Letter to my Birthday Boy: 8 Years Old

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Reid Jackson,

You are growing up too fast! Becoming "too cool" for mommy's kiss on the cheek or a hug in the hall at school. You're starting to want to spend the night with friends and you pick out all of your clothes on your own. You rarely wear anything but athletic gear, and your favorite thing in the world is a new pair of sneakers. You are still super strong-willed and very spirited, and although these present a few challenges when you're eight, I know that these personality traits can be used to your advantage in  your later years. 

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You are so smart and do so well in school. You are a natural born leader, and you do great in school! Your favorite subjects are math and science. I love that you are a helper to your teacher, and that substitutes always list you by name as being the one who assisted them on days your teacher was absent. You are well-behaved in school, except sometimes at recess when the football or basketball games on the playground get too intense! You are super competitive, and though I love your fiery spirit, there are times when I wish you could take it down a notch. When you play sports, you give it your all and play with your heart. I love that you live so passionately and purposefully. 

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Reid loves:

-sneakers

-anything Nike, Air Jordan, or Under Armour

-flat bill ball caps

-sharks

-fishing

-nature/all things outdoors

-exploring

-wakeboarding

-snowcones and popsicles

-swimming

-chicken & dumplings

-spinach artichoke dip from Paul's

-steak

-math

-Legos

-XBOX ONE

-basketball and baseball

-OKC Thunder

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Life verse for your 8th year:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

-Galatians 5:22-23

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I pray that you grow in the fruit of the Spirit this year. I pray that you honor Christ with your life and that you shine His light wherever you go. You are strong. You are brave. And you are kind. 

I love you always, Reid Jackson,

-Mom