Eli's Baptism

On April 27th, the day before Eli's 7th birthday, we were sitting on the back porch with the boys, talking about Jesus. Kris was talking to them about how Jesus took all our punishment, all our guilt, all our shame, and that we had to experience none of those things.

I was watching Eli's face while Kris was talking, and I could see it. I could see he was dialed in. I could see the heavens warring for him. After Kris finished and he and Luke went inside, I pulled Eli into my lap and started asking him questions. Did he understand what daddy was talking about? Sort of. Did he have questions? A few.

Kris came back out and joined our conversation. He explained, "Eli, it's like Jesus is holding a gift in his hand. It's free, and all we have to do is reach out and grab it." Eli's hand shot up in the air, and he said, "I want that gift!"

Writing this, I'm weeping. It was as precious and uncomplicated as it sounds. As is the gospel.

We prayed with him, feeling confident he understood the gravity of what he was saying yes to. Eli is our silliest child. I've never seen him more serious in his life.

He wanted to be baptized at the beach like Luke, and he chose Memorial Day for the day. Truly it was a Memorial Day for us!

 A new man.

Spirit Bridge by James Rubart

I reviewed both Soul's Gate and Memory's Door in this same series, and my review here for Spirit Bridge is much the same. I loved it. As with most book series, the first book, Soul's Gate, was my favorite. While Memory's Door and Spirit Bridge didn't rock me the way Soul's Gate did, they were both excellent.

In this book, the Warriors Riding continue their journey of traveling into the supernatural realms to set people free and fight the enemy from the inside out. Two new characters join in the fight, but the Warriors first have to decide if they are truly on their side.

As with the first two books in the series, I gained new perspective about the spirit realm and what the battle of the unseen looks like. I would recommend this book, but only after the first two books have been read.

I received this book from BookLook Bloggers in return for my honest opinion.

Test Me In This

That's what I hear You saying in my spirit.

"Seek first My Presence, and I will take care of the rest. Test Me in this."

So many things on my list and so little time. A full day, every moment accounted for. But I hear You whisper,

"Spend time in My Presence. Test Me in this."

I will. I choose You and Your Presence. I find Peace and Promise that all has been done.

Eli is Seven!

Eli's birthday got celebrated several times. We had a party when we were in Georgia for Easter, cupcakes as a family on his actual birthday and then cake and presents again this past Sunday with Kris' family. He's still saying it's his birthday. And why not? He's pretty awesome and totally worth celebrating over and over again.

I got a gift on his birthday too. I got to have him all to myself. My neighbor watched Susanna while Judah and Luke were in school. After his check up we went to Walmart to pick out his gift.

Then Susanna joined us for lunch at Chili's. Which is why the picture is blurry.

It's so rare that I get one on one time with Eli. The child is just fun. He's funny, he's polite, he's easy. In the chaos that abounds in our household, sometimes those qualities get lost a bit. It's amazing how much more settled he has been since that day. Almost like he knows himself again. I love it.

Eli, you sweet, fuzzy-headed, second baby bear of mine, you light up my life! I enjoy you! I'm so proud of who you are, you're very own self. There isn't a thing about you I would change. Not one thing. I can't wait to see what fun things this next year brings for you. I know that you will be brave and take the challenge. You have what it takes! Thank you for loving me and wanting to spend your day with me. I treasure that time, and I treasure you!

Susanna at 7 Months

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize." 

I think of this quote from Steele Magnolias every time I just can't help myself and put a bow on Susanna even though she's only wearing her diaper. It just makes me happy.

Her first time in a swing at the park.

Judah adores her as much as her big brothers do. And even when she sneaks up on him and grabs a handful of his hair when he's laying on the floor, he never is rough with her. It blows me away.

 Luke is my "babysitter" often.

Hallelujah! We can put her in a highchair and feed her puffs now. Mealtime is so much easier!

Look at that concentration. This was her first time. We were all rooting for her.

 It always cracks me up when they get stuck to their face.

She and Luke enjoy some good snuggle time.

She's mobile!

And she recognizes a good opportunity when she sees one. She crawled up to Judah while he was sleeping and pulled the kindle out of his hands.

This girl is pure sunshine. She wakes up with a smile and, as long as you give her a bed when she's ready, she smiles all day long. We are loving her to pieces!

Silly, Sleepy Eli

He was trying to play it off once he realized I was videoing it, but he couldn't quite wake up all the way. So silly, this kid.

A Few Videos

In calmer, sweeter moments, this is what our house looks like...

And in the not so calm and sweet moments, we leave our house and let them burn off some steam. They're far more confident that I would like them to be.