“I love you girl, sweet lovely girl; I’ll hold you in my arms for now-
then I’ll hold you in my heart, yeah girl- I’ll hold you in my heart.”  

It is hard to believe that you are nine Darling Daughter;
larger than life, neon bright- extrovert, socialite.

You are even old enough for deodorant now;
it’s time to call it quits to those “stinking pits”.

You are getting better at remembering to do your chores.
Your helpfulness is a blessing, and we love when you sing-
“Bless the Lord, O my soul…worship His holy name.”

You are a like a little mama to your new brother;
feeding and changing on a whim…burping and tenderly comforting him.

You still adore horses and I love how you educate Daddy and I on their different types-
And you type on an old-fashioned typewriter; garage sale treasure, composing letters.

I love when you smile, but I also love comforting you when you are sad too.
You are brave through many a change; moving, new house; on the open range
.

I am so thankful you were born first; you have a tender, special place in Daddy’s heart-
You admire him and dance with him still; we pray you desire to follow God’s will.

For each area of your life, may you surrender and trust He who made and sustains you-
Daughter, there are wonderful things in store, may you obey, not as a chore, but because of love.

Let the Lord win your heart, and dwell with Him daily; may the lure of the world and its idols be dull
as His light shines brightest and true, offering you real life, a path chosen by few.

Choose today, while you are nine, to laugh more, be kinder, smile bigger, and turn back to praise,
As your name suggests, offer praise to Jesus; He, the friend that is best.  Always; here for you.

“Keep loving Jesus, because, He loves you so.  He holds you in His heart for now, then He’ll hold you in His arms, yeah girl- He’ll hold you in His arms.”