Week 289

Positive post Sunday, September 4, 2022- Week 289.

It truly took a village! I am so grateful to all our family and friends who have supported us along a very important Journey. One that has taken us from the births of two tiny innocent babies on August 13, 2004, where the odds of survival were very low, to two beautiful young ladies beginning their first year of college. Miracles do happen, and although our journey is not over, this is certainly a timely opportunity to give thanks and to celebrate!

Our two Granddaughters Kendall and Nikole weighing in at just over 2 pounds and just over 3 pounds, were only given a 5% chance to live. They have not only survived they have thrived. Fast forward 18 years, and this past Friday, Michele, Stacy, and I loaded up our car and truck with their belongings and drove them to their on-campus housing at California Baptist University. Yes, our miracle babies are starting college and we helped them get all settled in before their classes begin this coming Tuesday. Words simply could not express the emotions I was feeling (although tears did). I am so proud of both of them and grateful for all the support and prayers we have received over the past 18 years. So many of our family and friends supported us and the girls, our village if you will. To say we are blessed, would be a monumental understatement. As they embark on this next chapter in their lives, I pray that they will grow both academically and spiritually, guided by their strong and foundational faith.

Kendall and Nikole, as you turn the page and begin this next chapter in your lives, here is my prayer for you:

Heavenly Father, I am so blessed you chose Michele and I to care for our 2 little angels these past 18 years. We are grateful that through your divine intervention, we were entrusted to be their guardians. They have grown up so fast, and with your grace and guidance, they have become beautiful, caring and faith filled young ladies ready to explore the next chapters in their lives. Thank you for answering our prayers and giving us the strength, patience and humility to fulfil our responsibilities as their guardians. Although our role as guardians has come to an end (they are now 18), we will forever be their Mommom and Papa. We pray for your guidance as we continue to support them throughout their lives.

Dear Lord, please continue to watch over Kendall and Nikole as they begin their college studies and pursue their academic goals. I pray that they remember to keep You at the center of their lives and that they build on their foundation of faith, our greatest gift to them. Please grant them the courage to stand by their faith and maintain their sound morals and ethics as I am sure they will be tested and challenged. Please protect them from the temptations they will face as college students and being on their own for the first time. I pray that, with your guidance, they will make good decisions and always place their spirituality ahead of worldly desires.

Dear Lord, please surround Kendall and Nikole with students and faculty of faith and give them the strength and insight to seek friends and relationships that build their academic and spiritual wealth. Please send them signs that remind them to give thanks for all their blessings and to look for opportunities to pay it forward by serving others. I pray that they keep their hearts and minds open and seek Your help and guidance. I pray that they continue to attend Mass with us and worship regularly. Lord, I also pray that they know now much we love them and how proud we are of them, and that we will always be here to support them.

Finally, Lord I also ask that You grant Michele and I the patience and strength to continue to support Kendall and Nikole as they pave their own path and establish new routines as they gain independence. Please help us recognize, appreciate and accept that although their path may differ from ours, we have provided them the foundation of Faith Family and Fitness that will always guide them to You and ultimately to everlasting life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I also offer Kendall and Nikole (and all new college students) a prayer they can recite as they take the next bold step in their life journey, attending college. The prayer comes from this link to 13 blessing and prayers for college students: 13 Best Blessings and Prayers for College Students – ConnectUS (connectusfund.org)

Here is the prayer:

Lord, thank you for enabling me to join college, many looked forward to this, but they did not manage to get into any college, I do not take this for granted. But Lord, college life is very challenging. We interact with people from many backgrounds. It is easy to get carried away and drift away from Your word. Help me, Lord, to continue worshipping You in spirit and truth. I also pray for other believers who are in college, help them to stand firm in their faith, and continue putting You first. In Jesus’ name, we believe and pray, Amen.

Here are some additional prayers for those of us with college students: 10 Prayers for Your College Student – Lisa Appelo.

How do you support your student’s spiritual growth while they pursue their academic goals?

What foundation have you set for the students in your life to achieve everlasting life?