When Your Child Gets Baptized

So. This happened Sunday night.

I've tried and tried to come up with words to describe watching my child get baptized, but nothing I say can even come close to describing the flood of emotions I feel when I look at this picture.

It's a hard thing to see sin growing and flourishing your child's heart. Back in the spring, we were having a bit of a rough time with this one. There were bad attitudes and harsh words and selfishness and downright meanness. It was not a fun time.

As I prayed for her and talked with her, I knew that what she needed, more than anything else, was Jesus. She needed him to sweep into her heart and fill her with his Spirit. She needed a fresh start. She needed mercy and grace and redemption. She needed salvation.

On May 1, this sweet girl looked up at me after church one morning and said she wanted to ask Jesus to come into her heart. And so, that afternoon, she did. She's been impatiently waiting for her baptism ever since.

I'll never forget standing there beside the baptistry when our pastor dipped her under the water. She came up with the biggest grin on her face—it was a moment of pure joy for her. And for me. And for all of our family that was there to witness such a sweet moment. 

What a sweet, sweet gift God gave to us when he made her ours. Parenting is hard, and there are definite ups and downs. But Sunday night? Definitely a high point.

I'm so grateful that God, in his great grace and mercy, looked down on her and drew her near. I'm so thankful that she heeded his call and went running to him. And more than anything else, I'm so glad that we get to be a part of the journey as she grows to know, love, and serve the Lord.

Until next time, grace and peace.

It's the Little Things

Lately, I'm learning that noticing and giving thanks for the little things makes all the difference in my attitude. It's easy to look past all that we have to be grateful for if we don't make a point to take note of it.

So, today, on this beautiful sunshiny day, I'm thankful for mercies that are new every morning, carefree summer days, and the chance to soak up some sun while my littles frolic. Every day isn't bright and shiny, but today is, and I'll take it.

The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places indeed (Psalm 16:6).

What are you thankful for today?

Until next time, grace and peace.

To All The Women Who Have Loved Me Well

These two love me so well. I'm so glad that God saw fit to make them mine. Happy Mother's Day, y'all! As I think about mothering these two little ladies and helping them grow into the women that God has created them to be, I'm reminded of the precious women who did the same for me.

On this Mother's Day, I'm thankful not just for my mama and my mother-in-law, but also for all the women who have loved me and shaped me over the years. I had the sweet privilege of teaching an older ladies' Sunday school class this morning. After class one of the women (who happened to be my assistant second grade teacher) came up to me and spoke some encouragement over me. It blessed my heart in big ways.

The truth is that I wouldn't be who I am without the influence of the countless godly women who have "mothered" me throughout my life. I've been so blessed by their encouragement and wisdom, and I can't imagine how I would have turned out if they hadn't taken the time to pour into me. The Lord certainly knew what he was doing when he brought us together.

Who are you thankful for today? Who has loved you well and "mothered" you over the years?

Until next time, grace and peace.