And one to grow on...

Dear Murphy,
Its hard to believe you are turning 5 tomorrow.  It's hard to believe the difference you have made in our lives, our paths, our hearts, our journey.  You are a gift, you are joy.  I can not imagine what you will do over the next 5 years, but I thank God for the privilege of getting to be your mother.  I am thankful for every minute and everyday I get to watch you grow.  
You have changed our lives and blessed us in ways we never knew possible.  I have some birthday wishes for you, 5 of course with one to grow on.  Happy 5th birthday, Murphy may all your wishes come true.

This pillow always makes me think of you. It is the greek word for JOY.

1. Never try to change who you are. I wish for your heart to stay firm in the love you have for others. You are straight from God and made in His image. Your heart is kind and your spirit is so sweet, you are our boy, our son, Madden's brother, you are a teacher, you are a student, you are strong, you are a protector, you are an encourager, you are a hard worker you are caring, your smile lights up our lives and you are so, so loved.
Be Murphy and be proud of who you are.
Always remember God made you exactly how He wanted you to be.

Psalm 139:14
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well."

2. Let others see your JOY. We have called you Joy since you were a little baby. Joy defined is

-a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment. No matter what your circumstances may be...keep your focus on Him and you will always be able to find your Joy. Share it with others who may not have eyes to see...your smile is one that comes from deep inside you, its hard to explain but a genuine smile from Murphy is a glimpse of true joy. "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds" James 1:2 3. Love Him. I wish that you would constantly pursue Christ. I hope that you will love Him with all of your being and all of your soul. I wish that He will be the only approval, only satisfaction that you need in life...Look for Him everywhere, glorify Him in everything. Jesus is in your precious heart, Murphy. Your praise is amazing and the way you express your love when you sing to Him and talk about Him is something I hope never changes. “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’[a]; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b]” Luke 10:27 4. Love others. I wish that in this lifetime you continue have the grace that I so often lack. I wish that you would be able to see past the ugliness that creeps out of people and love them through it. Love others well. Your love is infectious and a gift to anyone who knows it. When others are unkind, I pray that your spirit will not hurt, instead you will find a way to see people how Jesus does. You have eyes like no other and an ability to love that is not from this world. Don't ever change that. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." John 13:34 5. Praise Him. Murphy you love nothing more than to sing God's praises. Keep it up...be an example to others in how to Love our God. You are such a teacher. We have so much to learn about letting go and Loving Him. In everything you do look for something good and worthy of praise. Smile, laugh, and sing as often as you want...I can only imagine how He delights in you. "Let everything that breathes sing praises to the LORD! Praise the LORD!" Psalm 150:6

And one to grow on... I pray that God will

Bless you when the first light of sun. Bless you when the long day is done. 

Bless you in your smiles and in your tears. Bless you through each day of your years.

We love you more than you could ever know! Happy Birthday, Murphy!