I talked to my oldest son on the phone a few minutes ago and almost cried when I hung up the phone. He is through with school. Besides graduation next week, he will never have to go to school again. I am thankful he has chosen to go on to college (although, his mother and I STRONGLY suggested it).
Just want to take this opportunity I have to tell those of you reading this how proud I am of my firstborn son. I am extremely proud of all 3 of my kids, but we are only graduating one from high school this year (gosh, what would we do if we had twins?)
John, if you read this, I want you to know how proud we are of you. You have grown up to be a gentle, kind, caring, and Godly young man. Some girl is going to be blessed when she marries you (don’t worry about that any time soon).
Always use the talents God has given you to serve Him. Thank you for teaching me so much about what it means to take a stand for what you believe. Thank you for being such a good example to your younger brother and sister. Keep your eyes on Jesus….the “author and finisher of our faith”…..
Parents, I will say it again: Cherish the time you have with your kids. Because, before you know it they will be graduating from high school and moving on. Instill Godly character in them. Teach them to say “thank you” and how to respect their elders. Tuck them in bed at night so they fall asleep knowing that you love them. Read to them when they are young and then listen to them read to you when they are older.
Before you know it…there will be another man in the house.
Have a great week!
Okay, so you made me cry once again!! I cannot imagine my babies getting “old” like that. I told the girls yesterday that I didn’t want them growing and getting any bigger. Caroline got onto me and said, “Well, Mommy, that’s not very nice! You should be happy that I’m growing and getting bigger! But, I’ll always be your baby!” It is a bitter-sweet feeling isn’t it?? What a blessing to have healthy, growing, Christ-like children.
It’s hard to believe John is graduating from high school! You know how much we love ALL your kids – actually you and Linda too! We have always admired the way you have raised your children and it has really paid off! May God bless all of you and especially John as he starts a new phase in his life. Abraços
John,
Why is it children grow up so fast? My two boys amaze me everyday with the things they say and do, and how often I have to buy new shoes and clothes to fit. This week Adam’s(age 3) teacher wrote on his evaluation that he is a polite child and a gentleman. We have been told the same of Alston (almost 5), but we are still fervently praying that this will continue. There are so many things, worldly things we have to constantly be aware of that our children are exposed to,no matter how well we think we protect them. Including those that can creep into our own homes. Raising children is the most challenging & yet most rewarding job ever!!! How would we be able to do it, though without the Bible and others like you as our guide/mentor? These are special days with our children. They speed by way to fast. Blink and my boys will be graduating. I cannot imagine the emotions you are going through. I became teary eyed just reading your blog thinking about what it will be like for me. With much appreciation….
wow, i can’t believe he is “grown”. little john has been such a wonderful influence on buck and i. we look at him and hope we are as strong in our faith as him…when we grow up. god is doing and will continue to do great things thru little john. you guys have every reason to be proud.
i know all parents have their weaknesses, but sometimes i wonder if buck and i are messing up sometimes, then i look at you and linda and your family and see the things you go thru and know that god is good. i mean you guys have had an eventful life so far and your children are wonderful. i just worry about phoebe sometimes b/c she has made the comment several times lately that she gets tired of talking about jesus and needs a break. that scares me….we don’t like read the bible every night nor have devotions (like i wish) and she already thinks she hears about him too much? scary!!! but then i realize school and awanas is coming to an end and maybe she is just tired of learning. Parenting is just such a roller coaster. But to finish a huge chunk of it with an outcome like little john is so encouraging!
thanks for the encouragment you and linda give us, we are going to miss it.
Seems like yesterday you were graduating from Tascosa in your green hightop tennis shoes.
Thanks for calling on my birthday. Randy had put me on a plane to go see my grandson to surprise me for may birthday, so I missed your call.
Love you and all of yours, man!
So proud of “Little” (ha!) John. I’d be proud to have my daughter claim him someday!