But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."
Last Saturday, we celebrate our granddaughter, Virginia Rose's, second birthday. Danny and I can't wait to see her reaction to the gifts we have chosen for her. Personally, I think the balloon will delight her the most.
She loves all the Seseme Street characters, especially Elmo.
The minute her daddy, John, carries her into the house, Virginia spots the balloon and points to it. We give it to her, and she hangs on tightly, tugging merrily on the ribbon to make it bounce up and down. Then, she spies the gifts wrapped in star-spangled paper.
"Stahhs," she says, wriggling in John's arms, wanting to get down and check out the packages.
"Yes, those are your birthday presents, Virginia, her mom, Sarah, tells her. "Let's take them to the living room where you can open them."
John grabs the large box while Virginia helps Sarah bring the smaller packages. She loves to do "big girl" things! Oh, and the balloon, which has yet to leave her hand, follows her to our gift-opening destination.
As I watch Virginia, I marvel at how quickly she has grown and changed in two short years. And, I can't help but wonder what God has in store for her in the days to come.
What special gifts He has for her to unwrap.
What wondrous surprises He has in store.
Those which give her moments of delight and discovery.
And, the courage and willingness to try new things.
Teaching her to ever stand in awe of His magnificent creation.
And, grow in His word.
Showing her how to be still and know He is God.
Comforting her in times of sorrow . . .
Assuring her that she is His child, and she is infinitely loved.
Promising that He will celebrate with her all the many, many birthdays to come!
When have you seen the kingdom of God through the eyes of a child?
Will you join me in prayer?
Let us receive Your Kingdom, Father, as little children, full of wonder, innocence, and trust. Bless these little ones who teach us what it means to have complete faith in You. Amen.
The most beautiful post ever!
ReplyDeleteIt's very spontaneous and full of love... I could feel your happiness and careful attention here. It's like a gift quietly wrapped and filled with surprises.
Yes, Jesus loves little children...they are our way to Heaven :) I pray with you for the little children all over the world.
And I pray in a special way for your grandchild and those who were given us to take care of...may they always be filled with God's bounteous blessings.
Lots of love for you and Virginia Rose :*
Thanks so much for visiting, Melissa, and for your sweet compliments! I so loved the way God led me in writing this post and feel so blessed to share.
DeleteThank you for praying with me for the little children throughout the world and your special one for Virginia Rose. She has, indeed, helped me to see the Kingdom anew.
Love and blessings to you, my dear!
This was such a beautiful post! Loved the pictures! May the seed of faith that has been planted in little Virginia's heart take deep root and continue to blossom and flourish all of her days, bringing her steadfast confidence in God and resolute peace and joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by today, Jessica, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos and the post.
DeleteI love your prayer for Virginia . . . it so touched my heart, my dear. I pray with you for her and for your two little ones.
Blessings to you!
Martha how precious Virginia is! The good Lord has so many wonderful things in store. She's already incredibly blessed being born into your loving family. What a treasure!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by today, Leah, and for your kind words!
DeleteShe is our little precious one, without a doubt, and I know the Lord has plans for her. :) She is a blessing!
Blessings to you!
Awwww this was such a cute post Martha. The pictures are simply lovely...they reflect the love and warmth your family is surrounded with.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by today, Me!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the photos and the post. Yes, we love this little girl up to the moon and back!
Blessings!
Very sweet. I love seeing my 10 month old grandson great each day with wonder. No mystery about why Jesus love children so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting today, Galen!
DeleteI know your grandson must bring you such joy . . . there's nothing like being a grandparent, is there?
And, there's absolutely no mystery as to why Jesus loved these little ones.
Blessings to you!
When I scroll down, I couldn't help but say, "Awww!" How cute and precious is your little Virginia, Martha! I remember my mom telling me to always pray when I was a little girl because she said, God loves children and He listens to their prayers.
ReplyDeleteI can feel how God takes delight in the innocence (and cuteness? *wink*) of little children. Their hearts so are so pure and their minds unpolluted.
Belated happy birthday to your super adorable little Virginia! This post is just so full of cuteness! This filled me with so much smile, Martha! God bless <3 :-)
Thanks so much for coming by today, Irene, and for your sweet, kind words about little Virginia. She is our love, for sure!
DeleteI like what your mom told you about God loving the children and listening to their prayers. I think that's how he sees and loves us all, no matter how old we get. We are still His beloved children.
Thanks, too, for the birthday wishes!
Blessings!
she is beautiful! and happy birthday to your granddaughter. we can learn a lot from the simple dependence and love of a child....
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by, Annmarie, and for your sweet compliments.
DeleteYes, sometimes I think we learn more from children than we could ever teach them.
Blessings to you!
Dear Martha,
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to have such a BEAUTIFUL flower in your life. She is also adorable. Thanks for sharing such a precious jewel with us (smile).
Thanks so much for coming by today, Andy!
DeleteYes, she is our beautiful flower and precious jewel. How I am loving watching her grow and change. :)
Blessings to you!
What lovely pictures and thoughts. How quickly times flies and what a treasure to see the world through the eyes of a child.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting today, Lynne!
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the photos and the post. Yes, time does fly and children grow so fast. It is great to try to see the world through their eyes.:)
Blessings to you!
I am always in awe of what our children teach us. My two are a constant surprise. Often it's something minor but their observations take me back. When my daughter was younger she explained death to me using the concept of infinity. Something she has learned in preschool. Martha, I almost ran the car off the road listening to her.. go figure. The photos are beautiful, her expressions are priceless.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for coming by today, Brenda!
DeleteOh, my! What a precocious little girl you have. I think I WOULD have run off the road!
Yes, it is amazing what the little ones can teach us. I am learning much from sweet Virginia.
Glad you enjoyed the photos. :)
Blessings to you!
What a blessing to watch this little girl grow and she's so blessed to have so much love in her life too. Thank you for sharing her with us, Martha. Virginia Rose now has people around the world praying for her with love.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting, Corinne!
DeleteYes, she is truly our little blessing and we love her so much. How comforting to know that you and others all over the world are praying for her and all the precious little children.
Blessings, my friend!