One of the Herd turned 18 today!

Happy Birthday to our 18-year-old son!

Third Child of mine, it's been quite a journey so far. You were my first after all the dust settled, and I'm sure there are lots more roads ahead of you.

As you embark on this new chapter of life, here are some wise words from your storm of a mother in 18 life lessons:

1. Believe.... in God make him #1, pray every day, and over everything. (God wants you to have confidence in yourself and your abilities just like your mom does) Jeremiah 29:11

2. Embrace... change (trust your gut though and don't follow anyone just because you want to fit in.) Proverbs 2:6-15

3. Follow... the right rules and the Law Galatians 3:10-14

4. Find... the right balance Leviticus 19:36

5. Love... deeply -(Love is a tricky thing – it can be hard to tell if someone really loves you or not. They might say the right words, but that doesn’t always mean they mean what they say. Love shouldn’t just be about words, but also actions – it's only when their actions line up with their words that you can truly trust that they love you) Ephesians 4:15

6. Knowledge... is power and the consequences without it Hosea 4:6

7. Patience... is a virtue Proverbs 14:29

8. Responsibility...Take ownership of your actions, knowing that you will have to face the repercussions of your decisions. Though it may be uncomfortable and painful, accepting responsibility for yourself is an essential part of growth. Psalm 119:105

9. Happiness... is found within you - if you dig deep for it. Peek inside yourself and look for a giggle or two! Then hold on tight to that joy and never let it go! James 1:2-4

10. Live.... life with no regrets Romans 2:4

11. Speak... the truth Zechariah 8:16

12. Respect... yourself and others Philippians 2:3-5

13. Connect... with creation (Don't stop camping) Deuteronomy 8:1-10

14. Offer... help to those who need it 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

15. Strive... for greatness Ephesians 1:4, 18

16. Dream... big but work hard to make them realities Romans 15:22-29

17. Choose... kindness over cruelty Luke 6:35

18. Laugh... often and live happily it is good medicine Proverbs 17:22

The Storm - Lee