You may remember that I did a similar post a while back about Adalynn. I decided it's Zeke's turn, and what better time to write it than during his birthday week? He turns 7 today, January 19, 2017!! Wow, it's hard to even type that. We will be celebrating 3 separate times this week, and I'll post those fun pictures later, but this post will be about some of the special things God knit together to make our Zeke!!

1 - His faith is strong

Zeke's name, Ezekiel, means, "God is my strength." We noticed from a very young age that Zeke had a tendency to pray big and expect his prayers to be answered. We see Zeke's heart trusting in God, and he has expressed a desire to be baptized. We are seeking God on the timing of that. It has been such an exciting journey to see how God continues to grow Zeke's faith.

Ezekiel Forrester Hall

2 - He is a friend to all

When Zeke was very small (maybe 2), my mom took him to Target. I remember her coming back and telling me how he'd been chatting with one of the workers there from his seat in the grocery cart. Everywhere we go, he is meeting a new friend. As homeschoolers, we don't get to see as many people each day as those in school outside of the home. That hasn't stopped Zeke from making friends from all different walks of life, ages, and stages. Zeke loves to talk to people and people love to talk to Zeke!

With his friends at Classical Conversations

3 - He loves to read

He became interested in letters and words from the moment he could speak. He wanted to learn to read, so I helped him learn early. He was reading small books by 3. He continues to have a book or magazine in his hands most of his free time. I'll find him outside (after I have encouraged him to go play), reading a book on the back steps! His mind is a true gift from God and I don't take credit for it, but I am thankful because it makes our homeschool days very rich! Each night, we read a devotion together and his favorite time is looking up the verses for me and reading them. God's Word is alive!!

Reading one of the books he got for Christmas

4 - He forgives readily

I wrote this about Adalynn, and it's true about Zeke as well. I learn so much from my children about how to love. Things are not always quiet around here and he has been known have disagreements with his sister, but time and again, he forgives (and/or asks to be forgiven) and moves forward. He is learning about seeking God to help him change his heart, and therefore, behavior. I see God working in him, and for that I'm grateful!

Our precious boy

5 - He is extremely helpful

I am truly appreciative of the help he offers me on a daily basis. When my hands are full and I can't figure out how I'll do one more thing, it's often Zeke to the rescue! He does call himself a superhero, after all! Whether it's fetching a diaper, talking to Lily Faith in silly voices, or helping me cook dinner, he is my little helper!

He loves helping with Lily Faith

6 - He is orderly

Before he could even walk, he was lining things up....letter cards, trucks, you name it! I often walk into a room to see little toys lined up in color order or in categories. It always makes me smile because this is how God made Zeke. He recently got more of the set of "Life of Fred" math books. He quickly lined them up in the order in which we are to read them!

"Life of Fred" math books in proper order

7 - He gives joyfully

I noticed when he was quite young that he would always offer to share his food with me and others. Now, some children may share the things they don't like, but he would share the things he liked most! Now that he's older, he likes to think of gifts he can get people. He has such a hard time waiting to give the gifts because he just can't wait to see them open it. Recently, he decided he wanted to do something to surprise Adalynn. He used his own money to purchase a girl's Lego set for her. I told him we could save it for her birthday, but he couldn't wait to give it to her the minute we got home!

Helping Adalynn build the Lego set he bought her

Giving police chief, Mark Scott, a card and homemade treats

8 - Bonus ~ He wants to be like his daddy

Whether it's silly voices, hunting, shooting bows, or just reading on the couch, Zeke wants to be like his daddy. What a great role model Gregg is too! Gregg is our spiritual leader and seeks God in all that he does. He works hard to provide for us and is such a loving and affectionate father and husband. I am incredibly thankful that Zeke and Gregg have such a special relationship and that Zeke is learning how to be a godly man from his daddy. They are two peas in a pod and I wouldn't have it any other way!!

Their first buck together

Lillian Faith Hall

December 23, 2016

Baby Dedication

Since Lily Faith was born, we've been asking God about when/how to do her official baby dedication. Of course, we knew she was entrusted to us by God from the moment we found out we were expecting. We wanted to have a public ceremony, though, to commit to "train up a child in the way (s)he should go." (from Proverbs 22:6) God gave us the idea to have the ceremony at my parents' house, with our dear friend, Cherian Dethose, performing the dedication. That way, Grandma, Jared and his family, and other friends could be there. It worked out beautifully!

This post will be different than most. I am going to share the notes that Cherian shared with me from the dedication, in addition to some photos. I also will share the blessings written for Lily Faith before she was born that hang in her room. I want to have a record of these things for her to look back on for years to come as she sees the faithfulness of God in her life!!

Ceremony

We began with worship music lead by Joshua and Nikita (No Longer Slaves & Ever Be)

Psalm 127:3 by Zeke
Deuteronomy 6:4-7 by Papa
Proverbs 17:6 by Kariss
James 1:17-18 by Wynna
Proverbs 22:6 by GeeGee

Gregg welcomed everyone and shared some of Lily Faith's testimony (how God has worked in and through her already!)

Dad reading Scripture. Several family members participated by reading Scripture.

Kariss reading her verses

Mom's turn

Grandma/GeeGee reading her verses

I like this one of everyone while Cherian was speaking

Lily Faith was a little wiggly!

I love these photos of Gregg praying for Lily Faith

Proverbs 3:1-18:

3 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,²for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.³Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.⁴So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.⁶In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.⁷Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.⁸It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.⁹Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce;¹⁰then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.¹¹My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof,¹²for the Lord reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.¹³Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,¹⁴for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.¹⁵She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.¹⁶Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.¹⁷Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.

CHARGE TO PARENTS: The primary responsibility for the care of Lily Faith Hall, of course, rests on the parents, Megan and Gregg. The Scriptures say, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it." ~ "Bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." ~ "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

Megan and Gregg , as you engage in this task with joy and peace, may you earnestly seek the Lord daily for His wisdom - for all the events that will occur, all the decisions to be made and all the needs to be met. For as James says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." May you also, daily, give thanks to God for your children and for the joy and love they bring to your home. And as she grows, may you earnestly strive to spend adequate time with her, developing in her a strong moral foundation for life and an awareness of the Lordship of Christ and His abiding presence.

CHARGE TO THE EXTENDED FAMILY: Lily Faith Hall also has the benefit of the influence provided by her extended family, who are being asked to provide backup support for her spiritual training. It is your responsibility to provide a caring, supportive group for this family. I ask you to be faithful in prayer for them, and under gird their efforts to establish a strong Christian home built on Christian principles. And I urge you to demonstrate a real interest in and concern for Lily Faith as she grows physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.

CHARGE TO THE COMMUNITY : There is one other agent of influence represented here today -- the community. I charge you to do all that you can to provide and support a place of worship in this community where Lily Faith may hear the full counsel of God's Word. I urge you to be faithful in providing programs for instruction in discipleship, and to demonstrate affectionate kindness towards all of your little ones. And I charge you to covenant before God to set an example by your lives and to maintain an atmosphere in your community which shall inspire Lily Faith to desire the Christian way of life.

COMMITMENTS: And now, Megan and Gregg, in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses,

Do you solemnly undertake to bring up Lily Faith Hall in the fear and admonition of the Lord?· Do you promise early to seek, to lead her to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and serve Him as her Lord?· Do you pledge to make your home a "school" for Christian instruction?· Do you promise, as far as in your ability, to set before your daughter examples of consistent Godly living?

PRAYER BY THE FATHER - Gregg will lead us in prayer.

And now, on the authority of God's Holy Word, I dedicate you, Lily Faith Hall, unto the Lord, and unto His service, according to His will.May we all bow for prayer.

PRAYER AND CLOSING COMMENT: In that you have dedicated your daughter to the Lord, we now lend Lily Faith Hall back to you, Megan and Gregg , that by the grace of God and the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, you will bring her up in the ways of the Lord.

Numbers 6:24-26 (ESV)

"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

Zeke and Adalynn afterwards

Greeting her guests!

Saying hello to Ellie

She loves her Wynna

Generous gifts from friends and family

Delicious desserts made by my mom

Blessings

At my baby shower, Sheeba created a wall hanging in which people could write blessings and we would clip them up in Lily Faith's room. I've been meaning to copy them down here for our remembrance. This seems like the perfect place to do it! If you didn't write her a blessing and feel led to, please email it to me and I'll print it to save for her.

You see the cards with the blessings hanging on the left

Mommy: Lily Faith, my precious daughter. As I desired to have a third child, God walked me through the process of His timing, His will, and His perfect plan for you. Although, I didn't write this blessing to hang in your room before you were born, I prayed for you everyday you were in my womb and will continue to pray for you everyday of your life. You and your siblings are a gift to Daddy and me. We thank God for entrusting us with you for a time, although, we know you are His. We pray you surrender your life to God and make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life. His death allows you (and all of us) the opportunity to be saved, make Him Lord of your life, and spend eternity with Him. We pray you choose Him and walk with Him all the days of your life, teaching others about Him by your words and deeds. God has showed us that you are to bring peace. On January 21, 2016, He showed me Isaiah 54:13, "All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children." I wrote this in my journal with prayers for you, Zeke, and Adalynn. This year, as I have sought Him on your behalf, he showed me John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." I pray that as you are taught by the Lord, your peace will be great. That it would extend to those around you and you would have an abundant life that glorifies our Father in Heaven. I love you more than you'll ever know. Love, Mommy

Wynna: Lily Faith, you are my sixth grandchild and you are greatly cherished. Your brother prayed for you to come for over a year, we all prayed for you as you grew in Mommy's tummy, and I will pray for you all of your life. My heart is full of love for you and I pray your life will bring peace to all around you and that you will have God's hope each day as you grow to believe in Him, know Him and love Him. ~ Romans 15:13 - "May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." ~ 1 Samuel 1:27 - "For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to Him."

GeeGee: Most Gracious Heavenly Father, Lamb of God, I pray that You will shower sweet blessings on Lily Faith and special blessings on her family to whom You have entrusted her earthly care. May she continue to grow in the love and admonition of her Lord and Saviour. In Your Son's precious name I pray. Amen. ~ "Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22 : 6

Jared, Jami, and the girls: Sweet Lily Faith, What an amazing blessing you are. Our Heavenly Father lovingly created you as a special gift to your family and to all of us who love you. We cannot wait to see what God has in store for you. "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord..." Jeremiah 29:11

Sheeba: Dear Lily Faith, WELCOME! You have been much anticipated and your arrival has not only brought us peace, but much joy. A celebration much like Esther's time as mentioned in Esther 9:18, 19. God has chosen your birthday to be remembered as a day of special celebration of God's love and goodness. You are a child of celebration! When I met you the first time, few hours after you were born, God brought to mind this verse as I prayed over you: Malachi 3:16-18, "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. They shall be Mine...I will make them My jewels..." Lily Faith, what a privilege that God is the author of your life story! That you are His - His jewel! Lily Faith, you are also a child of faith. Conceived by faith, carried in the womb by faith. Every day you displayed faith in your Creator who made you wonderful in spite of what others thought was going on. You were birthed miraculously by faith. So child of faith, know that God is so pleased and your life is going to be rewarded. You are a reward to not only your mom and dad, but also to us! May your faith continue to be realized every day of your life to delight the heart of God! Blessings from the Cherian family today and everyday of your life!

Nikita: Lily Faith is sure to grow up surrounded by God's Word! Luke 5:1, "While the crowd was pressing in on Him to hear the Word of God, He was standing by the lake of Gennesaret." Gennesaret is a place where lilies grow. It was also a place where the people got to hear God's Word. THIS is who Lily will be.

Terry Scott: Lily Faith, I am sharing two verses that have blessed me and helped me keep my focus on our Heavenly Father ~ Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~ Psalm 46:10, "Be still and know that I am God." Welcome, little one!

Jan Cartwright: A blessing for Lily Faith Hall ~ May the Lord bless you and keep you ~ The Lord make His face shine upon you, and give you peace. May you be led by the Gentile Shepherd to grow in grace and the truth. And may goodness and mercy follow you all the days of your life, then lead you home to the House of the Lord forever. Amen.

Michelle Hood: Mark 10:16, "And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying hands on them." ~ Psalm 139:13, "For you formed my inner parts, you wove me in my mother's womb." ~ Proverbs 31:25, "Strength and dignity are her clothing; and she smiles at the future." ~ These are words God gave me for you and sweet Lily Faith! Praying them over you as you prepare to meet her. Much love, Michelle

Jeanie Jenkins: "Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not run from it." ~ Proverbs 22:6 ~ Lily Faith, sweet child, you are a blessing to this godly family and you will be loved and blessed by them. Your brother, Zeke, and sister, Adalynn, are sweet and kind. Your mom and dad will care, love, and nurture you always. With love and blessings, Jeanie

Anita Theiss: Lily Faith, may you have the beauty of Esther, the courage of Rahab, the work ethic of Martha, but the wisdom to know when to be still and listen like Mary. May you have the faith of Mary, Jesus' mother, and always walk in the peace of our Lord and Savior. Love, Anita

Lis Klemis: May the Lord show you new mercies everyday, Megan, as you grow with your precious little ones as He watches over you. God bless you everyday. Love, Lis

The Blanchard Family: We can't wait to see your beautiful face, Lily Faith. "You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." ~ 1 John 4:4

Unknown (possibly Ms. Ruth): Lily Faith shall have more understanding than all her teachers, for Your testimonies are her meditation. (Psalm 119:99) ~ "From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures..." 2 Timothy 3:15

Looking forward to 2017

We have begun the practice of taking time at the end of each year to seek God and what He wants us to know as we begin a new year. As we stepped away from technology (DVDs, Facebook, etc.) the last week of December, He opened our eyes to more of Him. We look forward to more intimacy this year. We are asking Him to help us hear Him better and draw us nearer. We look forward to what He has in store and pray He blesses you and yours!!

Zeke, Adalynn, and Lily Faith

Thursday, January 19, 2017

The best thing about 7 year olds...Zeke!