Mackenzie's 13th birthday

Turning thirteen is a pretty big deal in our family. We have used it as a milestone with our daughters, as a crossover from being a little girl to a young woman.

Mackenzie turned thirteen on February 23. The day before, Nana took her shopping for a new dress, and the day of her birthday I took her to get her hair done. She looked stunning, and very grown up.






Then Dan and I took her out to supper, just the three of us, to the Great Impasta for supper. We enjoyed a delicious dinner and creme brulee for dessert. Yum.

Then we gave her our special gift, a sapphire purity ring.

Dan puts the ring on Mackenzie's finger, where it will stay until it is replaced by an engagement ring someday.

So pretty!


Mackenzie outside the Parkland Theater where we went to see "Once Upon a Mattress" after dinner.

It is sometimes strange to think of my Mackenzie as the beautiful young woman she is growing into. For so many years she has been my rough-and-tumble girl, my silly, sassy, fearless wild thing. Now she is growing up. She is playful, enthusiastic, hard-working, compassionate and adventurous. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will use her unique personality and talents.

Raising daughters is a challenge. Our culture bombards them with so many false messages about their appearances, their abilities and their worth. I remember well feeling so insecure as a teenager, believing that I could never be thin enough, pretty enough, stylish enough or smart enough to measure up to the perfection I saw on television, in movies and in magazines. I remember basing my self worth on the approval of others, and never stopping to ask myself why their opinion should even matter to me. I remember trying to find fulfillment in relationships that could only leave me empty, and experiencing rejection that left me broken and disillusioned.

Those experiences and the wise counsel of some dear friends have caused Dan and I to be very purposeful in bringing up our girls. It is our prayer that they will look to God and God alone for approval, find their identity in Christ, and seek out relationships that will encourage them in those pursuits.

Happy birthday, dearest Mackenzie. You are a precious treasure and we love you more than we could ever say.

Recital

Selections from Katie's most recent recital at Smith Hall:

Katie with her teacher and friend, Leah Miller Sweeney

With another good friend, Shelby Frazee, who came to hear her play.

Beautiful music from a beautiful young lady. You make us so proud, Katie!

leaves are falling

We took advantage of the 70 degree days last week to clean up at least some of the leaves that have fallen. Fall leaf clean-up is always a battle around our house, because the kids want to make a big pile to play in and Dad just wants the leaves cleaned up.

Kids won this year!

The kids wait as Mackenzie rakes up a big pile.

When Constance got dropped into the leaf pile the first time, she sank to the bottom and we had to go in after her. We all thought it was pretty funny, but...

she was not as amused as we were.


She got over it, though, and like with all other things her siblings do, she was right in the middle of the action.

Elijah takes a flying leap

Mackenzie dives in headfirst,

and ends up with a bunch of leaves down her back.

Bath night for everyone.

The big kids were getting a little rambunctious in the leaf pile for Constance, so she took a ride on the the mower with Daddy, and in five minutes:

We did get a lot done that evening. I really enjoy when we all work and play as a family. The bummer is that one week later, you can't really tell we accomplished anything. The leaves just keep falling...

Luke 18:16-17

This morning I read But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." Luke 18:16-17

I was thinking about that today, and especially with gift-giving season upon us. Children receive gifts so enthusiastically. They don't get hung up on if they deserve the gift, if they should have to earn the gift or if they have anything to give in return. They just love being given a gift.

The kingdom of God is a gift. We try to earn it, deserve it or repay it, but we never can. The only way we can enter the kingdom is to receive it the same way a child receives a gift.

Luke 16:15

This morning I read in Luke 16:15, "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight."

I've been thinking about that all day. What is valued among men? Wealth. Power. Beauty. Fame. Influence. Strength. Education. Intellect. Charisma. Rank. The list could go on and on.

I've often thought that God does not care about such things, but this verse tells us that these things are not just unimportant to Him, but detestable. That's a strong word. I think it is probably because the time and energy we spend pursuing them should be spent in pursuit of Him. It really makes me consider what I value, in myself and in other people. Is what I value detestable to God? Or do I value in people the things that resemble Christ? Something to think about...

Luke 12:34

It's been a great day-lots of birthday wishes from family and friends, no cooking, beautiful weather...very nice indeed.

I was reading in Luke ch. 12 today, and verse 34 is one of my favorites: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Where is your treasure? That will be a good question for me to ponder this evening.

Exodus 14:14

I was reading in Exodus chapter 14, and verse 14 just made my heart soar:

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

We need to fear no enemy, either mortal or spiritual. Our Almighty God will fight for us. We need only to trust him. Amen!