Born: February 7, 2012, at 4:49 p.m.
7 pounds, 12 ounces
21 inches long

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.” ~1 Samuel 1:27

{more pictures here} 

I saw this article shared multiple times on Facebook this past week:

• Alarmed and Saddened (an article from World Magazine): I am very thankful to see that the Susan G. Komen foundation has chosen to cut its funding of Planned Parenthood.  Although, I do wish their reasoning was different.  One of the saddest comments made in the article (not surprisingly by the president of Planned Parenthood): “It’s hard to understand how an organization with whom we share a mission of saving women’s lives could have bowed to this kind of bullying.” Did you catch that? “…a mission of saving women’s lives”  Hmmm…seems to me that if an organization were truly invested in saving the lives of women, they wouldn’t be killing them before they were born!

An interesting question to ponder – Who is the author of Hebrews? Although the author is not identified in the book itself, here are some thoughts to consider from one of my favorite college professors, Dr. Will Varner:

• Jude the Author of Hebrews, by Dr. Will Varner: Could the book of Hebrews have been written by Jude?
• Pauline Authorship of Hebrews?, by Dr. Will Varner: “…there are some Christians (and some teachers who should know better) who argue for the Pauline authorship of Hebrews with such zeal that you might conclude that it is a doctrine of the Faith!”

A youth pastor, Grace Community Church, Voddie Baucham, the Family Integrated Church, and the Shepherds’ Conference…

• Voddie Baucham and Shepherds’ Conference, by Austin Duncan at The Cripplegate: I have a rather warped sense of humor.  So, I found the fact that Voddie Baucham showed up at Austin Duncan’s Shepherds’ Conference seminar last year (a seminar that centered around critiquing Voddie Baucham’s book, and the Family Integrated Church model as a whole) hysterically funny!  Apparently, not everyone shares my sense of humor, and Voddie’s inclusion as one of this year’s keynote speakers has been a matter of concern and frustration for some. For the record, I listened to Austin Duncan’s seminar from last year, and while I see some of his points, he failed to convince me.  Which is, in part, why I appreciate his gracious words, and his encouragement to his fellow Shepherds’ Conference attendees in this post.  Because, “…if a pastor is unable to give a coherent explanation for why he believes in youth ministry, then he has bigger problems than who is in the speaking line up.”

And, on the topic of the Elephant in the Room (also known as The Elephant Room 2). If you haven’t heard about this yet, these posts may be of no interest to you… However, considering the far-reaching implications of what went on, it might be wise to read up on the events of the .

• After the Circus Parade, by Frank Turk on Pyromaniacs: “Someone needs to check the date for Mark Driscoll’s shelf life as a reliable person.”
• The Elephant in the Room, by Voddie Baucham: I will admit to being (more than a little) concerned when I learned that Voddie Baucham still intended to speak at Harvest Bible Chapel’s Men’s Conference…given the events of the week preceding it.  However, I applaud his candid responses to those who questioned this choice, his clear disagreement with T.D. Jakes’ continued (and unchallenged) affirmation of modalism,  his ultimate decision (made in agreement with James MacDonald) not to go forward with this speaking engagement, and his explanation of everything (including the “race card”) in this post.
• Elephantiasis, by Phil Johnson on Pyromaniacs (Otherwise known as “James MacDonald Plays the Race Card”): Piggy-backing nicely off of what Voddie Baucham says in the above link…”The take-away message is this: If you’re an old white guy with any hint of Reformed theology in your confessional statement and you don’t think T. D. Jakes’s equivocations at Elephant Room 2 were sufficient to erase decades of concern about his Oneness leanings and his relentless proclamation of a false Prosperity Gospel—then you must be a racist.”

And, what could be better than playing the race card? It is, after all, the ultimate trump card… Or is it?

• Even Better than the Race Card {tm}, by Dan Phillips on Biblical Christianity: Dan addresses another, even more egregious claim…and one I’ve seen played far. too. often. - ”The ‘God Told Me’ Card.”  This - not race – is the ultimate “get out of jail free” card. You can’t judge. You can’t criticize. You can’t disagree.  Why? Because you are no longer questioning a mere, sinful, mortal.  You are, it would appear, disagreeing with the very voice of God… Or so they would like you to believe…

We do have  a nice little room ready and waiting for him…

But, since he seems to have no interest in it right now, I thought I’d give you all a little (photo) tour of his bedroom!

As you walk in the door, you will see the armoire…with his animal friends looking on:

The top part of the cabinet contains the changing table…which is well-stocked with lots of wipes and newborn-sized diapers!

The bottom half is full of cute little-boy clothes… Many were shower gifts from sweet friends at church.  The rest…well, they were sweet gifts too! We were blessed with lots of hand-me-downs!! (In addition to what you see in the drawers, there are also two large, very full, very heavy Rubbermaid totes in the closet full of even more hand-me-downs…)

To the right is the crib:

That little rocking chair you see in the corner once belonged to his great-grandfather! Although, it will eventually be replaced by this one:

Here is another shot of the crib, showing the other side of the blanket (because I can’t decide which side I like best!):

I just ordered the letters for his name (it took me forever to find them!) – which will eventually hang above the crib…
I still need (read: want) to hang up a few picture frames…
And, although I love the floor in this room, I would like to find a decent-sized area rug…

But, basically, it is ready…

Just waiting for a sweet little boy to snuggle up in the crib…and to wear all of the tiny blue clothes in the drawers…and to use up all of those diapers!

Sitting… at my desk…that’s where the computer is!

Drinking… (decaf!) coffee…with a little bit of York Peppermint Patty-flavored creamer…Mmm.

Pretending… that my coffee is caffeinated, and hoping that helps me get through the rest of the afternoon with my eyes open!! (Sadly, I’m not that good at pretending.)

Looking… out the back windows on a day that can’t seem to decide if it wants to be rainy or sunny.  Seems to have settled somewhere in between…warm, cloudy, and 100% humidity.

Wondering… how it is even possible that it is already February… but at the same time…

Realizing… that the month in which we get to meet our son is finally here!!!

Cleaning…Anything and everything!! (Can you say “nesting?”)

Packing…my bag for the hospital!!! I’ve put it off for too long…

Crossing… the last few projects off of my “Things To Do Before Baby Comes” list…

Enjoying… these last few days of being the mommy of an only child…

and…

Waiting… for this little one to arrive! His big sister was quite prompt…but, he seems pretty content with his current accommodations. So, I’m thinking we’ll be waiting a little bit longer!

It certainly isn’t for lack of activity! We have definitely been keeping busy around here.  But, I have taken a bit of a break from blogging to focus on getting ready for the arrival of our boy!!  As of today, assuming he comes on time, we only have about a week and a half left until we meet him!  Which, of course, means it is time for another “Baby Bump” update!

38 1/2 Weeks!

I had an appointment with my doctor this afternoon, and everything (still) looks good. She completely surprised me by offering to induce me next week if I wanted! Oh, if only she had asked me yesterday! (I was having contractions almost all day long…about every 15 minutes. Not quite close enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, but intense enough to make me wonder if we might be meeting our boy sooner rather than later!)  I am so very anxious to meet him…and for that reason alone, I was very tempted to take her up on the offer! But, seeing as how she doesn’t anticipate him being huge, and although he would technically be full-term, he would still be a bit early…so, I (somewhat reluctantly) declined…

We will reconsider the induction if it becomes necessary. For now, we are content to wait, knowing that “…in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for [him], when as yet there was not one of them.” ~Psalm 139:16 (NASB)

Besides, we still have plenty to keep us busy while we wait!

Swinging with my girl. (Yes, I did!)

Hannah and I will be finishing up a few lingering school assignments, projects, and tests so that we can officially begin our “baby break.”  (We intentionally didn’t take much time off at Christmas, so that we could take extra time when this little one arrived…to just enjoy him!)

And, we have been so blessed by the generosity of our family and friends…hand-me-downs, and so many thoughtful gifts at the shower our church threw for us… I have been busy sorting, washing, and putting away tiny baby boy clothes, and getting this little guy’s bedroom put together. I promise another post is forthcoming once the “nursery” is a bit more presentable.  His room was serving as our guest/storage room, so there are still a few random boxes in there that need new homes… However, I am under strict orders from my husband not to touch them. But, he has been extra busy these past few weeks while our pastor has been out of town.  So, once his life slows down a little bit (this weekend), we’ll get that taken care of!

But, until then…here’s a little peek at my birthday/Christmas/baby shower gift from my parents and grandparents:

Pretty, huh?

Oh…and I guess I should probably pack my bag for the hospital at some point…

I will definitely update with pictures, stats, and his name, once he arrives… But, I hope you all will understand if posting remains rather sparse for the next couple of weeks!

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for

“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

{Click the collage to see more pictures from the shower.}

The ladies at church threw a baby shower for our little boy yesterday!!
(They even matched the decorations to the theme of his “nursery”!!)

We are incredibly blessed…and still (more than) a little overwhelmed…by the kindness and generosity of our church family!

Our little boy is definitely very well loved…already!

Thank you all for sharing in our excitement over this little one…and for helping us get ready for his arrival!

There is comfort in these words for all who love to meet together for religious purposes.  At every assembly for public worship, at every gathering for prayer and praise, at every missionary meeting, at every Bible reading, the King of Kings is present, Christ himself attends.  We may often be disheartened by the small number who are present on such occasions, compared with the number of those who meet for worldly ends; we may sometimes find it hard to bear the taunts and ridicule of an ill-natured world, which cries like the enemy of old, “What are those feeble Jews doing?” (Nehemiah 4:2).  But we have no reason for despondency: we may boldly fall back on these words of Jesus. At all such meetings we have the company of Christ himself.

There is solemn rebuke in these words for all who neglect the public worship of God and never attend meetings for any religious purpose.  They turn their backs on the society of the Lord of lords; they miss the opportunity of meeting Christ himself. It is no good saying that he proceedings of religious meetings are marked by weakness and infirmity, or that as much good is got by staying at home as going to church: the words of our Lord should silence such arguments at once. Surely men are not wise when they speak contemptuously of any gathering where Christ is present.

~J.C. Ryle (pg. 164, Matthew: The Crossway Classic Commentaries)

35 Weeks!!

As far as the actual pregnancy itself, I have had it fairly easy.  (The getting there…well, that’s another story.) And, I’ve generally felt pretty good the whole time.  So, it really has gone by incredibly fast…at least from my perspective.  We announced it fairly early, so I know to some, it seems like I have been pregnant forever.

But, either way, it is still a little unreal when I think about just how close we are to meeting our son!!

Especially when I consider that, not too long ago, I really didn’t think we would ever have another (biological) child…

I want to be thankful. For every moment. For every time I get to hear his steady heartbeat. For every ache. For every time I get to see him (via ultrasound).  For every sleepless night. For every time I get to feel his little (and not so little!) kicks.

Because, I realize now, maybe more so than I did with Hannah, that this time is not simply something to be taken for granted…to be endured…to get through…

The truth is, I don’t know, not just when, but if I’ll ever get to experience it again.  And I don’t want to miss out on one moment.

I wouldn’t wish the pain and struggle of infertility and miscarriage on anyone. But, sometimes I do wonder…if more women did have to deal with it, would they – could they – still take these precious moments for granted?

I won’t.  I can’t.

Hannah is my first child.  So, being pregnant with her was a totally new experience.  I enjoyed and treasured every new stage, and flutter, and hiccup, and kick…  Then, as a newborn, and as a toddler…and now as “kid” – everything she did was new, and exciting, and special.

But, in the back of my mind, I always assumed I would get to experience it all again…and relatively soon.

I never dreamed I would have to wait so long…

Even though it didn’t happen the way I would have planned it, or in the time frame that I would have preferred, I am thankful to have gone through it. Because, I can no longer take the ability to get pregnant for granted.  And, I will no longer assume that I am guaranteed a repeat of this experience.

So, even though I can no longer see my toes (I can reach them!!)… I am still just so amazed, and so thankful for this precious, unexpected blessing!

I am not really a “New Year’s Resolutions” kind of girl.  But, the end of the year seems to be a great time to reassess and reevaluate.  What is working well? What needs to be tweaked or changed in order to be more useful? And, what areas need a complete overhaul?

One of the most common goals or resolutions I hear this time of year is people who are purposing to read through the Bible. And, if not all of it, at the very least, reading it consistently.

“I fear many of you never read the whole Bible, and yet it is all equally divine. ‘All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction and instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect.’ If we pass over some parts of Scripture we will be incomplete Christians.” ~Robert Murray M’Cheyene

Surely, you’ve heard the saying, “Those who fail to plan, plan to fail.”  While this is applicable to so many areas of life, it is especially so when it comes to spending time in God’s Word. Good intentions will only get you so far. Wanting to read the Bible is good…but it isn’t enough.

“How can one live on ‘every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God’ (Mt. 4:4) if he’s never even read every word?” ~Donald Whitney

If you call yourself a Christian, you need to be in God’s Word, on a regular, consistent, daily basis.  Reading it in an organized, purposeful, systematic way that will result in reading the “whole counsel of God.”  Hopping from chapter to chapter, with no real plan or purpose, playing favorites (by simply re-reading favorite or familiar passages), or using the “open and point” method will not accomplish that.

Over the past few years I have mentioned several Bible-reading plans on this blog.  And, I have used each of them.  But, while each system had its own unique qualities and benefits, I never found one that I really wanted to stick with long-term. This is purely a preference on my part.  I am not, in any way, saying that there is anything “wrong” with any of these other systems.  Most of them are wonderful, effective tools.  They just were not the most effective tools for me.

If you already have a Bible reading plan that you utilize, and that works for you – great!  I would encourage you to keep going with it.  It has taken me years to find a Bible reading plan that I absolutely love, and sincerely want to recommend, without hesitation or qualification, to others.  This one:

Professor Grant Horner’s Bible Reading System

Professor Horner is a professor of English at my alma mater, The Master’s College.  I had already fulfilled my English requirements by the time he came to teach at the college.  So, although I never had the privilege of taking one of his classes (my husband did), I did have the opportunity to hear him teach occasionally in chapel services.  And, I was also able to interact with him, following my graduation, as an employee of the college.  This man loves the Lord, loves His Word, and it shows.

He developed this system almost 30 years ago, for his own personal reading.  While he says it was originally based on another system, it is very different from any system that I have ever used. But, that is exactly what I like and appreciate about it.  Let me offer Professor Horner’s own description of this plan (this will be a lengthy quote):

Each day you will read one chapter from each of ten lists. That’s right — ten chapters per day!!!  Use ten bookmarks or sticky notes with the individual lists on them to keep track of your locations.

On day one, you read Matthew 1, Genesis 1, Romans 1, and so forth. On day 2, read Matthew 2, Genesis 2, etc. On day 29, you will have just finished Matthew, so go to Mark 1 on the Gospel list; you’ll also be almost to the end of 2nd Corinthians and Proverbs, you’ll be reading Psalm 29 and Genesis 29, and so forth. When you reach the last chapter of the last book in a list — start over again. Rotate all the way through all the Scriptures constantly.

Since the lists vary in length, the readings begin interweaving in constantly changing ways. You will never read the same set of ten chapters together again! Every year you’ll read through all the Gospels four times, the Pentateuch twice, Paul’s letters 4–5 times each, the Old Testament wisdom literature six times, all the Psalms at least twice, all the Proverbs as well as Acts a dozen times, and all the way through the Old Testament History and Prophetic books about 1½ times. Since the interweaving is constantly changing, you will experience the Bible commenting on itself in constantly changing ways — the Reformer’s principle of ‘scriptura interpretans scripturam’ — ‘scripture interpreting scripture’ in action!

…I realize that 10 chapters a day can seem daunting.  But, once you begin using this system, you will see that it is quite manageable! (Yes, even, and maybe especially, for a busy mom with young children.)  And, not only that, but you will probably also notice that you have been “spiritually starving.”

Here is how it works:

The Ten Lists:
{I have each list printed on half of a 3×5 index card. I use these as my bookmarks. If you want to, and can afford it, laminating your bookmarks might be a good investment. I haven’t done that, and have periodically had to replace one, or all, of the bookmarks as they wear out.}

“If you are wondering why you should read Acts (or Proverbs) all the way through every single month, then — you’ve just shown that you need to read them that often!” ~Professor Grant Horner

Prof. Horner’s “Secrets to Success”:

• Read one chapter from each list each day; in one sitting or two. At the end of a book; go to the next book. At the end of the list; start it again. Do it in the order given above.
• Read quickly (without “speed-reading”) in order to get the overall sense. Read as fast as you comfortably can with moderate retention. You’re not studying deeply or memorizing; shoot for 5–6 minutes per chapter. At the end of a chapter, move immediately to the next list.
• Do not try to look up anything you “don’t get.” Do not take the time to look up every cross-reference (you will soon begin to see those on your own, anyway!).  Real understanding will come through contextualizing by reading a lot of scripture over time.

With the exception of a few (short) breaks here and there to try out other plans, or to fully concentrate on a more “in depth” study, or to prepare for teaching a Bible Study, I have been using this system for (almost) 3 years now.  (And, I am beyond guilty of ignoring Prof. Horner’s last tip. I love looking things up. I can’t help myself!)

Here are a few of my own tips for utilizing this system:

Realize that this is not designed for, or intended to be an in depth study.  Study is different.  Reading, and familiarizing yourself with the text is an important part of studying the Bible, but it is not “studying.”  As Prof. Horner

says: “This is “gross anatomy” — looking at the whole body; you’re not closely studying organs or systems or tissues or cells — it is not microbiology. But microbiology and the study of organs makes more sense when you know what the whole structure of the human body is like, and how all the parts, large and small, relate in perfect interdependence.”

You are not “behind.” Most Bible reading systems are inextricably tied to a date on the calendar.  You must read “so many” chapters on a particular day.  If you do not, you fall behind, and must begin playing the intimidating game of “catch-up.”  Not so with this plan.  Yes, it is designed to have you read 10 chapters each day.  But, as Prof. Horner says, “If you miss a day or two — ok, get over it, then keep going. Don’t cover yourself in sackcloth and ashes and quit! Move the bookmarks along, to find your place(s) quickly next day.”

Make it work for your season of life.  For the most part, keeping up with all 10 chapters each day has not been difficult.  But, there have been times when I have only been able to do 5 chapters each day.  (I would simply use lists 1-5 on the first day, and lists 6-10 on the next, alternating until I was able go back to 10 chapters each day.)  At other times, I have actually “doubled up” on the readings, doing 10 chapters in the mornings and 10 more in the evenings.  B

ut, there have also been many days when, for whatever reason(s), I have been unable to make it through more than one chapter in a sitting! So, throughout the day, as I have a free moment, I will simply pick up on the next chapter.  And, while I prefer to do it in the morning, all at one sitting, it is does allow for reading one chapter at a time without feeling “disjointed” or “disconnected.” And, on these days, it has been a blessing to have Scripture sprinkled throughout my day!

This is one of the reasons I think this system is absolutely ideal for moms!  Large, uninterrupted blocks of time can be hard to come by.  And, I am (eagerly!) anticipating this being the case in my own home and life in the very near future.  But, that doesn’t mean that my time in the Word needs to disappear.  On the contrary, I will need that time even more! And, I am so thankful to have found a plan that can flex and adapt to the changing seasons of life!

I realize that we live in the age of technology.  And, I would agree that we are incredibly blessed to have the Bible at our fingertips, at any and every moment, in almost any format or translation we could possibly desire.  But, the biggest “tip” I could give you would be this:

Use a Bible.  A real, bound, paper and ink, “old fashioned” book.  Yes, I know that there are many people out there who actually prefer using the electronic devices (computers, iPhones, etc.).  And, I know that there have been programs and “apps” written specifically for this system, to make it easier for people to do so.  This is my own personal preference.  I prefer to use my Bible.  I do all of my reading in it.  I use it for study.  I carry it to church.  (You get the idea.)  Using the same Bible, for everything, allows me to get to know my Bible.  I know where specific books, passages, and verses are.  And, because I always use, not just the same version, but the same Bible, I have also found this to be of great help in memorizing verses and passages.  Constantly switching up Bibles or versions can break the continuity, and the familiarity that I have with my Bible.  But, whichever you choose, the important thing is that you find a reliable version (meaning a translation, not a paraphrase) and a format that you like, and stick with it.

Lastly, I know that some will see the word “system” and automatically run for the hills crying “legalism!”  I don’t know how to say it more clearly: This is not a legalistic system.  It is a tool.  No Bible reading plan or system will make you instantaneously holy.  I am repeating myself here, but the important thing is not which system you choose.  The important thing is that you are in the Word.  God’s Word, not some system, is what has the power to penetrate your heart and mind…convicting, sanctifying, teaching, transforming.

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” ~Isaiah 55:11

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” ~Romans 12:2

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” ~Colossians 3:16

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” ~Hebrews 4:12

“The goal of this system is simple, and twofold: To know Scripture, and to love and obey God more!”
~Professor Grant Horner

Amen?