Five Minute Friday: Hope

She's 6 years old and full of ideas. Her imagination soars and the sky is the limit. If she can think it, she can create it. There's no telling her that something won't work or is impossible...in her mind, anything is possible if you just believe! Her toothless smile reminds me that she is no longer a little girl, but is growing up. She's the one who made me a Mom; the one who stole my heart with just one glance when I saw her sweet face for the first time. Her heart is made of gold and she is beyond thoughtful most days. She loves her brother fiercely and will forever be his number 1 fan! She picks something she loves and goes all-in, cool or not. She's clever and can come up with just about anything if you give her some paper, tape, and scissors. She can talk a mile-a-minute and sometimes won't stop. She loves Jesus more than most grown-ups I know and really gets what it means to follow Him and love Him. She's got crazy tangled hair that she insists must grow to her waste...much to my dismay. She shows love through pictures and drawings that end up taped all over. She's cautious but daring at the same time. She remembers everything and doesn't miss the little things. She is the queen of sassy pants & bossy boots but thankfully wears them sparingly these days. She's testing her limits and pushing boundaries as she grows but that's how we all learn. She never says "no" to a request for a hug. She'll never be too big to come snuggle in my arms, content to just be together. She's the candy queen and would snack all day long if left to her own devices. She's part mermaid and part fish and can swim laps around anyone I know. She's my favorite girl and will always be my baby, no matter how big she gets.

Oh Lord, this sweet Hope of mine. Hold her and love her and grow her up in You. Fill her each day with strength and courage. Protect her and surround her with Your angels. Keep her focus on You and continue to stir within her a passion for the things You love. Help me to love her better and stronger. Help me to seek to understand and listen to her, even when I'm busy or have heard enough. Use her to do big things Jesus. Use her to influence others and change our world. You have gifted her to us and have entrusted us with her heart and life. Ultimately, she is Yours. We know You have big plans for her and we trust you with her future and her life. Thank you for blessing us with Hope.