It's a special day. Nineteen years ago today, we welcomed our girl into the world! Birthday celebrations have always been a big deal around our house. This year will be a bit different. With Riley away at college, it's the first time we won't be together on her big day. But that hasn't stopped us from sending a festive care package her way and wishing her 'Happy Birthday' via text message and Facebook.
Growing up is part of God's plan. He designed us to gradually move from total dependence on our parents, to independence. All the while allowing Him to remain our Authority. Although our physical growth may stop in our late teens, our spiritual growth continues over a lifetime.
Much like we use a guidebook to plan trips; choosing points of interest as well as things we want to avoid, the Bible serves as the ultimate guidebook to navigate life. A guidebook that requires diligent study in order to stay on course. David offers up a beautiful description of the contents, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward," (Psalm 19:7-11).
How exciting to know that the very God of the universe has a purpose and a plan for our daughter's life. It's her job to consult God's guidebook, the Bible, to help determine the course He has for her. As she makes her way through college and encounters life's challenges, our prayer is that her relationship with the Lord will be strengthened. That she will make use of the tools in her arsenal: God's Word, prayer, and faith. That she will take full advantage of the offer made in the book of Hebrews, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16; KJV). And that she will choose to love the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength.
What about you? Where are you on life's journey? Even if you're completely grown, remember to study God's guidebook daily, allowing Him to be your ultimate Authority!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that holds clear direction for my life. Help me to study it daily, submitting to Your will one day at a time. My desire is to grow closer to You with each passing year and to love You supremely. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Your daughter is beautiful! She is so blessed to have you as her mom guiding her along the way too!
ReplyDeleteTerri - Thanks so much, Terri! I'm thankful for God's guidebook in my own life - to teach me how to be a Mom! What an awesome responsibility! Have a wonderful weekend, my friend! God bless! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to Riley. It's hard to be apart on those special days, isn't it? I'm sure she appreciates the special packages and messages.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you as you survive the day without her there to shower with up-close and personal love.
Keli - Thanks for stopping by! Yes, it IS hard to be apart on birthdays and holidays. She's in the middle of mid-terms, but fortunately didn't have any exams today! Appreciate the virtual hugs and your sweet spirit! God bless!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Riley and hugs to you, Maria. My eldest celebrated her 18th birthday away at college. We had a cake delivered from the local bakery, but it wasn't the same as being together.
ReplyDeleteStill, it's so rewarding to see our daughters grow as lovely and loving young women. Blessings to you both on this special day.
Happy Birthday to your daughter!
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for His word, the ultimate guidebook.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Blessings,
Karen
A very Happy Birthday to your daughter! What a lovely young lady she is!
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post too. Thank you Maria.
Oh my goodness... you two look so much alike! I cannot even imagine how you must miss her! I haven't been home with my parents for my birthday in 20 years, because I travel so much and for the last 9 winters I have stayed here in California.
ReplyDeleteRiley is blessed to have a Godly mom like you. I'm sure she is thankful for your prayers and support! And like you said, as we gradually become more independent of our parents, the Lord would have us become more reliant upon Him for guidance, strength and just being our All in All!
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful to know, as Psalm 71 says, that God has been with me, and my strength and refuge since I was born...and even before that!
:)
Great post. Your daughter is so pretty! Happy Birthday to her. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reminder and prayer for an open heart and daily quench of our thirst from the best spring of living water ever. Enjoyed running into your blog and happy sweet 18th birthday for your girl!
ReplyDeleteMary - Thanks for stopping by! What a great idea to have a cake delivered - I may have to borrow that idea next year!
ReplyDeleteA definite blessing to see our girls growing in the things of the Lord! An answer to prayer! Have a beautiful week. Hugs and blessings!
Karen - It's such a comfort to have clear direction from our Creator. He knows exactly what will make us most fulfilled - we just need to be willing to study His Word and commune with Him to figure it out! Can't think of a better way to invest my time. Have a great week! God bless!
Neat post. We have two daughters, so we understand your sentiment!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the nice comments about Roaring Lions, Cracking Rocks. wb
Michelle - Thanks so much for stopping by! And for your kind words of encouragement! I'll be sure to pass on your birthday blessings to Riley. Looking forward to stopping by your site this week! Hugs and God bless!
ReplyDeleteMarja - Funny you mentioned how Riley and I look alike - although there is a resemblence, I think she looks a lot more like my husband (I'll have to send you a pic and see what you think!). And yes, I miss her bunches. But it's nice to know that she's exactly where she's supposed to be! Do you get to see your parents very often? I'm sure any time you get to spend together is precious!! Blessings and hugs!
Tammi - Thanks so much for your encouraging words! I know I've made lots of mistakes as a Mom, but the Lord is gracious to show Himself strong in spite of my shortcomings. Love your reference to Psalm 71!"For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth. By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother's bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee." v. 5-6.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week my friend! Hugs!
Elaine - Thanks for stopping by! And for the sweet birthday wishes for Riley! Looking forward to getting by your blog this week! Have a great week and God bless!
Shopgirl - Welcome to Life Lessons! So glad you stopped by! You're absolutely right that our thirst can only truly be quenched by the fount of Living Water - Jesus Christ! Look forward to getting to know you. Have a blessed week!
ReplyDeleteWarren - Great to have you stop by! Sounds like you and Cheryl are a few years ahead of us. Are both of your girls married? Letting go has been a growing experience for all involved! Have a blessed week!
Hi Maria -
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Riley!
I think of it more as growing in relationship. They say people who are married a long time start to look like each other. I want people to see Him when they look at me.
Blessings,
Susan :)