My Baby's Turning 11!

Just 2 years shy of becoming a teenager. And all too fast for this mom. Tomorrow, my one and only, turns 11. She has really been through a lot. Too much for an 11 year old.  Yet in the world we live in maybe not. The world says "kids adapt easily". She shouldn't have had to. We live in a selfish, "me-filled" world. I know - I used to live in it. But, that was then. This is now. Then, I was worldly. Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I'm godly. I used to worry and be filled with anxiety. Now I'm joyful and filled with peace. I know that I messed up BIG time. God knows it, too. He can turn things around. He's already started. I think about Mary Magdelene and how 4 simple words from Jesus changed her life - "your sins are forgiven". I know, that because of my sins, there will be consequences but I know that God can take my mess and make it my message (famous Joyce Meyer saying). So, yes, my little girl is turning 11 tomorrow. And, yes, her little life has been through a lot. BUT now Jesus is in our lives. So, I don't look behind me. I look ahead with hope. I know that He has things covered. I know that my precious daughter is a gift from God for me to raise in Him with the best of my ability and know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phillipians 4:13).  I place her in His loving hands and know that He has a good plan for her life. A plan to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give her hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11). So, Happy Birthday sweet princess. Go on and turn 11...mommy loves you but Jesus loves you more!