Dear present kids...

To the children that I care for currently...

"For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

Mia Shelite (5): Oh my, Mia, you are my biggest helper. You have such a caring heart for everyone, but especially babies! You are a diamond in the rough. I just need to work on thinking things through, and figuring out the best way to approach a situation. You have good intentions, never lose that, but you have to get that experience in too. That being said, I promise to always be patient with you. Sometimes taking care of so many things at once, it gets hard to stay calm when another accident happens.

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Stella Barnes (4): You are a star, born to be different. You're not afraid to sing, dance, and be yourself. I admire your imagination and love for adventure, never lose that. Never be afraid to be the first to take action or speak up, but always make sure it's worth standing up for. Lastly, I want you to know that no matter how crazy life gets for you, God will always be by your side, ready to fight your battles, cover you in grace, and love you like no man ever will.

John 15:19 says, "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Madelyn McClain (4): You are so full of life. You love to laugh, smile, and you aren't afraid to be yourself, except when someone new is around. I've spent countless times holding and comforting you because someone new was in the nursery with me. I'm so grateful that you put your trust in me to keep you safe, and as long as I'm alive, I always will. Though it's good to be careful, don't forget to live your life. God doesn't give us a spirit of fear. Fear comes from Satan, trying to keep you from glorifing God.

Psalm 94:19 says, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."

Payton Graham (4): you, little lady, are a handful and a half. You are the reason I now have not two, not three, but four grey hairs. You are the reason that not only do I want to rip all my hair out, but also, Payton Jane, you are the reason I'm becoming a better "mom." You challenge me in literally everyway possible, ways I never knew a child could challenge me. You have the attitude of a 14 year old and the mouth of an 18 year old, yet on the inside, you're a child looking to be loved and accepted. Even though we are exact opposites, we are also pretty much the same. Up until I was 17, I was looking for that love and acceptance from people or things. Little miss, you'll never find what you're looking for on Earth. Everything you need and more is in God. The one who loves you so much, he gave his only Son to die for you.

Deuteronomy 7:9 says, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

Collins Heaton (4): You never cease to amaze me by your wisdom and knowledge. You are a great leader, listener, and wise beyond your years. I know that someday you will make a huge impact, whether in high school, college, or worldwide. Maybe you will be a spokesperson or world class rodeo person, whatever it will be, it will do great things for the Kingdom of God. 

1 Timothy 4:12 says, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." 

Isla Shelite (3): I hope you never lose your compassionate character or your little southern accent, and I love seeing the way you interact with the people you're comfortable with. You are easily scared, but that it means you're logical. You're afraid because you don't understand, but, girl, someday I hope you can confide in me, and I can show you all the wonders of this life.

2 Timothy 1:7 says, "

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."