Bryant Nathanael

Oh, man, Bryant. 8 years old. To the boy who lights the world on fire...

 the gift you have in connecting with all types wherever they are is remarkable.

You love fiercely and you give with abandon.

 What places will you go, my son? I guess the better question is, whose hearts will need help mending? Because that, I would say, is where you will be led.

 To encourage the down-trodden, to lift up the less fortunate. Because Jesus has wired you to connect with people and you are His and He will call you to the least of these.

I am so thankful that God brought you to us first. You are such a tremendous joy. You are a light to our family's fire.

 Happy 8th birthday, Bryant boy. We love you so.

A Decade

So I started to cry when I found these pictures. But not for the reason that would seem obvious.

 I started to cry because these pictures reminded me of things I prayed for since the moment you came into my world.

 I knew you would need to be strong in spirit to live in the world you were coming into. And you are.

 I prayed you would be generous and gracious with those who came into your life, because I knew that there would always be new people coming into your life. And you are.

 I prayed so hard that Jesus would capture your heart in a real, soul-deep way. And He has.

 So you see, Aubrey girl? God has granted every prayer I have prayed over you. My tears are tears of gratitude to the One who has done so much good in our lives.

Aubrey, you don't talk a lot. Sometimes that concerns me (okay, a lot of times...) but what I have recently found out is that while you don't always talk to me, you consistently talk to Jesus. Your first response seems to be to take your heart to the One who can actually help you. That is so grown up of you. As you quietly absorb life around you, you stay grounded in the truth that God is the One who can restore your soul. Your heart belongs to Him and that makes both Dad and I so happy.

To our beautiful daughter, we are honored to be your parents. 10 is a good number for you. We pray that you will continue giving your heart to Jesus so that He can direct you where He wants you to go.

I came across this saying and it is so fitting for you:
"Here is a girl with a head full of magical dreams,
A heart full of wonder,
And hands that will shape the world."

Happy 10th birthday, our Aubrey Grace. We love you so very much.