A Letter from my Father

I found this almost a year ago, and it's been on my bedside table ever since.  I love picking it up and reading it when I'm discouraged, lonely, or needing reassurance.  It's a constant reminder of my dad's love for me, but also, of my Heavenly Father's.  (That's why "A Letter from my Father" can be taken both ways.)

My dad gave it to me six years ago.  I don't even remember the occassion, but since it's dated "13 VI '04" as only my dad would write it, I know that it was given to me right after graduating from high school.

I love that he used Scripture, paraphrasing it so that the God-inspired words in the Apostle Paul's letter feel as if they were written directly to me. 

Sweet Princess B,

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you, from the first day until now.  For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 

For it is only right for me to feel this way about you, because I have you in my heart.  For God is my witness, how I long for you with the affection of Christ Jesus.

And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  Let your patient spirit be known to all.  The Lord is near.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

Finally, Bethany, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good reputation, if there is any excellence and if anything is worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.  The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, pratice these things; and the God of peace shall be with you.
Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Princess,
Your mother and I pray for you daily.  We look forward to hearing the details of your journey.  We will miss you, but our joy will be intensified when you come home.  It is my joy to remain your Daddy, always.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face to shine 

Upon you, and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn His face toward you,

and give you peace.