Happy 2nd Birthday Elaine!

We celebrated Lainee's 2nd birthday today with a "pony party" in her honor. She was so excited for her party. This morning she came into our room at 5:30 am and said "Lainee, pony party" with a big smile. She successfully blew out the two candles on her cake and was very proud of herself. She has a great smile
After blowing out the candles Lainee thought Mom and Dad were distracted and decided to taste the frosting. Just a little taste at first and then she took a lot more. Next Henry and Jacob were sticking their fingers in the frosting. (There's Rachel standing beside Elaine, she is out of the hospital and doing well after having a brain tumor removed a month ago.)
Opening presents...yeah, new toys! When we brought down Elaine's presents this afternoon she kept sneaking into the living room to try and open them. She ended up with a couple spankings. Hope she has better luck next time.
Here is one tired "pincess". Elaine refused to take her nap today and now she's worn out. Must be bedtime. Great Grandpa Jim was happy to hold the pretty "pincess" while others took pictures.

A spiritual awakening

Over the last couple weeks Josh and I have notice a change in Henry. Since VBS (Aug 4-8) he's been different; quicker to obey, kinder to Elaine, more thankful, singing "Jesus" songs, and more loving. Plus, the things that he says (see previous blog) have been interesting.

Last week I decided it was time to ask some questions. While driving in the car last Friday I asked Henry. "Does Jesus live in your heart?"
He responded as only Henry can. "Yes, Jesus lives in my heart. Well no, He lives on my shoulder."
"When did he start living on your shoulder?"
Henry replied with confidence. "Oh, I think today. Or maybe in the morning."
I said to Henry, "I'm excited that Jesus lives on your shoulder. He lives in my heart and Daddy's heart, too."
Henry had a question about that. "How can Jesus live in my heart and your heart and Daddy's heart? He's only one person."
I said. "Well Jesus is God and God can be everywhere at once because God is very big."
Then Henry decided to ask more questions. "Mommy, how can Jesus be God? They are different people. How big is God?"
At this point I said. "Henry, those are great questions, why don't you ask Daddy."

So next time you see Henry welcome him to the family of God. He's now your brother in Christ! It is so incredible to see God working Henry's life. Henry is so young and he has made a wise choice. We pray that God will watch over him as he grows and that he will serve God faithfully. We serve an awesome God!

And remember, God lives on your shoulder.

Henry - random thoughts

Yesterday on the drive home Henry picked up a "chapter book" and began to read from it. Here are some of the things he said:

In John 14, 3, 7, 80, 10 I read Jesus died for our sins. Did you hear that Elaine? Jesus died for our sins.

In the next chapter it says Jesus helps us climb the big hill. Jesus helps us up the really big hill. Jesus helps us get up the big hill.
This is my (Candi) personal favorite. Think about it for a few minutes. Do you realize that sometimes life feels like a big, big hill and you wonder how you'll ever make it to the top. So you start walking and Jesus walks beside you offering encouragement. After a while you're tired so he gives you a drink and a snack to sustain you. Then you stop, so he picks you up and carries you. After a while you feel stronger, so he puts you down, but keeps his arm around you. He might have to push you from behind for a bit to keep you going. Sooner or later you get to the top and Jesus says to you "with me all things are possible." Then you celebrate with Jesus and can't wait to tell everyone you know how Jesus got you up the big, big hill. To God be the glory!

Let me turn the page. This one says Jesus loves us.

In this chapter is says Jesus got out of the boat and sunk.

In John 14, 18, 12, 15 it says you must turn from evil. (this is from 1 Peter 3: 10 & 11)

Oh, this chapter says that the storm knocked over the road sign and the tree. The the power line fell down on the road and the car ran over it. The car got hurt.

I hope you enjoyed these thoughts from Henry...