Tinky Tinky Tinky

Sweet Tink,
Happy 7th birthday...oh how you have filled my heart over the past 7 years.  Your precious smile and laugh are so contagious.  You are so curious and studious its amazing.  You love to learn new things and you are constantly asking us to take you to the library or the book store.  You have such a special heart for others.  I am so taken back at the way you view the world sweet girl. You can be so fierce and passionate yet you have the softest voice.  You love others so well, Tinky you are truly a gift to us each and everyday.  Happy 7th birthday to the most amazing girl I know.
Here are your 7 wishes with one to grow on of course...
1.  I wish for you to make long lasting Godly friends.  No matter where you are sweet girl, look for friends who are genuine who you can share your true self with no matter what.  Look for friends who take you for who you are and not only accept you but LOVE you for it.  I pray these friends come into your life and offer you a sweet security and confidence in being you.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

2.  I pray you will never lose your sweet laugh.  You are always finding something funny or telling a joke.  You toss your head back and all we can do is laugh with you.  Your teacher told your daddy and me this year that you literally "dance through each day."  you are one of the most joy filled people I have ever known.  It is truly a gift, one I hope you never lose no matter what.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:2a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; 3a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 4:1-4

3.  I pray that God protects you every single day.  I pray it everyday for you and Murphy...when I wake up and before you go to school we pray for His protection together.  I pray His angels link arms and surround you no matter where you are, Sweet Tinky.

"The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life;" Psalm 121:7

4.  I pray you will always take time to cultivate your artistic and creative side.  You are always making things, writing things, drawing masterpieces.  Don't give that up...you find so much joy in creating.  I pray you always take time to let yourself explore new things.  Everyday you have new ideas and new things you want to try...go for it!!!  I will always be your biggest fan!

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24

5.  You ask a LOT of questions, sweet girl.  So many sometimes we run out of answers.  You read everything you can get your hands on and more.  You saturate yourself with history, people, and everything the world has to teach you.  Wow...I can't imagine what you will learn as you grow.  We are so proud of you and the way you never miss a chance to learn and grow.  I pray that you will always be like this never forget the excitement of learning something new.  It fuels you now I pray it will always be that way.

"An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."  Proverbs 18:15

6.  I pray you will always stand up for others especially people who can't stand up for themselves.  My wish for you is that you never loose sight of what is right and you are always secure enough in yourself to stand up for yourself and others.  Sweet girl, I think this is something that is going to help you so often in this life.  I think you will be put to the test in this area more than you would like.  Know that I have prayed for you about this.  Know that your God is bigger than anyone or anything.  Remember who you are and be confident in your beliefs.

"But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened." 1 Peter 3:14

7.  In that same way you are strong in standing up for what you believe...that spirit comes with a certain amount of stubbornness.  I pray you won't let that stubbornness be stronger than your sweet passion.  Sometimes its ok to let things go...you often feel like you are under attack when we correct you.  That is not the case...just be secure in the fact that we love you to pieces and anything we say or do is only because we want you to be your best, sweet baby.* And yes you will always be my baby.

" If you get more stubborn every time you are corrected, one day you will be crushed and never recover."  Proverbs 29:1

AND one to grow on...this one will always be the same I think....I pray you will Be kind, Work hard and Love Jesus.  Tinky these are the most important things I can pray for you.  I wish you would take these three things to heart and really strive for them.  I think working for these things will lead you to a content and confident heart, sweet Tink.

Happy 7th Birthday my baby girl.  I love you to mars and back (that takes two years we just found out) 9 bazillion times.  And Yes I would ride mission to space for you until eternity.  I love you THAT BIG.

All my love,

Momma

Eight is enough!

Dear Murphy,
How on earth are you 8???  Enough is enough sweet boy, we have got to slow this down, it's tough watching you get so big and independent.  I can't begin to tell you how much you have learned this year.  Your writing and math amaze me!  You are always so eager to sit down and knock out your homework.  I love how much effort you put into everything you try.  Your basketball skills are unreal and you are hitting almost every (decent) pitch that comes your way.  You are really growing up, Murphy.  I am so, so thankful that God has blessed me with watching you on this journey.  Everyday I learn something new either about myself or about God's miraculous plan for us.  Watching it unfold through you is the best gift in the world.
Happy 8th Birthday, Murphy.  The world is truly brighter because of you.  Your giggle is one of the best sounds I have ever heard!
So here are your 8 wishes and one to grow on, sweet boy!  I love you to Mars and back 90 million times....

#1.  Trust God.  He knows the challenges and battles you will fight and He also knows your strengths. Whisper His name, Murphy.  He is right there with you and you will never be alone. When you feel weak call on Him, trust that He's got you no matter what you face.
"9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
"“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”Jeremiah 17:7-8

#2.  I pray for God's protection over you.  We live in a crazy world sweet Murph.  Everyday I pray that God will protect you and Tinky no matter where you are.  I pray that God will put a hedge of protection around you that His angels will link arms and surround you.  
11 "But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield." Psalm 5:11-12

#3.  God knows the desires of your heart.  I pray you know the tasks which you were created for.  I pray you can discern His plan for you.  Take the path that may not seem the easiest and use it to grow and honor Him.  I pray you will bring him glory and honor,Murphy in whatever He leads you to do.

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
    when he delights in his way;" Psalm 37:23

#4. Be courageous.  Be confident in your faith, Murphy. Be sure that the Lord has you and is with you always, everywhere.  Be the boy that makes others want to know about Jesus just because they met you.  Share your relationship with God with others...what a mark you will leave on this world!

3 "Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous works among all the peoples!" Psalm 96:3 

"15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15

#5.  Your Tongue.  Murphy your tongue is a powerful tool.  It can be for good or hurtful.  I know there's a fine line between kidding with people and saying things that can be hurtful.  You have a hard time hiding exactly how you feel.  I pray you are able to wait before you speak.  I pray you use your mouth in a way that is pleasing to God.  Be kind to others, try to be patient.  Build people up, sweet boy.

14 "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
    be acceptable in your sight,
    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14

37 "for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:37

#6.  Be Content.  Murphy you are so good at becoming engaged in something and being so easy to be around...but when you're not....ha!  I pray you can find a way to be content in where you are.  I know sometimes things are frustrating and I know you work harder than I could ever imagine.  Enjoy who you are, where you are , and be joyful about where you are going.  Its something amazing, Murphy.  Be content and rest in His plan and the perfect day He has created just for you.
"5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

#7. I pray that you will be hopeful.  I pray that when challenges are on the horizon you have hope.  I think thats such a strength to persevere because you have the gift of hope.  Hope is putting faith in something unseen.  It's what we are called to do.  Be hopeful about what you will do, Murphy!  
"12 Since we have such a hope, we are very bold," 2 Corinthians 3:12

#8.  I pray that you can look at life through a lens of gratitude.  It's amazing when you think about all of the things we have to be thankful for...and so incredible to live life from a thankful perspective.  You can see a difference in people who live like this...truly a gift.  I am thankful for everything about you, Murph.  For every little gift that comes with being your Momma.  
:Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

And one to grow on buddy...this will probably always be your one to grow on.  My wish for you is to Be Kind, Work hard and Love Jesus.  If you do this Murphy I think the possibilities are endless.  You make me so very proud...your rascally ways and determination are so inspiring.  Happy Birthday, my sweet boy.  You have had a big year of growing up...its pretty unreal!  
The world has never ever had a boy like you and will never ever be the same.  
I love you to mars and back (which takes two years we found out) 90 gazillion times.  When you flash a smile at me or say I love you...the world gets a little bit better. 

xoxo,
Momma