 |
| Often so serious...taking in all the world around you by studying it carefully |
 |
| A dolly from Mary Allison |
 |
| Your watermelon, cantaloupe, blueberry, strawberry cake. You loved it! |
My mind swirls with the events of the past year and five days. Where to begin to process everything? I guess I can't compartmentalize it all neatly in my mind so that it all makes sense so I continue to walk in trust knowing that the plans planned for you long ago are good. They are.
You are walking (at almost 11 months), you are saying "Dadda" (your favorite word!), "Mommm", "Hi", "Bye", "Uh-oh", "Done", "Woah." You are so loving and snuggly yet fiercely independent. You like your space. You will tell people when you want it. You give loves by leaning your head on our legs, arms or whatever part is closest to you and say "Ohhhh..." in such a loving, sweet tone. It's definitely an "Ohhhh" of love. You have traveled to Portland five times and to Hawaii one time. We'll pick the Hawaii destination any day, right? You are incredibly adored by your four older brothers and sister. How fortunate are you to have the love of so many within your own family?
My heart is full of emotion for you, Kate, and I wonder and worry about your future. I also bask in the goodness that God has shown us in the last year. He has protected you on so many occasions when you should have been sick. He has given you a family that will always fight for you and love you, protect you, and advocate for the best care for you.
This journey ahead of you wasn't chosen but allowed, and I know that as we have learned so much in the last year we will continue to trust the Lord and what he has ahead for you.
 |
| Enjoying a cantaloupe heart :) |
My admonition to you, Kate:
Blessed is the man who
perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the
crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
And:
In him and through faith in him we may approach God
with freedom and confidence ... I pray that out of his glorious riches he may
strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that
Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints,
to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know
this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all
the fullness of God.
Ephesians 3:12, 16-19
What I know I must do for you and your brothers and sister:
One generation shall commend your works to
another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your
majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the
might of your awesome deeds, and I
will declare your greatness. Psalm
145:4-6
Kate, I never want to miss the opportunity to glorify our God through whatever life brings us. Our life has been full, fun, and amazing, and you are part of our story and of a much larger story. I said from the beginning...His faithfulness will be your story. And it is.
 |
| Finishing your Birthday with a little "Peek-a-boo" with brother |
