Lauren Graduates Today

I know, I’m just writing about my kids these days – but it’s my blog. Deal with it.

The significance of this day in our family’s history is directly tied to our church's history in every way. The pride I feel in my daughters should be shared by everyone at Parkview who provided a place for them to find peace and love and grace in our Lord Jesus Christ.

This is especially true for Lauren and Becca. They were born here. Lauren was almost born the first day we moved to this town in January of 1990. Denise went into labor the very first night. They put her on some meds and she held off until March 2nd. This Parkview Journey has in every way been Lauren’s journey. She was the recipient of thousands of hours of care in the church nursery, MDO, Sunday School, VBS, etc. Her mother started the MOPS program which brought us so much help and encouragement through those preschool years.

We’ve been watching a lot of old videos lately. Denise prepares a “life of” video for each of our kid’s graduation parties that chronicles their life in short form.

It seemed like everything we watched was either a holiday or something at church. There is just no way to minimize the importance of Parkview to my family. And I know we lead it and we led it and all of that. But it was a team effort. It doesn’t take a village to raise a child, but a church community in your child’s life is immeasurable!

I’m showing at video at church this weekend of Lauren’s baptism 10 years ago. In the video I say, “Someday Lauren will be choosing a college, etc., and making really important life decisions.” (which cracks me up in light of the long process of college choosing that we’ve been going through). But then my point is that this decision, to follow Christ, is the one that will make eternal impact. It is the most important decision she has ever made. And it was made with the help of the community of believers here at PCC - our “Family” in every since of the word. I’m so thankful for that.

So when I brag on my children (Lauren was number 8 in her class of 950! I think that made her the Octodictorian). When I tell you what God is doing in their lives. Be proud with me. They aren’t my children, they are God’s. And all of us just got to help.

Parents - Dig in and get your kids involved. Help them make choices to be involved in children’s and youth activities (over the other choices they have in life). Stay at a church long enough for them to make lifelong friendships. (Every video I saw had Carolyn Beil in it) Parents you need help. And the church can provide that help.

And To My Little Lolo:

I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. I’m amazed at who you’ve turned out to be. You are amazing in every way. The Love of God leaks out of your every pore. I’m excited for your future at Wheaton, and I’m excited that you are only going to be 45 minutes away [whether you are or not:)]. As I have looked back over your life on film in the past few weeks, it just blows my mind that it’s gone this fast.
It was yesterday you were the cutest baby in the world; yesterday that you were “nursing your baby” like mommy nursed your little sister; yesterday that you went off to MDO and then to school; yesterday that you learned to sing and play the trumpet; yesterday that you found your heart for other children and the less fortunate in the world. And now it is today.

You are so lucky to have both sets of grandparents still around and coming to watch you walk across the stage tonight. You are lucky to have sisters and an amazing mom and decent dad that love and support you like they do.

But mostly you are blessed to have a God who gave you everything including his own Son so that you could be free from sin and free to be everything he created you to be. And you are blessed to have had one fantastic church with a ton of amazing people who have poured into your life for the past 18 years.

Consider yourself loved and blessed beyond measure.

We are all very proud of you.

Love you,
Dad

PS – If anyone has extra graduation tickets for LWE tonight – we’re going to need them if the weather forces us inside.

Comments

[db]

We, too are proud of you, Lauren. Most of us have heard the horror stories about PK's, and it couldn't be any less true of you (and your sisters). That is a testament of the nurturing, loving and godly parenting you have received. They 'walk' the 'talk' and have instilled that in you. God has indeed created you to be a beautiful young woman, but the most awesome thing is...you are even more beautiful on the inside. Congratulations & may God continue to bless you as you allow Him to work in you and through you.

[Rich]

Tim (and the Harlow's)
This blog cold also be the blog of the Beil family. Carolyn and Lauren have been best friends since the womb. We are so blessed to have been counted among your friends, and to be a part of this amazing church that God has raised. To Him be the glory. Thanks for sticking it out with us through the not so nice years. There will be so many in heaven that will serve as a testiment to your faithfulness to this church.
Lauren: what your Dad wrote of you is a big ditto from our heart to yours. A part of you will always be a part of us through your friendship and love to Carolyn and through Parkview. We are as proud of you as we are of Lyn.

[Lisa]

I am blessed to be a part of this 'family' also and I get the honor of being able to say that Lauren AND Carolyn have both been my baby's teachers at church. Congrats to grads and Dads! Thank you both for allowing so many to help raise such beautiful girls who now help me to raise my children, and so on and so on and so on...

[Paula]

WOW! Awesome :)! Congratulations! A Perfect Picture :)
What a beauty...inside and out!
Great job everyone (including you Lauren!)
:)
(can't wait to see and hear what GOD has planned for you!)