My niece Addie (aka the cutest, pudgiest 15-pound bundle you ever laid eyes on) was baptized last month. Daniel and I had the privilege of playing the role of not only Aunt Eppie and Uncle Daniel Dude but also the godparents.

I’ve already figured out that Addie has much to teach me about faith and love and trust. Jesus said as much himself: “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children” (Matthew 19:14).

But when we stood in the front of the church vowing to love this child and model Christlike lives for her, it felt like such a daunting task. Addie, I silently telegraphed to her, I don’t have this thing called life figured out yet. How can I ever teach you what it means to follow God when I still have so much to learn myself?

She just stuck her tongue out at me in that goofy way of hers, as if to remind me that the two of us have a long while to figure this out together. But for now, I started a list, writing down the blessings I want for my Addie-girl.

To Addie Mae, on the occasion of her baptism, February 15, 2014

• May you know the joy of loving and being loved. And when your heart gets broken, may those cracked places only deepen your capacity for love.
• May the soundtrack of your life be laced with laughter. And may you know, too, that it’s okay to cry.
• May your feet be swift for running and may they know when it’s time to rest.
• May you know you are fearfully and beautifully made, just the way you are.
• May you discover the secret that the best gifts are the ones you give away.
• May you always chase after God, even as you know he is really the one chasing after you.
• May you have friends who speak the truth to you and friends who help you up when you fall down.
• May you know when to stay strong and when to surrender.
• May you have eyes to see the mystery and wonder of this world God has made.
• May you sync your heart to God’s heartbeat for the lost, the hurting, the underdog.
• May you always hear God’s voice whispering the way you should go.
• May you find, when the storm rages around you, that God is your shelter.
• May you know that there is nothing you can do to stop God from loving you, nothing so bad you can wear out his grace, and nowhere you can go beyond his reach.
• And from this day forward, until you stand by his side, may the Lord bless you and keep you. May he smile on you and be gracious to you. May he show you his favor and give you his peace.

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I’m giving away a book I love today—Sparkly Green Earrings by Melanie Shankle (aka Big Mama)! This book about motherhood will make you laugh and it will make you cry—quite often on the same page.

For your chance to win, simply answer this question in the comment section:

What is one blessing you would want for the children in your life?

Be sure to submit your answer by Monday, March 17!