what do I do with a girl?

That was the first thing to come out of my mouth 15 years ago when Lilly was born.  Levi was a little more enthusiastic upon hearing the news that he had a baby sister.  He said, “That’s great.  When can we change her into a boy?”

It was only a few weeks later that I started driving to Happy Valley to begin my work as the youth pastor at Calvary.  State College is really the only home Lilly has ever known.

She was the happiest strong-willed child you ever saw.  She’d be supposed to be napping in her crib and Kim would find her out of the crib, on the floor digging through Kim’s purse, the biggest smile on her face, naked as a jay-bird!

Over the past 15 years she’s grown into a beautiful, strong, compassionate, creative young woman.  She’s got a big heart for the underdog, and you’d better watch how you treat her siblings, cause she’ll go to battle for them.  She’s a leader, but not always from out in front.  She’s learning to use her strengths and gifts to make a difference.

I have no idea what the next few years will hold for her, no idea where the road will lead her.  But I know that she’ll shine.  She is, after all, my sunshine!  Hope your birthday was tremendous, Lil!