Letter to My Birthday Girl: 14 Years Old

She's 14 today!!! ✨✨✨

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I told her birth story to her on the way to dance competition early this morning as we were drinking our Starbucks together. And I started bawling. I told her when they put her in my arms the very first time, my soul took a deep breath. I had never felt a feeling of contentment like that before and I felt as if life was complete. For that moment, I looked down at her and all was right in the world. I still feel that way about her. Every time she's with me, I feel like all is right in the world. 

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She has made me a better person and a better mother. She brings out the best in people...her kindness and her quiet, gentle spirit permeate the room. She loves Jesus and lives out His word by the way she serves and treats others. She's an old soul, wise beyond her years. Sometimes I feel like she's the one mothering me. I can trust her. And I can count on her. She knows when to kick it in and she knows when to let loose a little. And I absolutely adore her. 

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Her teen years are flying by...and I'm praising Jesus today that I'm alive to celebrate her birthday. I literally don't know what to do with all the gratitude I have for the Lord for giving me more years to watch my children grow up. I listened to this song right after she was born, before I even knew who she was going to be. And now, 14 years later, they perfectly sum up how I feel about her. 

But the truth is plain to see

She was sent to rescue me

I see who I want to be

In my daughter's eyes

In my daughter's eyes

Everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light

And the world is at peace

This miracle God gave to me

Gives me strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

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Happy 14th, LilliAnn McKenzie. You are a rare treasure and the light of my life. ✨