Hopes and Prayers for Zay

1. That you may come to know our Heavenly Father at a young age, and will live your life for Him.  Always remember that faith in and love for Jesus Christ is all you need in this life.  Let Him be the ruler of your heart, leading you through this dark world.  Find your beauty and worth in Him alone.
2. Always know that you can come to us with all your doubts, questions, concerns, and fears.  Even when we disagree with you or lack the answers you are looking for, we are always here to support you, care for you, and guide you with the help of the Lord.  We are in this together.  Our love for you is limitless.  
3. Take the knowledge you learn and treasure it.  Fill your mind with things that challenge you, and help shape you.  Education is to be taken seriously for it bodes a strong foundation of the person you are to become. 
4. I pray that you have the blessing of loving another with your WHOLE heart someday.  Don't rush matters of the heart.  Take your time and be wise.  Cherish your youth and get to know yourself well.  Pray for your future husband (we have started for you already!).  And when you are ready, loving another completely and faithfully will be one of the greatest gifts of your life. 
5. Likewise, I hope you have the honor of being loved by another with their WHOLE heart.  Make sure the one you fall in love with knows what you are worth and is willing to give the same to you.  Love is a choice.  Don't change the things that make you YOU to gain the love of another.  YOU are worth the effort. 
6. At some point you will experience heartbreaks.  May they be minimal.  They can feel paralyzing and consuming, but they also make up part of your story and help mold you into the person you become.  Be vulnerable at times, but always be wise.  
7. Don't waste time on anyone that is not good to you.  Pray for them.  Over the course of your life you will have many different friendships.  Some will be good, and some will leave you wounded.  Learn from all your relationships, allowing the lessons to help build a circle of friends who will be loyal and encouraging.  Friends that will stand with you in the highest and lowest moments of your life. 
8. Be passionate about things.  Invest in your talents, be what they may.  You are capable of great things when you put your mind to it!  
9. Embrace differences.  This world if FULL of them!  Travel.  Explore cultures.  Always have an open mind, but stand firm in the Truth. 
10. Learn to love yourself fully.  Be confident, but humble.  Always be thankful for the blessings that are given to you.  May God always be your comfort and strength.  

Sweet Zaylee Jean,  from the moment I heard those two, tear inducing words, "You're Pregnant", I fell in love with you.  For nine months your dad and I wondered what you would look like, what color your eyes would be, would you have hair or not, and what color would it be.  Then we heard your first cry -- what an amazing, joyous sound that was.  From that moment on our wonders about you have grown to great heights.  Who will you become?  What will you achieve?  You are small now, but the days are moving fast and I want to be intentional and purposeful with every moment I have with you.  Only the Lord knows what the future has in store for you, and I feel honored to be your mom and encouragement along the way.  I am certain that the very best thing I will ever do in my life has already begun. In whatever you accomplish, you will be my greatest legacy.