To My Daughter - Things I want you to know

My sweet Katya. On this day, three years ago, you entered the world. The day you were born is etched deep in my mind. It is my technicolor memory. I see those moments leading up to meeting you so clearly. I can still hear the doctor saying, "You've got a baby girl," and my heart plumetting and leaping all at once. How I treasure that moment. It is stored in the most precious section of my heart.Today, on your third birthday, I share a little bit of wisdom with you. The things I want you to know someday, when you are grown.

You are loved.

Being a girl gives you unique and special privileges. One of those is the freedom to love and collect shoes to your heart's content. This is a good thing.

You are beautiful - truly, truly beautiful.

On that same note, the grace with which you carry yourself will make that beauty genuine.

When you are fourteen and some boy you hardly know tells you he loves you - don't believe him and don't say it back.

Measure your hearts' desires against the Word of God.

A classy red shoe will never go out of style.

Sometimes you just need a good cry.

A friend who places stipulations on your relationship is not worth keeping around.

Be genuine with everyone you meet.

Though they may annoy you, your brothers are very special. Let them be your protectors.

You were created by God. You have worth and value to Him and that matters more than anything else in the world.

Measure any boy you ever date against your daddy. If you do this, you will be okay.

Shopping is not all it's cracked up to be...unless you have money to spend - then, shopping is really, really, awesome.

Don't seek worth in the eyes of the world.

Dream big and dream often and know that you can accomplish anything you dream.

Sometimes you may have to sacrifice one dream to obtain another. This is okay.

You'll never be more beautiful than when you are at your most natural - but makeup is a great and fun way to enhance that natural beauty. Just use it sparingly.

There is nothing more noble than a woman who guards her heart.

Modesty is a beautiful thing.

Believe in yourself and in the gifts and abilities that God has given you. Use them to glorify Him.

Your daddy loves you more than you will ever know. You can rest assured in that.

New clothes are always fun, no matter how old you get.

It's okay to be girly, but don't be prissy.

A girl who has a healthy knowledge of sports will have a lot of options in life.

You have two wonderful, godly grandmothers. Get to know them. Soak up their wisdom. You're blessed with a godly heritage.

I love you today and I will love you into eternity.

Happy Birthday, Katya Rose.