Happy 13th Birthday, Joy!

How can it be that my little girl is turning 13 today? She was just my little girly tomboy (click on that link to read more about that) that slept in sponge curlers every Saturday night and wore her hair in ringlets on Sunday mornings to church and then came home and played “roughest toughest” with her daddy on Sunday afternoons in her dress and hair bow.

Joy loves to tease me with, “I’m almost 13”. After that I'll be 14, old enough to get my driving permit.  In 2015, I’ll be 16”. She knows I don't want to rush it! Although I miss the little girl, I love the young lady that she is becoming. She is such a blessing to us and I know God has a special plan for her life. We have the bond I always envisioned in a daughter.

Joy strives to please not only us, but to serve the Lord. It is for that I’m most thankful. Of course, I think she is beautiful, but what’s even more beautiful to me is her heart. She has such a compassionate heart. She truly desires to live a life pleasing to God and to seek His wisdom.

So today, Joy, I wish you a Happy (13th) Birthday! I pray that you always allow God to guide you through your teenage years and mold you into a beautiful woman for His glory. I’m so glad God gave you to us to be our daughter! We love you so much!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised". Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

Joy:  Jesus first, Others Second, and Yourself Last.  You are a joy!

 
(And none of this stuff about turning 16 before we know it or you are grounded). :)