Proof of Pray, in the Fire

Dear Landen,

 

Something miraculous happened today, we witnessed the presence of God like never before.

 

Today the God we serve put out a house fire, right before our eyes. Here is his story.

 

We decided to take a new way home, a way that we have never traveled before. Something nudged me to take this country road, so we did. As we traveled along, we noticed a huge cloud of black smoke coming over the tree line ahead of us. We started discussing that black smoke usually means trouble ahead. As we got closer, we saw a fire truck. When we got to the fire truck we saw that it was a house, up in flames!

 

About then my heart dropped and my first words were to you,"Landen start praying. (If you can remember, we always pray when ever we see a first responder.) Pray for Jesus to put out that fire!" I immediately pulled over and started begging God for mercy on this house.

 

It was a trailer house and the middle of the home was consumed in flames. Flames coming out the front and the back. There was one single fire truck with two or three guys fighting the fire! They needed HELP!!! They needed GOD!!

"Jesus, put out this fire! Put out this fire! Save these people! I trust in You! You can do this. Pour your water over this house! Your water saves! Please Jesus!" Over and over. Crying, picturing him doing this for us.

After praying, I looked back at the house (couldn't see the actual fire because it was blocked) all I could see was white smoke. No longer black smoke. But WHITE. Jesus was there.

 

It was finished.

 

God has finished it. Just like that.

 

He heard our cry, our plea! And He came... in a instant! Just like that! Like a snap of the finger. He was there. Makes me cry. Makes me overwhelmed.

 

In a place that we were not suppose to be that day, He was. He heard us, Landen. He always does.

 

We had to pull back over and praise His holy name!! Thanks be the One True God!!! For He is mighty and for He saves!!

 

I was crying as I was trying to tell you just what had happened. The capacity of what had taken place. You were there but it was HUGE. It is still hard for your momma to wrap her head around it. Those people still have a house that stands. It did not burn to the ground, because we prayed. And I believe that!

 

PRAYER WORKS baby, do not EVER let any one ever tell you different. This is proof.

 

I want you to remember what I told you.

 

When you feel scared at night: The God that created you, that you serve, that loves you so much and protects you - PUTS OUT FIRES!!!

 

When you feel like you cant do something: remember THAT YOU SAW YOUR GOD that fights for you, put a fire out today!

 

Our God is ALIVE!

 

{What a testimony.}

 

Today when I was having lunch I was reading Exodus 33. In verses 16 Moses ask God "What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

 

It really has me thinking about how we are distinguished from others, set apart. And today Landen, we did it. We set ourselves apart. We stopped what we were doing and we begged God to do something for some one we did not know.

 

That, I believe that is something that God would be please with.

 

I love you to the moon and back baby boy.

 

-Momma

 

 

Even by the butter.

Dear Landen,

 

Hello again sweet boy. I want to tell you a story. A story of the time that Jesus meet us by the butter.

 

First a little back history:

 

For the past couple of months or so, you have been having a form of panic attacks. They started before we got your ADHD diagnosis, come out of nowhere for various reasons and are very intense.

 

When they first started, it seemed important to address the behavior that seemed to cause the attack. However, that led to you revving up into a second attack and jumping into a 5 - alarm mode and it lasting even longer.

 

We have been seeing a play/behavioral therapist for a little while and last week when I visited her she gave me some tips on how to address these attacks. First of all, we use to call them "freak out moments", she labeled them "panic attacks". She informed me that I can not enter into your brain from the right side with logic when you are in the left side panicking.  Because for you, logic has flown our the window.

 

We had been doing this technique at home but yesterday we had to use it publicly, via Walmart.

 

You said a really hurtful thing to your momma while shopping and I asked you to apologize. You apologized and then had a panic attack. You started thrashing and screaming with huge tears and latched on to me. You didn't want to move, walk or ride in the buggy. You only wanted to go home. You were pretty upset with me.

 

How do I know these things? Because your momma decided to jump into the wrong side of your brain. I quickly realized I was doing it all wrong!  I was not helping you at all.

 

So, right were we were at, I got down on my knees and hugged you tight. I slowed my breathing and gave notice to how you were feeling, you were very upset with me and sad.

 

There we were in Walmart, by the butter. Mom on her knees holding her sweet, upset son. But most importantly we were not there alone. I felt Jesus there with us and I know you felt Him too.

 

There is no way that I could have done that without precious Jesus. In my own strength, I fail every time. But He shows up. Even by the butter.

 

For about 10 minutes people walked passed us. (Only one mom asked if you were ok.) In that moment, all my attention was on you. The people around me didn't even matter. When the panic attack was over, we got up and the only way I could get you to move was if we ran to the yogurt, then ran to the milk and to the next thing we needed and that is how we finished out trip.

 

We brushed off our knee, that one was over. We wait for the next one. This whole situation is scary for your momma (and daddy too), to see our baby in panic. Praying the whole way through. God knows we are in this. He brought us to this situation, and he will bring us through it.

 

Landen, what I have learned in the past week is that what is happening to you is not understood. By you or your dad and mom. Only the Lord knows. But just because we do not understand it does not make it important. We hope that these tips will eventually help you cope on your own. 

 

I tell you this story so that you may know that our journey is rocky. But because of Jesus it is made beautiful! So that one day you can look back and see just how God has worked in your life.  So that you can see how good He is.

 

Whenever, wherever you need me, I will always kneel down and wait with you. And you better believe that God will show up right beside us.

 

I love you to the moon and back sweet boy,

-Your momma

 

I heard this song again tonight and it brought tears to my eyes.

 

In the quiet of my soul
In the stillness I hear Your voice call
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe you

Jesus You're more than a friend
And Jesus You're more than my heart
could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul

My heart longs to worship You my king
And I long to bring You a pleasing offering
And I am overwhelmed
And I am lost for words
To describe You

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy, You bring joy to my soul

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
Could ever express
Your love and Your grace never fail me
Your merciful touch always heals me
You bring joy to my soul, You bring joy,

Jesus You're more than a friend
Jesus You're more than my heart
could ever express

 

By: Jeremy Riddle

Things not to forget.

Dear Landen,

This blog has been on my mind and there are some things that I do not want to forget about you sweet boy. You are now 4 years old, 62 pounds and just completely wonderful.

You love to tell us stories. If I ask you what you want to be when you grow up, you will go on for about 20 minutes about fighting fires and saving people, catching mean "catfish sharks" as big as the tallest buildings and wrestling alligators. I will go along with you and tell you how amazing your adult life will be but it may be difficult for me to visit with alligators and snakes and such in your house. But you reassure me that you will tape there mouths up before I come over. You do love your momma!

I love the way you tell us, "Good job for making this meal mom and dad". When usually it is dad that does the most cooking and he should be thanked first! Ha. I am getting better, I promise. Your favorite meal is steak and a baked potatoes with 'toppin's'. After you finish your food, we usually find you back in the kitchen gnawing on the left over steak like a chew bone! You are your father's son!

I never want to forget the way, you stop and say "hey guys, we forgot to pray" as we are eating. (And then you pray for us as a family.) That means so much to me, as your father is not a believer. It is difficult for me to initiate prayer, but easy for you. You are a precious soul and a gateway for you father into the kingdom.

In the past month you got diagnosed with ADHD. It is a diagnosis but not something that is going to stop us from living life the way we intend to, to the fullest. You are our boy and we love everything about you. The way you want to try new things. The way you love with every ounce of your being. The way you are curious and intrigued about new things. We will continue to embrace those traits in you.

I never want to forget the moments we spend together when you ask me to lay with you for a minute when you are going to bed. It truly is a special time for me. To wrap my mind and heart around it is impossible, my heart can't hold the amount of love I have for you. For me to slow down and just lay there, at the request of my son. It is MY pleasure babe, my pleasure.

I love the way you call me, "sugar bear momma". Sometimes you even call me "sugar momma" and I cant help but laugh. You tell me you "love me with everything". Your love is deep little man, and it shows.  My love for you is deep and I hope that you know that, forever and ever! No matter what.

You love to dance. You will dance anywhere. Restaurants. Home. It doesn't matter. If you want to dance, baby, you will dance and it is a breath of fresh air. Sometimes it may be embarrassing, but as your parents we need to learn to get over it! Its enduring. Baby, you keep dancing!

I ask you to "tell me something good about yourself" and at first you didn't understand what I was asking (I can't remember what you said, but it was funny). Now you say "I am special because of Jesus. I am tall. I am powerful because of Jesus. I am smart. I can draw. Each time I ask you tell me something good about yourself. I love having that moment to reinforce that you are who you are because of Jesus! You are special because of Him, not mom and dad!

Landen Kyne, you are a star. You are a child of God. Special and dearly loved. You have many talents. Your daddy and mommy love you so much and are your biggest fans. You remember who's you are and you will never fail because He will uphold you!

Now I am going to get off this computer and go "fish" with you!

Love you to the moon and back son,
You mom!
Miranda

1st Dentist Vist

This afternoon I took you to the dentist. For your 1st ever visit, and to get info in your under bite.  You did so so well, a very well behaved boy. You got your teeth cleaned, and never got scared! Loved all of her tools! Update on under bite: not only is it an under bite but it's also a cross bite too. Right now we wont do anything.  When your 6, we will see an ortho to get it fixed. A painless solution, hopefully just a retainer. 

So so proud of your baby boy! 

Love you to the moon and back - Momma

Jesus and Mimi

Dear Landen,

 

This afternoon when I picked you up from school, you said something that I do not ever want to forget.

 

Just last week we lost Mimi. She went to be with Jesus. When we told you about it, you understood it really well. You understood that she rose up to be with Jesus, and we can't go see her again until Jesus calls us to heaven. That she got a new body in heaven, a healthy body. And will dance the streets of gold. A body that is new, so we had to bury the old body in a tomb. Just like Jesus.

 

I am so grateful for God's perfect will. For coming into my life when He did and giving me 2 years to establish truth into your young life; for building the foundation in which we stand on. Without that, you would be lost right now. Without that, we all would be lost right now.

 

On our drive home, we had to stop by a friends house and deliver a disc. We took a way that we have never traveled before. On that route was a church. When we passed it, you said "I saw Jesus and Mimi!" (Just typing that gives me goose bumps.)

 

It didn't seem abnormal to me to hear that from you, so I asked, "Where did you see them at?"

 

You said that you saw them at that church we had just passed. I then asked you what they were doing and you told me that they were picking flowers.

 

{Right there. Right then, I could see it. The sun shining down on them and my sweet, pure boy seeing his Mimi picking flowers with our Savior.}

 

I elaborated with you and told you how amazing it must be to pick flowers with Jesus! I reaffirmed your vision, because there is not a doubt in my mind about what you saw. How amazing!! To see how God comforts us. He is a God of comfort and peace. We just have to be open to see it. To have child like faith! Thank you Landen!

 

*Also today in school the teachers told me that you were being extra loud. {Kinda normal for you!} But when I asked you why you were loud today, you told me that you were singing loud for Jesus today! - Well then son, I will let that one slide!*

 

I love your heart, soul and your faith. You are my daily challenge. A challenge given to me by God, a challenge that I accept graciously and willingly! All for His glory!

 

I love you so much little man.

 

Thank you for loving me, even on my worst days. And for letting me see your faith shine through your eyes.

 

I love you to the stars and back!

- Mommy

 

He's coming back!

Dear Landen,

I want to document this wonderful moment/memory before we go to the zoo with your class today.

While getting dressed, you said, "Jesus rose up and one day he is coming back."

Wow.

You said that unprovoked, and it warms my heart. That, my son, is what we long for!!

I told you that you were absolutely right! One day he will come back and it will be a glorious day! On that day we will rise up and be in heaven with Jesus and God (and you did a little happy dance, and I joined you!)

You are so precious to me.

May I always remember the little-big moments! Moments like these is why God made me your mom, sweet boy.

Mommy love you to the moon and back!
-Mommy


Now lets go to the zoo (weather permitting)!!

About You!

Dear Landen,

Last night I asked you a few questions, just  to see you speak about what intrigues you at age 3!  Before I asked the questions, I had thought that I already knew the answers and I was mostly right! I just wanted to hear how you answer them.

 

Question 1: What is your favorite food? Macaroni and cheese! Good choice my son! It sure is delicious. And when we eat it for dinner, dad and I know that you must only get a little bit at first. It is always the first to be scarfed up. You always ask for more, but are always told to eat the rest of your food (meat and vegetables) first! You do, just so you can have more mac-n-cheese! I admire your consistency!

 

Question 2: What is your favorite color? Pink! (No surpise to me there. Maybe a surprise to others - maybe even dad!!) Out of all the colors, you know pink! You may get the others wrong when asked "what color is that?" but you know what pink is! I dont mind that you like pink. It is most likely going to change, but for now, your favorite color is pink! I like pink too!

 

Question 3: Who is your favorite person? Mom! Well, this one just made my heart so happy!! And it kinda surprised me. I thought you may have said one of your friends at school. Cooper is usually on top of your list! I am honored to be your favorite person. Knowing that even in the days that I disipline you, I still have that special place in your sweet heart. Momma will always have your best interest in mind and in my actions.

 

Question 4: Where is your favorite place to be? Home! (Just like his momma!!)  Home is a sacred place. You can always come home! Home is where the heart is, home is where your family is, home is where we make it.  

 

There is so much that I want to tell you, teach you, and show you. Together on the journey of life, one day at a time my son.

 

You are such an intriguing little boy. Growing so fast that I can't keep up with all the sweet, funny things that you say or do.

 

When I think of you, here are just a few things that come to my mind...

 

I love that your heart is open to trying anything.

 

I love the way that you dance around the house in your little camo pajama pants.

 

I love hearing you pray (lately for Jonah in the fish's belly).

 

I love the way you get scared and come running for me.

 

I love that you will kiss me on every spot on my face, labeling each one. (To me, each on is more special as the last.)

 

I love the way you say "yeah, that'd be fun!", when asking me to let you do something.

 

Above all, I love the way you love me. Endlessly.

 

I will be the greatest fan of your life.

 

Love you to the moon and back little man,

- Mom