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

Happy birthday Tinky Bear Blue

Dear Tinky,
OH my goodness do I love you....My sweet sweet girl.  Ugh words cannot begin to describe the joy you bring to our lives.  6 Years ago our lives were changed forever.  We were given such a precious precious angel to show us how to love, and how to show grace and to be sensitive and considerate without blinking an eye or even making it seem like that is what you are doing.  You are such goodness baby girl.
So here are your 6 wishes and 1 to grow on angel...
1. Remember the BEST forget the REST.  This is your gift.  You are amazing at seeing the best in people and not noticing anything else.  Please continue to have this precious heart.  Be thankful for the good things you find in people and focus on that.  Lead by example baby girl, the world needs people to look for the good in others...you are amazing at this.

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. 1 John 4:19

2.  Love and listen to people from the heart.  It amazes me to think about how much God loves you because He loves you more and better than I ever could.  I am overwhelmed to think of the sacrifice He made for us because he loved each one of us so much.  When you want to judge or see someone acting ugly remember how much God loves them.  It is such a quick check when you start to think something unkind about someone else.  Your sweet sweet way is to quietly process things when someone is ugly.  I so appreciate that about you.  I do want you to stand up for yourself to people (other than your brother) when you feel something is wrong.  Always remember that almost everyone is struggling with something and your listening and loving them may just make the difference they need!

'Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

3.Live for God's glory.    Each day and in everything you do you can choose to do it for His honor.  In doing so, you may reach someone who may not know about Jesus.  You are so quick to open a discussion about God with anyone you meet.  Don't stop doing that.  You are learning so much about Jesus everyday.  In all of your school work and your relationships do things in a way that lets others know everything good is from God.  You are going to accomplish a lot, sweet Tink.  Give the glory to God and go for it!  I can't wait to see everything He has planned for you!

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:32

4.  Pray for People.  Tink, you are going to encounter some tough people.  You are going to be hurt.  We cannot control anyone but ourselves.   Jesus says forgive and pray for our enemies.  You are so forgiving and so gentle with others.  Please remember to take some of that burden to God.  Pray for your precious friends and family, but don't forget those people who may not be your friend.  Pray for the good in people to shine.  Pray for people who are struggling.   PRAY PRAY PRAY.  

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

5.  Be Patient with your progress and the progress of those around you.  You get very frustrated when things aren't done just right.  You can't stand it when you explain something and you think we don't understand.  Be Patient.  Please, take that pressure off of yourself to be perfect at certain things.  We are all a work in progress and no one will be perfect this side of heaven.  Just keep trying, and remember if you are doing your best do not be stressed...

Be patient with Murphy and with your daddy and me.  We all love you so so much!  Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses.  Try to focus on strengths and encourage and pray through weaknesses.

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9

6.  Be confident.  I hate to hear you say "I can't" do something that I know you can.  Don't be afraid to try, to fail and to try again....that is bravery. 
 You can do so much more than you give yourself credit for.  You are smart, kind, fun and so loving.  Be confident in the gifts God has given you.  Be confident in what your heart tells you is right.  You have such a sweet and kind spirit.  Please don't ignore that, you are so compassionate and helpful.  Try new things and encourage others around you.

"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." 2 Timothy 1:7

AND one to grow on...just like I wrote to Murphles, LOVE JESUS, BE KIND, WORK HARD.  At the end of the day sweet girl this is what matters.  Follow the Lord, do your best , and love people well.  You can do all of these things.   I love you with my whole heart MOST to infinity around the moon and back 10000000000000 times.  You are my girl, what a sweet sweet mothers day gift you are. 

I love you so much my precious baby.

Happy 6th birthday my sweet sweet Tinky.  You make every single day of life more fun, more special and so much sweeter.  You are my girl.  I could not be more proud of you and your precious heart.  I love you MOST, around the moon 6 billion times back to the earth and to infinity!
Love,
Momma