Emerson Rose: 7 Months

My little Em is 7 months old. I can hardly believe it! With our lives being as hectic as they are, it seems like time with her has flown by more quickly than it should. I've missed a lot of moments with her, and I haven't had the chance to take her to a studio for pictures since I'm never quite sure when I'll be home, but it's never for too long. Tonight I took a few minutes to snap some photos of my sweet baby. No, they're not anything near professional, but I didn't want another day to slip by without me capturing this beautiful phase she is in.

When I found out I was expecting her, I was so excited! I had no idea that our lives would be such chaos after she arrived. Sometimes I feel like I've not been there for her like I should be, and when she's away from me, I feel a little cheated. But it's just where we are right now, and I'm beyond blessed to even have such a beautiful and healthy daughter!

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:" 1 Sam 1:27

The Heart of a Child

Tonight, I just want to quickly share a conversation that Bryson and I had. We were sitting on the couch here at the Ronald McDonald House, and he asked me if I would ever get mad at him. I told him that sometimes I get upset, but I try not to get mad, because that's when people lose control of themselves. Then in his funny way as only he can, he said, "And then you might go to jail or hell?" He has a limited understanding of either place, but I couldn't help but giggle a little.

Then he got really serious and said, "Well, Mommy, I got a yellow apple at school, but then Mrs. Ball changed it to green." Let me just explain something really quickly. In his Young 5's class, his teacher uses a green-yellow-red apple system for behavior where they all start on green, then if she has to warn them about something they go to yellow, and then red means you lose your recess or go to the principal's office. So far this year, Bryson has gotten green apples everyday, and he knows that is what we expect. Yes, this momma is a little surprised considering how active and strong willed her little angel can be! :) I email his teacher about once a month, and she has always confirmed that Bryson is well-behaved and respectful.

Apparently yesterday Bryson had his first lapse in behavior, and he said he touched something in art class that their paintings were laying on on his way to the bathroom. Because of that, Mrs. Ball told him his name was moving to yellow. As he was telling me this, his bottom lip started to pooch a little and quiver, and I felt my eyes tearing up a little. He said, "Mom, my heart sank deep!" I grabbed him and gave him a hug; I assured him that I wasn't mad and appreciated him telling me, but that I didn't want him to get anymore yellow apples. He said that his stomach hurt when his teacher told him that. Then he started crying.

I have to say, as much as I don't approve of him getting that yellow apple, I couldn't help but feel sorry for my little guy who has been carrying around this heavy weight on his heart for over 24 hours. What a guilty conscience he must have had! After we talked he seemed relieved and told me I was a good mom.

I'm reminded of the verse that says, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” I know that is talking about having the trusting nature and faith as children do, but I believe it is also referring to the innocence and soft heart children possess and that conscience that is unseared. The kind like Bryson who can't stand to disappoint and needs to have his weight, even a seemingly small one, lifted away.

I hope that his heart is always so tender, but I know as he gets older, his sins will become greater and heavier. I also know that admitting wrong-doing will become more difficult. For now, I'm proud of him, and can't wait until he experiences that relief that comes with laying all of his sins down before Jesus. I'm praying that day comes when he's young!

May God bless you all, friends!
Bethany

My Little Preacher

My five-year-old has his future all planned out already: he's going to be a farmer and a preacher. I'm not sure how those two go together, but I'm pleased with his choices. Those of you who know Bryson know that he has an overactive imagination, which gets him into trouble pretty much daily. But it has also led him to be completely captivated by Bible stories. Jonah is his all-time favorite by far, and he loves to play church at home and preach about him. His congregation usually consists of Phillip, me, Avery, and Emerson, and his microphone is usually a baking wisk.

Recently, he took his preaching to a whole new level. We were visiting my dad's church on a Sunday morning. At the end of the service, they have the children sing and give out banners to the classes with the highest attendance, offering, etc. The Sunday School Superintendent asked just before dismissal if Bryson would like to preach. Bryson's face turned red, but he nodded his head and walked to the pulpit like a man on a mission. They got him a chair to stand on and a real microphone, and off he went. I think the size of the crowd intimidated him enough that he didn't get excited like he does when it's just us, but he made it through. After it was over, Bro. Culbertson asked if anyone wanted to pray...half-way jokingly I think. One man stood up and said, "I would!" He came to the altar, and the rest of the church came as well for a second altar call.

After church Bryson called Phillip, who was in Cincinnati with Avery, and said, "Daddy, I preached today and touched somebody's heart!" One of the ladies at the church just happened to grab her phone and start recording a few seconds into his "sermon." She only missed his "It's good to be in church today, isn't it?"

Honestly, noting would make me prouder than to have him follow a call to the ministry!

Enjoy!