Wow. I'm a bucket of tears after reading my 2008 and 2009 prayers for my three children. This is my third year to reflect on these precious children on New Year's Eve and write out my prayers and hopes for them.

It started as a Sunday School class challenge. Read Genesis 49:1-28. Here you'll see Jacob blessing his sons, telling them what to expect, and how it will be in their lives.

I cried reading my last two years of prayers because I didn't know whether or not these prayers would come to pass, whether or not God would see my hopes as a blessing he'd like to give my children. I cry, because my prayers are answered EVERY year.

This year, I'm merging my old blog "My Sippy Cup Runneth Over" into this blog "Momma Findings". You'll still find my written prayers, Sara Say What?!, Music Monday, Marriage Matters, and writings of my every day life, but you'll also see lots of parenting and consumer articles. It'll be a fun ride and every time you visit you might see something different.

Well guys, I'm anxious to get my fingers working, writing these hopes and prayers for 2010, because God delivers, folks! He hears my cries, my prayers, my laughter and I'm anxious to see his miracle work this year.




Zachary Aaron

My sweet son.

In 2008, I apologized and cried for you with the struggles you had in school and how you've had to endure moving from city to city with us. I prayed for social development. A type of social development that balanced out your intelligence. I poured out my love for you and asked God to help you understand what being a Christian is and how to embrace it.

In 2009, I thanked God for answering my 2008 prayers and prayed that you overcome the fear you had left in your heart. Again, I prayed for you to come to know the Lord more and more. I prayed for your gentle soul.

This year, I reflect on EVERYTHING God has blessed us with. A new home. A new school. New friends. A new time to spend with family. Zachary, you have grown tremendously in the last year.

You're taller.
You're smarter (this scares me a bit).
You're stronger.
You're more relaxed.
You joke more.
You socialize more.

I pray you continue to grow socially. You have lots of friends, you love school, you love the bus ride.. which is a far cry from 2007 when you cried every time you stepped foot off that bus.

I pray you finish out your school year, eager to learn more, eager to exercise that developing mind of yours. I pray you find a hobby or activity that you just love, something we can all work on together and help you with. I pray for patience. You're so much like me, losing your temper, crying, yelling, getting angry easily. I pray you and I can work on this together, where we have more patience for little brother and the circumstances of the day.

I pray you come to an understanding of how to develop a strong work ethic, like your Dad, your Papa, and your Papi. Your Dad and I run this home, but we want your help. We want to to teach you how this family can work as a team, doing household chores, helping out with your siblings, doing what your asked because YOU want to, because YOU know it's the right thing to do. I pray you learn how to respect women and girls. There is so much to learn about girls and being a gentlemen is one of most importance.

I pray you love more and more. We have so many family members close to us now and it's our opportunity to love like God loves. I love you. I lift you up in 2010. You'll rise as God calls you to. I know it.




Abigail Nicole

Sweet precious girl.. in 2008 I prayed you'd grow and learn more about God. You did. I prayed you'd find a circle of sweet friends and you would prosper as you start Elementary. You did. You've loved me, laughed with me, and helped me to grow my patience. Your love for anyone and everyone beams out of your heart by just blinking your eyes.

In 2009, you grew intelligently, learning how to read and write. You had patience as you couldn't start school in Memphis when we moved from Charlotte. Your rebellious and independent side showed up in a big way, but you reminded me that God is in control always. God poured his Grace and Love on you.

This year, I see how you've grown even MORE. You've built friendships everywhere you've gone: in school, at the park, with your cousins, and in our neighborhood. Your love and kindness just gets bigger and bigger. I pray you become a beautiful young woman, knowing what is expected from us, your parents. I pray you continue to be the "balance factor" between your two brothers. You've always been the voice of reason with those two and, you may not see this, but you're influencing their character every day.

I pray you hold your self with dignity and respect as you encounter those "mean girls" at school. You can be the girl who people see Goodness and Generosity in. I pray God holds you in his arms and protects you this year. Through your ER scare and the Swine Flu, God held this family in His arms and healed you quickly.

Abby Girl... I love you and can't wait to see God pour his blessings on you this year.




Jackson Rudene


Rudy, there can never be a more beautiful you.

In 2008, I prayed for you to talk to me, walk to me, and grow into toddlerhood. I hoped you would be more cautious, instead of having that "No Fear" mindset. I also mentioned God made you perfectly and I would deal with it if you continue with No Fear. God eased my mind that year, but didn't ease your strong will.

In 2009, I prayed God would grow you physically and spiritually. He did both. You are just so strong, athletic, and protective. I prayed for God to protect you as I was sure you'd break an arm or end up in the ER. Little did I know you'd be putting your sister in the ER by hitting her with a metal trashcan. I should have been more specific with that prayer request, huh? :)

This year, I see and hear you speak. Your words seep out slowly, but clearly. You tell me what you're thinking, what you like, what you don't like, how you feel, and that you love me... over and over and over again. It's sweet words I don't ever want to forget.

You're the epitome of a boy. You like cars, throwing balls, racing, scooters, bikes, wrestling, and playing in the mud and dirt. You're my outdoor son and I love it!

I pray God continues to grow your love for your family, your strength, and most of all, your strong will. Although it's hard for me, as your mother, that same strong will can help you climb mountains. I pray you love the Lord more this year, pray with us at dinner and at bedtime, and have patience with your older brother. He loves you Rudy, but God made him a different person who loves books, reading, computers, math, museums, and learning. I pray you guys have more in common and teach each other things from your own talents, balance each other out.

Rudy, you're made, by God, for a purpose that only you can fulfill. I love you more than you will ever understand.

I want to hear your prayers for you children this year. Write 'em out on your blog and leave your url in the comment section. I'll keep your sweet babies in my prayers this year too!