The Words I would Say

I sat down the other night, far too late in the evening to begin Audrey's 1st Birthday video tribute.  Slowly sorting through photos I was amazed at how far she's come in a year, at the speed in which time has decided to travel and at the sheer beauty of my second daughter.  I looked at her sweet face, I chose picture after picture, watching in slow motion as my baby began to grow before my eyes.

This outfit was picked out by Bethany to buy with the birthday money from NanNan and Grandpa Lloyd and Grandma and Grandpa Kimmie.  Thanks guys!

 

I love putting these videos together, I love looking at the photos, deciding on the photo order and chosing the music.  Being able to watch them over and over, or to go back and watch the very first one I did for Bethany's 1st birthday, is something that I can't replace.

Sometimes when I start these projects out I have a song in mind to put to the pictures/video.  Most times though I spent as much time chosing the music as I do the photos.  The video wouldn't have the same impact if I were to chose the wrong music.

But when I started Audrey's video I knew the song I'd wanted to use.  I had heard it weeks before and came home to promptly download it from iTunes.  When a song leaves you moved to tears while driving through Tim Horton's you know you've found a winner.  And it wasn't just that I liked the song, it was that I knew, in someway it had been written especially for my girl.

It's called "The Words I Would Say" by the Sidewalk Prophets.  Click on the link, I urge you to go over and listen to it again.  And while all of the lyrics to this song are moving this part inparticular struck a cord...

From one simple life to another,
I will say,

Come find peace in the Father,

Be strong in the Lord and,

Never give up hope,

You're going to do great things,

I already know,

God's got His hand on you so,

Don't live life in fear,

Forgive and forget,

But don't forget why you're here,

Take your time and pray,

Thank God for each day,

His love will find a way,

These are the words I would say

They really are the words I want to say to Audrey.  To Bethany too for that matter, but today to Audrey.

When I look at you, sweet girl, I am over come by joy.  When we named you Audrey Joy, we had no idea how appropriate that was!  You are a little girl, who, when in a good mood shoots joy from her ears.  Walking into the clinic yesterday for your 1 year shots, you were grinning so hard at your Daddy that you made him laugh and everytime he laughed you'd laugh right back, like making him happy truly brought you great happiness too.

Attempt 1 at a sister hug

And as I see you begin to grow, to slowly move away from being a baby I want to share with you the love of Jesus.  I want you to know with every fiber of your being that He is in control of your life.  I want to tell you, show you that living a life for Jesus, with Jesus isn't easy, it's not simple, and it's not boring.  But it's right, it's true, it's full of love and comfort, there is peace in times that should be chaotic, and being alone is something you'll never have to face. 

Awwww

I want you to know that you were placed in my arms by the angels in heaven and together we are held in God's hands.  I want you to know that long before I held you, He held you and just like He planned for you to join our family, He's planned out your life, every second, it's already there, written out especially for you.  I pray for the friends He'll give you, for the times they are your best friends and the times they are your worst, I pray for the relationships you'll have with other kids, with your sister, with me.  I pray for the boys you'll date, the ones you'll love and the one you'll marry.  And while I know He's got it all planned already Audrey, I pray that you turn to Him each day.  That you learn to humble yourself at the feet of the Father, to ask for his love and protection, His mercy and grace, and to never be afraid to ask for the forgiveness that He freely gives, and we all need.  I pray that we are an example to you, that you'll learn how to love like Jesus' through us. 

"Mom!  She's touching me!"

I can't wait to watch you grow my Audrey.   To see your first steps, the hear your first sentence, to go shopping with you, have arguements with you - because I know we will and I know it's in those moments you discover who you can be and I will again learn a whole new level of self control (or gain another bald patch, it remains to be seen).  I want to teach you to play the piano, tie your shoes and how to tell when a guy is offside.

But if I teach you nothing else in this life, if you know nothing more from me, know this, You ARE going to do great things!  I really do know, that God's got His hand on you so please don't be afraid.  Find your strength in Jesus, let Him be your courage and your hope, and know that you are loved. 

You are love Audrey Bell, beyond measure, without fail by the God of the universe, the One who created you and the family He gave you to.  And you are forever in His hands!