The Culpeppers Collected. . . : My Murphles

Dear Murphy,
Unbelievable!!! We have had you in our lives for 7 years today! Although its amazing to think you are turning 7, its absolutely impossible to remember life without you. You being you has shaped so many people that know and love you. You have been such a reason to get up and go, get up and do, such a constant inspiration.
As I write this you are being named Student of the month (THE MONTH.) You have learned so much this year at school you have accomplished so many big things, and I could not be more proud of you. You are truly one of the greatest blessings I could ever imagine. I knew I always wanted to be a mom...but I had no idea just how much my heart would be filled with your little self.
You are so busy, and observant. You have a say about anything and everything (that may be in your genes.) You love your friends in such an honest and uplifting way. You are without a doubt one very special rascal and I love you with ALL of my heart.
SO here are your 7 (WOW) wishes and one to grow on my little:

1. Be gracious. I read a book this year called Grace and one of my favorite quotations was "the key to happiness is forgetting what you don't have and remembering what you do have."
You my Precious boy are so quick to say thank you and so genuine with your gratitude. You are so quick to forget bad things or when someone is ugly. I think its such a great example of how to love. I don't know anyone who forgives so easily with such a joyful smile. What a gift.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Colossians" 3:15

2. Be Prayerful. Murphy You are precious in your talks with the Lord. You are so mindful to go around the table and mention everyone (even daisy and Paddington.) Know that Jesus wants to know everything you have to say. He wants to know when you are sad, or frustrated, He wants to know what makes you happy and what you dream about...tell Him. Talk to him all of the time. He tells us He will knock...ask Him inside, sweet boy. He is the one thing that is and always will be constant.

That is a promise.

This scripture has been so important to me this year. Please learn this, birthday boy. Claim it.

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

3.Grow towards the Lord. Try to learn something new about our God every chance you get. Learn scriptures, learn about His love, His personality, His perfect plan for you. Seek Him. As you get older dedicate some time each day to talk to God or listen for Him. He loves you more than we can imagine. He wants your time, and your attention.

" Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation" 1 Peter 2:2

4. Make good choices. Sometimes you are quick to get frustrated and you take it out on whomever is around. You are a spicy little fellow (again you have it in your genes.) Try not to be impulsive, instead wait. Do not be quick to act...I am learning this myself everyday. Sometimes the less you say and do the better.

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.
' Proverbs 19:21

5. Be patient with others. Be patient with yourself. When people can't understand what you are trying to explain, be patient. Help them. People want to know you, Murphy, they want to know what you need and what you want to do and to be. There are so many people who want to support you just be patient with them.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." Romans 12:12

6. Do the right thing. Stop and think about what Jesus would want for you Murphy. How does Jesus want you to treat others? How does he want you to work? Be proud of your hard work, be conscious of how you behave. Emulate Jesus as best as you can.

"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” 2 Chronicles 15:17

7. Enjoy your days, buddy. NEVER lose that rascally smile, that giggle. Its music to our ears. You are a rascal, you love to destroy your drawers and bathroom in 5 seconds time, and that smile gets you out of mounds of trouble. Smile, love.

"but the cheerful of heart has a continual feast." Proverbs 15:15

.....AND one to grow on.

This will come as no surprise to you but my true wish for you and Tink is:

That you LOVE Jesus, you WORK HARD and that you are KIND.

Now Murphles....what's next? My big 7 year old, who is living proof of God's grace, His love, and His amazing handiwork. You are a gift like no other.

I thank Jesus for you every day and night. Blessings on your birthday and every single day in between, my angel.