Sweet 16!!!!

Sweet! Sweet? Sweet.

My Taylor Alise 16 years old. What, how, when....

You know what that means? All the baby pictures I have of you are in print, which means they're not in digital form, which means I can't post many on here. We'll save those pictures for the big party. ;) It also means you're "that old!"

There are so many things I could say about you. You're smart, driven, artistic, determined, funny, responsible, loving, kind, passionate, organized. You are a great cook, a beautiful singer, a self learner, you like fashion, you will spend 2 hours just...to...curl...your...hair... :) You have matured into a God fearing young lady. I love watching and hearing how you encourage others towards Christ. You're honest. I am so proud of you. God has been so gracious to you.

Your life has not been easy. But it's been a breathtaking journey. Our Father has protected us, led us, healed us, and kept us. You have a testimony, and I'm sure He will use it for His glory.

I am so proud of you. Unlike many teens today you are not afraid to stand apart, to be different. That is not always comfortable. It can often times feel lonely. But you know that you are walking with your Lord. You have learned how to discern when to be "in" the crowd and when to "exit" the crowd. Hopefully He will use that attribute to draw others to Himself. It is difficult to be in the world and not of it. This will be a lifetime struggle. But you MUST cling to Him and the Word, which are His Words. Whenever you have questions I hope you go straight to that Truth.

When we started homeschooling you in the 2nd grade, I didn't have a clue. I don't have much of one now. I questioned how will we ever do this? Will she thrive? Taylor, you have just blossomed in these high school years. To be honest, I can't keep up with you. I praise God that you are so driven and you desire knowledge. It is a gift from Him. You are not quick to believe anything that is thrown your way. You question for yourself, research, hold things against the Word, and then figure out your opinions. You can defend your faith.

People are always so quick to say to me, "Oh, but you have Taylor to help you." Yes, I do have you to help me. It is true that you can cook, bake, clean better than most adults. It is also true that I trust our children with you more than I do others. You're responsible and you love your brothers and sisters. I have tried hard to balance giving you responsibilities and letting you be a child. I can honestly say that I feel you are prepared for life and you've also had fun along the way.

Taylor and Rainey at mine and Martie's wedding.

Taylor and Grandaddy

  

 

Got her permit.

 

So, 16! Yes, it's true I'm scared to death. You are my baby, my first born, my little girl. It is also true that I trust you and I have faith in our Sovereign Lord. This is just another chapter in your life. (A very exciting one) Another sign to me that you are growing up. Another opportunity for me to offer you back to God. He is your Father. He loves you far more than Daddy or I could ever love you. So I hope you have the happiest of birthdays yet! 

Lord, 

Please keep Taylor safe. Protect her mind, guard her steps. Guide her on the straight path. Help her to love and trust you more and more. Use her and her testimony to save others. Continue to give her discernment and conviction. Help her make much of You! Help her understand what it means to die to self and live for You. God, please help Martie and I. Help us know when and what to say, how to say it. It's true, we don't know what we're doing. But we trust You. You know what You're doing. We will follow. Help us follow. Thank you for giving me that precious baby 16 years ago. Again, You knew EXACTLY what You were doing. She is a blessing. I offer that blessing back to You. She is Yours. Take her, mold her, do with her what you will. I will trust You. 

In tears~Amen

I'll fly away...

Just a couple days before grandaddy died he looked up and started singing the old hymn, "I'll fly away." My Aunt and I immediately joined in. It's a moment I'll never forget. My grandad the fighter. He lived through The Great Depression, he served in the military, he was a retired fireman, the father to 2 daughters and 2 sons, an awesome grandfather and great grandfather. 

Selfishly I want him here. I want to watch he and my boys share western movies and talk about them. I want to cook him pot roast. I want to take him to Mayflower, Golden Corral, or anywhere. I want to watch him Christmas morning as he calls all the great grandchildren and pretends to be Santa Claus. (Which he got more pleasure out of than anyone) I want to take him to the fire station again and listen to him tell us about the fire trucks he rode on, the fires he fought. I want to take him to eat lunch there next weekend when they have their annual fundraising event. I want him to give me safety lessons about the kids on the stairs. I want to hear stories of his life as a kid, how his father worked on the railroad, how his father saved lumber during The Depression...

I know he's better. As I stared at his chest to see if there was anything left, my own breath was taken. In that moment my world was shaken. I lost it. It took a few minutes but I regained my thoughts. I went back into the room and it hit me. He is seeing Jesus right now! He was meeting his Creator right then, in that second! We were/are crying, he is rejoicing! Grandaddy is not struggling anymore.

Amazing grace... Grandaddy grew up going to church, but never fully embraced "Religion" or a relationship as an adult. He always had questions. He often visited the church service that was held at his old apartment building. He loved the way Martie preached. I remember one night when we took him out to eat at Kent's Seafood, he asked Martie if he would preach his funeral. It was sweet. Just in his last year of life He prayed and completely surrendered his life to Christ. While in the hospital he asked me to help him with prayer. He wanted to know how to pray. One early morning after having a decent nights rest he woke up praising God and saying how thankful he was that he was a Christian. 

Yes, I am so sad. My heart is literally broken. You can never fully be prepared for the passing of a loved one. But I am so thankful there is HOPE! I am grateful granddaddy found that hope. I am thankful for God's grace that is lavished on us. I am so thankful that He (God) is patient with us and loves us in spite of our rebellion to Him. Most of all I am thankful that Jesus did come to a selfish people and chose to lay down his life for us so that by believing in Him we can be reconciled to God. 

Some glad morning when this life is o'er, 

I'll fly away; 
To a home on God's celestial shore, 
I'll fly away (I'll fly away). 

I'll fly away, Oh Glory 
I'll fly away; (in the morning) 
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, 
I'll fly away (I'll fly away). 

When the shadows of this life have gone, 
I'll fly away; 
Like a bird from prison bars has flown, 
I'll fly away (I'll fly away) 

Just a few more weary days and then, 
I'll fly away; 
To a land where joy shall never end, 
I'll fly away (I'll fly away)