This is for Bub.....

Hey Bub,

I know you are rolling your eyes and thinking, "Mom, really did you post this on your blog??" "You are crazy." Yes, I did. Yes, I am. I am crazy about YOU!!! God gave us you and even though there are days when I think you are trying to drive me crazy, I am still crazy about YOU!!! (and the reason I posted here, is so that you won't have to worry about losing your letter!!! lol and I can be reminded of God's answer to prayer!!)

I just wanted to let you know how very proud I am of you. In this world we live in there is "stuff" that steals our focus and our desires. There are people that pressure us. There are expectations from every angle. As your Mom, I expect a lot of things (sorry, that's just how I roll, lol). Dad and I have raised you as best we know how. We have made mistakes along the way, and we will still do our best to keep you on the right track. Yes, we will probably make more mistakes as we are full speed into your teen years. But, we pray that God will guide us in the way He would have us to go!

We have drilled things into you. We have supported you in things you want to do. We have pushed you into some things that you didn't really want to do ....all because God gave us a responsibility to raise you. Some parents don't take that as seriously as we do. Some don't beat themselves up when they mess up. Some do not give their children a Godly heritage or help them to figure out that God has a plan for their lives. 

The past few weeks have been tough for you. God chose, for whatever reason to put baseball and playing drums on hold for you as your thumb heals. I know that God has a lesson for you in this. I don't know what it is. God works differently in our lives. Trials come and we have to lean on Him to get us through it. His Word tells us there will be sufferings in this life, but He has overcome the world. He will always be there to see us through, or even carry us if & when we need Him to. We have wants and desires, but we have to realize, they need to be His wants and desires as well. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but its the Lord's purpose that prevails". Proverbs 19:21 And in everything we should do it as unto the Lord!

This plan was not yours, it was the Lord's and even though it has been hard, you are dealing with it pretty well. Take some time to thank Him for this trial, as I hope you will learn whatever it is that He is trying to teach you. It's easier to learn the lesson the first time, than to have to go back and go through another and another. I know. Just ask me what lessons God shows me over & over.... cause I can be pretty stubborn (you don't have to agree :) )

Not only, are we proud of you for hanging in there the past few weeks. We are proud of you for making good choices. That is a constant prayer, that you and your siblings will make good choices. Take responsibility to do the right thing. Do what the Lord would want you to do. Changing who you are rooming with in Florida, may not seem like a big deal. But, it is a very big deal to us. It shows you are standing up for yourself and for what you believe in. You are making good choices which is HUGE!! Peer pressure can be tough but staying away from possible trouble shows responsibility and an answer to prayer. The world is full of traps and satan is always seeking whom he may devour. You make me and your Daddy proud!!! 

Stand firm in your beliefs and do not allow others to bring you down! You are created by God and for His Glory! Never forget in whatever you do honor and give Him glory!

Love you Bub!!!

Mom