A Prayer For Tula...

A few weeks after Tula was born, John and I made our first trip to Canada for me to introduce her to all of my family and friends. It was then that my good friend Jessica gave me Tula's "baby shower" gift. It was the most beautiful, hand crocheted pink and white baby blanket. You could tell that it took lots of time and I loved the idea of knowing that Jessica has spent hours creating this gift. It was her first blanket she ever made, and you would never know. It was perfect. But what was the most special about it to me were the four little cards attached to the top of it. They were prayer cards, to be attached to Tula's crib and read every night. The prayer was written by Jessica, and as I read the words aloud, I felt as though all the desires and wishes of my heart finally had words to them. I felt like this prayer captured an idea of everything a Mother could ever want for her child. And Jess, I love that you knew all these things about me. That you pray for my Baby as I would. I thank you for the gift of your friendship, for the blanket, the prayer cards, and most of all, the comfort of knowing that you have been praying for our family this year. Though I never did attached the cards to her crib, they are still attached to the blanket right beside it. And from time to time, I do take a moment to flip though them and quietly pray Tula's Prayer again. I will never grow tired of reading those cards, and I realize almost a year after the fact, that those words, those dreams, and that prayer only becomes more and more true as time passes. I desire these things more for her life now than I did a year ago, although I never thought at that time it would be possible.

I asked Jessica if it would be okay if I shared her "Prayer For Tula" on my blog and she was alright with it. It means so much to me, and as we enter the last week of Tula's first year, I find myself reflecting back on these sorts of special times and wanting to document all of them. Not just for myself, but for Tula.

Tula, Mommy prays for you all the time and more often than not they are prayers of Thankfulness and Praise. You are a special gift to us. But I also have so, so many hopes and dreams for you and I want you to know that I pray these words of love and life over you all the time as well. I promise to always want what is best for you. To love you unconditionally, and at times more than you love yourself. And to pray for and with you, in and through all things. I love you so much. I am thankful beyond words for you.

Father, bless this little girl. I pray that you would send angels to surround her and protect her all the days of her life…That her footsteps will be led to the places that you have prepared for her already…That her body would be healthy, and that she would have an assurance that you are the Healer… That she be filled with joy, because Your joy is what will be her strength. I pray for wisdom, that she will be granted a strong and sharp mind, For discernment, to guard and protect her… That she will flow in compassion, and love people in a way that will delight you… For prosperity in everything her hand touches… For faith to believe in the impossible… And for a spirit of hope in the midst of a storm. I pray that she will exude a radiance, that just her presence will permeate the very essence of you… That anointing will flow in her life, so that the gifts that you have blessed her with will blossom… For ears to hear what Holy Spirit is speaking… And for a heart to be a doer of the word.

These things I ask, believe, and thank You for in Jesus name. Amen.

~Jess

“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me…”

Psalms 139: 13-16

And Ryan, I loved the dress!!!! I feel like I have been waiting for a year (I guess I have been) to finally let her wear it. And if this little peanut would grow a little, she *may* fit into it before summer is gone. Jessica and Ryan are the two craftiest and creative people I have ever met. Tula's Uncle Ryan made her this beautiful dress, it's a one of a kind creation and I cannot wait for her to wear it! He started her her very own "couture line". How cool is that? Here is a sneak peak...Ryan, can't wait to see what the Summer '08 collection has to offer! Isn't it beautiful?