Monday, May 10, 2010

Full Potential



The countdown has begun. Our daughter, Riley, has ten more days of high school before graduation. Exciting days. Bittersweet days. She pulled together some photos to include on her senior collage, and a flood of memories hit me. Adorable baby pictures, mixed in with those capturing her bubbly toddler personality. Pictures conveying the slightly awkward 'tween' stage that included braces, and pictures that assured us that those braces were very worthwhile. Beautiful memories.


What a privilege my husband, Steve, and I have been given by God - that of parenthood. A privilege and a big responsibility! As flawed humans, trying to raise a daughter in the nurture and admonition of the Lord is challenging, to say the least. Thankfully, we aren't left on our own. When God calls us to a specific task, He also equips us. As Moses questioned God's decision to send him to Egypt to free His people, God reminded Moses of this truth, "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:12; KJV). God's wisdom and strength are ours for the asking. He promises us, " Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (Matthew 7:7).


As the years have sped by, and she's moved toward independence, we've had to realize that Riley isn't really ours. She was fearfully and wonderfully made by our Heavenly Father to bring Him honor and glory. We are entrusted with her, but in reality, she belongs to Him, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). He has a plan and purpose for her life. How exciting to know that she's in the best hands possible - those of the Master!


Our prayer for Riley can be summed up in the words Moses penned for the children of Israel, "love the Lord your God,...walk in all his ways, and...cleave unto him" (Deuteronomy 11:22). Love Him, obey Him and cling to Him. When God's word is alive and active in the life of a surrendered believer, there's no limit to what God can do! Can you see the potential? We're looking forward to all God has in store for you, Riley! Strive to reach your full potential for Him! Mom and Dad love you!



What has God called you to do? How has He equipped you? Are you ready to reach your full potential? Let me hear from you!

10 comments:

  1. Hi dear friend, Loved this post and I so well remember the days of having my girls fly the nest and begin nests of their own. What a wonderful tribute to her but I'm sure you are a wonderful mother. You have so many years ahead filled with joy.
    Thank you for your sweet comments left on my blog about my dear friend Barbara-they touched my heart and I realized that my post was unclear in that she hasn't passed yet-but her hours are dwindling. I didn't put it up because I didn't want her family to see...but I so loved your words.
    Blessings to you today.
    Hugs, Noreen

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  2. Storming the heavens for my children (grown and the one still at home). It is our privilege to pray for them....GODS gift to us as parents.
    Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
    andrea

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  3. Okay, that's a gorgeous picture! What a beautiful daughter you have! Enjoy this time.

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  4. You have a lovely daughter. What a treasure she must be to you and your husband. Congratulations to you all on her graduation.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  5. You have a beautiful daughter! What a wonderful, bittersweet time. I hope you're able to savor every second!

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  6. What wonderful words with which to send RIley off into the big world. She is blessed to be equipped with your prayers, wisdom and example. May she be blessed and be a blessing to many.
    Riley, may the legacy of faith you are privileged to hold, sustain you every day of your life. Be assured, your Aussie friend is praying for you!

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  7. Noreen - Thank you so much for your kind words! I know that there is still much work for me to do, even after our daughter is 'out of the nest'! Looking forward to what God has in store! God bless!

    Andrea - Prayer is such a privilege! Just knowing that God is working and intervening in her life as well as ours is a blessing! Have a beautiful day!

    Jill - I'll pass along your compliment to Riley! I'll take your advice, too - to enjoy this time in life! What a blessing! Hugs!

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  8. Karen - Thank you!! I'll be sure to pass along your compliment to Riley, too! Does time pass as quickly after they graduate?! Blessings to you, my friend!

    Kristin - Thanks so much for stopping by! I've missed your smiling face while you've been travelling the globe! I'll sure try to follow your advice to savor every moment!! God bless!

    Dorothy - Hello, my friend! So good of you to stop by! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your prayers for our girl! Continuing to pray for your Mum and your family. It's so amazing to know that our God is not confined by time or place! Hoping the best for you today! Hugs & Blessings!

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  9. I have come to realize my calling as a writer and Im committing it completely to God. It has been a journey to get to that point. I must say your daughter is one of the most beautiful girls Ive ever seen. Blessing to you and your husband as you celebrate her.

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  10. Jan - Welcome! Thank you so much for stopping by and following my blog! I love getting to know other writers and hearing about their journey on the road to publication! I'll pass along your sweet compliment to Riley! I look forward to exploring your blog and getting to know you! God bless!

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