What a Year, Darling!

Good morning, darling!

It's been a long while since I've gotten on your blog and written--but today I wanted to hit some high points of this year...just so we can have something to look back on in the future and reflect and remember....

Oh, darling, how I love you!

You quite literally take my breath away!

These days, you are growing so quickly! I look at you some mornings and realize that you really are, quite, taller. It's crazy to think how all of a sudden it seems that you are GROWN--or will be!

You are beautiful.

Let's see, this year has been a whirlwind, and I won't detail everything, but I will say that there are some things we want to remember--

KIDS CAMP--...was interesting (may be your last due to the "bugs" that you had to deal with, and the crazy behavior of the kids around you!) But here, too, you started noticing that you really didn't fit in with the kids this age. You told me that you were looking forward to Youth Camp so you could hang out with older kids...Yes. You've always been more comfortable with more mature acting people--whether they be your age or mine. :) We just received the handout for the PBJ camp. But you aren't sure whether you are going or not, because you don't really have anyone going that you relate to. It's interesting to watch you grow and negotiate socially. You make decisions to be true to yourself (even if that means being alone) rather than trying to act like someone you're not to fit in with other kids. I know it's hard--you told me so.

"I like being around my friends, Momma," you told me a few weeks ago. "But I can be on my own if I have to be." That spoke volumes to me, sister. Just volumes.

I am so proud of the young woman you are growing up to be.

Lest we forget, and remember only the "bug situation" and other nonsensical occurrences at camp, we MUST REMEMBER THIS. Sissy, when you came home from Kids Camp, one of the first things you told me what what the Lord had said to you one night during altar time. "Momma, I'm called to missions." You knew it.

And the Lord continues to speak to you--and all of us. It's in your spiritual DNA, sissy, to tend to people and care for them and serve them with your life. I praise God for the Call He has on our family--and the one He has most graciously extended to you.

I KNOW HE HAS GREAT THINGS IN STORE FOR YOU, SISSY. I know it with all of my heart.

VOICE LESSONS--You are THRIVING in your voice lessons, and I get to listen to your sessions (you haven't told me to leave yet! ha!), and it blows me away, the beautiful quality of your voice. I know that our Lord opened the door for you to study under Ms. Natlynn. I know He has big things in store for you, sissy. BIG THINGS.

YOU CHANGED SCHOOLS--Oh, what a journey that was! We both cried when we realized, this past summer, that changes were coming...there were so many unanswered questions...but you are, and we know this, precisely where God called you to be. Ms. Sherry, our children's pastor said she noticed an immediate difference. You really like it there. And I couldn't be happier.

THE REVIVAL PROPHECY--This summer, in a revival conference at church, the evangelist called you over to speak over you. It was INCREDIBLE, and I don't remember all of it--though I'm sure there are notes somewhere, and a video too, if you are ever interested in seeing it live--but one thing I remember is what he said over you--that you are a Miriam. That you will impact generations.

Oh, sissy, I have no doubt.

Well, I must stop here...but know that this Momma loves you with all of her heart, FOR EVER, and I am praying for you, your children, and your children's children. I may never see their faces this side of Heaven, but I will see you all when it is time, over there!

I love you so much, precious daughter.

Love Always,
Mommy