and so i walk.

"And so I walk in the Lord's presence as I live here on earth!" Psalm 116:9

This is certainly the heart cry of both Greg and I. It is also our prayer for little Elijah.

Here he is enjoying one of our walks in his stroller.

Do you see the way he looks at his daddy and just loves spending time with him?

As Elijah grows and begins to walk through life, our greatest desire for him is that he would have such joy and delight as he looks to his Heavenly Father and lives for His glory. Do you find yourself enjoying the Lord today? If not, stop and rest in Him and ask Him to make your joy complete. He is able.

auntie mc.

Last week, we had a special little visitor come and spend part of her spring break with us...Auntie McKayla!

She was so much fun to have around and a great helper as well. Elijah could happily spend all day playing with her.

Here they are before breakfast one morning.

(Take a close look at Elijah's t-shirt. McKayla specially designed it and made it for him when she went to Disney last fall.)

And watching Baby Einstein together. McKayla couldn't quite understand why she liked them so much when she was younger. Pretty boring from a grown-up perspective, but the babies love them.

We also shopped, ate out, went to the park, and much more. We made sweet memories during her visit and thank God for the sweet young lady she is growing up to be.

new life.

I've been so excited this past week as glimmers of hope - signs of spring - have begun to show themselves. In fact, so excited I had to share this picture with you, so you too could enjoy the flowers I see outside my kitchen window. Seriously, it makes me giddy. Can anyone else relate?

Well it got me thinking. What is it about being on the brink of spring that makes me so happy? Even more than the flowers, sunshine, birds chirping, and warm air, I think it's the overall excitement over new life. Here in Chicago, everything has been quite dead over the past few months and now life is beginning to bud. I can even see it in my neighbors who are coming out of their homes and walking in the neighborhood again. We are all eager for new life.

All of this excitement over the signs of spring and new life right in front of my very own eyes opened a door for the Lord to nudge me. "Katie, why are you not anticipating and laboring over new life in the eternal sense like you are over life here on earth, which is fleeting?" The conviction hit deep. Yes, I often pray that God would draw those who don't know Him personally, but my emotions aren't nearly as engaged as they are over the new life of flowers...sad, but true.

So, I immediately asked the Lord to break my heart for those who don't know Him and to anticipate the beauty that will come from the new life of someone who was once dead, now coming to life because of the transforming power of Jesus.

"What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

He has been so faithful to give me more of His heart of compassion and care for those He loves and wants to be in relationship with. The Lord also led me to Matthew 13:33, The Parable of the Yeast. I was encouraged knowing He will take my prayers and my small, faithful influence to the lives I'm in contact with and multiply it for His glory. Much like how just a little bit of yeast spreads and over time affects the entire loaf.

So, may He enable us to be faithful in the little and pray with expectancy and great anticipation for what He will do. And enjoy the quickly approaching arrival of spring because it all comes from the Lord!

sophie.

{guest post: elijah}

Hi there, my friends! Since mom introduced Sophie in the last post, I thought I would tell you a little more about my little friend since she is technically my friend. Apparentally, mom thinks she's great because she's non-toxic, all natural, and good for my development; however, that means nothing to me.

Sophie lets me chew on her anytime, any day, any place.

She even makes little squeaking noises.

She's perfect to hold onto and poke my feet with - which I really enjoy keeping an eye on these days. Oh no! Whoops! She jumped right out of my hand...

Maybe if I balance her on my leg and lift at just the right time I'll be able to reach her.

Or maybe not.

Mom, will you get Sophie for me?

five months old.

I'm not entirely sure how it happened, but our tiny little baby is now five months old...everyone has said how fast time would go and it is so true. We are enjoying the gift of Elijah and treasuring the time that is flying by!

He is a sweet little social boy always looking to bring a smile to the faces of others. It's fun watching him develop and learn new things almost daily. He rolled over a few weeks ago, but shows no interest in doing it again...even with much encouragement from mom and dad. He has discovered his feet and watches them closely as if they just might go somewhere. Oh, and I can't forget to introduce his little friend, Sophie, who is always by his side.

More updates coming shortly, but that's it for now. We are going to go enjoy a walk outside!