My Dearest Samantha,
Last night as I watched your Mom teaching you how to put on makeup for the very first time, I couldn’t help but think how beautiful you are and what an incredible young woman you are becoming. It’s so wonderful to see that your beauty doesn’t come from anything you’ve done to the outside, but who you are on the inside. All the makeup did was enhance that beauty a little bit.
As you get older I know that fashionable clothes, the latest hairstyles, and the newest cosmetics will play more and more of a role in your life, but always remember where your true beauty comes from. The Bible says it this way, “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
You already have such an inner beauty that God loves … and your Daddy loves! It shines out of your eyes, I can hear it in your voice, I can see it in your actions, I can feel it in your hugs. You are so beautiful!
To keep this unfading beauty shining brightly, remember this: “Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!”
I couldn’t be more proud of you than I already am, so I will always be your loudest cheering section and chairman of your fan club! You are my beautiful Rose!
I love you,
Dad
1
July 31, 2009 at 7:29 am
Thank you so much dad!!!
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July 31, 2009 at 4:06 pm
XOXO!!
–Dad
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July 31, 2009 at 11:00 am
man that was so beautiful , your children r so loved
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July 31, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Just think, if a dad can write such wonderful things to his daughter, how many more wonderful things our heavenly father wants to, and will say to us!!!! Awesome!!!!!
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July 31, 2009 at 4:07 pm
Great thought, Amanda! I hadn’t considered it that way, but you are right on!
–CTO
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August 4, 2009 at 6:57 pm
Hey Craig,
I have seen how you love your kids and I have especially been delighted to spend time with Samantha and know you have spoken truly. She is a wonderful girl with a great heart and so much enthusiasm for life and learning. Our little outing to Bears Mill will be a reminder to me of that special person. Congratulations and thanks for sharing this special letter with all of us!
AC
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January 3, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Hi Pastor Craig,
I’m so sorry I missed church today. I did read your blog about it and will be in prayer, especially this first week. I did spend a lot of time in prayer this am.
Thanks for sharing your letter to Samantha with all of us. I have been blessed by her at church. She is amazing. You have given her such and awesome gift through your love and words. She will remember these time when you touch her heart so tenderly. You are an example to other dads as well. They need that because somewhere along the line the ball got dropped on teaching our young men how to be good dads, especially to their daughter who will grow up and end up with a man just like their dad. So hats off to you for doing such a fine job.
Judy
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January 3, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Thank you for your kind words, Judy. Samantha is a delightful young lady… I think she gets jost of it from her mother, but I’m happy to add a little here and there too.
Glad you are praying with us. Hope to see you soon!
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