One Incredible Daughter
I have talked about our children before so you'll have to forgive me for writing about our daughter Hannah (that's her in the picture with her mom and I) again. I just want people to know what an amazing young lady she is. Now, she is a typical young person and there are times when I feel like killing her and telling God she died (just kidding of course), but she really is amazing.
Hannah truly amazed and humbled me recently when I overheard her tell our church secretary that she wants "to marry someone just like my dad." I was blown out of the water when I overheard that because I know I am anything but a model husband and dad. I feel much like the preacher who said before he had children he had a sermon entitled "Ten Sure Fire Ways to Raise Godly Children" but since becoming a father he had changed his sermon to "Ten Suggestions That May or May Not Work." Now I can really identify with that pastor! That's the reason I was totally shocked when I heard Hannah make the comment that she wanted to marry someone just like me. My hope and prayer is that she will marry someone who will be a better husband to her and father to their children than I have been to her and her mom.
I am grateful to God for the amazing young lady Hannah has turned out to be. He has done an incredible job in molding and shaping into what He wants her to be inspite of the many mistakes I have made in raising her. Hannah has made a commitment to save herself for her future husband and by the grace of God she has stuck to that commitment. When many young people around her have turned their hearts to this world and the things of the world, she has kept her heart on God and the things of God. To God be the glory great things He has done!
In her 20 years short years of life Hannah has been uprooted and moved three times due to the Lord moving us to a new church field. Each move has been difficult but the most recent (December 2008) has been the most difficult. Hannah misses her friends back in Bronson, FL greatly yet she presses on knowing that we are right where the Lord wants us to be. I am grateful to God for the people in our church and community who have reached out to her to make her transition easier than it otherwise would have been!
Although Hannah has not received the praise and encouragement from her dad that she deserves, she has turned out to be one very special and incredible young lady. I thank God for who Hannah has become. And Hannah I want you to know that I am EXTREMELY PROUD to be your dad!!! You are an incredible young lady and I am proud of who you are in the Lord. I am praying for you as you continue to seek the Lord's will for your life. Always remember to keep your heart on Him and He will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Love You!!! Dad
