The Bigger Story of Christmas

Happy December 1st! (Always the official start of Christmas growing up, since my mom made a wonderful Advent chain to count down the days with Christmas activities.)

To commemorate, here is a good look at what Christmas is all about.



What a reason to celebrate!

HT: Justin Taylor

Family Portrait

Yesterday, thanks to the marvels of modern technology, Ben and I were given a delightful preview of Baby Boy Katterson, 15 oz and a very active youngster already.

We think he has daddy's nose, and he had one arm draped over his head for most of the ultrasound, which is how I generally sleep.

It's a staggering thing, to realize that all the while I've been puking and feeling worn out, God has been weaving together this marvelous little person... complete with a nose bone, little perfect fingers and toes, four chambers in his heart, a little diaphragm, brain development, and little femur bones.

Our prayer:

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!
May He remember all your offerings and
regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!
Selah.
May he grant you your heart's desires and fulfill all your plans! May we shout for joy over your salvation
and in the name of our God set up our banners!

-Psalm 20: 1-4

A first family photo:

Almost 3 Years Ago...

October 18, 2008 was a very lovely day for Ben and me. Memories of the day were stirred again in my mind, reading a friend's blog post about his reflections following our ceremony.

HT: IBeSmart

When You Don't Need Sympathy

Here is a thought-provoking post about times when we don't need sympathy or a pat on the back, but a word of truth aptly spoken.

HT: Femina

Where Children Rank

I have approximately 173 days (plus or minus a couple weeks) until I launch into the full-fledged adventure of motherhood, Lord willing.

So I appreciated this article on where society ranks children... and what they can mean for a gospel-centered life.

It makes me excited to start.

HT: Desiring God

Pregnant with Lessons

I'm at 13 weeks today, and this morning I got to hear that little heart thumpety-thumping through my belly, 160 beats per minute.

As it's been said, motherhood is a mission field, and though I've only seen this little one as a black and white picture on a screen, already he is teaching me many lessons.

The Fall: Sin is horrendous. It scars the world and twists what was meant to be good. After the fifth time in a day, vomiting into the toilet, my body shouted what my heart is often numb to... sin is horrible, and this broken world needs redemption.

Sovereign Grace: "You must be born again," Jesus said. Well, I know for sure that this little baby who is growing inside isn't in charge of the intricate, complicated process of development he's undergoing now, and (hate to say it) he won't be the primary actor in the process of birth either. He's helpless. Totally dependent. And God creates life and new life as a gift of sovereign grace.

Oh, Sweet Baby

Oh, sweet baby, we don't know your name, or if you're a he or she, but already we love you. We pray that God will keep you growing strong and healthy and let us meet you at just the right time. And even more, we pray He will give you a heart that loves Jesus and follows Him all the days of your life.