Child-like Wonder

On Saturday, we went to visit my nephews for the afternoon and evening. Canyon is a few months shy of turning three. I know I’m always saying, “This stage is my favorite,” but y’all, for real—THIS STAGE IS MY FAVORITE!

His vocabulary is exploding. Every time I’m around him, I’m constantly amazed at the number of new words he knows and sentences he can form.

And he’s so fun to play with. Definitely a first-born, he bosses Howell and me around, telling us where to sit and what toy to play with.

As I reach two steps into the kitchen to grab Case’s blanket, I’m immediately told, “Lala, sit down! Come here. Sit here!”

“Yes, Sir.” :)

(Shortly after I grabbed the blanket for Case... LOL!)
Sweet Case is a good sport with his brother's active imagination

My sister bought Canyon a kite last week. He’d seen one somewhere or on some show, and he’d been asking to fly a kite.

Lucky for him, his Uncle Howell is quite skilled at kite flying.

(My sister and I are not, and we decided that’s another thing that falls into the category of “things we didn't do as kids.” Other items in that category include fairs and circuses. LOL!)

So, we all go outside to watch Canyon experience his first kite—and y’all, I could’ve cried.

The joy on his face. Pure joy and wonder.

There’s no other way to describe it.

I thought, Oh to be a child. To be almost-three and experiencing everything like it’s new.

New words. New phrases. New games.

Everything, every day is something new to him.

And I felt like the Lord reminded me of Mark 10:15—and what it means to have child-like faith.

Jesus says to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

This face—this look of joy and wonder and eager desire to experience—this is what Jesus means; this is what receiving the kingdom like a child looks like.

This week, my friends, let’s boldly approach the throne. Let’s wonder at the beauty of our Savior like we’ve never seen Him before. Let’s marvel at the Holy Spirit and eagerly experience all that He has for us.

Let’s stifle nothing. Let’s let go, with reckless abandon, and pursue our Heavenly Dad and His Kingdom. 

Hello, August: I'm Catching Back Up

July ended up being a busy month, so I can’t say we took a relaxing, peaceful break last month. But I admit I’ve missed the practice of regularly blogging. Allow me to do a little catch up:

On the personal side

We kept my nephew for July 4^th weekend. 

We’ve been to two different lakes with various family last month. 

We celebrated my mom’s birthday and Howell’s grandmother’s 90^th birthday. 

And we went to NYC with our best friends.

What a great month for spending time with others! We are continually blessed by the people God has placed in our lives.

On the writing side

I entered several contests this summer, so I’m hoping to hear something on those soon. I’ve also revised my manuscript like crazy, especially the first half. The critique group I joined has greatly blessed me, and I received feedback from another writer-friend who swapped manuscripts with me. Both opportunities have allowed me to make some changes that (hopefully!) strengthen the manuscript.

I am waiting on an agent-hopeful, and in the meantime, I’m thinking of setting this manuscript aside and focusing on another story God has put on my heart. I’m in the process of outlining it now, and since I’m shooting for the shorter side on this one (maybe 40,000 words), I’m hoping I can finish it this year.

August is like January for us teacher-folks, and I always love the renewed sense of purpose I get at the start of every school year. I anticipate good things to come.

The Lord continues to woo me closer, drawing me in where I can see His Daddy heart. I’m reminded of His goodness, of His perfect plan.

“The Lord is good and what He does is good.” Psalm 119:68

“For the Lord is a shield and a sun. He bestows honor and favor. No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.” Psalm 138:8

Whether this month feels like a new start or a halfway point in the year for you, I pray you’ll take deep breaths today and allow the Lord to love on you with His goodness. 

Part 4: Giving Thanks for Canyon's Birthday

This month I’ve been blogging on Thursdays about gratitude. (If you’re catching up, read here and here and here). I’m loving how the intentional emphasis on gratitude changes my perspective every day.

Tomorrow is my nephew’s second birthday, and I feel it’s only fitting to end the month giving thanks for him! (I know, I know—I gave thanks for the people in my life last week, but he gets his own spot. ;))

Becoming Aunt Lala has been a joy and a blessing. Even when other kids come into the mix—mine or Michalea’s or Clinton’s—I don’t doubt Canyon will have his own special place, reserved only for him.

First picture - May 27, 2014

So, to the little guy who is second only to my husband—I wrote a poem in honor of his birthday:

Once upon a time, a sweet baby was born.

With joy, his whole family welcomed him into this world.

For his life, we praised the Lord.

And his place in Aunt Lala’s heart soared.

To help his mommy was Lala's great pleasure,

And Wednesdays became Dancie and Lala’s treasure.

Week by week, they held their breath—

From sleeping

And rolling

And crawling

To walking

And talking—

They marveled at his progress.

Gifted with music, he can sing any song.

Outside is his favorite; he could stay all day long.

A heart full of laughter and hugs to share.

A blessing to love, they can’t help to stare.

Although he is two and every day growing,

His Aunt Lala will never stop sowing.

For all his days, he will have his own space;

In Aunt Lala’s heart, he can’t be replaced.

Happy Birthday, Canyon, sweet boy of power.

You will become a mighty man of valor.

Know that your family loves you deeply.

We will always be here for you faithfully.

Love, Aunt Lala

I love you, Canyon! And I’m forever thankful for your birth!