15

Written November 2011...

Here we are....2 years into our 17 year stretch of teenagers in our home.  1 year shy of you driving.

15.

Happy 15th Birthday!!!  Traditional Birthday Breakfast!

These past 10 years have been a blessing.  To walk alongside you as you have learned, grown, played and accomplished all that you have.  I get a lump in my throat when I think about how we really only have 3 1/2 years left with you under our roof.  Perhaps you'll stay close and go to the Jr. College for two years, but I remember how little I was home during that time in my life 15 years ago.  I'm not ready for the dynamics of our family to change. 

But let's not rush things.  Let's just enjoy the moment.

You weren't excited to sit and open family gifts in front of everyone this year.  But you were a really good sport about it. 

Where we are right now;  Celebrating who you have become.  A young man.  Tall.  Handsome.  Intelligent.  A warrior for God.  A friend.  A leader. 

It was exciting watching you be promoted from 8th grade into high school.

8th Grade Promotion!

So long Middle School!  Bring on High School!

I could have cried when we attended the freshmen orientation and they welcomed "The Class of 2015"  The emotions are a combination of just how proud I am of you and the reality of how fast life goes and how fast I knew high school would fly by.

You wrapped up 8th grade and survived not having a cell phone.  Really.  You actually lived to see your freshmen year!!  I know you weren't sure if that was possible.  But we made it!!!

Thrilled to receive a cell phone at the beginning of 9th grade!

You jumped right in to high school life in early June with football practice.  You were there for every practice they had this past summer, working hard, with the exception for the two weeks you went away to camp. 

We thought it was so cool to learn that you wore the same number your Grandpa wore in High School!  #65               

 It was a tough season for you.  My mama heart ached for you every game that I saw you anxiously waiting to play from the sidelines. It was a different experience for you than Jr. Rams was.  We've said it is your choice on whether or not you play your sophomore year.  Regardless of what you do next year, we are PROUD of you for your hard work, dedication, patient and perseverance that you showed on the field this year.

Your rocked the marching band on the Quads this year. You looked so handsome in your uniform and I was so proud of the improvement you made and how quickly you learned to play.

Marching in the Homecoming Parade

 Your grades continue to be good.  Although I know you could get all A's if you wanted to, I'm trying really hard to compliment the hard work that you are doing.  God is using this time in school to prepare you for something bigger in your life later on.

You had the opportunity to do lights and sound for the musical this fall  and are currently preparing to participate on the Speech Team.  (**grin!!**)

I'm most proud of the young Christian man you have grown to be.

Welcomed into membership at First United Methodist Church

Confirmation August 2011

You love going to camp; say that's where you fit in at best.  You dislike people who may talk the talk at youth group but don't walk the walk at school.  You feel God calling you to be a leader.  But haven't been able to put your finger on it.  It's hard waiting for God to reveal the big picture, isn't it?  All I can do is listen and encourage you to keep listening to God.

 It's so hard being a teenager.  Trying to discover who you are, where you belong, where you want to go.  It's hard trying to fit in when you don't agree with the way the "world" works and it contrasts with the way God wants us to live.

I pray for a friend to come into your life who could be your accountability partner in this faith walk who could also encourage you when the high school path gets frustrating.  I will continue to pray for your discernment on what and where God wants you to serve both now in high school and later in life.

There are friends in your life who I am thankful for.  You are still in touch with our former neighbor even though we have moved and she isn't yet in high school.  You have also become friends with our neighbor here at this house. 

My biggest prayer and mama goal is that you feel loved and worthy.  Loved by God and loved by us.  I pray that you see and sense that is the only thing that matters in this season of life right now.  Once you are confident in that, that's when you will be able to extend the same grace and love that God has blessed you with to others.  That's when you'll begin to be transformed into the leader you feel God calling you to be.

I have two scripture verses that I claim for you, my son as you continue this life journey....

1:Timothy 4:8  "Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is valuable in every way, because it promises life both for the present and for the future"

I don't care, more importantly, God doesn't care, about how much play time you get on the field, or how well you do in any extra curricular activity.  God only cares about your heart and how you work to grow closer to Him.  Period.  Are extra curricular activities bad?  No.  Do they define who you are or how successful you will be?  NO!  Participate in all of the fun things you can in high school but do it with an attitude of discernment as God continues to reveal to you your call.  Use it as an opportunity to be the light of Christ that others need to see.  And, while you're at it, HAVE FUN!!!!

1 Timothy 4:12 "Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but be an example for the believers in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity"

Don't be afraid of your faith.  It is strong and even if you don't realize it, you are planting seeds among your peers everyday. You are planting seeds into your brothers and your dad and I too.

Lookin' Good!  Ready for Homecoming 2011

Love you bud....You make me proud.  Thank you for making me a mom.  It's the best job I've ever been blessed to do! 

"Fifteen there's still time for you  Time to buy and time to lose
Fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got hundred years to live"  Five for Fighting-100 years