U Turns Are Allowed In Life
timing is everything. things are just unbearable right now. i have mixed emotions. im run down. drained. frustrated. hopeful. confused. scared. a wreck. in constant prayer. i dont understand why.
God, only you know. Help me understand.
August 3, 2004
Dear Christina,
As you continue to mature into a beautiful young woman I am compelled to share some truths with you and provide advice that I give in love that I hope you will consider. Because you are blessed with exceptional intelligence, some of these matters may be self-evident to you. Let this letter reinforce those things you already believe and strengthen you with any new wisdom of experience that I share.
First, know that your parents prayed for you and dearly wanted you before you were conceived. You were no accident for us just as you were no accident in the eyes of God. God knew you before you were born. He knows you in the present and He knows your future. I feel that the Lord had someone very special in mind when He formed you. I marvel as I look back on the nearly 18 years you have been with us and how you have developed. Early on it was apparent that an exceptionally gifted person had been born in our family.
Unfortunately we are limited to one mortal lifetime of unknown length to find what we are best suited for (our destiny). As we navigate our way along life's highways we must make choices. Choose most carefully on the important things like friends, career and a lifetime partner. Know that even with the more important choices that "U turns" are allowed in life. We do get second chances in life so don't get trapped in a bad choice. Weigh carefully each commitment with the possible consequences. Then, prayerfully make your plans.
Most people your age do not have a general plan for their lives. Things just happen to them and those around them. They make choices and react to changes, as they must, one day at a time, without much thought to long term consequences. However, even when we have plans, things can happen that require us to modify them. I think you already have some general plans. Its good to have a general "road map" already laid out in your mind.
When you feel its time to make a specific life plan for something important (career, family or maybe an important goal), plan it out well. But first pray about it. Then write it out. Test it; is it your will or God's will or both? Then, if you have peace with it, seek wise counsel on how to carry out any specific areas of your plan that may seem daunting. Always ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Do?" It is a safe test for choices along the way. Most important is that once you have the plan, you Work The Plan! Stay with it!
Remember that not all things that happen to us in life are fair. Also, some things are not as they appear. Some friends are not true friends. Disappointments will happen. Accept them, forgive others and move on. Remorse and bitterness are your enemies.
Don't believe in luck. Both good and bad things will happen in life. With purpose, preparation and a plan we improve our "luck."
I feel compelled to warn you about the other sex(having over 50 years experience as a member of the other gender does qualify me to council you about...us). Males your age (and older) do not always think clearly in regard to love and sex. Even the best men you can hope to be more than just friends with are far more easily tempted to test your resolve in regard to chastity and purity. Strive to be like your mother was when we married. She was a virgin. There is great value and safety in virginity. Remember, true love waits!
Boys are far less interested in long-term relationships and much more interested in short term gains in the realm of sexual experience. Unfortunately males tend to let other parts of their bodies over rule their brains. Sex is the natural, driving force that even the best guys must control in their relationships with women.
I know that your parents are the last people you think of as who to confide with in matters of love, romance, sex and the like. But, consider my door open should you ever want some advice and council from a man who has loved you from the day you were born.
I hope that the Lord gives me many years on this earth. One reason I hope this is so I can see how you turn out as an adult. I have the highest hopes for you and I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. I will always be your number one fan!
Love,
Dad
God, only you know. Help me understand.
August 3, 2004
Dear Christina,
As you continue to mature into a beautiful young woman I am compelled to share some truths with you and provide advice that I give in love that I hope you will consider. Because you are blessed with exceptional intelligence, some of these matters may be self-evident to you. Let this letter reinforce those things you already believe and strengthen you with any new wisdom of experience that I share.
First, know that your parents prayed for you and dearly wanted you before you were conceived. You were no accident for us just as you were no accident in the eyes of God. God knew you before you were born. He knows you in the present and He knows your future. I feel that the Lord had someone very special in mind when He formed you. I marvel as I look back on the nearly 18 years you have been with us and how you have developed. Early on it was apparent that an exceptionally gifted person had been born in our family.
Unfortunately we are limited to one mortal lifetime of unknown length to find what we are best suited for (our destiny). As we navigate our way along life's highways we must make choices. Choose most carefully on the important things like friends, career and a lifetime partner. Know that even with the more important choices that "U turns" are allowed in life. We do get second chances in life so don't get trapped in a bad choice. Weigh carefully each commitment with the possible consequences. Then, prayerfully make your plans.
Most people your age do not have a general plan for their lives. Things just happen to them and those around them. They make choices and react to changes, as they must, one day at a time, without much thought to long term consequences. However, even when we have plans, things can happen that require us to modify them. I think you already have some general plans. Its good to have a general "road map" already laid out in your mind.
When you feel its time to make a specific life plan for something important (career, family or maybe an important goal), plan it out well. But first pray about it. Then write it out. Test it; is it your will or God's will or both? Then, if you have peace with it, seek wise counsel on how to carry out any specific areas of your plan that may seem daunting. Always ask yourself, "What Would Jesus Do?" It is a safe test for choices along the way. Most important is that once you have the plan, you Work The Plan! Stay with it!
Remember that not all things that happen to us in life are fair. Also, some things are not as they appear. Some friends are not true friends. Disappointments will happen. Accept them, forgive others and move on. Remorse and bitterness are your enemies.
Don't believe in luck. Both good and bad things will happen in life. With purpose, preparation and a plan we improve our "luck."
I feel compelled to warn you about the other sex(having over 50 years experience as a member of the other gender does qualify me to council you about...us). Males your age (and older) do not always think clearly in regard to love and sex. Even the best men you can hope to be more than just friends with are far more easily tempted to test your resolve in regard to chastity and purity. Strive to be like your mother was when we married. She was a virgin. There is great value and safety in virginity. Remember, true love waits!
Boys are far less interested in long-term relationships and much more interested in short term gains in the realm of sexual experience. Unfortunately males tend to let other parts of their bodies over rule their brains. Sex is the natural, driving force that even the best guys must control in their relationships with women.
I know that your parents are the last people you think of as who to confide with in matters of love, romance, sex and the like. But, consider my door open should you ever want some advice and council from a man who has loved you from the day you were born.
I hope that the Lord gives me many years on this earth. One reason I hope this is so I can see how you turn out as an adult. I have the highest hopes for you and I will do whatever I can to help you achieve your goals. I will always be your number one fan!
Love,
Dad