Happy Birthday Alexa!

Two became one and not quite ten months later after 28 hours of labor 7 lbs 3 oz of joy was born.

We all fell in love.

With her grumpy faces...

Her sleepy faces...

Her sour faces...

Her "bulldog" faces...

Her sweet faces...

Her discovery faces...

Her smiley faces...

Happy 1st Birthday, Alexa! We love you!

STOP for Newness

We lose sleep in anticipation of the newness to come. It is a hope filled sacrifice.

Priorities shift. Joy overflows. Thankful prayers pour out.

She's finally here!



We rush to greet newness.



Tears fill eyes. Her journey here was such a struggle! But Praise be to God... she is here now. The wonder of it all creates this beautifully quiet, holy place filled with smiles and hugs and relief and peaceful joy.



God has graced us! Eva Grace is welcomed with loving arms.






It is right that our worlds should stop to acknowledge this gift. It is right that our words be taken away in wonder.

How deep the Father's love for us.

He gives us this new gift.

He gives us the gift of newness.




His mercies are new every morning. He has made us new creations in Him. It is right that our worlds should stop to acknowledge this gift. It is right that our words be taken away in wonder.

Why do I struggle to rise to be with Him?

I lose sleep in anticipation of the newness He holds for me. A hope-filled sacrifice.

Faithfully rewarded with joy.

"Remain in me... I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete..."
~from John 15

I stop and accept His offer of daily newness.

Priorities shift. Joy overflows. Thankful prayers pour out.

He holds nothing back in showing the beauty of newness.

How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure How great the pain of searing loss, The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One, Bring many sons to glory Behold the Man upon a cross, My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, Call out among the scoffers It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life I know that it is finished I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection Why should I gain from His reward? I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom. But this I know with all my heart... His wounds have paid my ransom.