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Keeping a Letter Journal for your Child

February 11, 2019 //  by April Graney//  Leave a Comment

My son, Ezra, asked me about a small leather bound notebook he found on our bookshelf. Opening it up, I said, “this is the book I started writing for you when you were little. It’s all about you.” His eyes widened with curiosity. I began reading it to him and together we laughed at the silly stories and sweet memories in it’s pages. He left my room that morning feeling a few inches taller and just a little more loved than when he walked in.

I started keeping a little notebook with letters to each of my babies when they were born. I wanted to remember the small things about their quirks and personalities that I feared I might forget someday. I wanted to speak life and encouragement into them before they were even old enough to read it. I wanted it to be a powerful tool to help them know themselves and understand my heart for them. I started with the goal of writing a few times a month, but sometimes months went by with no entries. The busy life of a mom with young children, didn’t always lend itself to writing, but I tried to at least write in it each year on their birthday. I’m so thankful that I have these journals today to share with my children and continue writing in.

I don’t know where I got the idea for a letter journal or if it came to me on my own, but the simplicity is that all you need is a sturdy small notebook and a few minutes once and a while to write. It doesn’t have to be flowery or polished, or even super thought out. Just speaking your heart and telling stories is meaningful enough. Keeping the journals close by in a night stand or on your desk will help remind you to write in them. It’s never too late to start a letter journal; I was reminded recently how even my teenage girls need their mom’s encouraging and loving words.

Here’s an excerpt from my journal to Ezra:

Dear Ezra,

My how time flies! You are 4 years old, but in so many ways you still want to be my little baby. You love to be held, carried, and cuddled. In fact, you may be the reason my back is sore-from carrying you around! Yet you are full of energy! I see you running around playing wildly enjoying your trucks, cars, and your new tricycle. I see your determination and leadership abilities blossoming. You love to sleep with your monkey and blanket and preferably in bed with mommy and daddy! You crave individual attention and sometimes that is hard to get in a family of 7 right? I hope that we give you all that you need. You are so funny with your baby brother Caleb. When he was a year old you said, “Could we take him back and get a different baby?” You like to do “school” and you write the letter “E” on everything. You love dad’s jeep, but you sometimes ask if dad can get a blue truck instead. You are so much fun Ezra, and I can’t wait to see how God is going to shape you and mold you and use you for his glory and kingdom here. We pray that you will love the Lord wholeheartedly and serve him your whole life. 

love, Mom

Carrying my little boy when he really was too big to be carried.
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Yes the roads are slick. Don't go out. But we were Yes the roads are slick. Don't go out. But we were out of milk and we had to! So, Ezra and I got all thr essentials for potentially being snowed in for several days...and gaining 5 lbs. 🤣

#onehappyhouse
Drove up for the K State game against Texas Tech y Drove up for the K State game against Texas Tech yesterday! Definitely a LOT of fun and nOiSe! Loved having dinner with Micah and 3 of his friends afterward. (No pic, sadly). Totally worth the 10 hour round trip drive. Thanks to Austin Carpenter for the incredible seats. I'm spoiled now so I'll need those seats behind the team again next time. 

#emaw #epaw #kstate #basketball #gocats #wildcats #bestgameinvented #ksu @tomgraney @micah.graney #onehappyhouse
Cute little thrift shop find today! #onehappyhou Cute little thrift shop find today! 

#onehappyhouse
Instagram post 17985892255802081 Instagram post 17985892255802081
Do you know him? Not just know about him. Do you t Do you know him? Not just know about him. Do you talk to Him? Do you seek him? Do you ask him how he wants you to live? I was reading Zephaniah with my 6th grade Bible class today. One of the verses describing those who were being judged says, "those who have turned back from following the Lord, who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him." Lots of people simply go through life without ever seeking to know and understand who God is, why he made them, or how he wants them to live. I feel so blessed to know my maker intimately. I'm not always perfect in following Him, but my heart is to try. He's given me complete love and acceptance, spiritual gifts to use to help others, forgiveness when I fail, strength when I am weak. He is my reason for hope and the source of my joy.

I hope you will seek him too. Just ask. He will begin revealing himself to you. 

#themarvelousmaker #childrensbook #onehappyhouse #seekhim #Jesus #Zephaniah #christianschool #christianschoolteacher #hope #joy
Here's George at St. Paul's University in Nairobi Here's George at St. Paul's University in Nairobi Kenya! Thank you so much to everyone who gave to make this first year of school there possible! May the Lord bless you as you have been a blessing to others! His Give Send Go fund is up to $2596 of $10,000 raised! Link in bio!  #themarvelousmudhouse #Kenya #University #radiojournalism #givesendgo #childrensbook #kidsbook #bookaboutkenya #authorsofinstagram #compassion #joy #generosity #contentment #onehappyhouse
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