18

My baby girl.

My youngest.

The one who has always wanted time to speed up 

so that you could be grown up.

In a way it seems like we blinked and that's exactly what happened.

And in some ways this journey has been a long one.

Either way we look at it,

We're here.

...This new milestone in your life...

You have always had such tenacity to try new things,

with no fear of what others thought...

Even when the journey was the toughest we always said that your boldness and stubbornness 

would be such a powerful thing if it was harnessed in the right way.....

 The way you never back down and are not afraid to speak what's on your heart ....

Well......To God be the glory for what He has worked in your heart!

Praise God for the transformation He has made in your life.

He took your stubbornness and shaped it into liberating submission.

He took your strong willed personality and molded it to be used to 

stand strong on the Truth.

He took your fierceness and made you tenacious to share God's word..

no matter the cost.

It has been a long journey...

but whatever it took to get where you are today was worth every minute of it.

Happy 18th Birthday Lauren!

I love you and am SO proud of you!

As beautiful as you are on the outside,

the beauty that the Lord has put inside you radiates even greater.

Your genuine compassion and concern for others is humbling.

You always choose joy in every situation.

I know whatever you set your mind to do, you will do with excellence.

And you make me proud.

I want to be more like you.

I know the time will come soon  when you leave my little nest...

  my baby.

my youngest.

the last of my "lil chicks"

And when you do.......

I know you'll SOAR!

 I love you

on your birthday

and everyday,

Momma