September 22, 2004

My first real blog entry since Anna's arrival...

I've been back to work for a couple days now, but my mind and heart are certainly not back yet. I just can't seem to get over the feeling of being SO incredibly blessed by God in my life. I now that I'm nothing compared to him. I know that I continue to struggle with sin in my life. I just can not comprehend why God has chosen to bless me with such a wonderful wife and children. We are all healthy. We have a nice home. Our needs are met. God is SO good. I do NOT deserve the blessings that I am enjoying. May this perspective spur me on to walk in obedience to the Creator of all things. If I experience tragedy in my life later today, may my perspective not waiver!

Thank you Lord!

A few new pictures online at http://www.iserv.net/~aaawm1/

Anna is so precious. With my first little girl (and probably last), I'm feeling different feelings already. She is SO soft and precious. On the other hand, she can bring the noise with the best of em' when it comes to filling her diaper. Wow! A tip to other soon to be parents of infants- wait a few minutes longer than you think you should after feedings before you change the diaper. We went through 4 diapers in 4 minutes yesterday.

D-Fresh

September 15, 2004

We have baby!!!!!

Not much time to write many details, but wanted to get out some pictures of our new daughter! Go to http://www.iserv.net/~aaawm1/ to see some pictures.

Honestly, if I had the time, I could NOT express the overwhelming joy and complete thankfulness for God's blessings in my life. He's is SO good to me!

Just the facts.....

Name: Anna Kay McPherson
Gender: Girl
DOB: 09-13-04
Time: 03:42 a.m.
Weight: 7 lbs. 2 oz
Height: 20 inches

Doris and Anna are both doing great. They are both extremely cute too!

D-Fresh

September 8, 2004

Lawns' mowed. In-laws are here. Going to participate in a work conference call in a couple minutes and after that I plan to try to get out in the woods and do a little pre-season scouting for bow-season. Looking forward to that.

I heard today from two different people of individuals in serious car accidents. One resulting in death (relative of Mindy), and another that should have but did not- only serious injury to one hand (Laurie D-E, RN from work).

God is soveriegn. Praying for him to work through both situations.

D

September 7, 2004

Labor Day has come and gone without any actual labor (birthing) beginning yet, so we are still working on the "things to do before baby" list that Doris created. My little brother was born on Labor Day.

Over the weekend, I was able to spend Saturday with my roommate from college (Keith), and his famil. I also helped Rodney hang some drywall on a studio room he is working on in the basement and we attended a picnic with some of our neighbors on Monday afternoon. It was good weekend, except I didn't get the lawn mowed. I started it after the picnic, but it rained on me.

I'm going to commit to pray more seriously, and regularly for Keith. He is looking for happiness in all the wrong places, and hardened himself to the message of Christ. Wade's sermon on Sunday was about Jesus' parable of the soils. Keith is the hardened, compacted soil that is very difficult to for seeds to grow. He'd drop everything to help me or anyone else for that matter, but he doesn't want to admit to anyone that he is lost and hurting. I'm burdened for him.

This afternoon we are expecting Doris' parents to arrive for three weeks or so to help with the baby. They will be bringing their new camper trailer along and parking it in the yard (that is not yet mowed!). I love my in-laws, and I'm glad they are coming, but I'm sure that at the end of three weeks, we are all going to be ready to have some space between us. A goal I'm setting for myself- share my recliner and the remote.

Still enjoying reading in Samuel. Have entered II Samuel now and David has had a couple different opportunities to kill Saul and refuses to cause harm to "The Lord's anointed". It's interesting to ponder on Saul's inner battle. At times he recognizes the Lord's sovereign plan and his imminent fall from the thrown. Yet he continues to try to delay, prevent, and thwart it in attempting to eliminate David. He consults Samuel from beyond the grave through consulting the Witch of Endor. Power and wealth are SO much a potential enemy to complete obedience. Latter David will struggle with the same issues.

I function in a leadership position at church, and therefore hang on to some power. Are my motives always pure? If God's plan is to remove me from that position, will I happily cheer on the new "anointed" predecessor? I pray that I will be fully surrendered to the will of God, no matter what it is.

D-Fresh

September 1, 2004

The morning started with the whole family down at the end of the driveway by 7:25 waiting for the bus for Spencer's first full day of school. He was very excited and barely paused long enough for Doris to snap a quick picture. She wanted, but did not get a hug and kiss before he ran on to the bus. Tears followed (not Spencer), but we all recovered. Doris took the minivan and followed the bus in to town since it was his first time. She wanted to be sure he actually made it in to his classroom. It's tough for me to start that "letting go" process already. We are having to trust someone else with him. To protect and not pollute. To help teach and shape his future. His teacher seems very nice and we have heard very good things about the school system. I know that many of the teachers and the principal are Christian or at least Christian-friendly. We'll try to be involved parents and remember that the primary responsiblity for shaping our children falls on us (through God's help and strength).

I've got new wheels now! It's every mans dream car- a 96 Escort Wagon. A two year upgrade with 170,000 less miles than my 94 version. I'm livin' the dream! Actually, I'm content with the decision. It's what I can afford, and I believe it's in line with God's desire for us right now. It was owned for most of it's life by a lady in her 80's and only had around 19,000 miles on it until last year- 40,000 when I bought it. It does have a CD player and a remote starter, so I'm going to be enjoying those new upgrade options.

Our bathroom upstairs is now finished. It's great to have that job done. I'm pleased with the result. I'd recommend glueless wood laminate flooring to anyone (Pergo etc.).

I'm reading in 1 Samuel right now. The story of Saul becoming king per Israel's request- God's warning to them followed by allowing them their request. Next, the progression of Saul's move from being a humble man of honor coming out of the smallest clan from the smallest tribe (Benjamin) to his transformation in to a raving mad-man obsessed with murdering David. All of the little details along the way are catching my attention in news ways this time through. God's word is so amazing.

(This next comment is for Steve Deur only.)

Steve, if you are reading this.....

(re-imagine the sarcastic, confindent tone of voice-- ;-) )

Look at ME. Look at YOU !

Look at ME. Look at YOU!

D