8/20/25 Letters to My Daughter

Hey baby girl,

It’s crazy how big you’re getting and how fast time is flying by. The other day I was thinking about how much parenting changes once children become adults. Right now, you are my baby, and I am blessed to raise you — blessed to spend time with you, and blessed every time you need me for cuddles, attention, or anything at all.

I know that one day things will shift to you caring more about friends, a partner, and maybe children of your own. One day you’ll be fully responsible for your decisions, and you’ll get to shape the life you want. I pray I am still a big part of it and that you didn't decide to move to Alaska or something. 😉

Part of me already wants to tell you how proud I am — and how proud I will always be. Another part of me wants to tell you how I know you’ll be a boss at whatever you choose to do. I see the leader in you. I see the light.

But more than that, what I really want to focus on is just you. You are valuable simply because God made you in his perfect image. I don’t care if you lead or achieve a long list of things. My prayer is that I’ve taught you this: you do not need validation from achievements or from anyone else. Life’s circumstances are not a reflection of your value, mama.

Tough times will come. Sometimes there are long seasons where it feels like we don’t “win.” There are valley seasons. Wilderness seasons. Times when it seems like everyone around you is moving forward while you feel stuck.

But I want you to know this, Brielle: God’s timing is perfect. His plan for your life is perfect. He loves you. He is intentional with you. While we may only see what’s right in front of us, there is always more going on in the spiritual. That might be hard to understand now, but one day, you will.

Brielley, in every season I want you to remember: you are loved. You are enough. Things come and go. Seasons pass. When times are hard, practice gratitude — count your blessings. I’m not sure if you remember or if we still do this regularly, but we count our blessings on the way to school. Sometimes 3, sometimes 10. Sometimes you like doing it. Sometimes you hate it. But I’m hoping I engrained a practice in you. Gratitude.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Philippians 4:8).

Train your eyes — your perspective — to focus on what is good. Baby, this verse will carry you through so many hard times. Because life is both good and bad. Often we dismiss the good when something bad happens. We have to be intentional about finding the joy. Always validate how you feel. Be honest and true with your emotions. Tell the Father. But please also consider what I am giving you.

The key to a happier life is choosing to focus on all the good things that you can pull from the worst of situations. An honest and yet positive attitude is often the fuel needed for a happier life. Again, we feel all our feelings but after were done crying baby girl. We thank the father, ask for help, and we praise him for whatever we can praise him for. Even if it’s just one small thing in that moment.

I pray, Brielle, that more than these words, you’ve seen me live this out. You’ve had a front-row seat to my flaws and imperfections, but I hope you’ve also seen the gems. I pray my example has taught you as much as my words.

I love you, mama bear.
God loves you more.

Love,
Mama