Shine Bright

I don't get to stop by here as often as I would like. It seems life on the farm with a man who needs his wife,   and 6 kids who still want their Mama's attention, are still orchestrating my steps on how I am to go about my days. And as they should.

I'm often reminded how quickly this life is lived. How the mile stones keep coming faster than the ones before them.....

This girl of mine...this girl of ours. She soaks up the Son and shines.....She seems to gravitate towards the light,  always has.

 In 18 years we've watched her grow and change from a 10 lb 2 ounce baby girl who rolled over and raised her head up strong within 2 minutes of being born, To this 5'7" head strong young woman with a servant's heart whom has a smile that melts the tension in an awkward room. She will talk to any one, no matter their status in this hard, cruel world. Seems to her that no one is better than any one else.

I'd like to say she is a lot like me at that age....but I can't. And this Mama's heart is full because she "gets it" She understands that life is not about her. I believe that is one of my favorite things about her. She sees when she is needed and then goes and fills that need. I've learned so much through being her Mama. Oh she's not my first child, but she is my first daughter. She's the one I wanted to be when I was growing up. Confident, always smiling. And when someone tries to bring her down she seems to rise up and stand taller than before. I wanted that for her. And at times I probably pushed her harder than I should, but I never wanted her to follow in my steps....Never wanted her to get off track like I did.....

And there were days when I realized prayer was more powerful than pushing. And breaking from hard moments was the best remedy for relief. And love always healed what was broken. That girl broke more antiques than I care to count.....But I learned what was more important during the breaking and it wasn't the stuff...It was her heart.

Oh she's not perfect.....She seems to have her Mama's stubborn side.....They say your not suppose to be a friend to your children and I get that....Mama first, then friend later.....Can I tell you that I have always seen the friendship rising up between us. Getting stronger as the years go by.  Oh I will always be their Mama, But I am really enjoying growing into her best friend.....


And though she will be living her life and making decisions with and with out us My prayer is that she will never lose sight of God's guiding light. The light that seems to follow her everywhere. I pray she remembers to look back to where  she came from, because when you remember where you've been it makes pressing forward a better thing.....We always have room for improvement. I pray she remembers what's most important...While loving those that make it easy to love is one thing, but loving the hard people is what we were called to do. And shaking the dust off your sandals is the last ditch effort when you've tried everything else.

And Sunshine girl remember that hard work is a rare commodity today. College degrees are a dime a dozen. But being loyal and trustworthy are worth more than their weight in gold!

 Your Daddy and I are so proud of you and we love you more than words could ever express!

Shine Bright!