Coming to The Table

In the 4 years and one week I've been this guy's mom, I have never been more proud. 

Jay participated in the Lord's Supper this morning at church. 

My heart swelled with gratitude and joy as our pastor kindly bent down to his level and told him

"This is because God loves you SO MUCH."

My eyes welled with tears as we knelt together and prayed after sharing Communion together. 

Sweet Jay, 

I hope and pray you always enjoy church as much as you do now. I hope your curiosity leads you on a lifelong journey of learning about our Creator. I hope your relationship with him grows deeper and stronger daily and that you never, ever doubt his love for you. I hope your faith gives your heart wings and quiet courage to do hard things. I hope you never forget that you are whole and perfect to God just exactly as you are. 

I pray you hold God's word deep and forever in your heart to always guide you, lift you up and remind you how incredibly treasured and loved you are. 

Today's Epistle Lesson was 2 Timothy 3-

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Amen.

The sacrifice is unimaginable. The concept of remembrance and communion are heavy and hard and carry a weight of obligation, reverence, worthiness--but the truth of the matter--the whole reason for the sacrifice, the Resurrection, the remembrance, the suffering, the joy and the ascension to conquer death is, just as our pastor whispered to Jay's wide-eyed face so he could hear it with his heart--

"This is because God loves you SO MUCH."

I am thankful for this with everything that I am.

Today was a great day for us and a wonderful reminder about the simple truth of the greatest mystery the world will ever know.

This is one of those beautiful, unexpected moments you learn so much more as a parent than you'll ever be able to teach. I just wanted to take a moment to mark this moment in time.

Thanks for sharing it with us.

Jay is FOUR

4!

It's incredible to me that Baby Jay has turned 4 already. 

It's also incredible to me that he's 4 feet tall. I'm not sure what is more difficult to fathom. 

He's hilarious, caring, daring, inquisitive, bashful, intelligent, confident, curious, quick-witted, sweet, strong, independent and keeps us on our toes from early morning until night. 

He's an early-bird, a thinker, a planner and a do-er. 

He loves telling jokes these days and learning and asking questions about every thing. 

He would choose to be outside all day, every day, no matter what. 

He is thoughtful, hospitable and thinks about other people a lot. 

He's a great big brother and an amazing son. 

We're so thankful for our family. 

I'm lucky to be his mom. 

He's also spunky and knows how to tell colorful stories and is still mastering obeying his parents.

He's expressive and passionate and not very patient. 

So, so funny. 

I asked him about some of his favorite things-

Color-Green

Food- Chinese (Sesame) Chicken

TV Show- Wallykazam

Movie- Rio 2

Story- Cowboy Roy (which is one I make up as I go at bedtime)

Book- Poppy and Sam (Farmyard Tales an Usborne book)

Drink- Sprite

Game- Busy Bear (iPad)

Restaurant- Chinese Chicken

To go- with Dad

To do- Play at home

Song- Hunting Season (Need to ask Dad about this)

Treat- Jelly Beans

Fruit- Watermelon

Food I cook at home- hot dogs

Person- Daddy

What do you want to be when you grow up? A house builder and a corn picker driver. 

We had his party on Saturday at our neighborhood ice cream shop and it was great!

We had ice cream with family, friends and classmates.

Sang Happy Birthday.

Enjoyed cupcakes like crazy.

Opened presents like it was our job. 

Then went to lunch with family and friends.

For his birthday dinner we let him pick anywhere and he chose Mexican. 

Such a great day for the greatest little fella. 

Nonstop Summer Round One

We've been LIVING THE LIFE so far this summer. 

Since mid-May we've been in town a total of 13 days and 5 of them were spent at our first ever VBC! 

VBC was awesome.

Summer has been unbelievable so far.

Here's a quick look at what we've been up to---

 Parks and playgrounds!

Nashville for a great week of swim lessons and visits with  friends and family--

Tons of sweet treats--

National Doughnut Day!

 Fishing and boat rides and days on the beach-

Celebrated Father's Day--

 We joined Team Loving Lacy at the CF Walk

Enjoyed our neighborhood with a stroll through the village and our cool tunnel--

 Had a great time swimming and playing with friends

 And spent just about every possible moment outside--

  I think these are most of the highlights of summer this far. 

Just 45 days until preschool starts back and Jay is gone 5 days a week. 

Less than two weeks left with a 3-year old and a 2-year old.