Amazing how quickly time goes by...

Yesterday we celebrated Anna's fourth birthday! Her actual birthday is on Tuesday, so she will have a few days long birthday celebration.   She had a "Shopkins" party at "the gymnastics place" (as she calls it).  Each one of her older siblings has had a party at this spot that provides a large bounce house room, lots of obstacle/gymnastics floor fun, and a foam pit that you can swing and/or slide into.  You can imagine that it is a dream party for all ages of kids.  The party ends with cake in a party room.  It is a relatively quiet finish to the party since most of the kids are just plain tired out!  It was an interesting mix of kids - some from school, some from co-op and then family friends, as well as her cousin, Grace!  It just doesn't seem possible that she is already four years old.  This seems like it was only a little while ago...

She was such a snugly baby!  I was thinking about Anna and how her personality has developed over these four years.  In so many ways she seems much older than four.   I know that is because she has those older siblings.  But some of it is just her natural "bent".  She engages in imaginative play for hours at a time with little people, barbies, her peppa pig figures or her dolls.  Anna is incredibly self sufficient.  Last week she told me that she can reach everything she needed for her breakfast as long as she had her stool.  (She actually said the Ellie stool, since it IS Ellie's stool and has her name on it).  She is fearless and bold in most situations.  I remember that she insisted that she could ride a two wheel bike without training wheels, just because all of her siblings were doing it.  I did a little "interview" with her last week and got these responses to my questions....

What is your favorite color ----  pink and purple and I like blue

What is your favorite animal ----- dog cuz I love Chandler

What is your favorite thing to play ---- Peppa Pig

What is your favorite food ----  spaghettio's and cinnamon rolls (only daddy's)

What is your favorite place to go ---- ballet!   I love ballet! But I like co-op also and school

Yes, ballet.  She was so ready to start ballet classes with "Miss Bridget".  She has spent her entire life watching both Lia and Ellie go to dance class and practice dances at home.  I love the video we have of her doing both Lia and Ellie's dances from last years recital.  She not only knew the dances, she knew the names of all the steps.  So when she started "pre-ballet" last September, she was more than ready.  She is anxiously awaiting her first dance recital - on the BIG STAGE, which will happen in late May.  

Watching each of my grandchildren grow, change and become exactly who they are supposed to be is one of the best parts of being a grandma.  I am so thankful for the revelation of destiny for each of my grandchildren.   Before Anna was even born, I felt that she would really be a forceful and strong girl.  It is her destiny to bring everything that is heavenly into our world.  She will shower the world with the love that comes from God.  She will be a peacemaker in truly supernatural ways.  And she will seek justice and truth in all situations.  I simply can't wait to see how Anna grows and changes in the years ahead.  What a privilege to watch as her destiny unfolds.  

In my last blog, "called but not qualified", I described an early calling on my own life.  Each person has a calling, a destiny and plans given by God.  The best and most interesting thing about about being "unqualified" for this calling and destiny and plans is that Jesus ALWAYS provides exactly what we need as soon as we take the first steps towards that calling.   He gives us supernatural wisdom to accomplish tasks that we do not have the "natural" or "learned" ability to do.  Jesus will place us in the exact right places to meet others who will play a part in our walk towards that call.  

There is always revelation given, as we seek it and ask for it, along the way.  There is a certainty in your spirit, when you are pressing towards an accomplishment and you just know it is so far above anything that you could ever do in your own strength.  That certainty is that Jesus has given you the strength and power and wisdom to do HIS calling and complete HIS plans.  One thing is certain, it is always good to have people around you who can encourage, guide and aide you are you are on this journey called life.  And being an encourager, a guide and a helper is exactly what a grandparent can be.  

Today look around you and see the people that Jesus has placed in you life to help you along the way toward your calling. Now send them a message or a phone call to thank them for being there for you. And then stop and think about those who YOU need to support in their walk.  We need each other so much as we live out our days here on earth.  No one can go it alone.  Do it today.  For time is going swiftly by......

Jesus, thank you for all that you speaking to us today.  Holy Spirit, help us to carry out the challenge to see the helpers you have placed around us.  Even more, help us to see those who need us to accomplish their destiny.  Jesus, thank you for your call and destiny for each of us. Thank you for Anna.  Continue to give her courage and boldness to walk out your calling and destiny.   Amen