To My Littlest:
It’s the eve of your
seventh birthday and I’m sitting alone on a balcony over looking the ocean. It
is the last night of this week at the beach and I am feeling so blessed to have
this time to reflect on this last year as I listen to the waves break on the
shore. The Lord just gifted me with a vibrant sunset of deep reds and golds and
now the moon is lighting up the sky and glistening off of the water. I so
loved spending three days here with you, Camden, and Daddy. A perfect getaway
that has me looking forward to our next family adventure.
What an honor it is to be
your Mommy! I am filled with the most profound joy that could only come from
God. As you know, this relationship with Jesus is brand new in my heart;
though what will always remind me of how He loves us, is how you have ALWAYS
known Him.
I remember, last October,
when I shared with you how the Lord revealed Himself to me and how I finally
opened up my heart to Jesus. You looked at me with your big eyes and exclaimed
with certainty: “Mommy, I’ve known Jesus since I was in your belly!” That
statement continues to serve as a reminder that our Heavenly Father is mighty
to save and is always- ALWAYS with us. That He wants us to draw close to His
presence, walk in wonderment, and have a childlike faith.
Dashy, God has blessed
our family with the gift of YOU! You have always known who you are and what you
want. You are bold. You are brave. You are a delight!
I am learning to embrace
your strength and strong will, in celebration of how God has created you. You
bring us so much joy and certainly keep us on your toes.
The Holy Spirit burns
inside of you and I cannot wait to witness all that HE has planned for your
life.
We’ve spent this year
getting to know our Heavenly Father together as a family of four.
We learned to lean on one
another when our dear friend Shellie spent almost one month in the
hospital fighting for her life. We learned to TRUST and glorify God through the
uncertainty, and praise Him in her miraculous healing.
In May, our family took
our first trip to Los Angeles together. Daddy and I loved watching you and Camden
take in all of the new sights with wonder and awe. I will never forget watching
you and your brother run toward the Pacific Ocean together for the first time.
It certainly will not be the last; as we are looking so forward to our next
visit out West.
Our family was baptized
on June 4th of this year in the Harpeth River behind our church:
Grace Chapel. When your Daddy, who baptized you, asked if you had anything you
would like to say prior, you exclaimed:
“I love God because He’s
Awesome”!
We have walked this new
path with Jesus leading the way, and I am learning so much from you and your
brother on how to worship without fear and how to walk in total faith!
In late June/early July,
you attended Camp Kletecka with Mimi and Grandaddy, spending nearly one week
together in Ohio swimming, playing tennis, getting to go to the Air force
Museum, and being spoiled with treats and LOVE!
Late summer, we took a
trip to our favorite place: Smith Lake! Jumping off the dock, playing on the
porch, and even getting lost on the lake in a rainstorm while on a pontoon boat
made for a highlight of our year. This place is truly heaven on earth and we
long to make many more memories there in the years to come.
You began first grade in
early August and are learning how to be student. Math is your favorite subject
and you are fully planning on becoming an artist when you grow up. I pray you
are forever gifted with the balance between right and left brain…like your
Daddy!
You make friends easily
though definitely like to be in charge. We are working on helping you develop
stronger listening skills, though you often remind us:
“Talking is my favorite
thing to do”.
Now in your third year of
Tae Kwan Do, you have achieved your yellow belt and will soon be testing for
green, where sparring will become part of your skillset. We truly love your
coach, Mr. Eric, who leads with love and strength!
Your musical talent is
developing more with each year. Hip Hop has become one of your favorite hobbies
and watching you rock “the robot” never gets old. In June 2017 you will perform
in your first official dance recital! I. Can’t. Wait!
You are our constant
comedian and my little sidekick companion. Always wanting to hold my hand and
sit by or cuddle up to me. My heart melts each time I get to snuggle you as I
know these days of you being tiny are numbered and passing quickly. You still
tell everyone that I, your Mommy, am your girlfriend with such precious
innocence.
You are reminding me to
keep things simple. To enjoy the togetherness of our family more often. To slow
down. To breathe deeper and laugh often!
On our last night
together here in Florida, you asked us if we could all go the beach as a family
and walk around under the moonlight before bedtime. Once our feet were on the
sand, you instructed each one of us where to stand and then led our family in a
prayer, asking that each one of us stand together in praise and thanksgiving.
Oh how I love your boldness for our Great God!
As I prepare to finalize
this letter, I realize that it is the first one of your seven years of life
that I have given God the glory…that I am able stand on His rock of Truth and
Purpose for Your Life, my Dashy. This thought alone brings me an indescribable
sense of gratitude and excitement for what’s to come.
Thank you Jesus for
rescuing my heart last October 25th, so that our family could unite
in faith and rest in Your perfect love that casts out all fear.
Happiest Birthday My
Sweet Boy!! You are a treasure of immeasurable value. You are my littlest love
with the biggest heart and I cannot wait to watch you soar into seven!
Love. Love. LOVE,
Mama
