Dear Jemima,
Where has the time flown? To look back over these pictures of sweet baby girl and then the tall, long-haired sweetheart of today's birthday is such a panorama of grace! We're so glad you're here!
Here's a peek at what you're up to now:
- We just finished a great year at homeschool co-op, where you had a terrific time in your Early Grammar class learning about ancient civilizations, exploring the animal kingdom, creatively painting, drawing, and crafting all manner of artistic pieces, and more. It certainly is a joy to see you listening attentively, participating eagerly, and enjoying all the facets of your little group. I'm so thankful for the community of families that are such sweet friends and investors in your life already.
- Your school days at home took on a little bit more of a rhythm this year too. You did memory work with Dad, had your own math workbook, practiced language lessons, memorized the history timeline, poetry, verses, and prepositions, and read history with Calvin. It's pretty wild to think that you'll be starting kindergarten in the fall, but I think you're ready for the adventure!
- God has given you a gracious gift of hospitality. This year we had the joy of welcoming many people into our home, and when they included little ones (especially little girls!), you were quick to show them your toys, share your dress-ups, and invite them into a wonderful time of playing. Even though these are small gestures, I know that they can mean a lot to a little child who is just getting acquainted with new people or places. I pray that you will always know the great delight that comes from welcoming others as Christ has welcomed you.
- You continue to have a built-in delight in things that are beautiful. Daddy is the sweetest to paint your fingernails and toenails, but as he always tells you, the beauty of the heart is much more important than the outward adornment. We pray that God will continue to cultivate in you a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious in the sight of God.
- You have a very nurturing spirit, whether that involves holding, rocking, changing, or snuggling your ever-present baby doll or showing compassion to a brother who is in distress. You have an instinctive impulse to express care to others, and no one in our family is more likely to say, "I love you so much, Mommy" or "I just love you, Daddy!" I love to see how you receive love as well, whether it be from your big brothers cozying up on the couch to read you a story or from Daddy braiding your hair. May you always be secure in the great love of your heavenly Father and this whole family that delights to cherish you.
- You are tuned in during family devotions time, following along in your children's Bible, offering (sometimes bizarre) comments, praying for the prayer requests on your index card, and sometimes making surprisingly insightful connections of how Jesus can be seen in our passage. May the rhythms of study in God's word and pouring your heart out to God be a lifelong joy and anchor to your soul!
- You are always thinking, always observing, always processing. And naturally, sometimes the world doesn't make sense at first glance. For example, one day after I returned from a bridal shower, you asked, "So, were they marrying or showering?"
- You can be a big encourager to me as well. For example, one day after I did your hair, you profusely complimented, "Thank you, Mom. I just love every way you do it. It's just--blessing. I love it."
- Most nights at supper you'll sit in your seat for most of the meal but toward the end, you'll wander around to my side to say hello or ask to sit on my lap. It's just one of the little "connections" you enjoy. Another one of your favorite things, especially at bedtime, is to give a kiss on the cheek, get a kiss on your cheek, and then return to blow a big raspberry and dissolve into giggles.
- You're done with naps (although it's not uncommon to have a little quiet time in your room, looking at books or playing with dolls in the afternoon). After 14 years, this is a major milestone in my life.
To see you growing into such a lively, joyful, affectionate little girl is a tremendous gift and joy, and we are so thankful!
As we studied through 1 and 2 Samuel in women's Bible study this year, one thing that stood out in the story of Abigail and David is how one woman's deep fear of the Lord, humility, and courageous words of faith served to stir up faith, honor, and conviction in another. The brief interaction served to arrest David from a violent and perhaps regret-producing assertion of his own rights, and though Abigail used only the tools of hospitality, humility, and honesty, she may have won a victory for the Lord of a scale like those of the mighty men celebrated in 2 Samuel 23.
I pray that you will be such a deeply-rooted woman in the fear of the Lord that you will, like 1 Peter 3:6 says, "not fear anything that is frightening." May you be so confident in the Lord's provision, redemption, and love that you do not need to curry the favor of mere mortals for security or sense of worth. May you be so absorbed in and amazed at the beauty of Jesus that you reflect the quality of His love in all your interactions. May the saving work of Jesus be your standing place, so that when you fail or fall into sin you know the freedom that comes from confessing your sin and receiving forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal from the Lord. What a wonderful Savior!
Love you so much and excited to see another year of grace unfold!
Momma
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