Womanhood Celebration Birthday

As a tradition in our family we have decided to affirm our girls transition to womanhood with a formal dinner. We invite the woman in her life and closest friends to celebrate. For my eldest daughter we celebrated her thirteenth birthday with an outdoor formal dinner where Dad, Brothers, Grandpa and Uncles served dinner to us outside on a beautifully decorated long table. The dinner was Meat and Potatoes, veggies and a beautiful cake.

For my second daughters birthday celebration we had it for her fourteenth birthday as a surprise. She walked into a decorated high tea party with homemade sourdough tea sandwiches and all kinds of homemade pastries, raw cheescake bites, three different flavors of mini scones, cookies, and lemon tarts. We used our church sanctuary since it was all decorated for Christmas. I only had to decorate the tables. Instead of food server we had a son going around filling tea cups.

For both of these parties the highlight was after the meal when everyone came with a word of encouragement, a lesson learned as a woman, verses, and poems. This is the part where we pour into the birthday girl wisdom from the woman in her life. Whether grandmas, Aunts, church friends or friends mothers, everyone takes a turn to share their heart with the birthday girl. This is my favorite part and I usually include younger sisters so they can hear the beautiful words and take them to heart. For us woman its a time to encourage each other in what God has taught us and The beauty of biblical womanhood.

I always have a long table even if I have to join two together, this creates a beautiful royal banquet setting. We had 15 ladies this year and it was the perfect size. Even if you only have a few women in your daughters life setting a beautiful table and getting dressed up makes a beautiful setting to share of Gods love and plans for your young lady. We usually end the evening with dancing together and a photo shoot of some kind.

Emma’s 14th Birthday Poem 

With a love for beauty and ballet

You wore dresses like a bell, 

But when it was time to play with the boys,

 You, Donned a hero Well

When I watch you climb 

Those boulders with ease, (she is a rock climber)

I am taken back to 

A toddler defying gravity

Your ability to succeed 

In whatever you do 

Is seen in the way 

You commit to work all the way through

Competitive and thorough, 

Creative and driven

 Remember your abilities and gifts

 Are all God-given

As a young woman you have had more Responsibilities in which to care

From your siblings, the home, and your body

It may not always seem fair

You are reliable and capable,

I trust you with ease

Growing up in our home 

Your character I’ve seen

Life will continue 

To present more trials and temptations,

But with a loving father, God, 

You will never be forsaken

I am proud of the way 

You share love with your siblings.

Your heart is big, your observation, keen. 

I know you can succeed at anything.

So don’t get overwhelmed

In all you want to do 

God has already planned out

Each good work for you

Walk in his ways, 

Seek your creator, your friend, 

He will guide you along, 

And you will share in his plan

Even though your brothers

Can get on your nerves, 

Check yourself, forgive quickly, 

Even though love feels undeserved.

Some trust in their jobs, cars and beauty,

Their abilities and strength of mind

But when you commit these things to him 

A much greater strength you will find.

Not everyone will understand 

Your love and sincerity, 

But as you and I know 

There’s only one cure for society

Jesus has been my strength when I’m weak

My refuge, and my best friend 

When all should be fire or grief

God‘s love became my master plan

Humility and pride are opposites that divide, 

And yet humble we must be 

For pride in our life leads us to strife

But friendship grows in humility

For our father above with his help and his love

Was meek, but full of power 

Even when we know we are right and have the ability to strike 

Gentleness will make great your hour

Becoming a woman is more than a dress, 

Changing body and graceful steps.

You’re a woman inside when your heart full of pride 

Walks with love and gentleness.

When you are complemented admired, and noticed 

Don’t turn away from their words of praise

Your love for the Lord will be apart of your beauty

In this Gods glory is raised. 

Even when you feel shame or wronged

You have purpose and truth to share

His version of you is the one that holds true

Rely on knowing He cares 

Gods word has been my help growing up, 

And I have seen what it’s done for you. 

Keep pressing on, gaining wisdom, growing strong, 

And your heart full of Him will see you through.

I pray, as you grow, seek God‘s way; find a bow. 

You will remember this beautiful day 

When We took time to thank God for his peace and His love 

And his creation of womanly ways

It’s time to dance and thank God for this chance 

To be surrounded by family and friends 

We are all blessed to see Emma growing to be

Gods daughter highly favored and blessed

Let this be our motto as women,

Emma I challenge you to think this through 

To be a woman who imperfectly strives 

to be perfectly free,

Loving others, seeking truth, and wisdom

And godly help with all humility.

And my life verse: Phillipians4:6-7

Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, 

and lean, not on your own understanding,

In all your ways, acknowledge him, 

and he will direct your paths

By Mom 

Cara Manifesta