Happy Birthday Camden! You’re twelve! How did that happen? It seems it was barely yesterday when Grandpa and I were impatiently waiting for you to be born while camping near by. Oh, the walks your mom and I took during those long days. While the walks didn’t seem to make your entrance into the world any faster, they certainly gave your mommy and me lots of time to talk.

I was blessed to be able to be in the room when you were born and what a wonderful and marvelous experience that was. And here you are now on the brink of your teenage years on your way to becoming an adult.

As I was praying for you this week and asking God what verse to give you for this year the story of Joshua came to mind. Did you know that the phrase “Be strong and courageous” is stated 5 times in the book of Joshua? Five times! When mom tells you something 5 times you know it’s important. And the same is true with this verse.

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Dear God,

Wow, where has the time gone? That newborn that I got to hold only minutes old is now 12 and becoming a young man. You know what this next year holds for him. You know how much I wish I could live closer and be there for him. I also know that you love him far more than I can and that you will be with him wherever he may go. Lord please help him to remember that it is in you that he can be strong and courageous and face whatever challenges may come his way. Bless him in this next year. Amen

Love you Camden. Grandma