Naomi Shalom is now 3 years old! Yesterday was the day, but I was unable to write up a post due to blog troubles. Oh well! Better late then never :o) My in-laws are here for the week and we enjoyed a simple day as a family. Naomi is blessed to have her Grammie and Grandpa here for her birthday. I made a yummy Banana Coconut Chocolate Chip Cake (Naomi’s favorite ingredients) while my mom whipped up some Arroz con Pollo (Naomi’s favorite Costa Rican dish). Everything was delicious!
I am so blessed to have such a spunky, strong & feisty daughter. She brings sunshine into our home. I am learning more and more about the importance of walking in grace and love with Naomi. She is so much like me and that makes it challenging at times. Thankfully, Jon works very well with Naomi and I am always learning from him as we work together to train Naomi up in the way of the Lord. I can’t imagine doing it without Jon… Naomi needs her Daddy just as much as she needs me.
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.”“These are the commands, decrees and laws the LORD your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess, so that you, your children and their children after them may fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. Hear, O Israel, and be careful to obey so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, promised you.Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 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. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
Its not easy to raise two young girls and an awesome responsibility. I remember back before I was pregnant I didn’t think I was fit to raise a child… especially two! God obviously proved me wrong :o) Now, I can’t imagine my life without my girls!
For those who don’t know… Naomi Shalom means “Beautiful Peace”. We decided that name even though we didn’t know if we were going to have a boy or girl. It fits her so perfectly because right before she was born, the Lord brought a peace over me and my fears of pain and the birth were taken away. When I went into labor… there was such a calmness and peace around me and my family. The Lord blessed us with an easy labor and natural birth… it was a beautiful time, especially when we all first looked upon our baby girl, Naomi Shalom.
“Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged;parents are the pride of their children.”
It is our prayer that Naomi will grow up to be a godly woman who will love the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength… and love others. We can’t expect perfection, but we can expect God’s best in her life. Jon and I are not alone in this… my parents, who live with us, are a blessing and huge help. Naomi has a wonderful and special relationship with her Papi and Nina, especially Papi. She loves to follow him around and “help” him while he cares his plants… It is a joy to watch her with my parents because not many kids see their grandparents everyday. I am blessed to have parents who love the Lord and support us. Naomi and Tabi are truly the crowning glory of my parents :o)
I want to share with you a few pictures I took of Naomi and her Daddy… Wow, she was so tiny!
Have a wonderful week!
Naomi is so adorable….Happy birthday!
By the way, what happened to your blog? How was it fixed? I felt for you when I read you needed help in fixing it. I’m glad it’s fixed.
Aww, happy birthday to dear Naomi!!
Feliz cumnpleaños Naomi!!!!! I know that you have had a wonderful day!!!!
Mare te envie ayer el encargo.Regards
3!!! amazing… our girls have almost the same spacing…
I love seeing pictures of your little ones. Are you open to doing more graphic design projects? I’d love to mention you to people when I get comments about how awesome my business cards are :o)
Revelation I got from God about my life after returning from Sedona,Az.
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I found myself on a mountain at the end of my rope. Before me appeared a much larger rope that led as far as the eye could see. I had been climbing the rope that I was on for so long and it seemed to lead no where. Sometimes the climb was easy,sometimes it was hard,but it never seemed to get me anywhere. After much struggle with the rope I was on,one day I took a leap of “Faith” and grabbed onto the much larger rope. I started climbing and a change came over me. The higher I got, the stronger I got.At the same time,I became more frightened for fear of falling. I stopped a few times to catch my breath but felt compelled to keep climbing. Then I noticed the more I climbed,the less afraid I became. When I looked up, I could see the top of the mountain,I was in the clouds. I had almost reached the top. My heart was pounding my energy was high and I notice there had been a change in me that had taken place. I reach the top and stood up. What I saw, was the most incredible view I had ever seen. My mind was clear and taking in all the beauty around me. My heart was so soft,I wanted to cry. My soul had been changed and I felt like a new person. I would never look at my life the same. I reflected on the rope that I had spent my whole life on and wondered why I thought that the rope I was on would lead me to happiness. After trying to absorb this overwhelming quest, I all the sudden felt a great desire to climb back down the rope and tell others what I had experienced. As I climbed down,I saw other people on the rope. Some were up high and some had just started the climb. But many people were right in the middle not moving. Not going up nor going back down. When I got to the beginning of the rope, I started telling everyone that would listen to me about the rope that led to the top. Most people wouldn’t listen to what I had to say. They were so content with climbing their own rope, which I knew would lead them no where for I had been climbing the same type of rope for so many years. Some people saw the rope I was on but were to afraid to make the leap of “Faith”. They were afraid of falling. I noticed that while telling people about the rope,the place seemed dark and cold. It was until I saw the light on the mountain top that I could distinguish the difference. The individual ropes that we climb represents us living our own life trying to achieve fame,fortune and success on our own. Living life to satisfy ourselves. The leap to the other rope is the leap of “Faith” when we surrender our lives to Jesus. Give your life and Receive eternal life. The rope of life represents the hand of God.Climb it diligently and always know….God will never let you fall. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Jesus has his hand out. Grab hold of him! The climb represents the struggles that we endure. God will give you the Holy Spirit to comfort you and encourage you on your climb+++ When you reach the top of the mountain,the scales fall off your eyes. You have achieved eternal life You acknowledge that you have been Born Again and you got to go tell someone!!! The people that stop on the rope and become comfortable, represent the Luke warm Christian that God will spew out of his mouth. One is either in the dark or in the light. There is nothing in between. If you are by the door in the dark….your still in the dark. The Lord wants us to have a great passion for him and be on fire for him. When you are in the dark,your eyes adjust. When most everyone around you is in darkness,you don’t know your in the dark. It is only when you step into the light that you realize what a dark place you were in. I pray that this will encourage you and others to seek the lord. Love thy Lord God with all your Heart,Soul,Mind and Strength. Please allow me to share with you HOW to love our Lord God with all your heart,soul,mind and strength.
Ray Baker
(Messenger)
followingjesus@comcast.net