Jovie is SEVEN

My Dearest Jovie Kalei,

Happy SEVENTH birthday, my love! I can hardly believe it. Seven feels so big—but somehow you’re still my baby, even as you grow taller, smarter, stronger, and more full of life every single day. What a joy it is to be your mama. What a wild, beautiful adventure you are.

From the moment you entered the world, you’ve brought a whole new kind of energy into our lives. You are pure sunshine—bright, hilarious, creative, and just the right amount of wild. There’s never a dull moment with you around, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. You keep us on our toes with your sass, your sweet surprises, and your sudden bursts of deep, thoughtful questions. You are so much in the very best way.

This past year, you’ve grown so much—not just physically (although it seems like you’ve grown a foot overnight!), but in heart and spirit too. You’ve taken on school with courage and curiosity. You’ve made friends, learned big things, and shown us how kind and brave you are. You’re starting to find your own rhythm, your own passions, your own voice—and let me tell you, that voice is strong and beautiful.

You are the one who turns any ordinary day into something magical. Whether you’re building an elaborate fort, putting together outfits that deserve their own fashion show, or dancing barefoot in the kitchen, you remind us that joy is everywhere if we’re willing to look for it.

You are gentle, but you’re also fierce. You’re silly, but you’re also wise beyond your years. You love snuggles and stories and asking the biggest questions about God, the stars, and how things work. You care deeply about the people around you. You cheer for your siblings, make friends wherever you go, and are already showing signs of the strong, compassionate, justice-loving woman I know you’ll become.

And while you’re only seven today, I see in you the roots of someone who will move mountains. You’re full of purpose, Jovie. Full of life and light. And I pray that you never stop running toward the dreams God places in your heart.

And today, as I sit in wonder at who you are becoming, I lift you up in prayer:

Jesus, 

I lift up my sweetest baby girl to you. In my weakness and shortcomings as a mom, you are so very strong. You have created an absolute masterpiece in Jovie Kalei Pentz. I am constantly in awe at the wonder of who she is. She is wild and crazy, yet gentle and loving. She is gorgeous beyond words and precious beyond measure. Jesus, take her precious life and hold it so close to your heart. It is my deepest desire that she would come to know you and the power of your resurrection. That she would love and serve you and love and serve your people with every fiber of her being. And that she would be deeply loved in return. Jesus, raise her up to be a mighty woman that stands for the good of all and points people to you. May she fight for justice, mend the brokenhearted, break barriers, and love deeply. May you lead her, guide her, and let your amazing grace fall upon her as she fights back the darkness for your name. Jesus, give her incredible confidence and strength as she pursues the life that you have called her to. Oh Lord, it is my greatest honor and privilege to be her mom. I dream of the day that I will hear her name announced as she walks across the stage to receive her high school diploma, and then her college diploma and beyond. I can picture it now, seeing sweet Jovie in a white gown as the most beautiful bride. Jesus, I pray for her future spouse, that he would love her like you do and lay his life down for his bride. And I have tears in my eyes even now as I imagine the day that Jovie becomes a mom and instantly knows this crazy and incredible love that I feel for her. Jesus, thank you so much for her precious life. Thank you for the gift that she is to our family. Lead her. Guide her. Let your grace wash upon her. She is your beautiful daughter and I am humbled at this opportunity to love her every day of her life. 

Amen.