jude is 15

 

Our Jude--can you really be 15?

You're morphing into a man before our eyes, and we're enjoying this stage with you. In the past year, you've adjusted to high school and gone out for wrestling, and impressed us along the way by developing your inner and outer strength. You are still very serious about weight lifting goals and consume enough post-workout protein to feed a ravenous tiger.

You are doing well in school and have some really good friends--the kind that keep you accountable in your faith and are willing to talk about spiritual things. You maintain your ability to be a peacemaker, and you are good at keeping people around you happy with your undemanding, laid back personality. We love you, Jude, and are so pleased at the man that the Lord is shaping you to be. Keep focused on consuming the Word and growing in your faith.

Also, because I want to remember what a handsome little man you were:

12 - 14 - 16 - 18

 

eighteen

This is it. The big milestone. The point at which childhood officially ends and you move into more important grownup matters like finishing your education, thinking about a long term job, and managing all that freedom and independence.

Whew. This was quite the busy year. A lot of fun things, a lot of “lasts,” and exciting things beginning too. You will graduate in a few short weeks. I’m glad you are sticking around at home for a little while. You’ve matured and grown spiritually, even in these last few months. And you have developed good self discipline, and a nice healthy eating/exercise regimen. You are so much fun to be around.

We are looking forward to the days ahead with you, and celebrating the graduation coming up. We are so thankful for you, Dolly. Keep striving to place the Lord in everything you do. ❤️

 

calvinator turns 16

Calvin today you are 16–almost a man. This last year has held lots of growing up and learning experiences—I think gaining the wisdom you’ll need for adulthood.

At this age, you like independence and freedom, and hanging out with friends. But you are also willing to jump into hard work. You have been working a lot of hours and saving up for that car. And you’ve been learning to balance school and home responsibilities.

Our prayer for you is that you will be more and more consumed with pleasing the Lord, and living in light of eternity. We love you, Buddy.

 

twelve year old tween

Sweetie…today you are twelve! And such a little lady. At this age you are still reserved but learning the art of politeness in conversation. You love to make slime, play piano, sing in girls choir, and roller blade arms the block (at lightening speed.)

You are making close friends, and love to spend time with the Junior high group at church. Your lovely, feminine features are coming out more every day, and your blonde hair is getting long.

We are praying for your foundation and growth in the Lord, and that your life would be anchored to Him and His word. We love you, Dolly. Keep your eye on the most important—the eternal things.❤️

lanky, lean, and fourteen

 The changes a year can bring.

You‘ve stretched out your lean figure and developed your manly look.

You’ve been maturing in other ways: growing in patience, communicating better, using your free time in good ways.

You’ve shown an interest in learning bass guitar (to hopefully serve in the high school church band), and have recently been heading outside to shoot hoops more often. You like to play around on the piano, and we are in the process of getting  you signed up for public high school next year.

Many more changes are coming soon, and I’m looking forward to watching you grow and change even more, watching the Lord’s plan for your life unfold.

We are praying for you, Jude— for growth in godliness, developing in your faith, and mostly that you would be pursuing the important things in this life—those things that last for eternity. We love you.💙

seventeen and super sweet

Goodness Gracious.

When you were little, I used to imagine and wonder what you'd look like when you grew up. You were all big eyes, curls, and excitement. You loved life. Every day (it seems) was a flurry of drawings, singing, and catching toads. Now, the Lord has grown you into a beautiful girl who still loves life, still creates, and still likes to hold a wild critter now and then. You've mellowed and matured, and by His grace have nurtured a gentle spirit.

You are getting closer to leaving us, and I think you're pretty excited about that.

I'm thankful for where you're at in relationship to your dad and me, although there have been pretty painful lessons of obedience and submission.

At this stage you LOVE to play all kinds of songs on the piano--the ones that are a complete mystery to me--the ones you play by ear. The Lord gave you a pretty special gift there. You've also been rehearsing furiously with the high school choir and performing at the year-end concert-choir-turned-show-choir event. It was dazzling. You are enjoying your job at the local cafe, blending smoothies and drinks and all kinds of caffeinated deliciousness. And we got you signed up for your dual credit classes for your senior year.

These are exciting and fun times, and a stage of life I didn't realize would be so enjoyable...but it turns out there are a lot of good things about teenagerdom.

Our prayer for you is that you would continue to grow in your faith and knowledge of God's Word, and to pursue godliness with your whole heart.

May the Lord continue to work and produce fruit in your young life.

We love you, sweet girl.

Psalm 138:8

The Lord will accomplish what concerns me;

Your faithfulness, Lord, is everlasting;

Do not abandon the works of Your hands.