So now, I give her to the Lord...

Today was a special day for our family.  Three babies were dedicated this morning at Green Hills Church and one of them was our little Abigail! It was such a JOY to take vows before our relatives and church family as we dedicated Abigail's life to our Lord.  


One of my favorite memories of my maternity shoot with Abby Gray Photography is standing on the steps of a church in downtown Franklin and holding this chalk board sign.

   

" I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him." 1 Samuel 1:27

In my own season of waiting, God often reminded me of Hannah and her story in 1 Samuel. Hannah was a woman well acquainted with waiting, yet she continued to trust in the goodness of the Lord. I love her story, because she poured her heart out to God and when He answered her prayer, she responded with worship.  Hannah's words truly reflect my heart and her response to God has been my desire this week.  

" So now I give him to the Lord" 1 Samuel 1:28

My sweet family!

She loves her Doo Da!

Her granddaddy can always make her smile!

This little girl is such a blessing to our family and I am so grateful that God answered my prayer.  So now, I give her to the Lord...

  

Abigail is 3 months old today!

This sweet baby is growing so fast!!!  She is 3 months old now and her personality is starting to show a little bit as you can see from this little grin! She is all smiles and the cutest part is that she smiles with her whole body.  Her little shoulders raise up to her ears and she turns her head from side to side with the most precious gummy grin you can imagine.  Melts my heart every time. 

You wouldn't think a lot could change in just one month but in baby land, she has learned SO much!  Here is what Abigail is doing now at 3 months old:

* smiling ( she means to now- not just gas!)
* sleeping 11-12 hours a night
* pressing up during tummy time and ALMOST rolling.  Mostly lands on her side right now :)
* discovering her hand and observing it from all angles
* noticing the birds hanging from her swing and play mat
* trying to make sounds and copy your expressions - so cute

Some of my favorite moments this last month have been watching her smile and seeing how happy she is when you sing to her.  I also love the expression on her face when she studies her hand.  Her top lip tightens down and her eyebrows scrunch together.  It is so much fun to watch her learn and explore, even when it is the smallest thing.  I have heard it said before that there is so much simplicity and joy in watching the world through a child's eyes and I see that now more than ever.

Checking out her hand!

I also wanted to say thanks to all of you that prayed for me as I returned to work.  The transition was better than I expected.  The hardest part was the anticipation of my first day back and the first time I handed her over so I could leave.  I really have enjoyed being back at Vanderbilt, and I am thankful to have wonderful friends as co-workers. I also see my workplace as a mission field and it feels good to know that the Lord uses me to love on his children.  I feel very blessed to work part-time and I am thankful that I get paid to help people feel better!

Happy Easter from The Harders!

Today was a beautiful day in Nashville, Tennessee!  I was so excited to see a few new faces at Green Hills Church this morning and of course it's always good to chat with old friends.

My heart has traveled back to Israel a lot in the last few days as I have remembered the Garden Tomb and what it felt like to actually stand inside.  If you remember This post from my trip to Israel last summer, visiting The Garden Tomb was the most emotional experience for me in Jerusalem.

We have been singing a new song at church the last few weeks leading up to Easter, and the words are still in my head even now as I type!!

"Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with Him again

Come awake, come awake

Come and rise up from the grave

O death, where is your sting

O hell, where is your victory

O church, come and stand in the light

The glory of God has defeated the night"

Christ is Risen - Matt Maher

Happy Easter from The Harders - He is Risen!