To Jason, with Love

As you begin to enter a new phase in your life, I'm praying and trusting God every step of the way. When I think of all my mistakes those early years of my life, I am afraid for you and want to shelter you.  But, as much as I am raising you, you are raising me,...raising me to a higher level of unselfishness, of love. As much as I want to hold you back and protect you from this cold, hard world, I need to equip you to be light in the darkness and strength to the weak,...not just for you, not just for them,...but for HIM, the great I AM,...the one who breathed you into existence and gave me every bit of courage to live when I almost did not, so that you would live,...so that you would carry on His legacy.

I look at this picture of you today, March 10, 2012, just a few days before your eleventh birthday. I see the wonderful, honest and kind young man that you are. I have heard you proclaim truth, a desire for righteousness and an awareness of others easily led to bad choices. I hear you wanting to do the right thing and your astute awareness of those challenging authority,...and, I've heard you challenge authority when you did not think that it was right! Good for you! But, we need some mercy, as well. Not everyone sees or understands the truths as you see them. It doesn't always mean they are bad. That is where discernment comes in. I pray for your discernment. I pray that you love truth and justice but that you love others and help them. I pray that you can handle the challenges ahead with grace and mercy,....that you take a stand for what is right but don't judge others that do not, but that you love them the way Jesus loves us in spite of our shortcomings.

I hope that when experiences cause you to take a stand of difference, when you need to, that you can. I hope that you do it not with indifference though. I hope that you take that stand and that you encourage others to see your light, your goodness, your good intentions and mercy that they might want to be more like you.

I pray for you to be salt and light. I pray that the teenage years help you build character and strength and love and hope. You are an amazing boy! God is good and he gives good gifts, you are one of my most precious gifts.

As you change from a boy to a man, how does this girl-woman guide you? All I can say is look to Him and look to truth. God's word is absolute truth. The great God who created the universe made sure that he left His Word available to those who seek His truth. Unfortunately, man conveniently interprets it for his pleasure. But, there is only one truth. If you search for it like the lost sheep or lost coin, you will find it. The bible, and the gospel message that it gives), is the only reliable lifeline that there is anywhere.

Radical changes will be happening to your body, to your hormones, your emotions and your mind. Your peers will all be going through similar radical changes. It is scary, exciting and worth maintaining a positive outlook even when it is difficult. And, in no time at all this boy will be a man, ready and equipped to do good things for Him. I love you. I wanted you before you were a consideration. You are everything that I imagined and more. Take heart in knowing that I and He and many others love you more than words can even say.

God bless! I am behind you every step ahead as you seek truth and live out His purpose for your life. (attached to back of page)

I used a kit from The ScrapRoom and a sketch challenge from My Mind's Eye, showcasing MY MIND'S EYE KRAFT FUN DAY "HAPPY DAYS":