And Now We're Five

I blinked, and my baby turned five. This child who is full of life, energy and a thousand questions, this child who leaves laughter in her wake.



This child who is content -- as long as there's . . .

A snack in her hand . . .







An animal to love . . .





A brother to torment . . .



A Daddy to hold . . .



A bowl to lick . . .



A project to start . . .



A sister to admire . . .



A book to read . . .



A doll to dress . . .



A world to explore . . .







A knife to handle . . .



And a host of admirers . . .



Yes, she's really very low maintenance . . . .

Even so, my prayer for her -- and each one of my babes -- ascends to our Father each night:

Lord, would you bless my Little Miss Avery Kate. I pray that she would grow to love and serve you with all of her heart, soul, mind and strength. Would you grow in her the fruit of Your Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. I pray that she would be like a little lamb who would hear Your voice and know it, and that she would trust You all the days of her life, knowing that one day she will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Would You put your hedge of protection about her, and guard her coming in and going forth from this time forth and forever. Would You grant her wisdom, Father -- wisdom to make good choices out of her love for You. Would you bless her with the heart of a servant, that she might look for ways to help those in need. And now may she lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, oh Lord, will make her to dwell in safety.