Do you not know that in a race all the runners run,
but only one gets the prize?
Run in such a way as to get the prize.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24
Two years ago today, my dear Forerunner was born.
The date was October 20, 2008.
It was a significant event for us because Forerunner holds the special place in our family history as being the very first grandson.
The date is also important for me because it is the year that a bittersweet exchange took place in my life - the year of my first grandson's arrival in this world is also the year that my husband went home to heaven.
Ernie passed away one month after Forerunner was born.
My grandson's name is Matthew, a Hebrew word that means "gift of God."
And he is indeed a gift!
Such a precious little boy, fun loving, and full of laughter.
He is perceptive, teachable, and alert.
My dear Forerunner,
You turn 2 years old today! What a milestone!
I have given you the spiritual name Forerunner...and for the past two years, I have asked God to equip you with the inner spiritual resources that will enable you to live up to this name.
May you indeed be a forerunner, one that will prepare the way for others to follow Christ.
You will be a trailblazer...willing to go into uncharted territory...
...a history maker,
...a "speaker of truth,"
...someone who will not shrink back from doing what needs to be done.
May you be persevering, and determined to finish the course set before you, a runner that will aim to win the prize.
How I pray dear grandson that you will not look for an easy way out of any task that you have set out to do.
May God grant you everything you need to live a life that will honor and please Him.
I am proud of you! There's so much faith in my heart that God is leading you, and preparing you for great things ahead.
May His hedge of protection always surround you!
Happy birthday my dear grandson! It is such a privilege for me to have you as my first grandson... It is such a joy to see you grow up before my eyes!
Much love,
Nana
34 comments:
Happy, Happy Birthday to your precious grandson. It is clear to see that you adore him. I pray he will accomplish all the things you believe him to! Sending love and good wishes. Will keep you in my prayers today as I know you must miss your husband, Ernie, very much.
What a beautiful little boy. I hope you will save what you've written and give it to him in the years to come. What a gift it will be!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ADORABLE LITTLE FORERUNNER!!
All the things that you hope for this boy, have begun in the heart and prayers of his precious grandmother. I join you today, Lidj, in praying for all of the above for this child.
Aren't grandchildren God's blessing to us?? You KNOW that Ernie would have loved this boy!! Perhaps he is peeking down through a cloud in heaven and adding his prayers today! Not sure of my theology on this, but... why not?? Our God is a good God, and He loves to give us good gifts!
Love you Lidj!
Sonja
Can I just confess I'm a bit jealous of you? lol! I'm not a grandma yet and am looking forward to the day. Matthew is adorable. One of my sons-in-law is named Matthew and he is a gift.
I enjoyed catching up on your blog today. It's always a blessing and I come away inspired to seek God more.
Happy birthday to your dear, sweet little grandson!
I'm so glad that God allowed Ernie to see his first grandson. That is a blessing indeed.
This is a wonderful post about him and I hope you will save it so he can see it when he is old enough to appreciate it.
Matthew is just precious,
Lidj. I pray God's hedge of
protection and wall of fire
around him. May he walk in
the power of the Holy Spirit
and may the peace of God be
in his heart always.
Blessings,
Sandy
Happy birthday little Matthew!
Lidj, it's sad that Ernie didn't get to see him grow up. But one day ...
What a blessing though to have this little sunshine in your life. I'm sure his Nana knows just how to shower him with love.
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comments on Heart Choices. I cherish each one and appreciate the time you spend reading my posts. I always look forward to visiting you too.
Love,
Debbie
Aw, he's a little sweetheart! I love how you are speaking his destiny before him. Back when I had my own kids, the thought never occurred to me to do that. Well, I didn't really know God back then. Years later I would look up all my children's names to learn their meanings...after the fact!
Forerunner has a great purpose ahead of him, thanks to a great God, and a great Grandmother.
Many blessings to Matthew!
There have been/are forerunners throughout history--and also today. But the time is ready...now...for a 'real' one.
This little two-year-old is surely a gift from God, who has also many gifts FROM God, not the least being his grandmother--YOU!
May your whole family be blessed.
Forever!
PEACE,
Steve E
Happy B-Day Little One, how sweet he is and how blessed you are to have him as your grandson. Oh yes, God has a special plan for this little one, especially with a grandmother like Lidj. What a wonderful gift you'll be to him with all your widsom and knowledge that God has blessed you with. I'm sure Ernie enjoys him too . . he's all around you Lidj. Love, Sandy:O)
Lidj,
Happy Birthday to Forerunner!
What another interesting parallel in our lives--our 1st granddaughter was born on October 20th, 2009! We will be visiting our daughter soon and share the 1st birthday of Eva Joy! So we have another connection as we celebrate God's faithfulness from one generation to another!! And the grace to see our children's children.
I know it's always difficult to face the time of year of your husband's passing. But I pray the delight you find in your grandson will be a light to you, and your entire family, during this season.
Thank you again for your comment over on my blog. I would be deeply honoured to have that post featured on your site. Humbly, Linda
Dear Lidj,
It was about a year ago that I first visited your blog, and the first post I read was about Ernie. I admire the strength and peace which radiates from your writing, and I know it is from your relationship with God.
Matthew is precious, and your prayers and prophecy over him will bear fruit in due time.
Blessings today
Oh, Lidj.... your Forerunner is absolutely precious!
Enjoyed this post and your photos!
Matthew is certainly a gift from God..... enjoy every moment Lidj.
Peace&Love,
Lis
Oh how precious...I couldn't help but rejoice in my spirit over this ones birthday.
What a true blessing and what wonderful prayer for ever child!
Have a wonderful celebration!!!
Dear one,
you both are so very blessed to have each other in your lives. What a gift indeed to fill your life in the physiucal absense of your hubby. So glad that he got to experience him before being witht hte LOrd. I love how you name your children and grandchildren. Such love you have for them.
you are highly favored
patrina warrior bride in boots <")>><
Happy birthday to your precious grandson, the pictures of him melted my heart. He is beautiful Lidj! I hope his future contains everything you pray for for him. What a gift to have such a strong, wise, and prayerfull grandmother.
God bless you today as your family celebrates!
Hi sister Lidj! Happy Birthday to your special "Forerunner". How great it is that you are speaking "blessings" over him. What a happy boy and indeed, he is truly a gift from above! Your heart reveals so much love and gratitude...God bless you and your family always. Praying you're remaining strong in His power and might. Love to you sister.
Forerunner is two years old!!! Blessings of the Most High God be poured out upon this "Seed of Promise." That's what I heard the Lord say as I was typing. :)
Thanks, Lidj, for praying. I have been quite busy since returning to the workforce, in addition to, continuing with home education of Fire.
There have been other stressors in my life this year as well, but the Lord has provided me with personal growth and wisdom in dealing with these, less than optimal situations. However, your prayers are definitely appreciated!!!
If you think of it, please pray particularly for me this Friday and Saturday as our church is hosting "Divine Encounters" for women. I will be ministering 12 noon to 9 pm on Friday and 8 am to 12 noon on Saturday as part of the prophetic team. My desire is to hear the heart of the Lord for each of the women I contact. That the Lord's heart would spark transformation of souls and envigoration of spirits. God's desire is that these women have a deep revelation of the His Love for them and the worth of their destinies.
Thank you for being me faithful friend and sister.
With Love always...
Beautiful Grace
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HIM!
I love his cute little mohawk!
How can he not perservere with God on his side, and a Nana like YOU!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
He is a little darling, Lidj! I've always loved the name Matthew and was privileged to marry one! May your little Matthew be that man after God's own heart and a wonderful husband to a godly lady someday! As we pray for the future generations, we influence those we may not meet on earth...but I look forward to eternity!
Amy
Happy birthday cute Matthew. He is such a sweet gift from God
Mathew is adorable. I 'm so glad you have him b/c he's going to bring tons of smiles to you....it's hard to be down with his little being there. Lidj, you are one amazing inspiring woman. Stay strong okay. He has you right smack in the palms of His hands...You never walk alone. ☺☺
I love your prayer and declaration over Matthew. He is a handsome little guy and I pray God's blessings over him on his birthday. He is blessed to have a praying grandmother like you...what does he call you?
Hey Sweet lady! You are one of teh WINNERS of my Give-Away! I need you to send me a Shipping Address here within the U.S. It cannot be a P.O. Box. I hope you have an actual Physical Address this book can be sent to. Please e-mail me the address at p.creek54@gmail.com.
God Bless,
PJ
Hello Lidj, That a handsome little man.. I do believe he is like your husband in looks..I pray he grows strong in body and in the Lord.
Hugs CML xxxx
He looks a great wee chap; may the Lord bless him.
Your grandson radiates joy!
Dear Lidj,
You ought to be proud of such a cute boy... Happy birthday to him and blessings to you and your family.
Thanks for your recent visit to my blog, and for your lovely comment.
Doris
I know I already commented on this post, but I read all the way down past your "retainers" episode. You are an excellent witness for God. I love reading your posts. As far as having fear in the back of your mind. Just keep in mind that fear is not of God. The devil will tell you all kinds of things to keep you from your "appointed rounds". He is her to steal, kill, and destroy your relationship with God, so don't let those feelings of concern, fear, confusion, or anything but JOY for the Lord in your heart and mind. I don't know if people actually go "back" and check to see if they have comments on their older posts so that I why I'm commenting again on this one. I also wanted you to know that I submitted y'all's names for the Book last night. I just like to let people know when I do this, because sometimes it takes a while to get everyone's addresses and such, so it can be a few days later, but not this one. Y'all were great about getting back to me, so I sent it right off. Of course, being that it's a week-end, they probably won't get it until Monday. I hope they will notify y'all when they ship. I don't know because Hachette Books changed the way they do things a little bit and are now going through a different site for their Give-Aways. Anyway this is probably more info than what you want to hear. By the way, I am now following you.
God Bless,
PJ
What a lovely post! Happy Birthday to your grandson. What a wonderful letter you wrote to him...how blessed he is!!
Blessings,
Camille
P.S. Thank you for stopping by my blog the other day...it's lovely to "meet" you. :)
HI Lidj...your family looks wonderful.....and your two scriptures a the top of the post....I needed to read them. Sometimes it's hard not to get discouraged....but then I remember how much He's already done....thank you Lidj for being an inspiration and sharing your life and heart....☺
Happy belated birthday! The happiness and joy show in your pictures! And what a beautiful gift - your prayer! I think those are the most beautiful of all - prayers we give to other people.
Catching up with some blog reading, Lidj. What a precious grandson you have. My youngest grand is turning 2 this month...Every age is special and brings new joys. Isn't being a grandmother such a great blessing! Hope you get to see him often!
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