There Once Was A Girl

She was born on September 9, 

a soft, sweet child with the fairest skin, 

the blue-est eyes, and soft gold ringlets around her heart-shaped face.

She grew up with a heart for God, with a yearning to know Him, to seek after His heart.

And He built in her a passion, for acting, for singing, for dancing and photography,

For sharing herself with others, 

for being the best of friends with those the Lord brought her way,

And he built in her a hope, 

a hope for that which so many girls dream of,

a home of her own,

Someday, faraway, 

where she might ply her skills as a wife and a homemaker, 

and follow the path of womanhood.

She has had her struggles, and her heartbreaks.  

She has built friendships, some to mourn for, some to rejoice in.  

She has her weaknesses, like all human beings, 

and has struggled with sorrow at the discovery of them,

like we all do.

And she is overcoming.  

She is putting her best foot forward, clad in a ruffled silver shoe.  

She is lifting her chin and fighting the good fight.  

She is doing the best that she can do, and she is intent upon doing it, 

in His strength.

Are there more words to describe? 

Yes, many, but I shall stop at these...

The Lord has blessed my life abundantly, 

He has overflowed me with His goodness, 

and this particular gift, this sister so strong of heart, 

this friend beyond friends, this vessel of His glory, 

my dear one...

Is beyond words.

I love you Johanna!  

Congratulations on your amazing 18 years!

-Em