Our Six Year Old Nehemiah

 Our sweet Nehemiah is now six! This sweet spunky boy is growing so quickly. He entered the world with a bang and he continues to add so much life to our home.

Nehemiah loves life. He loves to explore the world, learn whatever he can and be with people. Being outside is one of his favorite things to do. No matter the weather or temperature, God's creation is where he wants to be. He explores our yard, climbs trees fearlessly and takes note of everything around him. He takes it all in and learns by doing so easily. He likes to figure out the puzzle of the world.

He also loves to learn. Nehemiah has grown so much in learning and he is now reading very well and taking in whatever books he is able. He also loves to do puzzle books of all kinds. Math has been coming naturally to him these days and he is motivated to learn whatever he can. If he wants to know something he has no problem asking. He loves learning from his older siblings and is picking up on all kinds of things as he listens to them. It's amazing to see how God created his mind and it is a joy to watch him learn. Especially watching him learn Bible and memorize it. It's incredible!

Nehemiah also takes care of the little ones, even though he is not that much older or bigger than they are. He loves to play with all of the younger ones, especially Timothy. He knows he is the big brother and seeks to lead by example as they play together. He pretends to be daddy or the dog owner. He makes sure they are not hurting each other and taking care of Esther if she is playing with them. His disposition is so sweet and it makes him such an amazing leader, even at such a young age.

With all of this, he is very sensitive. He easily gets hurt by others both physically and emotionally. It makes him very compassionate and we see his name's meaning (God is my comfort and help) already coming out in his personality. We pray that he will know the deep love and comfort of God so that he can point others to God when he is caring for them. 

We are so blessed by this precious gift from God. He is such a light in our family and we are so grateful for him.

Father, thank You for Nehemiah and giving him to our family. Thank You for his precious personality that You are already using to reach others. We pray that you will save Nehemiah by Your amazing grace. Make him like Jesus, fill him with Your Holy Spirit and use him to be Your hands and feet to those around him. Please grow him in Your grace in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and man as he learns and grows. Give him a deep love for You and Your Word that he may keep Your Word and point others to You. In Jesus's Name, Amen!

17 Years of Marriage

 Today marks 17 years since we said, "I do." 

17 years of adventure. 17 years of learning what it means to do life together. 17 years of learning what it means to follow God and live according to His Word. 17 years of ups and downs, smiles and tears. 17 years of life.

This year has been one of much growth. Since much of this year has been interesting in a number of ways, God has taught us even more of these things above and we have grown so much together. 

This year we have learned so much more how to pray together over everything. We're still growing in this as it's not always easy to do in the fullness of life, but we see critically how much we need to pray over everything in our life and in the lives of those around us. We need to pray for our leaders locally, nationally and globally. We need to pray for the church our local body and our family around the world. We grow everyday in what it means to truly pray.

This year we have grown in learning together. Learning Bible, learning theology, learning how to parent better, learning how to organize and plan more efficiently, learning how to grow an online business, learning how to be together and enjoy fun times. We have really loved learning about growing a ministry business together and understanding how Scripture guides us in the principles even when exact commands do not exist. We're learning how to try and keep going and not be afraid of failure. 

Year 17 has been big for us in other ways as well. A book was published, we had our tenth child (another girl!), we started working diligently on Childbirth Conversations, we have gotten coaching to help guide us as the LORD shows us His path, and begun work on The Manor Manor as our parent business for all of our endeavors. 

What an adventure God has brought us on! 

And even though it has been challenging in many ways, it has been so good as God leads the way. 

Father, thank You for the gift of marriage. Thank you for this opportunity and privilege to share the Gospel by living Your design. Thank You for all of your blessings and all of the amazing gifts You have given us. We are blessed beyond measure and we are so thankful that You have brought us to this point. Please continue to guide us in our marriage as we walk with You, teach and train our children and seek to encourage others to do the same. Thank You for your grace! In Jesus Name we pray, Amen!