Dear Daughter, I Want You To Know....

This sweet girl turned 10 on Wednesday!  I am thrilled with the young lady that you are growing up to be.  I am so thankful that you are so full of life and so compassionate toward other people.  I pray that you continue to find joy even throughout the hard times!

There is still so much that I want my dear daughter to know.  So, I decided to take some time to compile everything and document it (since my blog is like a journal to me).

Dear Daugther, I want you to know:

1. You are Beautiful: On 10/12/06, you entered this world at 9:20 PM.  You were the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen.  And you still are!
Not only are you beautiful to me, but you're beautiful to God.  The God that created the entire universe, thought that the world would be a more beautiful place with you in it (and he was right, as he always is).

I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

So, please do not ever put yourself down.  Please do not ever compare your appearance to others.  Do not let anyone else tell you otherwise.  God created you to be unique and you are beautiful!

2. You are Loved: Oh my word, when I found out that I was pregnant with you, I was so over the moon with excitement!  Your Dad and I fell in love with you right from the start!  We even talked to you in my belly! Not only do we love you more than words can say, but the God who created you loves you so very much!

For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17

My sweet girl, I know that there will be times in this life that you feel so very alone and unlovable.  However, please remember that even in those times, you are never ever alone and you are always loved by The Father (and your Mom and Dad too)!

3. God has a plan - Sweet girl, as you grow older you will see that growing older isn't always so easy.  You will be faced with difficult decisions.  Some will be easy and some will not.  Sometimes, you will make the wrong decision...and that's okay too!  We all mess up a few times.  However, God always has a plan for your life.  Sometimes, that plan isn't the easy one either!  However, his plan is always the perfect plan!

 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

And sometimes, his plan isn't instantly revealed.  Sometimes, it takes even years for God's perfect plan to be revealed (your Dad and I prayed for 7 years when he desired a position in ministry...7 years before God's perfect plan was revealed)!

4. God gave your gifts - Not only are you a gift, but God gave you gifts to bless others.  God gave each of us talents to bless others.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen 1 Peter 4:10-11

If your gift is baking, please bake for others...your family, the homeless, use your skill to bless someone else and make their day brighter.  

5. Always be a friend - You will be faced with times during your life when it is much easier to follow "the crowd".  Please always be kind to everyone, never leaving anyone out or alone. Always treat others the way that you would like to be treated.

My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. John 15:12

Even though it is not always the easiest to love others like Jesus loves us.  It will be a blessing.  It is not easy to love someone after they have hurt your feelings, but please remember that Jesus always loves us, no matter what we do.

6. Do Not Worry - My precious girl, as you know your Mama worries about everything and I always have!  When you were in daycare the first year, I drove those poor teachers crazy!  I called to check on you several times per day.  Sometimes, they would even hold the phone up to your ear so that we could chat!  There was no need for me to worry, you were in excellent hands.  Even more, God loves you so much and he was watching over you even when I wasn't there!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6

Sweet heart, whenever your heart feels overwhelmed with worry-- pray!  God will hear your request and you will feel his perfect peace wash over you.  I have come a long way with my worrying, by praying !  

7. Remember the quiet - One of my favorite authors, Lysa TerKeurst states "We must exchange whispers with God before shouts with the world."  This is so true.  Please remember that your day will go so much smoother if you talk to God at the beginning of the day.  You are like a sweet little sponge and if you soak up God's word before going about your day, you will be more likely to leak out his love on others!

But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  Matthew 6:6

I pray that your children will also see your devotion to God and that they will see you reading and studying God's word.  It is my prayer that many generations to come will know about God and his love for us!

8. Live to be you! My precious little princess, you have always lived to the beat of your own drum! I remember when you were younger and took ballet classes each week, you always insisted on wearing your rain boots with your tutu!  It was adorable, but you got some funny looks.  However you were happy! Don't stop now!  God designed you to be YOU!  Please do not compare yourself to others, do not compromise your beliefs.  Live free because you are loved by the father!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

You my darling are my joy!  I love being your Mommy and I love seeing you grow up each day.  I love your sweet sensitive heart and how you care for others.  Please do not ever change!  I look forward to seeing all of the great things that God has in store for you. Live loved, because you are loved by the Father!

Lots of love,

Mom