Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Happy 4th Birthday, Nicole!

Happy Birthday, Nicole!

You are sweet, vibrant and full of joy.  We are brimming with celebration because of all the ways you have grown this year.

Physically, you are taller and your hair is on its way to becoming as long as a princesses.  It's so fun to realized in amazement that your feet grew over night or to see your bangs suddenly tickling your eye lashes.  You are growing bigger and stronger because you make healthy choices like playing outside, and going to bed when you're tired at the end of the day.  You've shown a lot of maturity in these areas and daddy and I are proud of you.


Mentally, your imagination is taking off and your many questions show how quick and curious your mind is.  We love watching you play in your construction site, or listen to you explain the games you made up in your room during nap time.  We enjoy your questions and feel privileged to help you learn about the people, places and things you are inquiring about.  The conversations we have with you are often rich and engaging because you have a heart that strives to connect with others and a sharp mind filled with ideas. 


Spiritually, your faith in God has grown as you have learned more and more about Him. You have a heart of worship and a faith that will keep you grounded. Earlier this year we were driving home from the store and you asked me how people go to heaven. I told you what the Bible says in Romans 10:9, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  I asked you if you believe that Jesus in Lord and you said, "oh yes, I do!" I asked you if you believed that Jesus came to earth so that He could take the payment for your sins by dying on the cross and offer you eternal life in heaven because God raised Him from the dead.  Again, you said, "yes, mommy, I believe that." So I explained that confessing means telling and that you could confess with your mouth any time that Jesus is Lord if you believed in your heart that God raised Him from the dead.  Immediately from the backseat I heard you pray out loud, "Jesus, you are Lord, will you save me?" In that moment I was deeply encouraged by your faith in God and I knew that your love for Him would grow more as you learned about His perfect character and everlasting love.  Truly, that has happened this year and daddy and I continue to pray that you will grow in the grace and knowledge of your Savior, Jesus Christ.


Relationally, you've grown as a sister and a friend.  You are a special and loving sister.  Jonah adores you, he looks up to you and he watches your example.   I have especially enjoyed listening to you talk directly to Jonah because you're gifted at talking to him about things you know he can talk about too.  You kindly include him in many of the games you play, especially when you play in the backyard.  It is loving and considerate of you to always hold the back door open for him and then happily say, "come on, Jonah!"  I can tell that Jonah feels loved by you when you help him and include him in that way.  Your kind and loving heart makes you a wonderful friend to Jonah and to the other kids in your life.  You have always been good at remembering the names of the kids you meet as well as the things you learn about them.  You do a nice job taking turns and your gentle spirit and joyful countenance make you easy to be around.  You are faithful, loyal, empathetic and kind.  I pray that your love for others will deepen and grow in new ways in the year to come. 


Nicole, Daddy and I love you so much! We are glad you are our daughter and we believe that God has great things in store for you. 

Happy Birthday, sweet girl!
Love,
Mom 

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