I lost my father when he was 49 years old.  At the time, the loss was devastating, but what my dad left behind changed my life forever.  My dad left me his story that he wrote on my heart every day, day-by-day from the moment I was born until the day he went to be with Jesus.  In short, he told me and showed 4 things that every person (no matter how old they are or how young they are) desperately wants and needs to hear from their father:

1. I love you
2. I am pleased with you
3. I am for you
4. God has a plan for your life

I know those four things are true because my earthly father told me those 4 things over and over again.  He showed me what those 4 things look like in a father.  Indeed, it is easy for me to believe that my Heavenly Father loves me because my earthly father did.  I know what a Godly father does for his children because of the father I had.  He was not a perfect man.  No one is.  However, he was perfect for me.

I have told his story to many people.  Years ago, I even wrote the story down in a book, not because I wanted to sell books, but because I wanted my children who would never meet their grandfather this side of heaven to know who he was and what he means to me.  As I wrote the book, I was reminded that as believers, we should be just as eager to tell our Heavenly Father’s story.  If we tell our stories well, they will point others towards Him.

About me:  I grew up in Marshall, Texas, and I am married to Laura Swanson Spangler. Laura graduated from Baylor in 1992 and SMU Law School in 1996.  She currently practices law at a small firm in Dallas.   Laura and I have 3 sons –Jack (22 years), Ben (20), and Mark (18).  After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1990 and serving in the Navy for a few years, I got into the insurance industry. Today, I am a partner at Bibby Brilling & Associates, LLP – an independent insurance agency in Dallas that has been taking care of our customers for the better part of 100 years.