Friday, October 26, 2012

Noah Benjamin, age 6

My dear sweet Noah,
You were so excited that your birthday had finally arrived that you woke us up at 5:30am to see if it was time to get doughnuts. You have been counting down the days. And, although I have heard a LOT of excitement from you about PRESENTS!!!!!, causing me to worry as a mother....your joy and delight in just being loved and honored has also been evident. Every few steps you stop to give a hug or smile. You're just so excited!!!
You are the dreamer of the family. Whereas many of us tend to be practical and reasonable...you dwell in a world of impossibilities that seem as nothing to overcome. (As evidenced by your declaration of wanting both Bobba Fett's Slave 1 and Jenga Fett's Slave 1 toys for your birthday.) I'm sorry to say that you did not get either, but you seem so overjoyed and content with the small Iron-Man Lego set that we were able to get for you. :-)
This, right here, is the heart that I pray you keep. The one that believes and asks for the greatest and biggest things...and then accepts with joy whatever The Giver sees fit to give. This is the heart I pray God forms and fashions in all of us. We have learned so much from you, Noah Benjamin.
It is my delight and my honor to be your mom. Happy birthday.
Love
Mommy

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Ezra on Eye of the Tiger...

"It's the eye of the tiger, he can pray every night!!!"

Wow! That's his version of the good ole' Eye of the Tiger song from the Just Dance game on the Wii.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Change of plans....

A man's heart plans his way,
but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9 HCSB)

Many plans are in a man's heart,
but the Lord's decree will prevail. (Proverbs 19:21 HCSB)

Today, we went out to the pumpkin patch with some friends. After about an hour of walking in the corn maze, we sat down to enjoy some snacks. I got up to use the restroom, and realized that I was bleeding. After having been on bed rest two weeks ago for the same problem, I sort of assumed that I was fine and could kind of get back to "normal". Well...change of plans.
We needed to go home so I could get off my feet and rest. This has been a common conversation with the kids lately...it is so hard sometimes, to accept when plans change. All the kids did a fantastic job at accepting the new direction the day went-especially Emma and Caleb. Noah did cry a bit, but he calmed down quickly after I apologized and sympathized with him. It's hard when things don't go like we planned!
But, we believe in a God who is so good, that even the changes in our plans that He allows and brings about are for our good.
And I am happy to report, that there is no more bleeding today and I am "resting." Now, I just need to remind myself that the plans have changed, and perhaps I cannot do things the way I had previously planned. :-)

Monday, October 22, 2012

"Baby Knight"

Oh Ezra. Today, you are four years old! I had no idea how much our lives would change the day you entered our home. You have literally surprised me every step of the way. God has used you to change me and stretch me and grow me. There is so much that I just wouldn't know without you. Our family has learned more of love (and long-suffering) because of you. No offense, but you do have a tendency to destroy much of what belongs to others.
But you, Ezra Lucas Knight Hester...well, you live up to your name in many ways already, and I pray that you live up to it in many more. You see, the Ezra of the Bible loved God's Word, and he taught it to the people. He was a leader, and I have a hunch that maybe you will be too. :-)
Ezra means "Jehovah helps." I say it lightly...but there is truth to the fact that I have needed Jehovah's help more than ever since knowing you. ;-) But I believe that just as He has been my help to be an instrument of grace for you, I believe He will continue to be your help as you seek Him.
Lucas means "bringer of light." You bring many things to our family, dear little boy...but your mischievous smile brings light and life to any room. Your belly laugh is one if my favorite sounds ever!
And Knight. Well, who names their kid Knight? But I must say, it is perhaps the most fitting of all. You have a fearless spirit that I have never seen before. You are bold and brave and courageous! And my goodness, these things, in the hands of the living God could be so useful for His kingdom.
And so, my sweet "Baby Knight", my Ezra Lucas.... I love you. I pray that somehow just by knowing you, I have become just a little bit more courageous and fearless. I pray that The Lord will show you His beauty and goodness in ways that you will truly know that His is the only cause worthy of fearless, bold faith. I pray that you would love His Word, and teach it to others. I pray that you would bring the light of the World into lives full of darkness, and that you would fearlessly serve the only Worthy King.
I love you. My "sweet boy." ;-)
Mommy

Saturday, October 06, 2012

Happy Birthday

Dear Ben,
I am so thankful that you were born. My life and my understanding of God is forever changed because I am married to you. And there are five...soon to be six, little people who are beyond blessed to call you their Daddy.
Today didn't go quite as planned...it was a rough day pregnancy wise. You ended up making your own breakfast feast....and you did it all with an amazing attitude. The kids showered you with love and candy...
I pray that today, in the midst of all the crazy, you will know just how much you are loved and cherished in this home...and it is just a small fraction of how you are loved and cherished in heaven by the Father because you are in Christ. I love you. You are my best friend.
Happy Birthday.