Happy 18th Birthday, Nathan!

6 mths.

10 yrs.old

17 yrs. old

15 yrs. old

NATHAN

                



                                                           

Happy 18^th Birthday

My dearest first-born,

Another milestone year and what a year it has been for you:

*basketball *trip to Dominican Republic *Prom king *Valedictorian *Honours graduate *Ontario scholar *University of Waterloo *

What a guy!

God has His eye on you and has chosen to put you very much in the public eye and equipped you with the social skills to engage a wide range of people. 
People are drawn to your love of life and your honest expression of faith. 
You also have a huge capacity to love and are concerned about injustice. 
You, sir, are authentic.

Satan also has his eye on you and there is a target on your back. You, sir, are in a battle for your mind and heart. 
So put on that spiritual armour daily and fight lies with the truth you have been memorizing for so long. Or you may fall like the kings of Israel who after God had blessed them, looked at themselves and said “Look what I have done”. 


Remember the wisdom of Dungy in your speech, that God cares not for wordly successes, but treasures a heart that is humble and contrite, in tune with His will and heart.

In my Bible reading I asked God to give me a blessing for you and as I read the following portion, I smiled. See for yourself:

Psalm 45 (The Amplified Bible)

(To the Chief Musician; [set to the tune of] "Lilies" [probably a popular air. A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. A skillful song, or a didactic or reflective poem. A song of love.)

 1MY HEART overflows with a [a]goodly theme; I address my psalm to a King. My tongue is like the pen of a ready writer.

    2You are fairer than the children of men; graciousness is poured upon Your lips; therefore God has blessed You forever.

    3Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O mighty One, in Your glory and Your majesty!

    4And in Your majesty ride on triumphantly for the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God); and let Your right hand guide You to tremendous things.

    5Your arrows are sharp; the peoples fall under You; Your darts pierce the hearts of the King's enemies.

    6Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; the scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.

    7You love righteousness, uprightness, and right standing with God and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your fellows.

Yes, I believe that God is leading you to be His voice on behalf of truth, humility and righteousness. The 2-mth service trip to the Dominican Republic started a passion for service and also brought soul searching questions.

So, continue to serve wherever he has placed you, doing all to His glory.

Continue to question and seek Him with all of your heart and mind for answers, for ONLY in HIM will you find Truth that satisfies. 
He ALONE is completely trustworthy. 
He cannot lie. 
He may not give you all the answers for He is God and only when we see Him will we know fully.

Balance your tendency to keep busy with a meaningful time of complete silence, where all the inner and outer noise is hushed. You need this to refresh your spirit and to listen to His whispers to your heart.

May God give you friends who have your trust and with whom you can share honestly and who always draw you to God.

I bless you with a hunger for righteousness, a heart of humility and a passion for justice. 
RIDE FORTH!

So, son, yet another essay from your Mom. The rest is reserved for when you leave for university.

With Love, thoughts and prayers

Your devoted Mom.

July 13, 2011