new life.

first of all, i am writing this as i watch you've got mail. it is just one of the happiest movies. i don't think there is any other character's style i would like to emulate more than kathleen kelly's or any other place i'd like to be then new york in the fall.

secondly, "baby john", as ada refers to him, is here!!! you can get more information about his birth than you could ever dream here and here... if you are interested. thankfully, laura beth had a quick, easy delivery... well, i hate to use the word easy. but, she was blessed as much as you can be in labor! despite the two weeks leading up to it in which she had annoying mild contractions, never knowing when she was actually going into labor. anyway, i love, love, love when a new baby is born! nothing puts things into perspective like a new baby... a new life. this child is completely the creation of God and it is such a picture of His power and His sovereignty and helps me to see just how in control He is and how out of control i am and how all the little things in my life that consume my thoughts, are so insignificant in the picture of eternity. ok, that was the longest sentence i've ever written, but i felt it could be conveyed best in one long sentence. and, can i just say i love my little stinker of a niece, ada so, so much! she is so happy to have an addition to their family. yay for family. i am thankful for mine.

"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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you." - 1 Peter 1:3-4

finally, yes, i am going to share with you more lyrics. tonight was one of those nights i wanted to shout at RUF, but had to contain myself or else i would look like a fool. thank you to henry lyte for writing this beautiful hymn...

2. Let the world despise and leave me,

They have left my Savior, too.

Human hearts and looks deceive me;

Thou art not, like them, untrue.

O while Thou dost smile upon me,

God of wisdom, love, and might,

Foes may hate and friends disown me,

Show Thy face and all is bright.

4. Go, then, earthly fame and treasure,

Come disaster, scorn and pain

In Thy service, pain is pleasure,

With Thy favor, loss is gain

I have called Thee Abba Father,

I have stayed my heart on Thee

Storms may howl, and clouds may gather;

All must work for good to me.

5. Soul, then know thy full salvation

Rise o’er sin and fear and care

Joy to find in every station,

Something still to do or bear.

Think what Spirit dwells within thee,

Think what Father’s smiles are thine,

Think that Jesus died to win thee,

Child of heaven, canst thou repine.

6. Haste thee on from grace to glory,

Armed by faith, and winged by prayer.

Heaven’s eternal days before thee,

God’s own hand shall guide us there.

Soon shall close thy earthly mission,

Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days,

Hope shall change to glad fruition,

Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

ok, i need to go to bed. tomorrow we are having the horst schulze as a speaker in class... previous owner of ritz carlton, now owner of west

paces. he's basically as big as it gets in my major... therefore, i must be alert.

good night!