have boundaries with family member. Now I get to choose what kind of relationship I have with my parents, as lonely and as hurtful as it sometimes can be. I know it’s the right way towards my healing. But I always remember Psalm 27:10 “Thought my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will never leave me” (Parallel translation).

    Reply
  279. TERESA

    Phil4:13 ” I can do all things through Christ who Strengthens me.”

    Thank you for your encouraging words!! God Bless…
    Teresa

    Reply
  280. Jeri

    James 3:17: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

    Reply
  281. Dawn

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

    Reply
    • Dawn

      oops! Verse is Philippians 4:8

      Reply
  282. Heather Lapierre

    1 Peter 4: 12-13 “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.” – Amen

    Reply
  283. Stephanie Waddell

    My dad is a rare father too. Though he and I have many difference of opinions and have been through many ups and downs, I love him with all my heart. When my parents divorced, I was 12 and my sister was 5. My father fought for custody and took on the full responsibility of raising 2 girls, one of them (me) approaching those dreaded teenage years. He did it because it was best for us. It was the right thing to do. The verse that I go to when its time to make a decision is Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.”

    Reply
  284. Laura Rayman

    Proverbs 3:5-6. Pray…and trust in God. Follow His will!

    Reply
  285. Nealei Smith

    A little off topic, but I have to share. Today at work I was listening to a co-worker, and the long story short of it, she was having issues not losing her cool with others. So, I mentioned to her how I had typed the Gods words to repeat when about to lose control in the notes app of my iPhone. I had added this back when I was receiving the challenge via email. The words were so powerful. When I went to find them in my notes they had disappeared! I searched high and low and on the internet and couldn’t find them. =( Long story short, too late, the morning flew by and I had yet to open my Unglued “Daily Devotional” Id been reading at work. Well, I opened it up and I am on day 5. Guess what Lysa covers in her Day 5 devotional…Yup, it was over self control and tadah, there were the Gods words I was looking for earlier. Now that there is a God thing my friends!!! I shared it with my coworker, and we both got chills. God is good and amazing!

    Reply
    • Nealei Smith

      Like a city walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control Proverbs 25:28 amen!

      Reply
  286. Courtney M. Draughon

    I just want to say this is the best Father’s Day note, with a great twist and leaving me with a rare thing ( for me) tears in my eyes. My heart feels big to imagine a little girl with a ring too!! I have never heard of that same redemption story. We don’t have little girls at my house but have many nieces 😉 A time when I had to do the right thing was when I worked in surgery and overheard a nurse & anesthesiologist’s conversation about a therapeutic abortion. I handed the doctor his towel and broke scrub. My boss had to scrub in but I told her later that I didn’t want that baby’s blood on my hands. It was a very serious moment due to the fact it was scheduled as a simple DNC. A week later, I had a chance to tell the Dr. my reasoning: I saw an article in the Pentecostal Evangel, about a baby healed of hydrocephalic disorder (this was the same thing the baby had that was aborted that day.)

    Reply
  287. Courtney Draughon

    The verse to go with my story: John 10:10 “The thief comes to kill, steal, & destroy, But I have come for Life & life abundantly!” Happy Father’s Day!!!!!

    Reply
  288. Saranda

    This verse speaks to me, knowing I have strenght through him, helps we to do the right things.
    Philippians 4:13
    I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

    Reply
  289. Lori

    I love 2 Chronicles 16:9…For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the entire earth that he may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…..

    Reply
  290. Sandy

    No matter how old we get or how many children we have, we never outgrow our daddy. LOVE Daddy Daughter Dates…. My dad was just diagnosed with cancer…. and praise the Lord for the find during a routine physical…. makes this Father’s Day extra special 🙂

    Reply
  291. Ann : )

    Have granddaughters – this would be a great gift to a Daddy.

    Reply
  292. Janet Diaz

    My biggest decision was at the age of 52, after being alone from a broken marriage, was wether or not to marry a wonderful man 20 years younger than me. That was 17 years ago, and we are still married.”love conquers all”

    Reply
  293. Pam

    After reading your article today I forwarded it to my ex-daughter-in-law and her husband. The man she married is a wonderful father to my two granddaughters, a true blessing from God. Although it’s hard to realize my son isn’t the father he should be, I’m thankful for my grand daughters ‘new daddy’. Thank you John for loving my sweet grand daughters!

    Reply
  294. jenn

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.-Proverbs 3:5

    Reply
  295. Michelle

    I love 2 Chonicles 20:12b “…We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You”
    Whether its a big decision or just daily frustration, this verse is like liquid Valium to me! I can feel Gods peace fill me as I repeat it over an over. It reminds me that its okay if I don’t have all the answers, my job is to focus on God 🙂

    Reply
  296. tara

    Psalm 121: 1-8
    He protects us….He guards us…he is our helper.
    When we journey with him, he knows the way, even when the way is unclear to us.
    When we experience heartache and harm, and sometimes we do, he is STILL there..protecting us in the spiritual realm.

    I love this truth. It brings peace to me.

    Reply
  297. Kathy

    Your words rang so true, thanks for sharing.ruThanks for sharing. Praise The Lord for our Father in heaven. I can’t irmagine life without Him.

    Reply
  298. Debbie

    Proverbs 3:5-6 is a great verse for figuring out the “right” thing. 🙂 One of the blessings in my life is listening to my 3 girls seek advice from their Dad and hearing him point them to the Bible for direction and striving to help them know the character of God to guide them.

    Reply
  299. salliann

    I have always told my oldest grandson:” Do what is right when no one is looking, and always remember that man looks at your actions, but GOD looks at your heart.” He has said that this has “saved” him on many occasions.

    Reply
  300. Lori

    Lisa, what a wonderful story. My first daughter wasn’t a daddy’s girl at all when she was young. But she is growing to respect him more. When my youngest was born 6 years ago, I actually prayed that she would be close to my husband and they’d have a close bond. And that has happened. She has always been a daddy’s girl (although she does love her mama too!) And he would do anything for her. It warms my heart that she will have an incredible example of what a man should be in her life.

    Reply
  301. Dee

    What a legacy! Hebrews 10:24, “And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.”

    Reply
  302. Heatherhobbie

    your words remind me how blessed I am to have my Dad.He was not perfect in parenting,but was always there. The two of us are heading out on a trip fora few days and this was a wonderful way to set the tone for the trip. My father means the world to me.He always ends every conversation with,“I’m so proud of you“.

    Reply
  303. Charlene

    Sometimes the right thing to do isn’t always easy. I try to remember these two scriptures…”love thy neighbor as thy self” and “do unto others as you would have others do unto you”. Recently my husband celebrated a birthday. At the time funds were very low. In spite of everything that we’ve been through and will go through my love runs deep for HIM. I love him just because and always will. I presented him with a card and some money. Our kids and I usually present a new clothing outfit with a card a some money. Due funds being low I just presented a card and money to him. I figured he would understand. He gave me back the money and stated he wasn’t down for formatility. How could my thoughtfulness be overlooked. He celebrated his birthday with his brothers like always. The kids and I stayed home. Whatelse could I haven done? For father’s day I plan to put steaks on the grill and prepare a nice dinner which include his favorite foods and drinks and a nice card and new outfit. I would surely like your opinion.

    Reply
  304. Thorsten

    Thanks for this. I needed this encouragement as a father of 3 great kids!

    Reply
  305. R Bensz

    Great article. Thanks for sharing!
    1 Cor. 16:13-14

    Reply
  306. Sonya Dudley

    Even as a young girl, I had a giving heart, always wanting to being happiness to others, but I struggled with my own happiness. I was over weight, yet greatly under nourished. I’m not sure where I heard the saying, but I once heard, “YOU ONLY ACCEPT THE AMOUNT OF LOVE YOU THINK YOU DESERVE”. I Allowed my weight, the dyslexia, ADD, my loneliness and feelings of UNWORTHINESS to consume me for many years and truthfully…I still struggle with some of those things. But God has called me to follow him, so I know that he will prepare the way. I just have to stay focused on him!!
    The ONE OF MANY things I owe to my earthly father…..he taught me to have determination….to NEVER GIVE UP!!! My own father has dyslexia and doesn’t read well, but HE HAS HIS MASTER’S DEGREE!!!!! He did this by my mother going with him to take his exam and reading it out loud to him, while other grown men looked on as he took his exam. WOW..what an example!!!!!! HE IS MY HERO!
    He has built beautiful schools and government buildings, homes. He is so smart! He inspires me to do my best!
    Seven years ago, God showed me that I was created in HIS IMAGE and that HE was in love with me!! In that I have learned that no matter what I may have to over come in life, that GOD CAN USE ME!!! I just have to be open to whatever he calls me to.

    Psalm 45:11
    The king is enthralled by your beauty, honor him, for he is your lord.

    Happy Father’s Day to both of my dads and thanks for loving me for just who I am.

    Reply
  307. Ivette Rodriguez

    Hello God bless you sister. I found your website by hearing your Mother’s Day message on elevation and was curious to learn more about you. You message had me crying in healing tears from the beginning to the end. It’s ironic that today is Father’s Day and I read ur article n I’m pierced again by the Holy Spirit of the area of rejection that is embedded in me at the lost of not having a father who rejected that amazing role in my life. And yet your words bring healing once more, as a child at the time you don’t understand. What is wrong with me? Why was I not good enough or worth the time? And then we encounter a God who desires to complete us. I’m in that process still. I will admit, learning to allow His completeness in my life but my children also have a stepfather who has loved them n reading your article showed me how much of an impact he is to them. Today I will share that with him so he can know we appreciate him so much. god bless yo all

    Reply
  308. MsTzinitah

    Dads ate truly Gods gift! Happy Fathers day to the greatest dad above them all! Daddy God! 1 Thes 1:2-3

    Much love from, Dubai! Xoxo

    Reply
  309. ty

    Lisa,thank you for sharing your heart. I pray that I can forgive my dad. I dont really speak to him at thus point in my life. I am glad you are sharing your heart with others. I just want to praise the dads who step up to the plate and are man enough to be good dads.

    Reply
  310. Jennifer S.

    Lysa, thank you for sharing…my favorite is Proverbs 31:25 (NLT) “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”

    Reply
  311. Barbara

    Lysa, thank you for being transparent. Your transparency has been a tower of strength for me. Call our sins sin, admit our short-comings, confess and ask God for his grace, mercy & forgiveness. I also bathe in the scripture that Jennifer penned in Prov. 31:25(NLT) “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” God’s abundant blessings to you & your family!

    Reply
  312. Alesia

    My dad and I never really had a chance to know each other one on one, my step-mom passed away and then I went through a divorce, so this last Dec I took a trip out to see him and I honestly can say it was the first time in my life that we actually had quality time together, I had put aside the things that my mom and aunt told me and went to visit him with an open mind and full of prayer and I am so great full for the time that I had with him then and will have in the future!

    Reply
  313. MuskieNurse

    Thank you for sharing. My dad has always been my best friend. He is far from perfect but he tries everyday to do what is best. There was a bomb threat at my school and he immediately jumped in his car and drove just to make sure I was okay. He is one of the most honest men I know.

    Reply
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