“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in unity.” I Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

 

 

Cole and Sadie were born six months apart. Even though they are first cousins, they have spent all of their lives doing many things together like siblings would naturally do. Because they were in the same grade at school, they took classes together and spent many hours doing homework together. When they were in the 4th grade, our families moved across the street from each other, and their bond grew even closer. Reed, John Luke, Sadie and Cole would spend hours together in the tree house, fishing in the pond, riding bikes and playing in each other’s rooms. When they got a little older, their talks turned from dinosaurs, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie to boy problems, girl drama and ATV dares (they laugh now, but it took a while!) They didn’t think anything about it, but I knew how special these relationships were. I didn’t grow up with a big family, and I lived hundreds of miles away from any cousin. To have your cousin become your best friend, even if you never acknowledged it, was becoming more of a blessing each day. I knew it in my heart, and my heart smiled.

 

 

Last Monday, if you noticed, I didn’t post a devotional. It’s not that I forgot or didn’t know what to write about. I did. But I was so overwhelmed by life’s circumstance of watching Cole and Sadie graduate from high school at the same time. Knowing how our own personal lives have changed in the last few years with the fame of Duck Dynasty, being vey purposeful with our children has been a big priority with Jase and me. We’ve tried our best to rely on God’s word as well as older and wiser men and women in our church family to guide us. Seeing Cole and Sadie enjoying this final moment of “childhood” together, laughing, taking pictures, being goofy and celebrating just another one of life’s moment’s together, again brought a smile to my heart. These kids, along with Reed, John Luke, and now Mary Kate and Brighton, have hearts that not only have been molded by Christian families but also by Jesus Himself. They are making their faith their own and not the faith of their parents, which is what we have been preparing them for.

 

John says in III John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

I know that John was talking about his convert, Gaius, but I can’t help but feel the same pride in my own children as I get to actually watch them with my own eyes.

 

While every other graduate in their class has made plans to go to college this fall, Cole and Sadie will be doing a tour. Yes, they are the only ones out of 60 graduates not starting college right away. Instead, they have decided, along with Reed and Brighton, John Luke and Mary Kate, to suspend their education in order to try to influence as many young people across the nation to be original in this world and live as God intended us to live—holy and pleasing to Him. Remember when you were young and you had dreams and plans for your life, maybe some of you even planned on changing the world? Well, these kids have that same dream, and they are putting it into action. These six dreamers are traveling on a bus for 3 ½ weeks stopping in cities from New York to California hoping to inspire people from all walks of life to get excited for Jesus.

 

Paul continues in I Timothy 4:13-14, “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift…”

 

Our kids have accepted the challenge that God put on their hearts. Satan will try to stop them, but he will fail. There will be challenges (like living in bunks together on a bus for close to a month!), but the memories they will share will be priceless. And the hearts they will change will be irreversible to the Kingdom of God.

 

 

Just a few days ago, Sadie told Korie, “Mom, I just want to thank you and Aunt Missy for having babies together. I don’t know what I would do without Cole. He’s my best friend.”

 

 

So, even though Korie and I could have never predicted that having children so close together could have the possibility of impacting the world for Jesus, our God did. He was preparing Cole and Sadie through all of their shared experiences and countless hours together to form a bond that no one saw coming, not even them. Have a dreamy week!

 

Catch the Live Original Tour in a major city near you this fall! Go to www.liveoriginal.com for schedule and tickets.

Comments

S. Amato:

Praise God!
This is just what our young people of today need! I am so proud of the Robertson kids for doing this because other young people will be more open to the message about our Lord Jesus, coming from young people their own age. And our youth of today really need to hear more of the good moral standards from the Bible than what they are getting from the education system of today. Especially what some colleges have to offer right now which is indoctrinating our youth to turn away from God & turn to what the world or government has to offer which is not turning out too well for them! So I pray for the Young Robertsons to be a blessing and also be blessed through their journey!

Blessings to your family always❣

May 29, 2016

Emily:

There is nothing more refreshing than seeing young people spreading the love of Jesus. It is a joy to see all the incredible things your family is doing in this world. God bless Sadie, Cole, and the rest of the gang!

May 25, 2016

lynn vest:

Missy, thank you. Your a beautiful soul. I admire you for your strength in family. And your live for JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD. We love your family. And it shows. Through your kid’s. They are so blessed to have you. And such beautiful word’s. I’m blessed just to be able to read what you write. Thank you. You and your children and the while family is what we all need to be! God Bless You.

May 24, 2016

Ilene Livingston :

Missy, you and Jase have done a wonderful job raising your children and with other cousins, they have been a Blessing to one another. Keep sharing your faith in Christ Jesus! Love you all!

May 24, 2016

Jessie :

Love this so much! Family is so important!

May 23, 2016

Samantha:

So excited for them. I too am seeing my children walk in truth as they are young adults. I signed up to volunteer at the event in BR. So excited I can be a tiny part of helping them encourage and teach this next generation.

May 23, 2016

Tanya Tripp:

Wow what sweet words you have Missy. God surely knew what he was doing when he made you a Mom. I will pray for your family’s and the dream the Lord has put in those lives to share His word. Hope to take my daughter to see them in Charlotte NC.

May 23, 2016

Crystal :

You guys are amazing. I feel like I know all of you from the show and reading different things about you. Thank you for never giving up and always living for our Heavenly Father. God bless you all!

May 23, 2016

Candace:

Simply beautiful!

May 23, 2016

Tiffany :

Thank you for sharing your heart and thank you for raising such great kids.
We have a 12 year old girl and a 10 year old son. We often site your kids (and nieces/nephews) as great examples of living out their faith.
Have a great day Missy!

Tiffany

May 23, 2016

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