Sweet 16

A Surprise for Courtney's 16th Birthday

Turning 16 is a special event. To celebrate Courtney's almost sixteenth birthday I decided to invite some godly women to speak a blessing into her life on this special day.

Courtney's surprise began on the way to school. We left home with Courtney believing that I was taking her to school. I handed her a journal and asked her to read the Bible verses I had written in it that morning. She read the verses but didn't turn the page. (On the next page I had a note to her explaining what we were doing.) We passed by the entrance to the school and she said, "Mom, what are you doing?" With a smile I replied, "Read the note I wrote to you in your journal."

Our first stop was at a friend's house. Marilyn and Joanna made pancakes for us. When breakfast was over Marilyn spoke to Courtney about character and the women that had impacted her own life because of who they were on the inside. She challenged Courtney with some Bible verses and spoke of qualities she has seen in Courtney's life.

Stop number two was a haircut. Michelle, Courtney's Bible study leader surprised Courtney by showing up and speaking to Courtney about beauty. She was challenged to be beautiful on the inside by cultivating her relationship with Christ. (The haircut turned out great too!)

For our third stop we went our to lunch. Courtney's best friend Marie was waiting for us in the restaurant. Marie and her mom Lynn had lunch with us as we celebrated "friendship". Then the two girls got to go shopping together and have their pictures taken.

For our fourth and final stop we met Lisa and Katie at Java. Lisa and Katie both spoke to Courtney about her relationship with God and His word in her life. This day was such an incredible blessing to Courtney and I pray that it impact her as she heard other significant adults speak a blessing into her life.