And She Turns 16

Our youngest girl turned 16 today. As is our family tradition, we've let her set the pace for the day and determine what she wants to do. This is especially fitting as this has been a characteristic of her as long as I can remember. Her strong personality challenges us often while offering glimpses of the powerful potential she has to make a difference.

Our Olivia is uniquely and wonderfully her own person and I love her passion and enthusiasm for what she believes. She is extremely intelligent, fiercely loyal, and a deep thinker. It's no coincidence that her fiery red hair matches her personality.

Her excitement is contagious and she is still discovering how her influence can be used to help others. Underneath her vivacious exterior is a tender heart that cares deeply for others. It's this genuine concern matched with her strong thoughts and gifts that will lead her down her future path.

I love this girl and all of who she is. I'm proud to be her father and am looking forward to what the years ahead will hold for her.

Hey 15

Our youngest girl turns 15 years old today. Our Olivia is unique, wonderful, and challenging all at once. She is a beautiful redhead who exudes a passion as fiery as her hair. In fact, her passion is a defining characteristic of her personality. She is quick to let you know what she likes and doesn't like and isn't shy about expressing her opinion. Her intelligence and sharp wit serve her well even as she continues to figure out how to use these gifts in the best way. My wife compared her to the wild beauty of the ocean and I can't imagine a more accurate representation of her. She is fierce, unpredictable, deep, swiftly moving, and mesmerizing.  I love her deeply as she challenges me as a parent and Christ-follower and I pray daily for the great work that God will unleash in and through her life.

Happy birthday, Queen Wee. Thank you for being exactly who you are.

She's 14

Our Olivia turned 14 today. She has changed so much in the last year or so and I sometimes forget how different she is from the little girl she was not that long ago. I have watched her consciously make choices about her actions and words that she would not have made two years ago. She is definitely growing up and becoming more mature even though her parents are not quite ready for that (and admittedly, neither is she.)

She has always been a passionate person and will express her enthusiasm without hesitation. She has a tremendous power of words and can speak great truth and love. She is energetic (crossing the line into hyper every now & then!) and funny and you will never doubt where you stand with her. Even though it is sometimes a challenge, I love her strong will and focus on what matters most to her. She is fiercely loyal and will fight tooth and nail for those that she cares about. Her indomitable will is one of her greatest strengths and also the greatest challenge for her to master. I have no doubt that she will, but I know that it will be done in her timing and not mine.

I love this beautiful, red-haired, passionate girl that is becoming a young woman. I continue to pray daily for her (and her sisters) as we do the best we can to lead them into adulthood. This day reminds me of how far she has come and also of the dwindling days of childhood we have left. Happy birthday my Wee.

She's 13

My youngest daughter turned 13 today. It's hard to believe that our last little girl is no longer that little, but it's the reality we are faced with. She has truly grown into a teenager and not necessarily in the "typical" fashion. She is maturing at a rapid rate both intellectually and emotionally. We have seen so much growth her in this
past year-not just the fact that she is taller than my wife-but in the way she handles adversity and processes difficulties. She is a passionate young lady who is willing to speak her mind and her power of speech will be an incredible gift for her as she continues to refine her character. She loves her family deeply (as evidenced by the pure joy & love she greets me with each time I return home. I know that God has great things in store for her and my wife & I pray daily for her commitment to Christ to be the core of who she is as she develops. I keep seeing glimpses of the woman she will become (they are more frequent now) and I am trusting in God's promise to complete the good work that He has started in her. I love this girl and am proud of who she is & who she will be.

The first 13 years seem like they have gone by too quickly--here's hoping these next few slow down a bit. I don't want to miss any part of her growing up.