In This Edition:
Dear Grace
What’s New On The West Side? Outside The Walls Podcast
Coming Up On The West Side: Cosmic Christmas
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Dear Grace
Hi Gracie girl. This is your daddy. You are 2 now, but you won’t be for long. One of my favorite books says that when things feel gloomy, it’s “always winter, but never Christmas.” Well, let me tell you something…doing life with you is always Christmas, but never winter.
In just a few days, Mama and I will be bringing home your baby brother. You are going to love him. I love how your eyes light up when you see a little baby. But just wait until you see your very own brother!
And he is going to love you. When he says “girgle goo,” that means “I love you, Gracie.” When he cries, that means “I love my sister so much, I can’t stand it.” And when you hold him in your sweet little arms, I doubt there is an orchestra in all of Arkansas who can play a song lovely enough to capture the moment. Oh yes, you will love each other.
But I imagine you might feel a bit nervous. A new baby raises a question in your mind: “will a new one replace the old one?” How can Mama and Dada love two of us as much as they loved just me?
Well, I want to let you in on a little secret: something truly amazing happens when a brother is born. Dada doesn’t have to split his love in two; his heart grows twice as big. Everything gets doubled. Double the laughter. Double the joy. Double the excitement. And double the love.
Oh, I know some things will change—but only for the better. You will not only be our little girl; you will be his big sister! Just think of all the things the little guy will need to learn! How is he going to find out where the cracks are in the patio where the ants like to visit? He’s never been outside…you’ll have to show him. He’s never heard of a “park” before, and he doesn’t know how thrilling a slide can be. You’ll have to take him! He doesn’t know the sound of a doggy, or the soft feel of a bunny’s fur; maybe you can tell him all about the pet store we like to visit on Saturdays. Just imagine how excited he will be when you take him there for the first time! You can show him all the fishies and birds. Watch his face light up when you tell him how high the birds can fly, and how wet the fish can get.
He’s never drank a pouch before; maybe you can surprise him one day with your favorite one! Who is ever going to show him how to zip his own sleep sack, or how to build a tower of blocks? How will he ever learn how to splash a puddle with his rain boots? Someone is going to have to teach him…and that someone is you!
But even as you get older, you will still be my little girl. You will always be. You and I will still have our Daddy-daughter date every Saturday morning. We’ll get up early to drive the cart at Harp’s, and enjoy your favorite breakfast at KJ’s or IHOP. We will still find red leaves on the driveway, take walks in the neighborhood, and dance in the living room.
Mama and Dada will still read to you every single night. We will follow Curious George all over town, go on bear hunts as often as you like, and I’ll tell you new stories about the princess and the frog. When I hold you tight in my arms at night, I’ll still whisper “I love you to the moon and back” and gently lay you down in your crib. With all this newness, excitement, and joy, remember that I will never ever ever stop loving you. You are forever and always my Gracie girl.
Ouside The Walls Podcast
West Side Ministry staff presents “Outside the Walls,” a weekly podcast about life, faith, and scripture. Casey McDonald and Mark Gregory are inviting you to join our church as we journey through the Sermon on the Mount. Each week, Casey and Mark invite special guests to unpack the sermon, dive deeper into scripture, and apply the message to our daily lives.
Coming Up on the West Side
Beginning on Sunday, December 3, West Side will offer a 5-week reflection on the beauty and power of Christ as King of the Universe. His entrance into the world was not his beginning, though it marked a new beginning for our relationship with God. His death and resurrection is not the end of His story, though it points to the goal of all history. Christ is part of the Triune God, Lord of Creation, King of the Universe, Exalted One, our Redeemer and our Righteousness. And all of creation belongs to Him and sings His praises.
December 3: “Beyond All Galaxies” (Heb 1:2)
December 10: “Radiance of God’s Glory” (Heb 1:3)
December 17: “Exact Representation” (Heb 1:3)
December 24: “Holding Everything Together” (Heb 1:3)
December 31: “After” (Heb 1:4)
Stream our lessons Sundays at 9 AM (CST) on facebook or YouTube or on our website. If you are in the middle Arkansas area, we would love to have you join us in person. Celebrate the Christmas season with us. I’ll save a seat for you.
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My name is Nathan Guy, and I serve as the preaching minister for the West Side Church of Christ in Searcy, Arkansas. I am happily married to Katie and am the proud father of little Grace. You can find more resources on my website over at nathanguy.com. Follow me: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Threads, and YouTube.