My Last-Born Turns 18!

Happy 18th Birthday, Daniel!

Verse of the Day

Who shall ever separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].

Romans 8:35,37 AMP


Snapshots of your life

And your videos

Needless to say, Dan, you have brought so much joy to this world with who you are.


I delight in you.
I can only imagine How God delights in you.


While you will always be my 'baby', you are definitely a young man now, with a mind and voice of your own.


I see so many qualities I admire in you:
-like your sensitivity.
-like your loyalty.
-like your love.
-like your ability to easily forgive.
-like your artistry.
-like your rhythm.
-like your love of music.
-like your attention to God's Word.
-like your grace to others.


My exhortation for you, Dan, is that you nurture the Spirit in you, for He alone is the One Who will empower and highlight the gifts the Father gave to Daniel and Daniel alone.
May you pray like Daniel: (Dr. Michael Youssef)

Daniel’s Prayer

"We see the effectiveness of prayer by a righteous person in the Old Testament prophet Daniel. His prayers provide a model for us to follow. Read his powerful plea to God in Daniel 9:4-19. Now, let's take a look at the key components of his prayer.

Start with praise. Daniel began his prayer by praising God. Daniel's focus was not on himself, but on God's greatness. He prayed to "the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands" (Daniel 9:4). He acknowledged God as absolutely righteous, but also merciful and forgiving. Begin your own prayers with praise and thanksgiving to God.

Praise Him for His glory, His power, and His love. Thank Him for His daily provision in your life, your salvation, and your many blessings. Spend time just adoring God.

Confess your sins. Daniel confessed that Israel had sinned. He didn't try to dismiss, justify, or sidestep the fact that Israel had made a grave error. He didn't make excuses to God, but took responsibility. Daniel stated up front in his prayer, "We have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws" (Daniel 9:5).

When you go to God in prayer, don't play the blame game when it comes to your sin. Acknowledge any element of sin or misdoing—intentional or unintentional—related to the situation or circumstance.

Prayer: God, I want to praise You today for Your love and for the gift of salvation. Thank You for giving us Your Word to provide examples like Daniel for us to follow. Forgive me any sin in my life. In the name of Jesus. Amen."

As you head off to university or college, you will be confronted head-on with philosophies hostile to your faith. May you purpose in your heart like Daniel did:

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself ..." (Daniel 1:8a)

You share with your namesake a strength of character, a young man of deep convictions.

May you grow to understand the ways of God like Daniel did by carving out the best time with God where you can earnestly listen to Him and feed your soul. 

You are blessed with good looks like your namesake :) : "in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace." (Daniel 1:4)

but may you find your value in being His child, asking Him for wisdom. May you grow like Daniel did in the fear of the Lord, for from there flows wisdom.

"...Daniel was exposed daily to the riches, the luxury, and all the other seductions of the Babylonian Empire. Yet he was determined to remain consecrated, not partaking of the delicacies provided to him by the king. To refuse the provisions meant sure consequences for him and for those overseeing his instruction. Yet Daniel remained steadfast, knowing that God would honor his choice to obey divine law rather than the laws of men....
Daniel had a greater respect for and fear of God than he did of the king. Knowing and believing that God would use him, Daniel kept his focus on God..."(Credit)

My prayer is to see your heart captivated by a cause dear to His heart and that this passion will be reflected in all your work.

My prayer is that you will always be a display of His glory.

As for that future daughter-in-law I hope to have one day, pray about her from now. I pray for a woman who even right now is pursuing God's heart and that in His perfect timing, your lives will intersect!

I have made so many mistakes in 'mothering' and you have been generous in your forgiving. Thank you, Dan!
My love for you knows no bounds!


My prayer:
Father, I thank you for this extra special gift named Daniel. I acknowledge He is Yours and I release him to You to be a mighty display of Your glory.
May he love through Your heart.
May he see with Your eyes.
May he hear and listen with Your ears.
May he think with Your mind.
May he touch with Your Hands.
May he speak with Your Voice.
Captivate his heart with what captivates Yours.
Spirit, imbue him with Your power to shine for You in a way that is unmistakably You in him.
Protect him from the schemes aimed at him to shut out Your Voice.
Give him wisdom and discernment and strength of character to purpose in his heart not to defile himself with what Satan has to offer him in this world's pleasures.
Protect him from having his heart and spirit crushed by rejection and betrayal. Give him wisdom in relationships and good stewardship of his emotions.
Go before him in university and place godly mentors and friendships in his path.
Remove the destructive influences in his life or transform them.
In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.


I love you, precious son!
Always, With Love, Thoughts and Prayers
Your Mom.