Ten Years Ago Today...

Alyssa graduated from kindergarten!!

Alyssa (5th from the left)...2000

Oh how time flies!  It hardly seems possible.

Alyssa, Mrs. Garner, and friend Madison

If you can't tell, Alyssa was a bit shy.  On the first day of kindergarten, she wouldn't give her teacher the time of day.  Mrs. Garner reassured us that in a few days Alyssa would feel comfortable and talk to her.  On graduation day, nine months later, Mrs. Garner said "Well, Alyssa didn't talk to me much, but she was a wonderful student."  My girl was a quiet one for sure!

As the years have gone by, Alyssa has come out of her shell.  I see her confidence growing in amazing ways. I continue to pray, however, that God makes her bold to speak truth where it needs to spoke, kindness where someone needs a word of encouragement, and God's Word to one who doesn't know Him.  Boldness will often take courage, and should be marked by God's wisdom and leadership.

So, ten years ago my girl graduated from kindergarten, and has high school graduation just two short years away.  On this journey, I pray that she graduates from her shyness and timidity, and receives high honors in being bold for God!

"After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly."  Acts 4:31

Lord, you did not give your children a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love and self discipline, and that is even true for my children.  They each have tendencies to be shy, quiet, and sometimes withdrawn.  Sitting on the sidelines is often their preference.  I pray, Lord, that you remove any fear that holds Alyssa and Kyle back, and fill them with your Spirit of power, confidence, and strength.  Help them to stand up for you, Lord, speaking truth, conviction, encouragement, and love to those around them.  Encourage them to boldly speak about you, and their love for you, even when no one else does.  Or when others want to gossip, complain and tear down others, or you, I pray that our kids choose to turn the other way and only speak out of a love and heart for you.  Give them a bold heart, mind and mouth for you, dear Jesus.  May they always speak your truth boldly.