two birthdays for Josie

In May, Josie came to us so giddy. She wanted to pray to have Jesus in her heart! We spent some time in prayer and she was so happy to be a "new creation!" We claimed the verse 2 Corinthians 5:17 for her...."If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old is gone, the new has come!" It is amazing to say that my daughter is now my sister in Christ! She wrote in her journal that day, May 17, 2011, "Best day ever!" This will always be her spiritual birthday, and I will never forget praying with her that night. She decided she wanted to follow Jesus and be baptized so we set the date for Sunday, September 11th when our families would both be in town.

Yesterday was a day I will hold in my heart forever. As Will talked about her salvation story, she was truly glowing. She proclaimed that Jesus had died on the cross for her sins to all those who were at church for her baptism. Will prayed for her and baptized her in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit! Then, we celebrated with special friends and family at a special luncheon in her honor. What a day!

And today, we celebrate her birth six years ago. She came into our bed this morning and we snuggled. I told her all about the day she was born and what I said when I saw her for the first time...."prettiest face I have ever seen!" I told her about who came to visit her, how we swaddled her, and how she hardly ever cried. I can remember what it felt like to hold her and kiss her button nose. I remember her bald head and sweet pink skin. I remember Jack meeting her for the first time and touching her so gently and saying "sister baby." I remember bringing her home in all pink. And now she is 6! Six great years with the sweetest girl on Earth.

Josie, you have blessed my life abundantly. God made you kind, compassionate, generous, silly, and thoughtful. He gave you freckles, blue eyes and a smile that lights up our house daily. You love to laugh and make others laugh. You put your siblings needs above your own, and love to join in a group hug when Mommy and Daddy hug in the morning. You are smart and so creative. At six years old, you are almost as tall as Jack, and taller than most your friends. You love to dance, swim, and play the piano. You still suck your thumb and cuddle with your blankie when you are tired. Your best friend is Jack and you are a little mama to brother Sam.

It's hard for me to let go of you, but I look forward to all the Lord has in store for you this year. Happy baptism and birthday to our Josephine Marie! We love you dear one.