Tuesday, July 31, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: A Heart for Evangelism

Well we made it! Somehow! 31 days straight of blogging. This will most likely NEVER happen again! I would however challenge everyone to go back and pray these prayers each day of the month for your children. I know I am going to try!

Today's prayer of the day is for A Heart for Evangelism. Such a big prayer that we should all be praying for ourselves as well as our families! Psalm 96:3 says, "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!"

Heavenly Father, please help Bekham to develop a heart for the spread of Your gospel. Give him a desire to see your glory declared among the nations and your marvelous works declared among all peoples. Give him opportunities around him to share Your gospel, and if it's in your will, give him opportunities to go out to other countries that need to hear it as well.




Monday, July 30, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Gratitude

Oh another Monday. At least we have the Olympics to make it go by just slightly quicker than normal! I watched the women's volleyball team dominate Brazil today and just finished watching Misty May and Kari dominate beach volleyball. Gosh I love volleyball and truly miss playing! Bekham was a blast today. He is officially contained in his playroom with baby gates. This afternoon we went to the pool and he went all the way under water. He couldn't have cared less! He is such a water bug.

Today's prayer of the day is for Gratitude. Colossians 2:7 says, "Rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." Ephesians 5:20 says "Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

God I pray that Bekham would always be filled with gratitude. Give Nick and I the wisdom to raise and parent his heart to be thankful for everything rather than entitled like the rest of his generation. Let him always see blessings, both small and big. May he never take one day for granted, but be filled with thankfulness and gratitude that You've given him another day to live for Your glory.

Sunday, July 29, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Prayerfulness

Whew. What a day. From restocking the house with groceries after being gone a week to child proofing parts of our house ... yesterday was a productive day! I even made dinner at 2pm and my own batch of hummus. Rocked it out yesterday. If only I was always that good at being a home maker. Unfortunately, our day ended with projectile vomiting, yet again. I blame myself this time. Bekham didn't like the taste of my hummus so I gave him some store bought hummus, which he DOWNS. However, it was roasted red pepper and I'm guessing his little belly didn't agree with that choice! So, I held my sick little boy while watching USA gymnasts kick butt! Gosh I love them. Slightly bummed that we only took silver in men's swimming relay, but, better than not medaling at all I suppose!

Today's prayer of the day is for Prayerfulness. Say that 5 times fast :) "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people." Ephesians 6:18.

God, I pray that Bekham would understand the power of prayer from a young age. Keep his childhood prayers active as he grows. Let his faith in answered prayer never cease or waiver. Let his first reaction, in all circumstances, be prayer. Whether it be a prayer of thanksgiving or a prayer for help- let him always go to You first and foremost. 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Self-Discipline

Well, we made it home! We took off early this morning and arrived in around 3pm! SO nice to have most of the day left to unpack, start laundry, and get back in the swing of things. Bek did OK in the car! Not great, not terrible! So glad to be home. First chore on the TO DO list. CHILD PROOFING. I'll let you know how that goes.

Today's prayer of the day is for Self-Discipline. Proverbs 1:3 says "for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair." 1 Corinthians 9:27 says, "No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

God, I pray that you would give Bekham self-discipline. I pray he would have this in SO many aspects of his life. From what he eats, to what he lets his eyes see, to what comes out of his mouth. There are so many arenas in life that require self-discipline, but there are so many temptations for men in these arenas. I do pray that Bekham would make his body a slave as Paul says in order to run the race you've chosen for him. I pray that he would not do anything that would disqualify him for the prize of following You and Your instruction.

I'm sorry, but this picture had to be posted due to Bekham's hair :)



Friday, July 27, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Passion for God

Happy 8 months old Bekham Nicholas Sharp!! I cannot believe we are 4 months away from having a 1 year old. C-R-A-Z-Y. Crazier that we've had 0 decent night sleeps the past 8 months. Ah well- its all worth it! Today concluded our week at Holden Beach. Although vacation was extremely different this year than in year pasts, it was still good to be with family that we don't see but once or twice a year. Bekham's cousins LOVE him. He is a little unsure of so many little hands and faces around him all the time, but for the most part- he would smile or give kisses to all of them. They will be buddies soon enough. Bek just has to warm up to NOT being the only child in the room :) Unfortunately, our dessert was beat out this year by my mother-in-law. Time to start brainstorming for next year!! You'd think a year of preparation would achieve a winning dessert but who knows!

Today's prayer of the day for my 8 month old baby is to have Passion for God. Could there BE a better prayer for the 27th of each month?! I think not! Psalm 63:8 says "My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me."

God, I desire nothing more than for Bekham to have a heart and a passion for You and Your kingdom. I want him to love you first and foremost all the days of his life. I want others to see his passion and be attracted to You because of it.

(This photo is not from the beach, but its too cute NOT to post!)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Willingness and Ability to Work Hard

Well today is Thursday and the week is drawing to a rapid close. Today two of my nieces and I entered the dessert challenge with a Walking on Sunshine themed cupcake and presentation (music included!) They had a ball! We all wore yellow dresses and Hawaiian leis. We will see if we win- its a tough competition here at Holden Beach!

Today's prayer of the day is for Willingness and Ability to Work Hard. The verse that goes with this prayers is a familiar one from Colossians 3:23- "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as if working for the Lord and not for men."


God, I pray that you would give Bekham the willingness and ability to do his work with all his heart. Teach him to do everything, big or small, to the best of his ability. Give him the desire to work hard. Give him a healthy body to work hard. Give him motivation and drive to work hard. But most of all, give him the willingness to do it all for You.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Hope

This post will be short and maybe not so sweet. I'm exhausted and should be sleeping along with my child. My child, who by the way, is logging awesome naps every day, but yet always tired and cranky in between naps and night time. Just cannot figure him out!

Today's prayer of the day is for Hope. Lord knows we need hope! Romans 15:13 says "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." The most wonderful thing I've learned about Biblical hope is that it is an indication of certainty- a confident expectation. Often times we use the word hope as a "wish" or expectation without certainty. The scriptural meaning is strong. It is not static or passive. It's dynamic, and its active. As one author puts it, "A Biblical hope is not an escape from reality or from problems. It doesn't leave us idle, drifting, or just rocking on the front porch. If our hope is biblical and based on God's promises, it will put is in gear." Biblical hope changes how we see ourselves, what we value, it affects what we do with our lives. Biblical hope gives us joy and peace (hence Romans 15:13). It gives us protection. It gives us strength, courage, and boldness. It gives us endurance, comfort, and confidence in the face of death. 


Jesus, I thank you that we do have hope in You, even in the face of death. I thank you that our salvation is our hope in you. I pray that Bekham would understand this hope the moment he accepts you as his Lord and Savior. I pray that he would truly live a Spirit filled life so that he may overflow with hope. Help him understand that his hope in you is confident and strong. Its certain. It is not merely a wish or a desire.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: A Servant's Heart

 Well- today was quite a day. After essentially no sleep last night, Bekham still insisted on waking up at 6:30. So I bounced him, but him down around 7 and took off for my first run since hurting my back. I ran 4.5 miles which felt AWESOME, however, Bekham woke up about 10 minutes after I left. He was literally up fussing every 30-45 minutes. All night long. The kid is wearing me out. He still napped well during the day, but he wakes up yawning, rubbing his eyes, and fussy. He just can't catch up from the bad nights I guess. Meanwhile, I'm losing my mind. In many ways. He won't really go to anyone except Nick or me so there's no break. Maybe he would like going to other people if he was actually well rested, but, no explanation needed. He hates the ocean here. The waves are big and loud I guess. He won't even get down on the sand to even TRY crawling. He likes the pool but the pool only lasts 30-45 minutes and he starts to wear out, again, because he's so tired. He's hard here. With that said, I need to move onto PRAYER.

Today's prayer of the day is for A Servant's Heart. Ephesians 6:7 says "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people." 

God, I thank you for Bekham, but I am praying for a miracle for this child's sleep habits. His napping is certainly an answer to prayer, but I don't think this kid will be 100% content until he can figure out how to get decent sleep at night. Please help all 3 of us. Give Nick and I wisdom as we decide how to handle it. Please just give Bekham restful sleep. Period. Despite what Nick and I may or may not do right or wrong. I am so tired. Thank you for giving me the energy and strength each day to do this job on low fuel. Some days I honestly don't know how I pull it off- but I realize those days are YOU. I pray for Bekham's heart. Give him a heart of service Lord. Let him love serving other people and meeting their needs. Let him truly see serving others as serving and honoring you. Grab a hold of his heart at a young age Jesus and break his heart for what breaks Yours. Use his hands and feet to be Yours in service to other people.

Monday, July 23, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Faith

Well we arrived safely and are in Holden Beach, NC. A few minor set backs (supposedly we were supposed to bring our own bath towels ... whoops!)... I forgot Bekham's white noise fan ... thankful for the white noise app on my iPhone! Makeshift rocking chair is out on the back deck, but the fresh air seems to help him calm down at night. Note to self: when buying new house, build deck of Bekham's (or future baby's) room and then purchase outdoor rockers. I wish. After making an early morning run to Walmart, we came home and Bekham slept an hour and a half. When he woke up, we headed to the beach/pool and then he went down for a whopping 2 hour nap. I was able to play volleyball with my sister-in-law and even chill on the beach for awhile. After he woke up, we swam some more, then showered and got ready for dinner... and then he took another nap. At an hour, we had to go interrupt him as there were birthday presents that needed attended to in the room Bekham was sleeping in. Maybe he'll use this week to catch up on 8 months of missed sleep. Hah. I wish. Tonight was night number two of our family dessert challenge. (We missed night number 1). However, they set the bar HIGH. Here's hoping our dessert stands out somehow come Thursday- check back in if you want to hear the results!

Today's prayer of the day is FAITH. Luke 17:5-6 says, "The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!" He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you." 

God- I do pray that Bekham would have great faith. Let him take you at your Word. Let him believe that You are who You say You are and that You can do what You say you are going to do. (Anthem from a Beth Moore Bible Study). Let him always do things to the best of his ability, but take leaps of faith that you can fill in the gaps. I pray that his faith would be strong and that you would accomplish mighty works through him.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Contentment

Well, we are heading to the beach this afternoon so I figured I'd better blog early. Doubting I'll be up to the task at 8pm (or later) after being on the road all day and trying to set up sleeping arrangements for the little man!

Today's prayer of the day is for Contentment. The verse to go along with it is Philippians 4:12-13 which says, "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

 Father, help Bekham learn the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need, through Christ who can strengthen him in any and every circumstance. I pray that he would always be content with what he is and not get caught up in the "comparison trap." Give him only what he needs so that he is able to keep his eyes on YOU and not things of this world. I pray that he would also be content with how you made and created him. Help him be content with how he looks and with the gifts and talents you give him. God- my bigger prayer here is for myself. I often thing I "need" more and more THINGS. I often criticize myself for the way I think I look. Teach ME to be content with what I have and strengthen me through Christ when its hard or difficult to do so.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Responsibility

A rainy Saturday... always a bummer. However, before it rained, we did get a swing in at the park, and even some crawling! Got to upload those pictures to my computer- they are adorable! We also ran quite a few errands to include Target, Michaels, and Walmart, as well as packed most of the house up for our upcoming beach trip. I dread unpacking in a week. I seriously feel like I packed my house to move out of it. Well, at least move Bekham out of it. The kid requires quite a bit of a load for such a small little man! My mom and I completed a Pinterest project (pictures to come when it is hanging up on the wall!) I. LOVE. IT.

Anyways, today's prayer of the day is for Responsibility. Galatians 6:5 says "Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.  For we are each responsible for our own conduct."

God I pray that Bekham would be responsible. I pray that he would be responsible at home as we raise him to do certain chores, teach him to obey, teach him what we expect of him, and most importantly what you require of him. I pray that he would take responsibility for his own actions and his own conduct. I pray that he would be responsible at school. I pray that he would be responsible as an employee, husband, and daddy in the future if it be Your will.

Friday, July 20, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Compassion

TGIF! But seriously. Work has been crazy for me this week and I am ready for the weekend. Ready to be all hands on with my new little crawler without worrying about catching up on searches. AND we leave for the beach, so no work for me next week either. Oh how I've anticipated my first week of true vacation in a couple years since staring a real job. Time needs to slow WAY WAY down! Bekham is busy, busy, busy. He's into EVERYTHING. Pulling up on ANYTHING. And today, eating everything. At dinner tonight he had at least an eighth of a sweet potato (possibly a quarter). An entire blueberry yogurt and an entire egg yolk. The kid was housing some food. FINALLY! He's just a blast!


Today's prayer of the day is for Compassion. Colossians 3:12 says, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."


God I pray that you would clothe Bekham with the virtue of a compassionate heart. Let him see the needs of others and have a heart to fill the gap. Give him the resources and the willingness to reach out to those in need and serve You by serving them.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Humility

Well today was a wonderful day! Unfortunately, Nick left to go out of town, however, it means a weekend retreat for me at hotel Mom and Dad! Pool time ... extra helping hands.. BLISS. Bekham is just hilarious to watch, as always. I kind of like that he hasn't mastered the double knee crawl. His hop is amazing. He also was a wild man in the pool yet again. Sticking his face right in the water- going crazy in the waterfall- he just brings so much joy to my life these days! If only he could help on the sleep front! All in due time I suppose.

Today's prayer of the day is for Humility. Titus 3:1-2 says, "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men."

God, I ask that Bekham would truly be a humble young boy. I pray that he would always value others above himself. I pray that he would be respectful to everyone and always assume the lowest positions in life, as a servant. Keep him from greed and pride Lord. Give him a heart after your own heart. Let him follow in your ways.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Perseverance

Well today was another day of Bekham mastering the art of crawling. Or as some may call it, bounce crawling. He has taken to crawling with one knee and one foot, with a bounce and scoot in between. There's honestly nothing more adorable. I just put toys out of his reach ALL day long just to watch him go for them. I have probably taken 10 videos of him in the past 24 hours. Such a Mom! In other exciting news, our small group should be picking up pace come August... which means Bek will need to get used to Mommy and Daddy being away one night a week. Scratch that. Mommy and Daddy will need to get used to being away from Bekham one night a week! Anyways!

Today's prayer of the day is for Perseverance. Hebrews 12:1 says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us"

Heavenly Father, please give Bekham perseverance in all that he does. Most importantly, give him perseverance to run the race you've chosen for him. When giving up or quitting would be the easiest option, I pray that you would give him determination to see each task, challenge, responsibility through to completion. 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Joy

Today's prayer of the day is for Joy. The verse to go along with joy is 1 Thessalonians 1:6 which says, "You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit" I love this verse because it emphasizes the fact that joy is given by the Holy Spirit. Not to be confused by happiness. It's so easy to rely on ourselves or others to be happy, but we must rely on God, specifically His Holy Spirit, to be joyful. Specifically to be joyful in ALL circumstances. 

I found a study/article pertaining to joy on a site called Bible Tools. Read all about it here. I  love Solomon's recording of his quest for getting the most out of life- be it pleasure, happiness, joy, laughter etc. Ecclesiastes 2 yields his experiments and conclusions. Basically he could achieve a certain amount of joy, but he still found it unsatisfying. His ultimate conclusion in verse 26 is that God determines whether or not we experience joy: "To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." 

Lord, I pray that Bekham would learn that seeking joy, happiness, and pleasure here on earth is fleeting. As Solomon says, a chasing after the wind. Teach him that true joy comes from knowing You, seeking You, and seeking to do Your will for his life. Let your Holy Spirit fill him with joy and always teach him to look to you when life seems unsatisfying. Thank you for the words we have from Solomon. I pray that Bekham would read them and take them to heart.

And the update for today... We have an official crawler (with occasional face plant!) Video to come.. but phone is dead :) I will post it tomorrow on this post, so you'll have to come back to see him in action (both face plant AND crawl!) He also is officially eating more than yogurt! Poor kid didn't like baby food. He likes real food. I cooked up some eggs and some carrots and he ate them in bite size pieces like a champ! Praise God. I thought we had a food aversion child on our hands... which... really wouldn't fit well into our family. WE ARE EATERS. He is just growing so, so fast. Should be interesting when we head to the beach next week.. nothing will be child proofed.... he will be full hands in the sand.... he probably will hate the car seat since he now knows he can be mobile on his own! We shall see! Needless to say, we will be busy!! But in a fun way!

 

Monday, July 16, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Peace

Well, Bekham is officially on the move. Read: On the move. I didn't say crawling. Take a look.


He sometimes uses both feet and both hands. He sometimes uses one foot, one knee, but he somehow generally gets to where he wants to be! We aren't chasing him quite yet, but I do see it in the near future :) He also tried these cheese puffs for the first time and was absolutely obsessed! Other than that, pretty average day. Played at home, swam in the pool, took a walk, swung in the tree... all the usual events for Bekham! He's just so much fun.

Today's prayer of the day is Peace. Romans 4:19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." I personally also like Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Jesus, I pray that Bekham will make every effort to do what leads to peace. Let him be the first to apologize and seek to make things right in any type of conflict. Help Nick and I to live at peace with everyone, as far as it depends on us, so that Bekham will always understand what that looks like. Thank you for this sweet boy!


Sunday, July 15, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Generosity

Oh today was a good day. A great day in fact. Bekham took a 2 hours nap this morning and was an angel child the rest of the day. He took 2 short naps this afternoon which was totally acceptable after he rock starred the marathon nap! We were able to go to the grocery store and he was happy to and from in the car. We went to frozen yogurt. Same behavior in the car. We even skyped with a friend and he made it 95% of the way through the call before daddy had to distract him. Such a good boy. Here's hoping its a good sleep week for this fellow!



Today's prayer of the day is for Generosity. Ephesians 4:32 says "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life."

God I pray that Bekham would be rich in good deeds and be generous... Help us teach him to be generous while he's young, even if it's as simple as helping him understand that "we share our toys." Show us ways to help him be generous in the community whether it be donating his toys, clothes, etc. to others in need. I pray that you would teach him to be generous and willing to share his time, money, resources, etc. as he gets older. Let him see the needs of others and reach out without hesitation. If you chose to bless him with wealth, let him be a good steward of that money. Let him give to others first and foremost. If you chose not to bless him with wealth, let him still be generous with the amount that he's entrusted. Let him be generous in love. Let him be generous with his possessions. Never let his possessions own him. Use him Lord to minister to others.

Saturday, July 14, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Kindness

Well today was spent shopping for all things vacation! We leave next weekend for a week in Holden Beach, NC. Bekham even got to pick a treat out of the dollar bins! He chose a metal pail. One day that will be useful honey. Tonight we had our small group over for a pool party at my parents' house (thanks mom and dad!) It was so great to see everyone! We love our group and Bekham loves that he has two friends that are younger than him. He enjoyed petting one friend on the forehead.



Todays prayer of the day: Kindness Ephesians 4:32 says " Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you"

Kindness actually happens to be something I have studied recently. Specifically in women, but obviously kindness is not only for women. Sometimes its easy to confuse "nice" with "kind." Kindness extends to not just those who are kind to us or can help us, but to EVERYONE. Kindness does not say embarrassing things, hurtful things, or discouraging things. Kindness encourages and builds one another up. Kindness does not break promises, it doesn't cancel plans because a better opportunity presents itself. It doesn't criticize. Kindness makes promises sparingly and keeps them faithfully, no matter the cost. Kindness doesn't let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word to or about somebody. Kindness is interested in others- their pursuits, their work, their homes, their families. Kindness does not burden others with our complaints. Kindness discusses, it doesn't argue. Kindness does not use wit and humor at someone else's expense.

 God, there are so many aspects of kindness that I need to work on. I pray that you would help me tackle them so that I can truly display kindness to Bekham. I pray that he would embody all of the examples of kindness above and more. I pray that his wit and humor would always be used in a kind context. I pray that he would seek to be kind to others, SPECIFICALLY others who can offer nothing in return. I pray he'd be genuinely interested in ote people more than himself. I pray that he will be a god listener despite his gender stereotype. God help me raise a kind boy.

Friday, July 13, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Purity

Happy Friday the 13th! Wish I could blame my child's poor sleep habits on bad luck but alas- 7 months of bad sleep cannot be blamed on one Friday the 13th! Ah well. We tried a little sleep training today but I gave up after an hour and a half of screaming. Plus by then he had cried himself into his next nursing session. You bet he fell asleep eating.... Until I tried to put him down! So it was a day of one handed working and minimal sleep! He did take one little nap on his own this afternoon.... Light at the end of the tunnel!!! Or a crack in the tunnel. Not sure which yet! Of course on a day he chooses NOT to sleep, I had extra work put on me. When it rains it pours here folks!

Today's prayer of the day is Purity. Psalm 51:10 says, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." This is one of my favorite verses. I remember learning a song for this verse when I was younger that has stuck with me my whole life. I can't read that verse without singing it in my head. I love that.

God I pray that you would create a pure heart within Bekham and that his actions would be a result of that purity. Keep his thoughts pure. This world is so full of corrupt and sinful images that will vie for his attention and time. Keep his focus on You. Guard his eyes from images that he shouldn't see when Nick and I aren't there to do it for him. Guard his ears from hearing things he shouldn't hear. Guard his heart when it's broken or hurt. Give him a passion and desire to be pure because You are pure.



Thursday, July 12, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Courage

Well, nothing short of an eventful past 24 hours over here! Bekham had yet another vomitting episode late last night only to be followed by the loudest possible thunderstorm known to Marietta. Seriously. I think the cloud sat over our house at least an hour. As is usually the case, I let Bek sleep with us so we would hear him if he had a repeat episode (which he didn't) but he was restless the entire night and up off and on until morning. And THEN. He decides to go all day with essentially no naps. Maybe he slept half an hour if you count the time he fell asleep in my arms before trying to put him down! Crazy kid! Could have something to to do with his curiosity and dare I say courage? :)



He's so funny. Somehow it made it most of the day without being a complete and utter disaster from lack of sleep!

Today's prayer of the day is for Courage. Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong and of good courage; do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”

God I love this prayer for our little boy. I love the image of this little baby growing into a man who is  brave, bold, and fearless. Strong and courageous, just like Joshua. Let him confront uncertainty, fear and danger with courage. Let him follow where you lead him and do it with courage. Accomplish great things for Your kingdom through him Lord.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Faithfulness

Well its July 11th! Bekham is a day closer to crawling. Literally. I think it could happen at any moment. He's got parts of it down pat, just can't quite master a fluid motion from point A to point B. But he's getting there! I've enjoyed him while he's been "Immobile" but I know he will be 10X happier when he can get from toy to toy without waiting on me to set it in front of him. A whole new world of possibilities for him await! I know I'll have my hands full, but I think he'll be an even happier little boy! Totally overcast day here today which was actually nice. We were able to take a walk, play in the driveway (by play, I mean sitting on a beach towel looking at trees), and swing 4 times! Other than that- just another day in the life over here!

Today's prayer of the day is: Faithfulness. Proverbs 3:3 says, "Let love and faith never leave you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart."


Lord, I do ask that love and faithfulness never leave Bekham, but bind these twin virtues around his neck and write them on his heart. Let him be worthy of trust and let him be reliable. Keep him consistent in truth. Let his friends be drawn to him because they see faithfulness as a strong, admirable quality within him.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Strong, Biblical Self-Esteem

Well- nothing too eventful to report today. Actually that's not entirely true. Bekham is becoming more and more mobile each day. He now pulls up on toys without any assistance. Pulls up on the bath tub. Pulls up on anything in sight really. SO close to crawling but we aren't quite there yet! Here's a quick video to share of what I'm talking about!





Today's prayer of the day is for: Strong, Biblical Self-Esteem. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

God, I pray that you would help Bekham develop a strong sense of self-worth that is rooted in the realization hat he is your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. I do ask that this self-esteem would never be confused with the role of humility. I pray that his self-esteem would not be built upon others opinions of him or even his own talents and abilities, but that it would be built upon the foundation of who he is in You.


Monday, July 9, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Respect

Happy Monday (if you can use those 2 words side by side...)! While I do miss the view of the ocean, it is nice to be home this morning and back into my usual routine! (Watching LIVE with Kelly, eating the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day. Grocery shopping- watch out- there's exciting stuff inside of my routine!) Today Bek and I went shopping for a bathing suit for mommy (in desperate need of an appropriate 2 piece before next beach trip!) 2 hours later, we ended up finding the winner at Target. WHY DIDN'T I START THERE? Ugh! Anyways- nothing special- but it'll do! If you are looking to buy a bathing suit- save yourself a trip to Kohl's, Gap, and American Eagle. NOTHING. THERE. This is the south people... don't we stock swim suits year round??

Today's prayer of the day is RESPECT. 1 Peter 2:17 says "Show respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor."

God I pray that Bekham would have respect for everyone he comes in contact with. I specifically pray that he would show respect to us, his parents, and all other authority placed in his life. I pray that he would understand that you desire for him to show respect to everything you've created. I pray that in doing so, he would understand that he is bringing honor and glory to you.


Sunday, July 8, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Mercy

Well good evening all! Sadly our little family of three is back home in Georgia. Why are beach trips never long enough? Will we ever be at the beach and think, "I'd sure like to go home today," or "Gosh, it feels like we've been here forever!" Anyways- we made the drive home in a record time of 5 and a half hours. Bekham logged a nice 2 hour nap smack in the middle of the drive which was much needed! He hadn't napped well consistently since being sick. It will be interesting to see what this week has in store as we sync back into our routine (only to leave for our next vacation in 2 weeks).

Today's prayer of the day: MERCY. Luke 6:36 says, "Be merciful just as your Father is merciful." Some of you may remember my super deep definition of mercy: not getting what you deserve. A more thorough word study reveals the following: Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm. An event to be grateful for, especially because its occurrence prevents something unpleasant or provides relief from suffering. I also read that in an ancient context, mercy sometimes could be rendered as gratitude or steadfast love. Hose 6:6 says, "For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings." As you can see in this verse, mercy seems to take on more of the ancient rendering. Mercy can also be defined as favor shown within a relationship of love. Another interesting find is that feelings of compassion are not necessarily involved when it comes to mercy. One does not need to feel compassion to offer biblical mercy. I could keep writing about all of the insights I found while looking up the word mercy, but you could technically do this yourself, so I won't bore you with my research!

Jesus- thank you that you are a God of mercy. Thank you that you love us enough to show us your steadfast love, your compassion, and your forgiveness by extending your mercies to us. As you promise, they are indeed new every morning. You've provided us with an eternal relief from suffering simply by placing Your favor upon us ... which we did nothing to earn. Lord you are incredible. I pray that Bekham will be merciful just as you are merciful. I pray that he would love people, ALL people, and out of that love show mercy to ALL people. Because he is human, I know there will be people that he won't necessarily have compassion for. Lord let him show mercy to them regardless. Give him a steadfast love when it comes to relationships with others. Again, I feel a huge responsibility in modeling mercy for Bekham. As his parents, we will be presented with a multitude of opportunities to display what mercy is. God- you are the perfect "parent" to us. Teach us to be the best parents we can be- using both Biblical discipline and Biblical mercy when it comes to raising this boy.

Saturday, July 7, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Justice

July 7th! I've blogged successfully every day for a week! I'm personally astounded by that accomplishment! Another beautiful day here at the beach! Nick and I got fried. Bekham got a little sunburn under one eye. I feel like a terrible mom. We took him swinging at the playground and he LOVED it. Bekham loves bucket swings. Really all swings in general.... EXCEPT the battery powered ones that you buy for $200 off your baby registry.... We are sadly heading home tomorrow. I'm slightly depressed. I get so used to having Nick around 24-7. I get so used to just taking pictures of my family ALL day long rather than doing productive tasks such as laundry, dishes, etc. Luckily we have another vacation coming up in exactly 2 weeks!

Anyways! Today's prayer of the day is JUSTICE. Psalm 11:7 says "The Lord is righteous, he loves justice; upright men will see his face." Micah 6:8 says "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

God I pray that Bekham would grow up learning what it looks like to act justly. I pray that he would love justice because you love justice. I ask that he would always be fair in dealing with others and in all situations. I love Micah 6:8 and I pray that it will be a verse that Bekham clings to throughout his life. This one is honestly a struggle for me to pray for. I'm not sure I've ever prayed about acting justly myself let alone praying about it for my son. I need to revisit this one monthly- dig a little deeper into what it looks like/what it means. For now, I thank you that you know what I am praying and asking for even if my words cannot express it!



Friday, July 6, 2012

31 Ways to Pray For your Children: A Love for God's Word

July 6th and we thought we would have a wash out rainy day here in Florida. Totally unpredicted storm moved in last night, but when are forecasters EVER right? The weather cleared up just after noon and the weather turned out to be unreal. Not hot. Not humid. Perfect warmth. Perfect breeze. Perfect EVERYTHING. And Bekham loved every minute of this day! Loved the sand. Loved the ocean. Loved the pool! Loved a STROLLER RIDE. We're setting records here folks!

Today's prayer of the day: A LOVE FOR GOD'S WORD. Psalm 19:9-10 says, "The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb."


God thank you for your Word. It truly is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey. I pray that Bekham would truly develop a love for your Word. I pray that he would experience it as living and active in his life from a young age. Give him a desire to memorize scriptures throughout his life. Give him the wisdom to apply scriptures to his life and everyday decisions he makes. I pray that anytime Bekham is faced with a trial of any kind, that his first reaction would be to search your Word for truth, for guidance, and for comfort. I pray that he would have the passion and desire to spend time with You and in Your word each and every day- I pray that it would be important to him and not just a routine for him. Jesus help me model what quiet time spent with you looks like and how important it is each day. Help me lead by example. Give me the words to say to help Bekham understand Biblical concepts and stories at a young age that will transfer to knowledge as he grows older and not childhood fairy tales. Help ME help HIM distinguish between the fiction of movies and stories and the truth of Your word. Thank you for a beautiful day at the beach that could have only been created and painted by Your hand.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Self-Control

Well we are finally at home sweet home in Destin, Florida. Plumbing is working. Beaches are beautiful. Bekham is napping. Does vacation get much sweeter? I just don't think so! Today started at 5am when little boy decided to get up. I hit up the hotel fitness center, then Nick took a turn. Bekham took a 1 and a half hour nap on the hotel bed while we showered. Seriously?? Go Peach! Then we headed to the beach until we could get in the house. Bekham took another hour and a half nap at the house. We played in his pool some and then back to the beach we went. Bekham LOVED the ocean this time! Not the sand folks, the ocean. We put him in his red floatie and the kid was almost lights out! Brought him to shore and he slept in my arms in the shade. That's my kind of napping baby right there! Dinner was in and out as Bek had lost the majority of his energy by that point in the day, but still fun! He allowed us to push him in the stroller!

Anyways... today's prayer of the day is SELF CONTROL. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 says: "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled." I also like 1 Peter 1:13: "Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed."

Jesus I thank you for Bekham. THANK YOU that he is healthy again and sleeping well. Thank you for the joy he brings us every single day. I pray that as Bekham grows up, you would develop within him self-control. Give him the strength to control his behavior, his emotions, and his desires. I pray that he, being rooted and established in faith, would naturally bear this fruit of the spirit. Although the word "self" is in self-control, I know Lord that there is nothing on earth we can truly do our"selves." This is something that Bekham will be fully dependent upon you for but I love that. As always, teach Nick and I to parent in a way that models and demonstrates self-control to this growing boy.



Wednesday, July 4, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Honesty and Integrity

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope you are all well on your way to a bbq picnic while you await nightfall to sit back and enjoy some fireworks. For those of you who had the privilege of running the Peachtree Road Race, thank God for your health. I've never realized how much I took my healthy body for granted in years past... and I'm hardly disabled. Just not well enough to run. Our little family of 3 made a road trip south and this comes to you from Destin, Florida. No recent photo to go along with this post however because Bekham has not yet been photogenic. Spent an entire hour of the trip screaming, and other entire hour out of his carseat. Don't tell on us. He's been sick. I'll try to get a picture of him tonight at dinner, but no guarantees! We are heading to the Fairfield Inn for a night as the plumbing at my parents house isn't working and we don't have water! Bekham in a hotel room. Pray for us.

Anyways, today's prayer of the day is: HONESTY AND INTEGRITY. The verse that goes along with this prayer is from Psalm 25:21: "May integrity and uprightness (honesty) protect me, because my hope is in you." Time for a quick word study on integrity! Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one's actions. Integrity is the opposite of hypocrisy. It regards internal consistency as a virtue.


Jesus, thank you that you were the perfect model for us during your time on earth. Thank you for your Word that is ready and available to teach us all that we need to know about being Your disciples. Thank you that your Word contains everything that Nick and I need to know when it comes to parenting. Thank you that your Word contains everything that Bekham needs to know at every walk of life. As a child to his parents. As a brother. As a man. As a husband and possibly even as a Dad one day.   Thank you that you embodied and exemplified what it means to be honest and what it looks like to have integrity. I pray that you would instill these values in Bekham. Let his yes be yes and his no be no. Let him be consistent in his thoughts and in his actions. Let those thoughts and actions honor and glorify you. I pray that his peers would trust him because of these qualities that are evident in his life. I pray that those both younger and older than him throughout his life would see that Bekham will always be honest and truthful... That he sticks to what he says and follows through. I love the idea of this being the opposite of hypocrisy. I do pray that for him. Let him be a true disciple of You and let honest and integrity be characteristics that define who he is, and characteristics that draw others to who You are.



7 Months Old in his Treehouse

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Love

Well, its July 3rd! Usually this is the day before the big Peachtree Road Race for me. Unfortunately, my back injury is keeping me from participating and I am truly bummed out. It has become a family tradition that I truly cherish and look forward to each year. We all wear our Peachtree shirts proudly to the fireworks show that night (after my mom washes them so that they don't look hot off the press!) I guess I have a year to get back in shape. I'm guessing I'll procrastinate on that one.

Anyways.... today's prayer centers around LOVE. "And live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:2

Lord I pray that Bekham would grow up in, and learn to walk forth in love. I pray that his love for others would be passionate and unconditional. I pray that he would see others as YOU see them, not as the world sees them. I pray that he would learn to love because YOU are love. Your word tells us that all men will know we are your disciples if we love one another. Let Bekham be known for His love. This seems like one of the easiest commandments, but yet it is one that I truly believe we all struggle with. We all have "unlovable" people in our lives. All too quickly I'll find myself passing quick judgments on people rather than letting love be my first reaction. Jesus give Bekham eyes to see those in need of not only love here on earth, but those in need of love from their heavenly Father. Use Him to be your hands and your feet to love others. Again I ask that you would give Nick and I the wisdom and the courage to model this type of love for him. But even at the end of the day Lord, all of our efforts are meaningless unless Bekham embraces this love because he has received it from you. So back around to salvation we go :) I thank you once again for the love that you have for us and I specifically thank you again for loving Bekham. For loving him enough to die on the cross for his sins. For loving him enough, period.

Monday, July 2, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children: Growth in Grace

Well, we're back! Wasn't sure this post would happen today as its been a rough one. Yet again, made possible by my Mom. She stepped in and filled every physical need I had. Praying Jesus can fill the emotional needs that are still there. Today is July 2nd and the prayer for today is GROWTH IN GRACE. The corresponding verse for this prayer is 2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever! Amen." I will always remember learning the definitions of mercy and grace in Bible class. Well, maybe not Webster's version, but the basic difference between the two. Mercy was not getting what you deserved while Grace was getting what you don't deserve. When searching for the technical definition, I found a couple that capture the meaning a bit more eloquently: A favor rendered by one who need not do so; a temporary immunity or exemption; divine love and protection bestowed freely on people; an excellence or power granted by God; the state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of God.

I have just developed a desire to begin doing word studies. I digress.

My prayer for Bekham today:

God I thank you that you are a God of grace upon grace. I thank you that You choose to grant and bestow grace to us by your power and by your favor. Yesterday I prayed for Bekham's salvation Lord and its not without your grace that I will see that prayer answered. I know Bekham will sin and fall short of Your glory. I know that he will make mistakes, he will disobey, he will fail in ceratin aspects of this life. But I also know that your grace is sufficient for Him. I pray that he would embrace the grace that is available to him and that it would flow right back out into the lives of others. Let his friends know Your grace through Bekham. Let others see how full of grace this boy is because YOU have filled him to overflowing so that he can pour into others. God in praying for Bekham to be full of grace, I can easily see that I am not full of grace. How selfish of me to receive your grace and not offer the same to others. Forgive me for the many times I do this and help me to start filling myself up with Your grace so that I too can pour it back out to others. More than anything, I want to be an example to Bekham, and all other future children should they be in Your will, of what it looks like to be FULL of grace. I want Bekham to know his mommy is full of grace. I want Bekaham to tangibly know what grace feels like so that he can better understand the extent of Your grace to Him. I love you Lord and am humbled by this simple prayer. Let Bekham grow in grace. But let Nick and I grow right along with him.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

31 Ways to Pray for your Children: Salvation

31 Ways to Pray for Your Children
Inspired by this link

So, after I found this link, I was inspired to pray one specific way for Bekham each day of each month. I happened to pick this up mid-June but decided to start blogging about it when we hit the first of the month! Well happy July already folks! If the 100+ temperatures didn't ring in the new month, I suppose the fireworks will come Wednesday!

Moving on ... July 1st! The prayer for today centers around SALVATION. The verse that goes along with salvation is 2 Timothy 2:10 "So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen." My prayer for Bekham today:

Lord I thank you for this sweet boy. I cannot think of a better way to start each month than to pray for Bekham's salvation. I pray that Bekham would come to know You at an early age. I pray that he would understand who You are and what You've done for him as soon as his mind is capable. I pray that he would always find his worth in You and that he would rest in Your unfailing love and grace. In Matthew 21:15-16 you tell us to humble ourselves like children in order to enter your Kingdom. It's so easy to look at children now and understand that, but oh to understand it AS a child. Let Him believe what others claim to be impossible or mythical. Let Him have big and child-like faith as a child that doesn't shrink or fade as he grows up. 




Lord I pray that my faith would be stretched and increased as I watch Bekham grow in you. Thank you for loving him more, and better, than I ever could.