Free spirited, adventurer, old soul, loves history, loyal, beautiful, determined, chill, international, chosen, child of God, my friend, my daughter…Holly.
Free spirited:  Holly is like my “groovy girl”.  Being the middle child, she has always had the tendency to have a free-spirit about her.  When I showed Holly the Certificate of Dedication from our church service from November 8, 1998, it said that her character quality is “Pure Spirit”.  We both smiled and agreed.  Pure and Free-Spirited…That’s my girl.  “My brothers and sisters, God chose you to be free. But don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do what pleases your sinful selves. Instead, serve each other with love.”  Galatians 5:13.
Adventurer:  Holly is always up for an adventure.  She jumps off cliffs into the water, surfs the ocean with sharks, and dares to travel abroad.  I can’t wait to see what “voyage” of life God has planned for her.  “You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness. Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11
Old soul:  Holly loves watching old movies, wishes she could travel back in time to the 1920s, the Victorian Era, Greek and Romans, etc., and often says words of wisdom well beyond her years. “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”-Mother Teresa
Loves history:  Well, as you can tell from the above, her old soul ties in perfectly with her love of history.  She was excited this morning when she opened one birthday gift.  It was a history book.  Okay, it was a history book about surfing, but she was thrilled.  She even wants to minor in history when she begins her college life.  “Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. Those things were written so that we could have hope. That hope comes from the patience and encouragement that the Scriptures give us.”  Romans 15:4
Loyal:  Holly can often be perceived as an “I don’t care” attitude, but deep down, I know her loyalty.  She is trustworthy and dependable.   “Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21
Beautiful:  Holly is a natural beauty.  I’m grateful that she never got caught up as a pre-teen and teen in the make-up scene.  She will throw on some mascara to accentuate her beautiful eyes, but that’s about it for her.  She even says she feels prettier without all the make-up on. Holly’s beauty isn’t just on the surface, but within her.  Holly has a beautiful soul.  “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. ⁴ Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”  1 Peter 3:3-4
Determined:  Once Holly discovers a passion for something, she is determined to do give it her all.  For example, I am so stoked for Holly’s determination for wakeboarding. The first time Holly went to the cable park, she wasn’t successful in her attempts.  We went again on another day.  And again, no success.  I informed Holly that she needs to get her a j-o-b to pay for this expensive new hobby.  Well, she picked up an application from the cable park, turned it in, contacted the owners, and a week later she was an employee.  Now Holly doesn’t only get paid to work at a place that she thoroughly enjoys, but gets to wakeboard for free on her off time.  It’s paying off.  She practices and practices.  Her boss entered her into a competition.  Holly practiced the jump for a week, competed, and placed.  Woohoo!  Okay, so she placed 4^th out of five, but she came home with a smile on her face and said, “I didn’t come in last.” Now, she’s ready for her next competition, and determined to get better at wakeboarding.  “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13
Chill:  Holly is a very laid back person.  She gets a good laugh when classmates ask her if she high.  She laughs and reassures them that she’s never done that.  Holly just has a laidback personality. (Yes, I had Holly’s permission to type these words.  She, of course, laughed and said, “I don’t care”, and proceeded to tell me how many people have questioned her.) “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  Philippians 4:8
International:  Holly has been blessed to have the opportunity to travel.  She definitely has the “travel bug”.  She desires to study abroad while in college, graduate and spend time exploring Greece and Italy (Both places she’s spent brief vacations in when she was younger.)  Holly was excited this morning when she said, “I get to eat Italian food for lunch and Greek food for dinner.”  “The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” Psalm 121:8
Chosen:  Holly’s suggested life verse from her baby dedication is “Be holy in everything you do, just as God is holy. He is the one who chose you.” 1 Peter 1:15.  What an awesome assurance to know that she was “chosen” by God.
Child of God:  Yes, Holly is a Child of God.  She is a Princess of the One True King.  It is a comforting reflection to know that I don’t only get to spend time with my girl here on earth, but in Heaven to for eternity.  “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”  John 1:12
My friend:  Holly made a comment to someone before and said, “Sometimes I forget my mom is my parent and not a friend.” Some may cringe at the idea of that, but I must say that I love it!  I prayed for God to grant me a relationship with my daughter where we communicate with one another.  He did.  “Thank You, Lord.”  Now, Holly knows her place and respects me as her parent, but our talks are often conversations of two girls that are friends for life.  This allows me opportunity to be an encourager, wise counsel, confidant, and mentor at the same time.  “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.” Ecclesiastes 4:9
Daughter:  June 9^th, 1998, Tim and I were blessed to welcome Holly Anne Shuff into this world.  I’m so grateful to have a daughter to share, laugh, teach, and love.  “Children are a gift from the Lord, a reward from a mother’s womb.” Psalm 127:3

Happy Birthday, Holly!  I love you!