DEWS NEWS: Happy Birthday Christopher!!!

Twenty six years ago today you came into our world and made two people very happy. Of course, your grandparents (and granny...whose birthday you barely missed) were happy too!

You changed our world.

I remember the first time I put you into your crib (which had been mine...Dad repainted it for our BOY,) as I stood up from placing you there an overwhelming feeling came upon me...this is a life with a soul...nine months ago there was no Christopher V. Stockwell, today here he is (fresh from Heaven) and he will always be.

Wow!!!

I asked God to allow me to be the mom you needed, knowing that I could not do it on my own!

I'm not saying that I was a wonderful mom...BUT I AM SAYING that I believe you have turned out pretty darn well!!!

Dad and I love the man you have become and are so proud to be called the parents of Christopher Stockwell.

You have been a GIFT that keeps on Giving!

While praying for you on the way to church today (it takes about 45 min. on public transportation so I had plenty time to pray!) I thought about the GIFT you are to us. I thanked God for you (AGAIN) and then I asked Him to show you, today, the GIFTS He has given you.

Here are the ones I thought of...26 to be exact!!!

1. Life 26 years ago today...and your daily breath

2. Eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.

John 20:31 "But these are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through his name."

3. A wonderful wife who loves God more than she loves you (you come in a close second...this is how it should be)

Exodus 20:2,3 "I am the LORD your God...Do not have other gods besides Me."

4. A dad who has always believed in you

5. A mom who thinks you hung the moon...you did, didn't you?

6. Two brothers who helped to form your leadership skills

7. Godly grandparents who pray for you daily

8. A mother-in-law who loves you (this is no little thing)

9. A great dog--Bailey

10. Friends from your past and new ones you and Katie have made together

11. The Hoggards, Popes, and others who put prayer, time, money, and LOVE into you through the years

12. An amazing church family

13. A good mind

14. Artistic abilities

15. The gift of words...the way you say things is ORAL ART

16. Sincere heart that is sensitive to God and others

17. Your faith and dependency on God

Psalm 91:1 "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."

18. The ability to see the good in others and the desire to bring it forth

19. A cute sense of humor

20. The opportunity to see the world from more than one world view

21. Stories of how God has shown Himself mighty and caring on your behalf

22. Good health

23. A job you like!!!

24. Another year to enjoy the abundant life God has given you

John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance."

25. God's Plans (which He has for you)

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

26. AND if that were not enough...a MOM who wrote all these out for you...making things easier for you today son. Why? Because I'm your mom and that is what a mom lives to do!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR CHRISTOPHER

Baby Christopher