Our little guy, Jackson, continues to teach me more about life, each and every day. His baby days are slipping by (too fast), and he is quickly approaching full blown toddlerhood. With that comes lots and lots of Jackson craving independence, and him staking out his territory on pretty much everything. He wants to do everything himself. He says, "My turn." "Jackson do it, Mommy." His latest saying is, "Mine, not yours." This is typically while he is snatching something out of my hand, off the floor, out of his diaper bag. Everyone probably knows the behavior I am talking about. The other day I was playing Hot Wheel cars with Jackson, and he grabbed the car out of my hand, and said "Mine, not yours." I thought to myself, you little turkey. Then, I started thinking about my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I wonder how many times in my life, I hold onto things....doubt, fear, anxiety, and hold onto matters I have no control over. Sure, I will pray about matters and lay situations at His feet....and pick them right back up again, almost like I am saying, "Lord, that is mine, not Yours." God desires for me to be totally dependent on Him, and for me to say, "I am Yours." He really wants to have my worries, anxiety, my family, and my future. I really do want to give Him everything..... Everything is His, not mine! So, that is my prayer.
"My shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart." Psalm 7:10
"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. Psalm 18:30
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thankgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
Blake and I decided to have Jackson a small friend party for his 2nd birthday. Last year, we had a mostly family party. We are pretty limited with what we can do, due to the weather being so cold. I am a big fan of outdoor park parties, but not very practical when there is snow in the forecast! We decided to have his party at Playworld because Jackson loves that place! I know he had a good time, because we were playing together, and he looked up at me, and said, "Mommy, I love my party!" I hope all of his friends had fun, and that their parents' enjoyed their children's long afternoon nap! 
Sweet, happy, wonderful Jackson! I can hardly believe that daddy and I will be putting two candles on your little birthday cake tomorrow. You are growing so fast! You bring so much joy to our lives, and our love grows for you each day. You make us laugh so much, and we just love all of the little silly things you do that make you Jackson. I pray that God will continue to give us wisdom and grace to raise you to be a mighty man of God. My prayer for you, Jackson Blake, is that you will learn to love and trust God with your life at an early age, and serve Him for all the days of your life. We love you so much. Happy Birthday! 
