Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me.

Congrats to my daughter and her husband – Cecilia and Garrett.  Cecilia went into the hospital Sunday morning to be induced and just a short time later, Monday afternoon (roughly 30 hours of labor), they welcomed their first child into this world…a little girl name Skyler Grace who weighed in at 6lbs 10oz and is 20″ long.  Needless to say I am again, proud as can be and in awe of our God and the continued blessings He has given Sarah and I.

And if having the child wasn’t enough excitement for the family, our son in law Garrett checked himself into the hospital soon after the birth due to kidney stones.  He claims they gave them a BOGO coupon and it expired on Friday so he needed to take advantage of it now.

I am asked at times like what kind of wisdom and guidance can  I offer to the new parents.  My advice is simple.  You have a father who loves you very much and will always be there for you in good times and bad.  He will always be there with you at those 3 AM feedings, when you’re so exhausted that you can hardly function.  He is with you when the baby stumbles and scrapes her knee; when she loses her first tooth; when she starts school; when she goes to her first prom.  Whatever it is in life, your father will always be with you and your child.  As much as I would like to brag that I am that father, I am not.  God is that Father and God will be with you and your child at all times.  Seek His advice; thank Him daily for His blessings – your child.  Make Him part of your family; pray to Him each and every day – when you wake in the morning, before each meal and when you head to bed each night.  God has blessed with this child; God has blessed you with HIS child.  It is an awesome responsibility to be a parent and it is an experience I have cherished and loved doing for quite some time now.  So the best advice I can give is the 3 P’s…Patience, Prayer and Praise.  As long as you do these 3 things, you will flourish as a Mom and Dad.

Garrett and Cecilia – congratulations.  I love you both very much and I thank the Lord everyday for having you two – and now three – in my life.

Do something great for our Lord today – thank Him for creating you in His image and likeness.  Thank Him for life.  Thank Him because we are all beautifully and wonderfully made.  I will also add, thank You making me a grandparent – it is so much easier to enjoy the young ones when I’m not the one getting up for the 3 AM wake up call.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.

Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.

But you man of God, chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.  Compete well for the faith.

Eternal God, in Whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion – inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us so that in difficult moments we may not despair nor become despondent but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will which is Love and Mercy itself.