Insert Grace Here

 

 

 

 Happy 23rd Birthday, Cammie!!!

 

 

 

 You is kind, you is smart, you is important!!!

 

The calendar will turn July 30, 2013 in Kuwait eight hours before it does here in Louisiana. Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love ya’ tomorrow . . . you’re eight hours less away. So I’ve rearranged schedules to type away these words of love before Kuwait’s calendar turns.

We’ve made a video for you with only two takes. Both of them, however, are too large to attach on the blog and apparently on Vimeo as well. Who knew a few minutes was too long? Or too large? It’s just as well. I fear the viewing might’ve induced motion sickness on my fives of readers.

Suffice to say that your son wishes you a Happy 1st Birthday as well as a Happy 8th Birthday. He can’t be too sure which one. And while Sophie would love to throw you an Army birthday party once you arrive home at  year’s end, Gavin would like to have a coo-coo nut party. I’m all out of words.

Except not really. When am I out of words? Rarely.

These are some of the words that I have on the eve of your birthday. . .

I could’ve never imagined 23 years ago that you would one day be deployed to Kuwait with the Army National Guard. But you are. I couldn’t have known you’d have an amazing son who possesses a huge part of your personality. But you do.

Daughter, I want to remind you that the One who gave this little boy of yours his personality also formed yours. He knew all about who you would be right when you were in my womb. He knew you. And this is my prayer for you this year while you serve overseas—that when you leave that foreign soil and return home to the Bayou State, you know exactly who you are in Him. That you embrace fully the woman He created you to be. All of the intricate details that make you you! Recognize your strengths, know your weaknesses, and let His strength be made perfect in those very weaknesses.

Even in a world where lines are skewed and erased and confused, we can flourish if we will choose to see ourselves in the light of Him. Let Him have His perfect work. There’s freedom in this. So while you serve our military to protect our freedom, remember that true freedom found in Jesus Christ is received by grace. There’s nothing more I could possibly want for you than that. Just be free in Him in every single area of your life.

And then dance. . .

I’ll dance with you.

I love you and miss you more than any adjective could adequately describe!!!