Dear Lauren,

Twenty-four years ago today, you entered this world….screaming and crying, but the most beautiful part of God’s creation I had ever seen.  This morning, my first thoughts were of you, so I wanted to make this week’s devotional a fitting tribute to your birthday.

I asked a pastor friend once, “What do priests say to babies during their baptisms?”  Many times I would notice the priest leaning over to the baby and whisper something to the young child.

“Well, there a lots of things we say….”, said my pastor friend.  “I personally like Psalm 139:14”.

This is fitting for you as well, Lauren.

“I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Psalm 139:14

What does that mean, actually?  I mean….”fearfully”?  I get the “wonderfully” part, I think.

Fearfully, translated from Hebrew, means “with great reverence, heart-felt interest and with respect”.  When God made you, He did so not only so that you might honor him with your own reverence and respect, but more importantly, perhaps, God made you as if you were the only person He ever created.  He did it with such respect and honor for you…..as an individual.  It also means that God created you from a place of respect and reverence.

Wonderfully, also translated from Hebrew, means “unique and set apart; marvelous”.   This means God made you as someone He loves more than you will ever know.  You are marvelous in His eyes, set apart and beautiful.

Today, just like every day, I am thankful you are my daughter.  You are a blessing to so many….you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

All my love!

Daddy