Squeak, This one is for You!

Happy Thursday!

January is a booming month for our family when it comes to birthdays! However, one that is coming up this next week is my niece’s, she will be 12! I truly cannot remember my life without her present, she is a life-loving firecracker, or as my Nannie would say, “cat-bird” (beats to her own drum 😊).

Today I would like to share twelve statements that my heart desires for her to always know and keep close!

1. You are Fully Known. God created you. He knitted every single detail of you together, to create the one and only YOU. He is present- in the past, right this second, and forever. His promises are true and never will be broken! His Word is absolute truth! There is not a single thing to make Jesus love you more or less, His love is unfailing and never ending! You are never alone! He is with you, beside, behind, to the right, to the left, below, above, and right up next to you!
2. You are Loved. Not only are you loved by God, you are loved by so many around you! I love you from the inside out, from you head to your toes, from fingertip to fingertip. Nothing could ever make me not love you – NOTHING!
3. You have a story. Tell it. What you have lived in 12 years, is not an everyday twelve year old’s story. You have the opportunity to encourage those who struggle. Sit with those who are grieving and hurting. Bring smiles to all ages. Become a buddy of children who feel left out.
4. You have Value and are Valued. Middle School is a tough place to know and believe this 100%, but you are! Your desire to be a solid and loyal friend is the foundation. You have the wisdom and discernment to be and find these friends! Your value does not come from how many friends, or who your friends are. Your value comes from WHOSE you are and WHO you run to! Keep your eyes up!
5. You have Purpose. Your curiosity for truly knowing people and their stories, where they have come from, where they are going, what got them to where they are. The ability to genuinely take note and remember key details about someone’s story, and learn something from every story, never lose your heart for this! From babies to classmates, from young adults to adults, to the elderly, keep asking questions and keep listening and keep sharing! God is using you, and will continue you to use you in His greater plan!
6. You are Seen. Confidence is WHOSE and WHO you are is contagious! Stick to being who you know you are made to be, the one and only you that God will ever create! The confidence and knowledge of who you are, as an individual, makes you an absolutely beautiful person with astounding soul! To be noticed in this way, is a tremendous testimony!
7. You are a Gift. How can I even put into words how much of a gift you are!?! You are a delight. You are a light. You have given me, personally, so much joy! You have walked, laughed, cried, hugged me. You have came to my rescue 😂 You have taught me so many life lessons, too many to try to count. You have prayed, waited, held, fed, grieved, and celebrated Lucy, and still continue to talk about her, thank you! You are a gift beyond all measure!
8. You belong. No doubt! Laughter that becomes uncontrollable. You can laugh at silly things you’ve done or said. Continue to not take life too seriously! To survive you have to find the silliness! Don’t let any body dampen your laughter nor your comedy!
9. You have what it takes. Your passion is deep and wide, limitless! My hope for you is that this will stay alive in you and not be extinguished by people or school or the world around us. Keep you eyes on Him!
10. You are Gifted. Your heart can be seen and heard when you write, just as well as when you speak. Your artwork and your writings are of tremendous value to me! You have so many gifts, art, writing, children, I love watching Jesus give you opportunities to use these gifts!
11. You are a Joy. The way you embrace life and the moments, is irresistible! Hang on to the moments! Write about the memories!
12. You matter. I believe in you! Your thoughts, your words, your actions, your emotions, your health, your relationships, your heart, every single bit and piece that makes you, you, and matters 100%. It matters to me, to your family, and most of all, God, who knows and sees and feels and hears you every second of every single day. Trust Him. You have believed in this silly/crazy aunt of yours, and I am forever and ever grateful to have you as my niece! Praying, hoping, helping, encouraging, laughing, crying beside me.

I love you Squeak, Mots, Lil’ for Realz! 💕 NaNa 😊

Life Book of the Week: Every Cowgirl Needs Dancing Boots, by Rebecca Janni. One of Lilly’s favorites 😊 Today’s picture is evidence of her loving her dancing boots! This picture is from a few years ago at a HS play that we attended that a family friends was in… and red boots were a must! Can you guess the play?