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
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
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
"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
