Turning Seventeen

Today, the 27th of February, our eldest daughter Bliss turned seventeen. It was indeed the Lord's grace that children are growing up so fast. Despite being the parent of a teenage daughter, I personally still feel I am as young as she is. Being in the Lord makes me feel so young, even as young as my own children. In the Lord, every day is a new day. Though the body is decaying, the inner man is renewed day by day.

Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 2 Corinthians 4:16

As usual, to shepherd our children we generally take our children for a meal outside on their birthdays. Though we do not have the habit of so-called celebration with many others, we do cherish the day and thank the lord for all His blessings these years and reconsecrate for the new year.

Today morning when I woke up, I wished my daughter a happy birthday and a new beginning. I then prayed for her, blessing her as her father. Later, in the afternoon, as a family, we all went to eat out. This made her day, and everyone was happy. Then, we purchased the necessary items for our son and our youngest daughter too. So all of them got something that they needed; food, pants, and shoes. The Lord also faithfully provided all the needs. 

My wife had a burden to make a card for our eldest daughter on her turning seventeen, for which we both wrote a letter together and gifted her as a gift.

Dear Beloved Bliss,

You have passed through many things last year, whether they were happiness or sadness, the old things have passed away. Now, may the Lord grant you a new beginning to continue your life journey. You may face new challenges, difficulties, and many obstacles in the future, but remember, you are in Christ. 

So then if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away; behold, they have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17, RecVer)

The Lord is your life, your wisdom, and your shepherd. He will lead you and guide you in every step. Always come to Him and fellowship with Him as you are, have faith in Him no matter what happens to you. 

Come to Me all who toil and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28, RecVer)

We believe you will have a lot of experience and enjoyment of Him. We are here to always support you in every possible way. 

We love you! 

Mom and Dad

That said, all children are gifts from the Lord. In fact, they are out from the Lord and are for the Lord. As parents, God's earthly guardians in humanity, we do our best to take care of them in every aspect of their human life. We pray for them every day and also teach them prayer so that they can pray by themselves. In all possible ways within our measure God has measured to us, and we have been doing our best to raise them up for the Lord's purpose. In giving good health care, good education, training them in their human living, shepherding their souls, and perfecting them for the Lord's use. As parents, we have been doing all that we could. All the rest, we leave it to the Lord.

My prayer for my children has always been, that they would grow in grace and in the full knowledge of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and unto the day of eternity. Amen.  2 Peter 3:18

Lord, continue to bless us as a family and all our children for Your divine purpose.