Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior... Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.... “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me. I, even I, am the LORD, and apart from me there is no savior. I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—I, and not some foreign god among you. You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God. Yes, and from ancient days I am he. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?”
Isaiah 43:1-3, 7, 10-13

Monday, February 18, 2008

Highlights from my parents visit


Our first family picture with 5 of us


The main highlight was Jana of course!


Making special snacks with Nyanya


Bath time


Swimming with Nyanya, Babu and Dada


Reading with Babu


Playing in the little house my mom made for the girls for Christmas


Playing memory with Nyanya and Babu


Pillow fights and wrestling with Babu


Blowing bubbles with Nyanya

Friday, February 15, 2008

Living by Faith and other Valentine's Day Reflections

We said goodbye to my parents yesterday. It was definitely a time of mixed emotions: thankfulness for their visit - it has been such a blessing having them here; sadness - it's always hard to say goodbye; relief - knowing that we'll be seeing them in 3 and half months, which I'm sure will fly by; doubt - wondering if I'm up to the task of handling 3 under the age of 3 without their help. Josh asked at the dinner table who was going to go through the most Nyanya and Babu withdrawal. I know without a doubt it will be me!

But as I was journaling in my time with the Lord on this Valentine's day - I reflected on how much love surrounds me. The love my parents made in making the financial sacrifice to come down here and be with us at this time. The love they've shown me my whole life in parenting me - how much you appreciate you parents after you are one. A loving husband who serves me and our children beyond measure. The love and snuggles of our daughters. The love of our friends and family from a far. Most of all the love of our God in our Savior, Jesus, and the other countless blessings He bestows in His favor.

And in reality, the answer is - I'm not up to the task of raising 3 under the age of 3! At least, not without Him. Part of the reason I liked Faith for a middle name for Jana is because I knew that it was only going to be through faith in Him that we would be able to raise these beautiful girls in His light. The last few days the refrain to a hymn has been running through my head "Living by faith, in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love, From all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I'm living by faith and feel no alarm".

May God grant you the faith you need to meet the task of living day by day.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Jana Faith Marcum

We're thankful to our God to announce the birth of our third beautiful daughter, Jana (Hebrew for God is gracious) Faith Marcum, yesterday, February 4th at 12:32 pm. She weighed 3 kilos, 100 grams (just about 7 pounds) and was 52 cms long. She has red-blonde hair and blue eyes, like her daddy and her 2 older sisters. The birth was without complications and we are home now, enjoying being with my parents who came down to help us out for a couple weeks. God is good! We love you all! Enjoy the pictures.