This past week, on April 7, we had an occasion to rejoice. Alyssa, our daughter, turned 18 years old, passing from childhood to adulthood. Although I am certain I am quite biased, she is a wonderful young woman with a sweet heart for the Lord, a deep compassion for people, and a longing to bring the two together.

Over the years, I’ve seen Alyssa’s faith grow as she struggled with health issues for the past nine years (and the struggle continues, although to a diminishing degree), about half her lifetime. She learned to hold loosely any plans she made, to release her desires, to handle disappointment, to persevere through weakness and lousy feelings, and all while firmly trusting in Christ, striving to maintain her joy in Him, not in her circumstances.

During the past year, Alyssa has made significant progress in getting more involved with local youth groups, helping to lead worship times at church, lead girls’ Bible studies, discipling young ladies, sharing openly about her faith in the classroom, maintaining outstanding grades, constantly making precious crafts for various people, and pouring her love into little children and senior citizens alike. She has a huge passion for the unborn and has participated with Holly several times in prayer initiatives downtown near an abortion clinic. She actively prays for people from persecuted countries around the world, loves to listen to expository preaching (not sure where she got that from), delights in playing praise songs on the guitar and piano, and is eager next week to be a part of “Together for the Gospel” conference in Louisville, KY.

What does the future hold for Alyssa? Only God knows, but we know both Alyssa and the Lord well enough to know that God will certainly not waste this precious princess, but will use her for significant kingdom impact wherever she goes. Her deepest passion is studying God’s Word and using it to help others, so although she may stay locally and finish her bachelor’s degree at a local public college (she will graduate with her high school diploma and an AA degree simultaneously in early June), I’m sure she will end up in Bible school before long, perhaps pursuing biblical counseling or some form of biblical studies.

Alyssa, your mother and I are so blessed to have you as our daughter, the boys are blessed with you as their sister, and we all love you dearly! As I quoted in your birthday card, you are a tremendous example of 1 Peter 3:4: “Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.”