Happy Birthday, Alyssa

3/3/15

Happy Birthday, Alyssa

            Let me first say that I will always believe in you.  You can meet any challenge that awaits you. I don’t ask you to succeed for me or anyone else but God.  I can imagine your graduations, your achievements, the life you will create.  When I think of you, I just see you.  I hope you can see yourself this same way.

            I want you to know I am proud of you.  I love you no matter what.  Nothing will ever change that.  Ever.

            You are God’s masterpiece.  “We are His workmanship” (Eph 2:10).  You are made in God’s image (Gen 9:6) and you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps 139:14) since God’s hands fashioned you (Ps 119:73).  For this I thank God for your creation.  God is glorified in you.

            Did you know you are a miracle?  From the moment when you were just a few minutes old and you recognized my voice and your teeny tiny hand grabbed hold of my finger, I knew you were special.  You are so special to me, Peanut.

            Have a Happy Birthday.

Happy Birthday, Tessa

3/3/15

Happy Birthday, Tessa

You are now a fully vested adult.  You have every authority and responsibility one can have as an adult.  I hope you take this responsibility seriously.  Because I did not.

            Don’t let peer pressure steer your life.  We can choose to not be offended by the words or actions of others. When we unite in righteousness with others who are faithful, we are stronger in our battles against evil.  “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart is mouth speaketh.” (Luke 6:45)

            Just last week I helped lead a man to Christ.  To see his face and see how he acts you would be amazed. His heart has changed.  He is no longer that hardcore gang member I first met.  He is now a beacon of light.  With time he will become a very productive ambassador for Christ. (2 Cor 5:20).  I am excited by his transformation.

            I hope you too can find joy like this in your life.  My hope is you can find the joy and peace Isaiah speaks about in verse 51:11.

            Happy Birthday, Tess.