He died 4 me

I'm back to bragging. Remember in this post about Seth when I mentioned the thoughtful present (to remain un-named) that Seth had bought his Daddy? He saved some of his birthday money when we were in Bible book store and brought me this gift and asked, "Mommy, can I use my money to buy this for Daddy?" It took about half of his savings, big bucks for a little wallet. We came home, wrapped it, and hid it. T's birthday was in December and we completely forgot it. So this week, Seth remembers and gives T his gift:
It is a spinner ring that says, "HE DIED 4 ME. I LIVE 4 HIM." T has been showing it off to everyone. The reason it is so special and thoughtful for Seth to have picked this out is that it matches T's tattoo. One he got after his best friend Mike was killed in an accident 2 years ago. Mike and he had picked out and bought a shirt with this design and the above transcription to one day get tattoos of. Mike was buried in his shirt so T went through with his first and only tattoo that reads "Christ 4 life". While I wasn't completely thrilled with T getting the tattoo 2 years ago, it has really grown on me and I love that he would want to make such a bold, and permanent, statement. God has brought us through so much in the past 5 years. And we have continued to learn, to grow, and to try to trust. While we are far from perfect Christians, far from perfect parents, and far from even the word "perfect", it is comforting to know that no matter what happens today or tomorrow, that we are branded as His children. With or without rings or tattoos. I was bought at a price. And that can never change. So even when my faith wavers, or my trust is shaky - I know that He doesn't give up on me. The same way I would never give up on my own children. And that is true peace to rest in, when I LIVE 4 HIM and stop thinking only of myself.

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John 10:28-30

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."