Fullness of Joy

I attended the Father Loves You Conference which ran from March 7 -10, 2001. I went to Toronto with expectancy, I had viewed a few of the Catch the Fire programmes and I was in awe of the movement of the Holy Spirit and the love for God evident in the worshippers. I was at a point in my relationship with God where I was feeling the Holy Spirit's direction and God had put things into my spirit; as a result my faith had increased, so I knew that something was going to happen while at the Conference.

On Friday, March 9, I wrote a letter to Father God in which I was asking Him to show me how He sees me. I knew that He sees me with Jesus covered over me, but I was desirous of Him showing me a picture of how He sees me. At this time I felt it was very important for me to have a visual picture of how Father God sees me. I had heard testimonies of people at the Conference who gave descriptions of Father God putting them on his knee, brushing their hair and loving them. Now, I have always felt secure in the love of God, but all of a sudden I had this burning desire to have a picture of Father God looking down on me, and me seeing his love. Maybe I was a bit envious of others receiving this visualisation and not me.

Knowing God is not a respecter of persons, I cried out to him in my letter. I also wanted confirmation from Him regarding a business decision. I had the opportunity to purchase my friend's knitting business and because of how things were happening around me I felt that this was something I should pursue and was believing God for the finances.

On the Sunday morning, 11 March 2001, I was going out to the convenience store that was located in the neighbourhood of the bed and breakfast where I was accommodated while at the Conference and Peter Noonan, another of the guests (Daddy Peter) was outside smoking his pipe. He said to me, "Remind me to tell you a little story when you get back." Now he and I had chatted one morning earlier in the week at the breakfast table, when we were acquainted. He had on an Aran sweater, which I commented on, and then the conversation lead to knitting. I indicated that I knit and that I was looking into purchasing a business etc. He explained to me that he and his wife had previously operated a craft store in Cardigan, Wales, where they lived. I remember saying to him that I would want to his contact details before he left Toronto so that I could be in touch regarding the knitting business and contacts etc.

Well, when I returned to the house Daddy Peter and I found ourselves in the kitchen, and he proceeded with his story. He indicated that when he was three years old he told his mother that he wanted a sister. Now, this sister could not be just anyone. She had to be beautiful; special and she had to be black. Now his mother had quite a difficulty explaining to him that this was not possible as they were white and, in the 1930's, this was not so easily done. He must have understood so then he asked for a black doll. This also proved to be impossible, as a doll would have cost a week of his mother's wages. He was deeply disappointed and then determined to marry such a person. This didn't happen. I remember saying, "Well what about me? I'm here, what do you want me to be?" Daddy Peter started to say, "My sister" and I go, "No, I can be your daughter, do you want me to be your daughter?" All this time my arms are open wide. Daddy Peter with such joy came into my arms and we hugged each other, both of us filled with love for the other and overwhelmed. I think we were a bit tearful too. After hugging, we must have parted but I remember bouncing into his chest again, and that was the seal. It just felt so right, God birthed a love for this man in my heart and that 'bounce' was like loving flowing between the two of us. It was awesome.

At this time, I realised how I had taken over his story and I stepped back and said, "Daddy Peter, are you okay with this? Once you accept me there's no going back." He was so filled with joy, he agreed. Ii can't remember what was exchanged at this point, but I do remember us making so much noise that others came to see what had happened and I went around telling everyone in the dining room that Daddy Peter and I had just adopted each other. I was so happy and Daddy Peter was jumping up and down like a little bird.

We went to church that morning and we sat together. We were holding hands like we had done this before. It was so comfortable and so right. We knew that this was a special relationship from God. In church Daddy Peter was jumping up and down while he was singing. After church we went for lunch and Daddy Peter was outside the restaurant smoking his pipe and one of the ladies said, "Renee, your father wants a steak for his order." It was so right and everyone in the group knew that this was God. Now what's more awesome is that Ii have a mother too. I call her Mama Joy. I also have three brothers, Nigel and Matthew in London and John in Wales. This is a family that feel so connected to and I prophesied to Daddy Peter, and later to him and Mama Joy that this relationship is not going to be just on the phone and internet, but that I would be in Wales visiting them soon.

I know God is going to increase my territory. He started this and what He starts He always finishes. I have since been privileged to really appreciate the parents that God has given me; a mother who is Holy Ghost filled and a spiritual father with an awesome way with words. Ii am blessed indeed. They have already begun to counsel me as parents are with their children. They recognise that I am always rearing at the bit! I thank God for the two of them. This is just the beginning!