One Week of Grace

Pictures from Grace's first week out of the womb.

At the hospital prior to going into labor.

Grandma holding baby Grace just after her birth.

Daddy holding Grace during her hearing test (she was asleep).

Big sister Valarie looking pretty comfortable with her little sister.

Just hanging out with my Daddy.

Mommy and Grace together.

She hates the car seat (getting ready to leave the hospital)!

The booties with a story that was known only to God before Grace was born.

Sweet, sweet baby girl.

Grace in the English family cradle that Jennifer is letting me use.

She still hates the car seat (going back to the hospital for a bilirubin test).

Sooo sweet.

Cousin Renee holding Grace for the first time.

"Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth,

Everyone who is called by My name,

And whom I have created for My glory,

Whom I have formed, even whom I have made."

Isaiah 43:6b-7

For You formed my inward parts;

You wove me in my mother's womb.

I will give thanks to You, for I am

fearfully and wonderfully made;

Wonderful are your works,

And my soul knows it well.

My frame was not hidden from You,

When I was made in secret,

And skillfully wrought in the depths of

the earth;

Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;

And in Your book were all written

The days that were ordained for me,

When as yet there was not one of them.

How precious also are Your thoughts to me,

O God!

Psalm 139:13-17a

Grace - due today!

In His infinite wisdom, God brought forth baby Grace one week early. We were scheduled to go in for an induction today if labor didn't start prior. But, we, and many of our brothers and sisters in Christ, prayed that the Lord would bring her forth prior to today so that labor wouldn't need to be induced. The Lord Jesus answered our prayers and according to His will, He brought Grace forth at the most perfect time (God only does what is most perfect).

So far, Grace is doing well. We are about to leave for the hospital for yet another bilirubin test and weight check. Please pray that the Lord Jesus would heal baby Grace of her jaundice. Her levels have been borderline since birth but have not reached the point where special treatment is necessary.

As you go forth today, think of all that God has done for you and thank Him for all of His blessings. After all, what do you have that you haven't received (1 Cor. 4:7)?

Grace waking up from a nap.

Dads should change as many diapers as they can.

And, they should make sure their precious brides, who are new mommies, get plenty of sleep.

- Posted by Loy

Grace! Grace! Grace!

Grace is here! Our precious baby Grace came into the world, most fittingly, on Resurrection Sunday. God has poured out yet another blessing upon us, a pair of His most undeserving children. He is so merciful to us and kind to us. We are living proof of the goodness of God and of His great grace towards men. As you look at these pictures of our Grace, we hope that you will consider His grace in that He gave His only Son that we might have life in His name and by His grace. May the Lord Jesus bless you as you do so.

Grace just born

What's going on out here?

First diaper change

Look at those lips!

Awww...

Daddy's feet

Going to my new home. It sure is bright outside!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great mercy, He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Do not be unbelieving but believe! With God nothing is impossible!

We are thankful for the great blessing of having a new birth in our lives. God's plan before the foundation of the world was to bring our baby Grace forth at just this time and in just this way. What we had thought impossible, in the fullness of time, God did. All the praise belongs to Him and Him alone! Thank you, Father, for pouring out Your grace upon us. We also are thankful to our dear brothers and sisters in the Lord that have offered up countless prayers on our behalf.

By grace, it is in Christ alone that we put our trust.

- Posted by Loy