We have been taking a mini parenting class at our church which led up to a baby dedication celebration yesterday. As party of our "class" we were to voice our desires for spiritual growth for our children and kind of put into words what we want for them in the future. Do you know how hard it is to do that???? If you have never tried it before, I encourage you to do so. And what's more, do you know how hard it is to stand up in front of people and say it out loud? Wheeewwwwweeeeee! But we did it and I am so grateful that we did. It has reminded me of why I am where I am and encouraged Kenny and I in our journey of raising a family. I wanted to put this on my blog as a formal reminder to myself and others as to what my kids mean to me. So that should I become discouraged or "forgetful" in the next ? years and need a friendly reminder, I will always know where to find one.
Today we are here to celebrate each one of you and how blessed we are to have been chosen as your parents.
Brantley - Our first born, our main man, our baby boy. God has blessed you in so many ways. You are smart and have a love for learning that we pray you will never lose. You are funny and make us laugh daily. You are our superstar baseball player. You are strong and a natural leader. You are so very handsome and have the best dimple. You are kind and empathetic to those around you. You like to take care of others and make sure they are doing what needs to be done. You are our rule follower. You are well liked and a friend to every person you meet. You are a great dancer. You love God and your family. Our prayer for you is that you will know the love that our Lord has for you. He created you for a purpose and it is our desire that you come to know Him and discover His purpose in life for you. God has big plans for you Brantley, don’t lose sight of that. We are so very proud of the young man that you are and we are excited to see you grow into the man of God that you will become. We love you forever and always.
Kenleigh - Our middle child, our independent girl, our ocean of emotion. God has also blessed you in so many ways. You are intelligent and beautiful. You are compassionate and generous. You are friendly and loved by those you meet. You are quick to include others and want to be included yourself. You are hilarious and bursting with personality. You are our superstar soccer girl. You love God and your family. You are a feeler. You are passionate about the things that you do and say. You have an unbiased belief in yourself and your abilities. We know that those beliefs will take you far. Don’t ever lose sight of how special you are. Trust in the Lord and the plans He has made for you. He loves you more than anyone and will never leave you or forsake you. Focus your heart and mind on where God wants to take you and Dad and I will be your biggest cheerleaders along the way. We will love you always and we can’t wait to see where you are going.
Kaycie - Our baby, our little red, our ball of fire. God has also poured out His blessings on you. You are the sweetest thing and at the same time stubborn and strong willed. You have an unbreakable spirit. You have the best grin and cheeks that are absolutely edible. You have beautiful red hair, don’t ever change it. You are a natural talker and a quick learner. Things seem to come easily for you. You adore your brother and sister and would follow them anywhere. Your dad and I adore you and would follow you anywhere. You know how to steal people’s hearts and are easy to love. You haven’t stopped surprising us since the day you were born. It was on this day that we were reminded of how God has a plan for our family and it doesn’t necessarily fit into what we think it should be, instead it takes us to where we are supposed to be. You are the final piece to our family puzzle. God has a purpose for you, Kaycie Louise. He chose you from the beginning and broke the mold when He was done. We are excited to see where you will go and we will love you always and will be right behind you the whole way.
Our parenting prayer for all three of our children: God, we can never thank you enough for the gifts we have been given. We pray that you will guard and protect our gifts and keep them in the light of your Ways. Help us to guide them in the direction you have chosen for them. Above all else may our children see You through all that we do, say, and live. Help us to listen more, to talk less, and to love beyond measure. Grant us patience, understanding, compassion, and wisdom. And when we fail, because we will, give us humility to realize our mistakes, pick us up, put us back together, and help us continue to face those challenges head on. Take these children, make them your own, and thank you for the opportunity we have to call them ours. We are blessed beyond measure and we love you Lord.
