Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
- Proverbs 3:5-6
Therefore the Lord said:
“ Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths
And honor Me with their lips,
But have removed their hearts far from Me,
And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men....”
Isaiah 29:14
November has become a very meaningful month for me.
There are many reasons for the special place that this month holds in my heart... and I want to write about them in my end of the month post.
But on this post I will share one important event that our family will be celebrating each time this month comes around.
Twelve months ago today, my second grandson Elijah was born.
We celebrated this little boy's birthday with a bang.
We have many reasons for doing so.
A year ago, just a day after Elijah was born, this was part of the post I wrote on this blog:
November 14, 2010
Chosen One gave birth by Caesarian section last night.
The doctor decided to perform the operation after hours of dry labor, as the baby showed signs of distress.
We welcomed Andre Elijah, my second grandson, into this world at exactly 7:31 p.m. on November 13, 2010.
He had to be resuscitated, and was immediately placed in an incubator and given oxygen.
Early this morning, at about 1:30 a.m., the baby's pediatrician informed us that the baby's respiratory rate was very fast. Pneumonia is suspected. A chest x-ray will be done if rate doesn't improve. Signs of infection was seen in the blood test, so the baby is also being given anti-biotics.
I have named this baby Full of Hope, and my hope is built on nothing less than the solid rock on which I stand!
Last night as my friend Trudi and I prayed for this baby, this word was impressed upon my heart, I do all things well.
My faith declaration:
Yes... faith arises in my heart my dear Father. My heart is full of hope...for You are the God who does all things well.
Dear friends, please stand and pray with us as we believe for a mighty and glorious display of God's glory.Full of Hope
taken at 7:43 p.m. last night, 12 minutes after he was bornUpdate:
A chest x-ray was taken and it is confirmed that the baby has pneumonia. Three kinds of antibiotics are being administered through an IV drip. In addition to his pediatrician, we have also availed of the services of a neonatal specialist to help in the medical management of his condition. As of 4 p.m. today, the baby's respiratory rate has dropped from 90 to 70 per minute, which is a marked improvement. He was also taken out of the incubator, although he is still in the natal Intensive Care unit.
Beginning tomorrow, Chosen One will be strong enough to be wheeled to the Nursery where she will be able to hold her baby and begin breastfeeding him. I agree with Dr. Diane Nandwani, our very sweet pediatrician, this is the healing touch and human connection that will speed up the healing process. Chosen One will also speak words of affirmation over her son. Please continue to pray for Full of Hope's speedy recovery and complete healing.
Elijah was released from the natal intensive care unit eleven days later.
It was a journey of faith for our family. I am truly grateful for the faith lessons that we all learned during the part of our journey. We clung to God in hope and in full assurance that this baby's life was in His hands.
Beloved family members and friends, including my dear blog friends, rallied behind us, supporting us in prayer and encouragement.
Today, twelve months later, Elijah... Full of Hope and Mighty Warrior... is a healthy, vibrant, robust, energetic one year old little boy!
His birthday party began with a dedication ceremony. Worshiper and Chosen One had asked a dear family friend, Max Hughes, to officiate at the ceremony.
It was such a moving occasion, that many of us could not help but shed tears as we listened to Max speaking the words that God had placed on his heart to share with us.
Indeed it was another milestone for our family, a day worth remembering... a day to offer praise and thanksgiving to God.
I truly praise God for this special day. Today Elijah's parents offered their son back to God in a special dedication ceremony. Blessings were prayed over him, and today was doubly speical because his name "Andre Elijah" was officially conferred upon him.
Andre means "Courage." Its spiritual connotation is "Enduring."
Elijah literally means, "My God is Lord." The spiritual connotation of this name is "Spiritual Champion."
My prayer blessing:
Today as you mark the first year of your life, dear Elijah, I declare that you will live up to the name that you have been given.
The Elijah in the Bible was known as a prophet of fire, and he was a man truly on fire for God. He was passionate about his faith, and he stood fearless before the evil king and queen of his day, challenged the prophets of Baal up on Mount Carmel, and God honored the kind of faith that he had.
I declare that you will grow up to be an Elijah, and you will stand fearless and strong in your faith and convictions. You will never give way to fear or compromise.
As your name Andre implies, you will be a person of enduring faith. Your faith will keep growing stronger, and you will indeed be a person to reckon with.
Young men with these qualifications will be badly needed in these last days. Never waver in your stand, dear grandson. I pray that God will hone and shape you in the months to come - even as your personality and inner character are being formed.
May the rich spiritual deposits of the generations that have come before you not be wasted in these crucial days as God is advancing His kingdom reign, and the bride, the Church, is being prepared for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is my prayer that you will not be motivated by earthly goals, but rather keep your focus on what will last for eternity. Live up to the spiritual qualities associated with your name - Spiritual Champion... Enduring.
Such beautiful qualities, dear grandson!
May you grow up to be a man of enduring faith, may your character be heavy with spiritual substance.
Honor God not with mere words, Elijah... but with your whole heart. May you learn what it means to offer God a whole-hearted devotion... inspiring many others to do the same.
You have quite a strong will and determined spirit, already so evident at this young age. May this strength and determination be put to good use, harnessed by God for His glory and honor.
This is my prayer and desire for you today as we celebrate your first year of life.
Love,
Nana
God's special gift for Elijah: this flower in my garden was in full bloom in time for his birthday, a loving message of life, beauty and hope!
Max, giving words of inspiration
My second son, Worshiper and his son
Standing tall!
A father's blessing: "Give my son a heart that is passionate for your kingdom, dear God."
A mother's blessing: "Shine in his life despite our imperfect parenting, Father."
Grandpa Max, giving Andre a special blessing. Max used to carry Worshiper when he was a baby... and now Max is carrying Worshiper's son! It was a tearful moment for many of us.
The party fare was prepared by Madora, Chosen One's mom, who arrived from Manila on the eve of Elijah's birthday. Thank you, Madora, for your labor of love.
pasta with a special pesto sauce
baked franks, kebabs, and bruschetta...
crunchy spring rolls and fried chicken...
lots of yummy condiments for nachos...
blowing his birthday candle...Eleventh Month: Teachable - Becoming a New Wineskin
Tenth Month: Honor, Valor, Courage
Ninth Month: Pilgrim Status
Eighth Month: Understanding the Times - Becoming a Son of Issachar
Seventh Month: Wisdom from Above
Sixth Month: Grace Under Pressure - Grace
Fifth Month: A Kingdom that Cannot Be Shaken - Faith
Fourth Month: Love Covers - Love
Third Month: Like a Tender Shoot - Obedience
Second Month: Elijah's Second Month - Humility
First Month: Giving Thanks - Thankfulness
Eleven Days Old: New Life
First Week: Hand to the Plow
The Day of Birth: Full of Hope
Linking up with Leah Adams' blog theme for November"Living Thankful"
This post is dedicated to Stephanie of Truthsharer.
16 comments:
What a rich spiritual heritage this little one has...I have never seen such a precious birthday party with such blessings.
Happy, happy first birthday, to dear little Elijah! It certainly looks as if he had a wonderful one.
Such beautiful and festive decorations and delicious food, but most of all loving family. He is a blessed child for certain. I know he must bring you great joy, Lidj. I am so happy for you all.
Love & Prayers,
Sandy
I just noticed on your sidebar the pictures and quotes from some of my favorites such as Francis Frangipane, Derek Prince and Andrew Murray. And of course, Chris Tomlin. We seem to have much in common in our tastes for reading and teaching and music, dear sister.
Blessings~
Lidia.....he's so cute. I want to just squish him and he is already living up to his powerful name. What an awesome blessing little Elijah is and one day.....God will use him in a powerful way
I remember your prayer request when your adorable grandson was born...Oh my! A year had gone by already! And what a blessing indeed as his own birthday is a testimony of his Father's healing and grace.
I wish days will go slower but I know that's not the case. However, when I think about what your heart will post for a specific month, sometimes, I feel like rushing each month because your journey reflects how much you love the Lord and that your faith truly moved every mountain you had to overcome. Oh yeah...you overcame! Glory be to God for His power and might!
I sort of scroll down a little faster when I saw the pics of those delicious "handa"...I didn't want to drool. :)
But I always take my time to read everything you had to say, especially the Scriptures you share. Happy birthday to Elijah! May the Lord's richest blessing be upon him. Take care sister and be strong in His mighty power! Thank you for your prayers and all the encouragement...My back never felt this stronger! Again, glory be to God!
Dear Lidia,
I so well remember we started praying for Elijah before he was born, and you gave him the wonderful name Full of Hope.
Such a strong and beautiful little boy he has become. Very much like his father, and also very much with his own will.
You made him a wonderful party, elaborate and exclusive, but best of all I find the way you brought him to church "to become blessed" as is the Norwegian expression in the Pentecostal Church.
May the Lord get as many Thanks as he got prayers before and after Elijah was born.
He is a walking wonder boy.
Happy Birthday sweet Elijah...God blessed you with a strong woman of faith as your Grandmother. What a powerful prayer warrior you are Lidia...I am blessed to know you!
Happy Birthday "MIGHTY WARRIOR"! May the God of HOPE [Jesus HIMSELF] raise you up to be full of courage to fulfill all that He has planned for your little life as you grow into the man of God He intends you to be!
JOY, Stephanie
[[HUGS]]
Beautifully blessed birthday celebration with a strong faith and heritage at its heart! You are giving him a firm foundation through your loving example. GOD BLESS YOU, sweet friend!
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea
PS: Elijah is quite handsome!
Lidia,
Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving an encouraging note. I visit your blog often and was honored that you visited my. I enjoy reading your blog and learning about your dear family.
So happy to see the pictures of the festivities. That chocolate cake looked AMAZING! What a testimony.
Carrie
Happy birthday, little Elijah. Are you a loved little boy. Look at that wonderful family celebration; so touching to hear mom and dad pray over baby! And what a special praying Nana you have!
I love happy endings. And Elijah's life brings so much happiness. Thanks for sharing his story with all of us.
Yes, a beautiful celebration for a precious little boy. Elijah is so blessed! And he is a blessing!
Happy Birthday, Elijah. God as great plans for your life.
What a little doll . . . he is a cutie-pie. Enjoy ever so, they grow so fast . . don't they. Enjoyed reading the beautiful prayer for your grandson. Yes, his generation will have to be very strong and solid for the way the world is turning now. Lots of blessing and love to you Lidia, Sandy:O)
Lidia, I remember last year, and all the prayers that were offered as Elijah battled his problems. I am so very thankful that God, our Great Physician, healed this precious boy! I feel that he is destined to do great things for the Lord.
I so enjoyed visiting the birthday celebration table! The food looked so delicious! (And I just LOVE that table with the wagon wheel base!)
And yes, I agree with you - this world desperately needs young men with enduring faith who will stand up for their convictions. I join you in praying for Elijah, and all the young men in this world (including our sons) - may God strengthen them to stand as warriors for the Word!
GOD BLESS!
And a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Andre Elijah!
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