As Christian parents, Ryan and I always knew that we wanted to raise our children up to know the Lord. We knew that their lives, much like ours, are on this earth temporarily to spread Gods word, love and truth to those that do not know him. So when Christ entrusted us with these two lovely girls we knew that our task was now greater to spread his truth and love than ever before. I have always struggled to know what my primary gift and goal was on this earth, and if for no other reason than to be a mother that will raise these girls as Christ followers to do HIS work during their time on this earth, than by golly, that is the best and greatest job I can imagine!

When do you start teaching about Christ? As early as possible! Novella is now 2 years and 5 months, some of my favorite and greatest memories so far are of her and her growing love and understanding of Christ. Recently I got a little devotional book for Novella, although it is still a little too old for her, we are still learning and discussing. Recently she has memorized her first 2 bible verses.

“In the beginning, God created the sky and the earth” ~ Genesis 1:1

“We will listen and obey” ~ Deuteronomy 5:27 (shortened a bit for 2 year old memorization)

We sing old hymnals, and sweet bible songs as lullabies. One of my favorites is when Aveline was just born, and I was rocking her to sleep, and singing “I have Decided to Follow Jesus”, and Novella was dancing circles around me repeating the words. If I had a had an upgraded blog plan I would upload a recording that I made that day day of us singing to Aveline. It would absolutely melt your heart, alas, I do not have an upgraded plan and cannot do that at this current time. BUMMER!

Every morning when we awake, we open the drapes and Novella says, “It’s a beautiful day outside!” Then she will say if it is raining or if the sun came up, etc. Then I will respond, “This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it!”(Psalm 118:24), sometimes we even sing the song about that bible verse. At prayer time before every meal she thanks God for the beautiful day. Every night we pray before bed as a family, and often do an extended prayer asking for Gods protection as we sleep. Then I will sing to her a couple of songs of her choice before she fades into sleepyland. More often than not she asks for, “Jesus Love the Little Children”, and “Jesus Loves Me”.

The heart of this little child is such a wonder and beauty. God has big plans for this sweet child of ours. This is just the beginning, but what a glorious glimpse we are getting of what she is capable of with Christ in her heart.

Each day we pray for our daughters, we pray over them for their safety, for their hearts, for them to come to know the Lord as their personal savior, to carry him in their hearts day in and day out. We pray that God will use us and other people in their lives to be a light to help raise them and help them to thrive in their walk with Christ as they grow and develop. Both girls have been dedicated at church and we pray that our friends, family, and church family will continue to help us to raise them up to know him. Every week Novella looks forward to going to “Jesus Loves Me House” (church), when she sees the letter H  or a drawing of a house, she calls it “Jesus’ House”. What a lovely thought for her to have.

Favorite books include, bible story books “GOD BOOK”, Prayer Books, Noah’s Ark, Devotional Books, and a new favorite “You are Special” by: Max Lucado (thank you MOPS for introducing this one to us!)

I do not know the Lord’s plan for these girls, but I know he has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11), so as they continue to grow and learn, we will continue to pray and teach. Thank you to all of you that pray daily for our daughters, and us as the parents that have been so entrusted and blessed to have this great opportunity to be their parents and teachers.