Praying for Larkin...

I started reading the book Power of a Praying Parent a while back.  It's so good, but with a lot on my plate recently I haven't kept up my committment to purposefully pray through the book at this point.  Still, it's neat how little things Larkin will do or things that will happen throughout our day that have me praying for my litle man.  Kind of like the Holy Spirit is pointing out things for me to pray for if that makes sense....

For example...This week I've noticed a trend when it comes to Larkin's personality out in public.  If we are at dinner or if he is in the shopping cart at the store, Larkin will pick a person to stare at and just stare and stare and stare until they look his way.  As soon as that person acknowledges little Lark he turns ON the charm.  Immediately he smiles real big, turns his head to the side pretending to be shy and sometmies even bats his little eyes. 

This has happend so frequently this past week it's gotten to be comical.  I can't tell you how many comments I've gotten from people that he is the "biggest little flirt" or he is going to be a "heartbreaker".  We even had one lady who worked at Albertsons follow us out into the parking lot and watch us put our groceries away while Larkin flirted with her.  Another cashier "Mr. Mike" knows Larkin now by name and truly gets excited each time Larkin comes in.

                        

He has learned how to get attention from people and he is working it!  Each time it has happened I've felt like the Lord prompts me to pray.  I pray that God will use this joy and ability to brighten others day for His glory and not for Larkin's.  That Larkin wouldn't grow up and go through school charming others to get things he wants or even seeking others approval, but that he would be the kind of young man that sees others who are hurting or maybe don't quite fit in and show them compassion and joy.  I pray that this gift the Lord has given him to bring light and smiles to others (at least at this point in his life) will be an asset to God's kingdom and not used for his own glory.

...It's kind of neat to have promptings like that and pray for them .  I should pray for more I suppose!  ... It's a bit less overwhelming and structured; which at this point is good for this busy momma!

A Beautiful Song

Last night my mom sang with the choir at First Baptist Dallas' choir performance.  Unfortunately, I'm sick so I couldn't go but I tuned in via live stream on First Baptist Dallas' website.  The music was beautiful and the worship was powerful.  It really put me in the true Christmas spirit.  Larkin, Jordan and I were huddled around the computer and spotted Nana (my mom) singing.

In addition to the choir performing Christmas songs, Kari Jobe was there performing.  I had never heard of her or her music before (maybe just because I've been out of it the past five months).  But her voice and the lyrics of her songs really blessed me.  This song is one of my favorites.  I love the lyrics.  .I'm not sure how to link it to this blogpost but here is the address... In case you haven't heard it... Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSMfL5LuSo&feature=related

Gift Idea!

There's something about a home that is so special. The word itself brings comfort it seems, especially at this time of year. Even just the physical wood and brick - a picture of my first home, for example evokes memories of special times spent with my brothers and parents when we were little.

That's why I think this is the neatest gift idea for family, friends or a couple who have just moved into or are about to move out of their first home - a sketch of your house!

I've mentioned the talents of  my friend, Rylie before, but I just loved these pictures and had to add them.  She does incredible renderings of homes, buildings (and in my opinion everything else for that matter).  But if you are in need of a gift I just thought I would share what a special idea this would be!

Well... She's a Bookworm

When I was little and my brother would make fun of me my mom would make him give me a compliment.  Thinking he was outsmarting her, he got creative and instead of saying what a great personality I have or how I was kind or pretty, he would smile in a mischevious little way and say, "Well... she's a bookworm". 

It was true.  I remember toting those hardback yellow Nancy Drew books, or any other book for that matter, with me everywhere.  I would literally walk through restaurants or other public places with my nose in the book, glancing up occasionally to make sure I wasn't about to bump into anything.

All this to say, I love to read.  I wouldn't be able to count the number of books I've read in my lifetime if I tried.  I even had a library (yes, with a dewey decimal system) in my room at home when I was little and, yes, my brothers would check out books from me (perhaps just to humor me).

I still love to read.  I am always on the lookout for a new book, so please if you have a recommendation let me know.  I guess it's this love of books that prompts me to share with you perhaps the best book I've ever read.  It's called Unbroken.  I am not a big "war" reader.  Usually I prefer a good romance, but this book is just incredible. 


It is based on a true story of the life of Louie Zamperini, a former Olympic athelete who became a POW.  I really can't say enough incredible things about the book so I will leave it at that and hope that someone who reads this ends up reading it and loving it as much as I did. 

Anyway, just wanted to share as I know good reads are sometimes hard to find!  Happy Friday!