{Today Grace, my only daughter amongst five sons, turns 10 years old.  As I thought about this milestone day, I decided I would write up a blog for her using words and quotes from a book (by Carol Fiddler) that I bought a while ago, a book that I plan on going through and studying with her over and over.  I also took some pictures of her, and of a few of her favorite things.  This blog is dedicated to my 10 year old daughter, and anyone else who may read this.  We all remember what it was like, how exciting it was, to turn 10.}

Character Building

Good character is something you build.  It is not given to you in the same way as, say, a new pair of shoes is given to you to wear.  Character is developed by the decisions and choices you make each day.  Godly character is pure and is a treasure to be desired, sought after with determination and worked at with all your energy.  The best result of having good character is that your life brings glory to God.

Sunshine-Makers

A girl who is a sunshine maker–quick to smile, quick to find good in any situation and quick to ignore hurtful things–is a blessing to many people.

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Sincerity

Everyone wants friends they can trust to be honest and true.  A true friend does not treat you nicely and then say hurtful things about you when you are not there.  To be sincere is to be real.  This means you must be honest with yourself and with others not just in the things you say, but also in the things you do.  When you help another person, it should come from pure motives.  To be sincere is to be straightforward, not pretending to be something you are not.

Careful Words

You will be known by the words that you speak, whether they are kind, thoughtful and caring, or proud, self-seeking and drawing attention to yourself.  More than the stylish clothes you wear, more than the fancy way your hair is done, you will be remembered by the words you have spoken.  The words you speak tell others what kind of girl you are.

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”  Proverbs 16:23-24

Keeping Confidences

Often a girl who busies herself to find out lots of information about other people is one who breaks confidences–that is, she shares what one girl has told her with another girl or group of girls.  That is not right.  When a friend shares her ideas, hopes or dreams with you, she is trusting you with something very special to her.  Your friend would be hurt to find out that you told other people what she told you.  

“A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.”  Proverbs 11:13 

A Sense of Purpose

A strong sense of purpose, or reason for living, is what motivates and keeps you going toward your goals.  The highest goal or purpose is to live for Jesus and have Him show through your life.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Proverbs 31:30

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”  Hebrews 10:24

Meditation

You will begin to see that you will benefit from time alone with God every day.  You grow in wisdom as you spend more time with God.  There also will be times when you need to pull away for additional reflection and comfort, such as when you feel uncertain, angry, frustrated, jealous or depressed.  These will become great times of closeness with Jesus, times of sensing His heart of love and purpose for your life. 

“Grow

in the

grace

and knowledge

of our Lord”

Happy Birthday, Grace Lillian!