Miss Rylee Joy...
It is 5 days before your due date, and I wanted you know before you even arrived, how deeply you are loved and how divinely purposed your life is. As you dance around in my tummy days or hours before your arrival (only God knows!) my heart swells with a deep sense of joy, honor and true delight that you are mine. You see, dear one, your very existence was the idea of someone much greater than me. With your brothers and sisters hopping around our house, filling our lives and hearts to overflowing (in SO many ways!) we did not think we would be adding another little life to our family tree. How grateful we are that our Maker...your Creator has ideas, visions and plans far greater than ours. Daddy and I have learned something over the past few years...God's plans always involve His provision and when we love Him with everything we have and before everyone in the world...we experience His BEST for us.
YOU, Miss Rylee Joy, are part of His gift to us. The God of ALL creation has a purpose for your life that He will unravel before you as you learn how good He is to love. :) There is nothing on earth Daddy or I could give you, teach you or speak over you that will bless you more richly than the LOVE that your Savior has for you, dear one. I am overwhelmed with thankfulness that God has chosen us to be your family and that we will get to see His love unfold in your life up close. Your life will be another window we are blessed to add to our family, that allows us to see deeper into the heart and character of our God. There is no greater gift! You have two brothers who already adore you and a sister who sings your name in anticipation of your arrival even now :)
Daddy and I let Ryder choose your name. He didn't hesitate for a second in hearing, "Rylee!" "Rylee, I love that name! Rylee!" he said. Maybe it is so close to his own! You have to know too, that he was very picky and turned down may others before choosing the perfect name for you. Daddy and I searched harder for your name than ever before and nothing seemed quite right until your oldest brother helped us choose your name, Rylee Joy :) You need to know, it means valiant and courageous. God calls us all to be courageous, since in Him we have nothing to fear. He supplies all we need to face life on this earth with courage and confidence knowing that since He is for us, there is NONE with any power greater who could be against us!
We love you dear one, and greatly anticipate your arrival shortly. You are not being born into a perfect family...we have great reason to go to God daily with thanksgiving in our hearts for He truly supplies ALL we need...It is because of His love for us and the desire He has to be close to us that we can love one another at all. Though we aren't without blemish or fault, we serve and praise a God who is perfectly beautiful in every way. We can't wait for you to know Him too, because in Him the greatest gift is found! We can't wait to meet you face to face, sweet one, though I already feel as if I know you now...you are beautiful, patient, fun and the perfect youngest addition to our family. I'll see you soon, Rylee Joy, and until then...kick away and know that the Lord sees you and has GREAT purpose for your life!!! Your life, even to this point, has made me love and trust my God that much more...thank you sweet one...we love you.
with LOVE in the matchless name of Jesus,
Mommy :)
Danice, what a beautiful post. I am so happy for all of you and am praying for God's perfect timing and peace in all ways concerning Rylee's birth. What a beautiful name!
Praise the Lord and excited to meet you, Rylee!!!
Yeah Danice!!!! How blessed she is to already be a part of a family that serves our God with everything they have!! To us it feels like just a couple months ago that we saw you in the airport and were able to rejoice in this new life. Here you are ready to deliver another beautiful girl into the world. Father God, we thank you that in your perfect time Rylee Joy will arrive. We ask for a smooth delivery and healthy little girl and we praise you for this new season. So exciting Lord, thank you! LOVE, LOVE each of you! Praying for you and looking forward to the report of her day and hour. :) You D, look great by the way. :)
What a beautiful letter to your daughter. And I love that name!!
What a tribute to this sweet little one God created! :) oh the Joy she'll bring to your family.
We're excited for Chloe to have a little Burdett buddy too!