My Dearest Youth of Welsey UMC,
Over a year and a half ago, we were meeting for the first time. I was a first time youth director. More nervous than I have ever been. Scared out of my mind. Excited for this new journey. Expectations were hard for me to come up with because I didn't know if I would be any good at this role. Not sure what you all were going to be like. Would you like me? Would you ever open up? Is anyone going to be able to trust me? So many thoughts going through my mind as I pondered what exactly it was that I was getting myself into.
I knew we were meant for each other the second I found out you all liked missions and sports. Clearly a match made in heaven. But would those common passions be enough to be an effective youth director? I mean, in my mind I was going to have to live up to my former youth director! How could I ever be as amazing as she was... and still is? But the very first Sunday we met, all my fears, anxieties, and doubts were taken away by God.
I am writing this letter so that one day my daughter will read it, and know how dear each one of you are to my heart. Your pursuit to live more like Christ each day, to serve others unselfishly, and to grow in your relationships with God are all qualities that I hope to teach my children. Martha and I are having our first child in June. But, I feel like I already have been blessed with so many "kids". You have taught me more over the course of our time together then you will ever reallize. I am so grateful to be a part of your lives. Countinue to grow strong in your faith my Youth. And always know that I love each one of you dearly.
-David
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
I'm So Excited!
My Dearest Rebekah,
You are almost three months away from being in my arms for the first time, and I cannot wait! Your mom and I have been feeling you moving around a lot lately. Before we know it you will be taking your first steps and talking for the first time. Then I'll be teaching you to ride a bike and throw a softball. And years down the road you will be learning to drive. But for now, I will focus on feeling you kick in your momma's belly.
I think one of the things that I am most excited about is seeing you smile. To hold you while you look up at me with a smile on your face and wonder what is going through you mind. Will you understand what laughter means? Will you know how much joy you bring to your mother and I? What I do know is that God has a sense of humor as well, because we were made in His image and your mom and I don't go a day without laughing. I pray that you inherit that trait from us: the understanding to give all our worries and fears to Christ and enjoy each day as a gift from Him no matter what it brings. Philippians tells us to not worry about anything, but in prayer and thanksgiving bring everything before the Lord.
My beautiful daughter, this is a valuable piece of wisdom that I ask God to help me teach you one day. Most people in our world try and figure things out on their own, and fail miserably. But, those that have learned to trust in God, have a relationship with Him that is above all else, and earnestly follow His direction, are the ones that are truly full of joy.
Things of this world will bring us happiness. But my child, happiness comes and goes with the wind. True joy is given from Jesus Christ. It does not change based on our situations. It is consistently in our lives, just as our Savior is always with us. I pray that I will not only tell you about these things, but that through my actions, I will be able to show you all the joy and peace God gives to those that accept his gifts.
I am so excited to hold you in my arms. To dance with my princess every day. To teach you about your King in heaven. And to show you what a prince charming really looks like. Continue to grow strong and healthy my dearest Rebekah, and know that I love you very much.
-Daddy
You are almost three months away from being in my arms for the first time, and I cannot wait! Your mom and I have been feeling you moving around a lot lately. Before we know it you will be taking your first steps and talking for the first time. Then I'll be teaching you to ride a bike and throw a softball. And years down the road you will be learning to drive. But for now, I will focus on feeling you kick in your momma's belly.
I think one of the things that I am most excited about is seeing you smile. To hold you while you look up at me with a smile on your face and wonder what is going through you mind. Will you understand what laughter means? Will you know how much joy you bring to your mother and I? What I do know is that God has a sense of humor as well, because we were made in His image and your mom and I don't go a day without laughing. I pray that you inherit that trait from us: the understanding to give all our worries and fears to Christ and enjoy each day as a gift from Him no matter what it brings. Philippians tells us to not worry about anything, but in prayer and thanksgiving bring everything before the Lord.
My beautiful daughter, this is a valuable piece of wisdom that I ask God to help me teach you one day. Most people in our world try and figure things out on their own, and fail miserably. But, those that have learned to trust in God, have a relationship with Him that is above all else, and earnestly follow His direction, are the ones that are truly full of joy.
Things of this world will bring us happiness. But my child, happiness comes and goes with the wind. True joy is given from Jesus Christ. It does not change based on our situations. It is consistently in our lives, just as our Savior is always with us. I pray that I will not only tell you about these things, but that through my actions, I will be able to show you all the joy and peace God gives to those that accept his gifts.
I am so excited to hold you in my arms. To dance with my princess every day. To teach you about your King in heaven. And to show you what a prince charming really looks like. Continue to grow strong and healthy my dearest Rebekah, and know that I love you very much.
-Daddy
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