Meet Landon Joseph!

New baby!

Landon Joseph was born this morning at 7:44 AM. He is a healthy boy, 7 #, 13.6 oz., 20" long. Born on his grandfather Joseph's birthday - he would have been so delighted!

Mama and baby are doing fine. Thank you for all the prayers.

God vs. Evil

This is a quote from the "Voice of the Martyrs" September 2009, p. 1, letter from the Director, Tom White:

God is observing our reaction to evil. Simply using desperate sounding language about the state of society is not enough. It is more important to him what we choose to do about it, what we teach our children and how we triumphantly witness to all around us.

I hope that my witness, even in the small doses that I actually use words, is triumphant. (Someone once said to preach Christ all the time, and if necessary use words. If you know who said that, and the word-for-word quote, please post it.)

Thoughts on finding Miss (or Mr.) Right

This is a bit rambling, but if you stay with it to the end, you are welcome to share your thoughts.

One of my sons is married. Two are waiting for Miss Right.

My fear? That son #3, who is far away in the U. S. Marines and doesn't often communicate more intimate issues with his family, will think he's found Miss Right - and we won't know until the "date" is set.

Now, I realize that some might be saying, "Well, what do you need to know anyway? Are you afraid of not controlling the circumstances?" Ouch. I have to admit that I do like to know what is happening - to not have any big surprises - but I've really come leaps and bounds with the desire to have a hand in everything. It's not that big an issue for me any more.

What scares me is that I haven't communicated with him how to find Miss Right. Aside from God's providence - which I believe in wholeheartedly - we still have to know what we are looking for, so we don't jump at the wrong thing first, creating consequences and heartache.

I have to admit, I didn't really have a plan when I found John. I don't know if he did, either. As a matter of fact, we only dated about 3 months before we were engaged, with the wedding another 3 months later. So, technically, I don't have anything to say about a short relationship, do I?

Sure, I can say, "The world is different today." And it is. And it's not. After all, that first marriage will hopefully be our only marriage. It has lasted 24 + years so far.

So, what did we do that worked?

I don't think this is the whole thing, but part of the equation that has made a tremendous difference. We are both very faithful and devoted people. How do you measure that? I don't know about others, but for us, it shows up in what we do. We go to church *every* Sunday without fail (only extreme sickness or a planned vacation will keep us away). We are involved in it in big ways - leading worship, serving in nursery or sound ministry. Not only that, we are there early every time. We are not looking for praise for this, and serving is not done out of obligation or guilt, but from a heart that wants to be giving and generous. We have not changed jobs many times over time. Actually, John has had the same job for over 24 years - with a move or two within the company, but working for the same employer. I am faithful to my employer, and even though I tire of the hours and how hard it is on my body at times, it's not something I want to leave, and I choose to defend my employer instead of finding faults and complaining. These are attitudes that come from a faithfulness to finish what we have committed to do. That is another thing to look for: commitment and follow-through. If we make a promise or commitment, we will keep going until it is finished. We do our very best job. Also, we are teachable. We are willing to listen and change when we are wrong.

Now, I am not saying we don't have faults. For sure, we do! I just think that these may be some things in our attitudes and personalities that have helped us to make our marriage last as long as it has. And I'm thinking that if single people want to find a relationship that will last, these might be some things to look at in a potential mate before pursuing a relationship with him/her.

Rights

This morning's devotional states:

When it comes to spiritual matters – God is the Potter, the Creator, and we are the clay. The world says we should never give up our rights because if we do, we will lose everything. God says, “Give up your rights and you will gain everything.” When we surrender, we gain everything that is important and eternal – including God’s perfect plan and purpose for our life.

I want to lose everything to gain everything better.