Letter to My Birthday Boy: 17 Years Old

My dearest Reid, 

You are tough, strong-willed, and a protector...you're a leader and have become so confident in the man God created you to be. You're a seeker of justice and a problem-solver...and it's really difficult to argue with you because all of the points you make are usually valid and make a lot of sense 😂

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You're a lover of nature and music, and you appreciate poetry and good lyrics. You're decisive and it's really hard to sway your opinion. I love your manners and how good you are at making conversation with others. You're the life of the party and are always making us all laugh. You love the Lord and have the most sensitive heart for others. You're mature and responsible, and you have grown up way too fast on me. 

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Jennie Allen, Christian speaker and author, once did a post about her teenage son saying that the "boys with little punk attitudes" might just be listening and changing, and soaking it all in, and that one day they might become the kindest and most thoughtful humans...that one day your little punk might just become your joy. 

And that's the best way to describe you over the past year... our little punk attitude teenager has become our joy. 

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Things Reid loves:

-football 

-fishing 

-music (Southall, Treaty Oak, classic country, red dirt)

-his truck 

-his bass boat 

-hanging out with CJ, Fisher, Memphis, & Tyson 

-going to the lake/wake surfing 

-lemonade & protein drinks 

-lasagna 

-cowboy jeans and shirts 

-working out/speed & agility training 

-Pastor Jeff's sermons 

I pray this verse over you in your 17th year...

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about these things." 

Phillipians 4:8

I pray you know truth, that you do what's right, that you have a desire to be pure, that you appreciate what's lovely, and strive to be admirable...that you honor the Lord with your words and deeds. 

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Reid, you are growing into you an incredible young man. I am proud of who you are right now and who you are aspiring to be. You are handsome and strong, and most importantly your faith is rooted in Christ and you know you are His. I love that you're learning and growing in your walk, and I love that you fear the Lord. 

I'm so thankful that God allowed me to be your mom... you have challenged me, changed me, and charmed me. 

You have big days ahead, Reido... and I'll always be right here cheering you on! I hope you have the very best birthday 💙

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