Eight
I don't remember much about when I was eight...even less about seven!
But looking back over all that happened in this year...
I can't help but think you will vividly remember this past year of your life.
So many changes.
So many new things.
Several challenges.
SUCH GROWTH!!!!
Prayer Warrior...
You have been so very diligent in your prayers for your family and those whom you love.
Seeking God's favor on "the new ministry" and "daddy's book".
Praying for uncles to have jobs, grandmas to be healed, and cousins to move safely.
And we have seen prayer take on a new meaning for you...as you have watched the Lord answer!
Faith...
There were a couple of rough patches this year. A day that you announced that you weren't sure if God was real...His Word true...or our prayers significant.
Not an emotional time...or attention grabber...but more of an earnest seeking of truth.
We acknowledged those questions and prayed that God would show you His presence...all the while pointing you continually back to His Word.
You remained steadfast...daily reading your allotted "devotions"...each night praying for more faith.
And then multiple things happened at once...blessings from friends, a save at the abortion mill, a missionary captive set free, and several other "miracles".
And the God that parted the Red Sea and raised Lazarus from the dead...was the same God that answered our prayers for faith.
My sweet girl...I pray that you remember that when you move onto eight...that He is the same - yesterday, today and forever!!!
Sister...
Much of the year was spent the two of you together. Many times you asked if you could take Hailey...to play upstairs, to go outside, to read to...anything.
Through your eyes of imagination we have had dogs and lions and monkeys crawling around our house.
You have been a sweet big sister...learning that little eyes are always on you...wanting to be just like you!
That challenge will only grow as time goes on...but we pray that your love for Jesus and His Word will be the biggest impression you make on those looking up to you!
Ministry...
The first day at the abortion mill was tough. It was not your choice to be there...and quite honestly...you never wanted to go back. You struggled with the "why" and could not bear the "how come"...as car after car turned into that parking lot. You shuddered at each picture and had lots of tears on your pillow that night.
It was a hard first day for us as your parents...wondering if we had done the right thing.
Had we pushed you too far.
Amazingly enough...four months later...you are our little prophetess. Speaking truth to those that will listen.
Sharing your faith. Singing on the microphone. Praying fervently for salvation and rejoicing over a "save".
This was a part of your path of faith. And while it is still not a "pleasant" ministry...we have watched you see others beyond yourself. So much for one so young!
Sweet Amy girl...these are just a few of the things we celebrate that God has done in your life this past year.
Our precious little girl, we love you. We treasure you. We thank God for you.
We pray that the eternal truths...His Word...which you have so diligently memorized...has gone down deep into your heart as seedlings.
And as this year of eight unfolds...we pray that He will grow those seedlings in your heart to bear much fruit in Him.
That your life will be a reflection of His goodness. His faithfulness. His grace.
Just as this past year was not one without it's bumps and hiccups...
we know there might be mountains and valleys ahead.
But we commit you to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling
and able to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy.
Happy Birthday, sweet Amy girl!!!
