CJ's Decision

5 years ago, God blessed us with our second born child, CJ.

Before he was born we have faithfully prayed that he would come to know Jesus and that the very first time he felt God moving on his heart he would put his trust in Jesus. I am thrilled to announce that this prayer has been answered!

Sunday, September 22, 2013, CJ prayed to receive Jesus as his savior. Nothing makes my heart filled with more joy than to see this happen. I knew that it was a decision that he had wrestled with for some time now. A few months ago, during family Bible time Ben was teaching our children through the book of Acts. In learning about Paul and his conversion, one night CJ looked up with seriousness in his eyes and said with a trembled voice, "I think I may be the next one to be baptized around here." I knew God was dealing with his heart, but I also knew that as a parent it isn't my job to pressure him into anything. So patiently, we continued to pray for him. Waiting is very hard, especially when it comes to your children. Nonetheless, I held my tongue and only spoke to him about it when he asked me questions. I began to pray that when the time was right for him, that it would be obvious it was his dealings with the Lord and not my prodding or leading.

A few weeks ago on a Sunday evening we had an emphasis on children's ministry. The service celebrated those who have been teaching our children in the classes at church, it set forth a vision for how to continue to teach them the truth's of God's word, and it gave opportunity for testimonies. At the conclusion, Mr. Eston was asked to pray. This prayer concluded our service and thanked God for the food we were about to eat together. After the service, CJ came up to Ben and said, "I have to tell you something." Through his emotions, Ben was able to discern that CJ was telling him he believed in Jesus, and that this happened when Mr. Eston was praying. While everyone was eating, CJ came up to Ben and said he wanted to share the news with the church. Ben got everyone's attention, and CJ tried his best to boldly say what had happend, but his emotions got the best of him. A couple of days later, I asked him to tell me about what he did that night. Here is what he said.

Nothing blesses my heart more than hearing him share what God has done for him. Our first prayer for CJ has been answered. Now we pray a new prayer- that God would fill him with passion for his Word, and that CJ would serve the Lord with boldness and faithfulness all the days of his life. We would love it if you joined us on that prayer for his life.

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

(Two of my most favorite people- Granddaddy & Nona)

New Playground Fun!

 

We recently took a trip to check out the new playground in town. Our children loved climbing up the "rocks" and zooming down the really tall slides. I was leary of the playground because it seemed to be built with older children in mind, and ours are mostly younger. As it turns out, my suspicions were true, and I found that I nearly had about 50 heart attacks as I watched my youngest two climb up to the highest slide. (I'm not sure how tall the slide is, but it is at least twice my height.) Though there are age appropriate areas, there are no physical boundaries to seperate the younger play area from the older play area, so up my brave boys went. As a result, I drafted my husband to climb up and go down with the youngest one.

They all had a grand time, and we look forward to going back soon. (It will just have to be after my heart recovers!)

Kayla's Wedding

There once was this little girl that I used to know. Her name is Kayla. When I was a tween and teenager, she was a little tot. She spend many nights with me, and I spoiled her rotten. We did things little girls like to do- hair, make up, nails. When I got old enough to drive, that took our fun to a whole new level. We went to the movies, out for dinner, to Seminole football games, and most importantly, we went shopping. Like all good things, this relationship continually has evolved. At some point, she accepted the Lord, and our relationship took on a new level as I shared with her day by day what it means to follow the Lord. Now this little girl isn't so little. She is grown...and she just got married! I cannot believe that! Here we are on her big day!

Ten years ago Kayla was in my wedding as a flower girl. Last month, my daughter was in her wedding as one of the flower girls.

She joined Kayla's stepdaughter in carrying a sign down the isle that read, "Here comes your bride!" Here they are waiting for their turn to walk down the isle.

 It wasn't long before they had the opportunity to carry their sign, much to EE's delight. Here is the happy couple affter the ceremony.

After the wedding we also had the opportunity to take a picture with my "Nona." I love that woman more than words can ever express!

I didn't get to stay for the reception for very long because one of my kiddos had surgery two days before, and I needed to get back to him. (That is a whole other post!) But, from what I could tell, the decorations were beautiful, and I heard the cake was fabulous.

Marcus and Kayla...

I pray that you learn to love the Lord with all your heart. If you follow him with reckless abandon, you will find that every day you will love your spouse in a beautiful way- the selfless way God intends. A great marriage takes much work, and with God's help, you will have one. The old saying, "It's a 50/50 thing" couldn't be more false. "It's a 100/100 thing." You both have to give 100% of yourselves to have a wonderful marriage. You won't be perfect...there will be (many) times when you seek forgiveness from each other. However, in Christ, you will be made perfect. I love you bunches.

May God bless your marriage. 

Wordless Wednesday

BA's 7th Birthday Party

Recently we had the opportunity to celebrate our oldest's 7th birthday.

He wanted a water party, so we rented a bounce house/water slide combo and set up about a half dozen kiddie pools in our yard.

The water slide was by far the favorite attraction in the yard.

For hours the adults were entertained by the children running around playing in our homemade mini water works. The fun was hard to resist...Even Mr. Eston got in on the action!

We managed to snap a picture of most of the children before lunch started. (I think about 30 children were present.)

My crew (and several others pictured above) were having so much fun they didn't even stay to eat cake. They went right back to the water. Of course, the birthday boy was lured away by his presents, but as soon as he opened the last one, he was back to the water fun too.

Thanks to everyone who came and celebrated with us. You made this day very special for BA. We look forward to seeing you grow another year older, and another year more mature in your faith. May God bless you abundantly!