One Year

Dear Charis,

You have just turned one. Mama is so thankful that you are my little girl and a part of our family. I just plain love who you are . . . my little fireball. You're my kind of girl.

I thought that your brother Zeke was busy and a climber until you came along. You climb as high as you can and squeal in frustration when there is nothing by which to aid you climbing higher. You grin. You giggle. You run. You are passionate and animated.

God made you unique. Different from your siblings or even your dad and mom. While you were still in my womb He knit you together. He formed you. He gave you your life and your being. He made a way for you to be saved by sending His Son to die on your behalf. Now He desires a relationship with you. Daddy and I pray each day that He will draw you. Awaken you. Cause you to be born again. Then you will have hope . . . in Christ alone.

One year ago, you were born into a sinful world. Even at your young age, you are in a body of sin and of death. But Charis, if you die with Christ then one day you will also live with Him. You will be free from the bondage of sin and death. Death will no longer have dominion over you. There will be no condemnation for you, regardless of what you have done.

Your name means grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. There is nothing in you worthy of Him and His love. Yet God desires and loves you. He wants to call you His own. If you put your trust completely in Him and what He has done then you will understand your middle name - Jubilee. Your debt of sin will be paid. Christ will be your redeemer. You will be free.

I know that as you grow you will see all of my weaknesses and you will be a first hand witness to my failures. I don't want to hide those things from you. I am only a sinner, saved by grace. My plea goes before the Lord each day to help me to love and demonstrate His love to you and your brother. I want to live for Him by loving your daddy and siblings. But my selfish nature still wants to live for myself. I find myself being a lover of pleasure rather than a lover of God. Learn from my weaknesses. Try to see past me and to the One who is a perfect heavenly Father. Read His Word and by that, know Him in truth.

I love you, my little bundle of life and joy. Thanks for being my girl.

Love,

Mama