"A man's heart plans his way but the Lord directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9

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Sunday, September 4, 2011

She's at that age!!

Our Gabrielle turns 12 today!!  I remember her birth most vividly...probably because she was HUGE!!  8lbs 9oz was HUGE for this first time mama!!  I had just celebrated my 1st Anniversary in May and turned a whopping 19 years old in July.  I wanted to experience the birth naturally and instead suffered the humiliation of years people would remember and discuss my kicking, screaming, biting, flopping and complete surrender to pain   rather loud cries of distress!!  ;)

I thought that moment would stand to be one of the hardest moments of my life.
Boy, was I wrong.

Gabrielle, really, has been one of the easiest, helpful, quick learning  and God fearing children... that isn't what was difficult in these 12 years.

It is the thought and realization that we need to protect our children.  Even more than training them (although that is important) praying over them, instilling a love for the Lord and protecting them has been the most sobering.

The world seems to be on a mission to collect and destroy our children.  With poor self images, lack of life knowledge, distorted views on dating and sex, no work ethic, and a lack of respect for others, parents, authorities and God.
 When I turned 14, my mom took me to a special breakfast and we talked about purity and abstinence.  I remember it to this day...we want to be the ones our children to go to with questions and concerns in this area and that means we need to beat the world at their own game. 
12 seemed to be an appropriate age to do this with Gabrielle.  Even though we have had the birds and the bees talk quite awhile ago, I knew it was important for her to have a specific day to remember when she learned what true purity and abstinence meant.
We prepared for her this little "coming of age" care package.  Yes, that is a phone...something I NEVER thought we would do, but one more thing that goes along with turning 12...babysitting!!  I am very proud to say that I believe she was ready for that quite some time ago.  She even has a book and binder going on the subject of The Christian Girl's Guide to Babysitting!!

Anyway, in this little package were things she already needs and things she soon will.

Even better was this FABULOUS book!!
Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally
I highly recommend this if you would like your child to know the lies of dating and how special it is to wait for the one God has intended for you and then to save yourself for after you say your vows.  Even more, how to pray for your future spouse before he appears!!

We need to be praying for our kids...petitioning on their behalf.  We need to be on guard and ready to fight for them.  The enemy is like a roaring lion out to steal, kill and destroy...and in our children's lives...this lion is most likely............THE WORLD!!

Happy Birthday to one of the sweetest girls I know...Iwish I had been more like you when I was growing up.  We love you so much and feel so blessed that God gave you to us for a time!!

God is so good and merciful...that is more than evident when we look at our children...all glory to Him!!

3 comments:

Too Many Kids In The Bathtub said...

THIS IS SO AMAZING ROSSIE!!! I WILL DEFINITELY BE THINKING ABOUT THIS FOR OUR KIDS. I AM RIGHT BEHIND YOU!! JULIAN WILL BE 12 IN MARCH!!!!! BUT I AM SOOOO NOT READY FOR THIS. TAHT MUST BE WHEN GOD'S AMAZING GRACE COMES TO HELP ME. WHEN IT'S TIME, I'LL BE READY. I AM SO ENCOURAGED TO HAVE A FRIEND SO CLOSE TO MY HEART ON THIS SUBJECT. YOU WILL BE HEARING FROM ME SOON ABOUT IT!!!!!

I LOVE YOU!!!! SAY HELLO TO THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!!! I WILL BE SENDING HER SOMETHING!!!!

SHE WILL BE AN AMAZING YOUNG LADY BECAUSE YOU ARE HER MOMMA!!!!

Lynette said...

Happy Birthday Gabrielle!!!

Unknown said...

My oldest daughter will turn 12 in october. I'm not ready for her to be so grown up yet. It was so much easier with the boys.