A Birthday Girl and A Poem

"Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right."
Proverbs 20:11

Our Precious Debbie Jolene turned nine years old last month.  I know that every mother feels this way, but I'm going to say it: "I just cannot believe how quickly time is passing!"  And she really (REALLY) grew a lot this year!

I have so enjoyed watching her grow and mature this year, though.  That is one of the joys of motherhood, is it not?  To be able to watch our children grow and mature and to see them begin to develop their talents and watch them learn new things.

God gave our Debbie-Girl a special love for animals.  She told me, "Mommy, do you know what I want to do?  I want to take in stray, hurt dogs and fix them up and help them get well."  It just absolutely amazes me to see with what love and tenderness she cares for animals. This past year she had a cute little Lab puppy (which she named Chelsea) and she learned responsibility in caring for her puppy.  She has had rabbits and chickens as well this year.  The thing she desires to have the most is her own horse.  She told me, "Mommy, it just seems that I will never, ever get a horse of my own."  I told her, "I really do believe that the Lord is going to give you a horse.  But we have to wait on His timing."  I told her, "Delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."  (Isn't it such a comforting thing to be able to raise our children on the certainty of God's Word, and know that He will keep His word?  I just love that!)

And the thing that blesses my heart the most about our Debbie-Girl is seeing her rise early in the morning, while the house is still quiet, and sit and read her Bible and write in her notebook the things that she has read that morning.  I know there is no greater joy than to see that our children choose to walk in truth.  My heart over-flows with gratitude every time I see her bending her little head over, reading her Bible by the light of her lamp.  I tell her over and over what a blessing that is to her mother!

So, to my Little Debbie-Girl: my prayer to my Lord for you is that God would use your life to bring honor and glory to His name, and that He will use you for the exact purpose for which you were created.  I can hardly wait to see how He uses you!  But while I wait, I pray that I will enjoy every moment with you.  You are a delight and a joy to me.  Daddy and I love you so very much!!!

This year, Debbie's cousins were here with her and helped her celebrate.  She had a very fun day and received many special gifts.  Her Uncle Jason picked out a purple flannel vest that she loves; her brother Andrew gave her a jewelry box and a tea set; and her Uncle Lanny and cousin Rebecca bought her a Barbie with a horse which she LOVES!  And her Mimi gave her a special card with a poem written especially for her; oh, and there was a $200-peso bill in the card, too!!

I really do enjoy reading the poems that Mom writes for our birthdays.  The one she wrote to Debbie this year is just as special, and I want to share it with you.

"Your Birthday comes in three more days,
But we just couldn't wait!
So this is what we'll do today:
We're gonna celebrate!
We'll thank the Lord for sending you to us nine years ago!
And with this money in your card,
A-shopping you can go!"

How loved you are, my Debbie-Jolene, by your Mommy and Daddy, by your brothers, your cousins, uncles and aunts and your grandmothers, and by Jesus, too!  Live to please Him...that's what really counts in this life!!!