21 Years Old: My Last-Born is Officially An Adult!

Happy 21st Birthday

Daniel!

Feb. 17, 2019

My Exhortation For You: Jude 1: 21-25 (NLT)

My dearest Dan,

I cannot believe that my baby is now officially an adult.

Anytime I see you, my heart fills to the brim. You bring me such joy.

I can only imagine that is just a taste of what your Heavenly Father feels when He looks at you.

And that is what I want you to dwell on in this your 21st year: 

He delights in you!

May this knowledge grow deep into your heart and satisfy your deepest need to be delighted in. It is a foundation you will need in this season when doors close, when relationships go awry, when waiting gets hard, when life's circumstances make you feel you are being 'punished', when Satan pummels you with lies.

Like Jesus, may you bring the Truth of His Word and character to mind: I am loved by my good, good Father. He simply delights in me. Rehearse this in your mind daily. Psalm 139 reminds you that He knew you in the womb and formulated a purpose for you. So draw near to Him daily, not be doing stuff, but by simply being quiet in His Presence, sitting with Him, letting Him talk to you through His Word and in Spirit whispers in your soul.

Your 21st year was marked first by your desire to obey Him in the act of baptism on Easter Monday 2018 followed by a call to be a worship leader and many people have affirmed your calling and gifts.

I am still in awe to watch and listen to you. In the spotlight, people may comment on your performance, either negatively or positively. Either way, let their words roll off your back, as you ground yourself in the fact that your Father delights in you. Before every session, tell Him, "This is for You, Lord." and worship Him with all your heart. This is what will radiate and penetrate the hearts of those participating.

You also already have felt the strong resistance to your calling with Satan's scheme to sabotage your emotions any which way he can. So be alert and discerning. Step back when negative thoughts assail, and ask if it is consistent with God's character.

Your Dad and I and your brother Nathan are so very proud of you, and no matter what, we will always be there for you.

Remember the thoughts from your 18th birthday? Note how the prayer highlighted in pink was answered since then!: 

"...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!

Snapshots of your life thus far: The Model 😎

Dan-Beach Model 1

Dan- Beach Model 2

Dan and his Crew

Dan- UG-H Model

Snapshots of your history:

 So my prayer for you is this:

Father, thank You so much for this child You 'lent' me for a while. Thank You for the way You wired him. Thank you for giving him a heart for you. Thank you for being with Him through the good and bad. Father, You have laid a calling in his heart. Please continue to affirm and confirm through the inevitable waiting as you prepare his heart and character. May he be like Daniel, fearless and consistent in his worship of You and his character marked by integrity. Cover him with your grace and protection like a canopy. Give him Your eyes and mind to discern Your Voice from among the many others that assail him. I now re-commit him to you, You Who loves him perfectly.

In the mighty Name of Jesus, I pray.

Amen.

Always in my thoughts and prayers

Love, Mom.💙💜💚💛

2 songs for your new year. First one is an old one, but the one God brought to mind:

The Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns. May that Voice of Truth grow louder daily.

The second one and the one I first heard you sing and fell in love with the lyrics: So Will I. May you indeed grasp daily the heart of worship these words attest to.