Sweet 7.

Seven years seems like a long period of time unless you're talking about your child's age. It was only yesterday she was just learning to feed herself, walk, and get herself dressed. "No, me do!" Was one of her favorite phrases and it so frustrated me because it was just a sign of times to come that she was slowly transforming from that little toddler that needed help to a young child who didn't. Those years pass by all too quickly, especially when there is just the one child in your family. The heartbreak of 5 miscarriages can really take a toll on your life, but when you are finally blessed with that one special little angel it makes it all worthwhile.

I know all parents think their child is special and wonderful and we are no exception. There is just something more there. People have noticed it. She just has that little extra something. I guess my main focus is making sure to water and nourish that little seedling with plenty of good stuff so that it can become all God meant for it. I can already see Olivia touching the world with her faith and her heart for Jesus. I know that in this world she is going to face persecution for her faith. We are guaranteed this in Romans 8:35-39

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long;we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our job is to make sure she knows she is loved and that she can do all things through Christ who gives us strength. No matter what curve balls life may throw our way we can rest in the knowledge that we are in Christ's care and control.

Olivia and Johnathan have a special bond that is just precious to witness. He does his best to make sure she knows that no matter what she does wrong, we will never stop loving her. He reminds her that our true beauty comes from within and that our mistakes do not define us. We often feel God as our heavenly father has the same attributes are our earthly father since we cannot always fathom the lengths of his love and sacrifice for us. It is so important for daddy's to have that unconditional love, that forgiving kind spirit, and that faithful patience.

Words will never be able to express the love I have for this child God has given us to raise. I feel blessed beyond measure to interact with her each and every day and to learn from her as much, if not more, than she learns from me. No cup of coffee can pep me up in the morning like that sweet, happy face of hers that always manages to be bright and cheerful.
Olivia,

My sweet and precious baby girl, my heart is overflowing with love for you. Your sweet heart melts mine and just a smile my direction makes my cup runneth over. You will never know how your life has changed mine. I will do all that is in my power to love and to protect you all the days of my life. You are my treasure and I thank God for entrusting your life to your daddy and I. We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished. I know God has great plans for your life and I can't wait to be a part of that. You are my peanut, my sweet pea, my baby girl and I shall love you for all time.

Love Always,
Mommy