January 21st: Happy First Birthday Taryn Joy Bowers

Dear Taryn "our Joy" Bowers:

Happy Birthday! I can hardly believe you have been with us for one year. You have truly been a gift to our family- bringing us much joy! I thank God for the privilege of being your "mama" and venturing through this first year with you. I remain amazed at the handiwork of God not only in forming and sculpting you so wonderfully at birth but also in growing and developing you in these first 365 days of life. Before my eyes you were transformed from a tiny, dependent newborn into a little toddler with a personality all her own.

Taryn, I recall penning these words to your dad eighteen months ago on Father's Day "The last gift I have for you is not one that I was planning on giving you. Then again, I did not give it to you….God did. "Behold, children are a gift from the Lord"….I found out last Friday that we are expecting number three. I realize that this is not the timing we would have chosen but God has something different/better in our future plans. Congratulations!" Indeed, God provided a huge blessing to our family when you joined us; I can't imagine life without you!

Taryn, I enjoy recalling the surprising entrance you made into our world. After a wonderful and sleepless time at the Women's Retreat and one fun game of marshmallow dodgeball you made your appearance into our lives. The surprises didn't stop on the day of your birth….I was expecting an eight or nine pound boy and we were blessed with a five pound 12oz. girl. I thought "terrific, a girl…she will be sleeping through the night by eight weeks"….you provided your dad and I with special bonding opportunities in the wee hours of the morning throughout the next four months. Despite the fact that you made your appearance a little earlier than imagined, your dad had the cradle set up and ready to go….you surprised us again- you slept in your car seat for the first five months of your life and spent little time in your cradle. A little after six months, we got out the baby food and were ready to initiate solid food….you surprised us by eating a tremendous first meal for Miss Woodpecker (aka. Terri) and then went on strike for your parents for the next two months. Each Sunday I think you surprise the nursery workers….you are small but have one mighty voice. Another surprise, one could have never guess how much Luke and Noelle would love and adore you and you surprise us by lighting up for them in a special way. I am also overjoyed and filled with thanksgiving for the way that many if our church family have showered you with love. Taryn, your surprises have humbled me and keep me dependent on the Lord for His strength and wisdom in mothering you.

Taryn as you enter this next year of life and venture towards many new developmental milestones, it is my prayer that God would grant your father and me wisdom in parenting you. Our desire has been and continues to be to "Train up (Taryn Joy) in the way she should go, and when she is old she will not depart from it" (Prov. 22:6). As your parents we have been endowed with the responsibility of teaching you right vs. wrong, wisdom vs. foolishness, obedience vs. disobedience. The Lord chastens those that He loves in the same manner a father a child in whom he delights. We love you Taryn and desire to direct your heart towards obedience to your parents and ultimately towards love and obedience for the Lord Jesus. Taryn, I hope and pray that ultimately you will know true joy (your middle name) found only in a thriving and abiding relationship with Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Psalm 95:1-2 O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

Lord willing, Taryn, it will be a privilege to be your mommy in the year ahead.
Love you,
Mama