Figured it out? Our "middle child" - our 5th born - Jared - is Fifteen today! Every one of our children bless us. Today, I'll focus on Jared.
We prayed about Jared's name. We named him Jared David - Ruler Beloved. It's been our joy to watch as he moved from immature leadership (um...fostering a rebellion among the younger ones against the older ones ::snort::) to humbly serving (House of Faith these past 3 years) to more mature leadership (Civil Air Patrol involvement - Cadet of the Year) now that he is a young adult. But where does he lead - those are CACTUS?
Jared is an extrovert extraordinaire among his siblings who run the spectrum of introverts to mild extroverts. 
He has always kept us laughing, from day one. This photo was taken IN ACADEMY - he owns none of this.....but loves to poke fun at TT/Aggie fans. 
Jared has developed a passion for God that humbles us, his parents. I love the way God covers parenting with grace as we spend time on on our face before Him. He's also developed a passion for politics and dreams of someday being in national politics (hey - can you think of a place where passionate lovers of Christ are more needed in this generation?)
You won't see a lot of birthday party pictures today. We had Jared's "birthday dinner" when the girls and David were here. Jared has asked us not to give him gifts yet.....it seems too soon after Christmas. He and I are discussing either gifts on my birthday later in the month or waiting until April. ::snort::
We love you, Jared and we are blessed to have been entrusted with mentoring/discipling/parenting you. We look forward, with eager anticipation, to where God leads you.
Choosing Joy!
©2009 D.R.G.
What a wonderful birthday post! I love how you dolled up the blog for him as well. He sounds like a great kid! I pray that his passion for Christ only continues to grow in the future. (And I'd love to hear the story of the rebellion... that sounds hysterical!) Happy birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Jared!
ReplyDeleteJared: Love you tons!! Love all the neat things your Dad/Mom have to say about you. It's true that anything is possible for a person yielded to God.
ReplyDeletelove/prayers
your2G's T.
I already wished Jared a Happy Birthday, but I guess today is the real day, so "Happy Birthday, Jared!".
ReplyDeleteLove the new background.
Happy Birthday! What fun to see them grow up (not leave just grow up - lol). Love the birthday background!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Jared!! De'Etta, I too really enjoy our friendship on and off the computer. So sorry for the trouble with google. What a big bummer.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Julie
happy birthday, jared!
ReplyDeleteour "middle" (drew) will also be 15 this year -- I hope to make his special blog as special as Jared's is. wow.
blessings to you and yours.
melinda
Happy Birthday, Jared!
ReplyDeleteDe'Etta, what a loving entry for your beloved blessing!
Happy Birthday, Jared!
ReplyDeleteDe'Etta, I wanted to say that I love reading about how you raise your family. Even though we've never met in person, I consider you a mentor & I thank you for being so willing to share so much of your family on your blog. It has blessed me so much.
Happy Birthday Jared!
ReplyDeleteWow, you know they've matured when they ask to wait on having their gifts!!
Hey all, thanks for all the birthday greetings for Jared. You helped to make his day special.
ReplyDelete