Babies

    2009. The year of my son Elliot. (Yes he was technically born on December 31, but we will assume that one day doesn’t make too much of a difference.) So much has changed this year; he has changed so much this year. I feel like I have a little boy walking around my home now. I never would have imagined that the “baby stage” would go by so quickly. Nobody told me you only get a year! Anyway, I am grateful for each and every moment, this one being no exception. Thursday will be his first birthday and Saturday his first birthday party-the first of many.

    Oh the blessings of motherhood! Really, the blessings of parenthood for that matter. I feel like Richard and I have changed so much in the past year. If marriage teaches you how selfish you are, parenthood is the greatest tool to chip away that selfishness!

    Now we find ourselves expecting our second child in June. Can it be that I will be the mother of two precious gifts from God? Can it be that he has entrusted them to my tender care (to these sinful hands)? Today I am thanking God that he is alive and at work within me to accomplish his good will!

Love

    Now more than ever I am grateful for my dear husband. His worth is far above any man and I am constantly reminded of the reasons I chose him as the companion of my life. Parenthood only showed a greater and stronger side of his character. God has allowed me to see a servant heart in him that I never would have dared ask of a husband. He is constantly seeking ways to put his family above himself (and most of the time that means me). With our next child on the way I have only joy in my heart knowing that my love will be there with me to strengthen, encourage, and support me in my pursuit of excellent motherhood.

Growth

    There have been many opportunities to grow closer to the Lord this year. Financial trials, occupational disappointments, address changes, church changes, moving through seminary at a snail’s pace, learning to sacrifice your own desires for the needs of a helpless infant... all of these challenges and more were beautifully planned and fitted for our spiritual growth by our loving Savior. I am thanking the Lord for his perfect will and intimate care in our lives. I have so much to look forward to this next year because I have seen what the Lord has done in the past and know that he will be faithful to us in the future.

    I have also been encouraged by many answered prayers this year. The most poignant being the salvation of 4 members of our family. How gracious the Lord is to grant the most desperate cries of our hearts and to allow us to bask in the joy of his mighty works. It has reminded me of my utter dependence on his powerful Spirit to change the hearts of those around me. My knees should be aching from the hours of unceasing prayer my unsaved family members deserve and yet they are rarely abused. Lord make me more faithful in this area.

Hope

    I am looking forward to this new year with great anticipation. I have a great desire to press on even more toward the goal of sanctification and look forward to seeing what the Lord makes possible this next year. I have more confidence as a mother and look forward to the next addition to our family making his/her entrance soon. I look forward to seeing how the Lord will answer our prayers and provide a way for Richard to finish seminary soon. I look forward to the new trials that will come our way and the fruit that will be born out of them. I look forward to growing in my knowledge and understanding of the Lord and drawing closer to him. All of these things are gifts from the Lord and only made possible through his power and good pleasure. How blessed we are to have a wonderful and loving God!