My daughter always gives me goodnight hugs…goodbye hugs, too. I don’t know what I would do without them. She is a girl who is excited about life, and friends, and school…the joy in her soul bubbles over as an ever-present smile and a girlish, “up-to-something” laugh. She is athletic and smart and funny.

As a little girl she refused bows and ribbons and preferred to chase lizards and collect bugs. She wears bows sometimes now and  can often be seen in pretty, flowing dresses. She is kind to everyone…never excludes people, but makes everyone feel special. She is a fun and creative friend and doesn’t always have to be the boss or the center of attention.

My daughter loves animals, especially dogs and cats…treating  them as furry humans with feelings and personalities and preferences.  She loves children, too, and is so good with them. Hence, she is a very popular babysitter.

At home, she is helpful and pleasant, and makes us laugh. Music is always on her mind and constantly playing in her head…I think she was born that way. And family time is extra special to her…we love that.

Strangely enough, my daughter can often read my thoughts and finish my sentences. I’m glad. That means when she is gone and out in the world, she will hear her Mom’s voice, guiding and instructing.

My daughter knows the Lord and strives to follow his ways. And she doesn’t complain when her mom turns every problem into a “Jesus” lesson.

She is the only girl in the family, with two older brothers, so she is very comfortable among her guy friends. She looks up to her brothers and loves it when they are home.

My daughter is a girl of no pretense…what you see is what you get. She is beautiful inside and out and we are so blessed to be her parents.

Can’t wait to see what God does with this girl’s life and how her circle of influence will expand and grow.

Happy sixteenth birthday to our beautiful, loving, god’s girl!

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)