New Life - Welcome Sophie!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

On Friday, January 6, 2012, our family received an exquisite gift from God--the birth of our granddaughter, Sophie.  This wonderful and precious baby girl arrived weighing 6 pounds, 12 ounces, and appeared to us as being that of sheer perfection!

Sophie has come unexpectedly and relatively late in our daughter's child-bearing years. But, what a joy this little girl has already brought to her mom and dad, her older siblings, grandparents, and other extended family members and friends.  So many people have had a stake in Sophie's arrival because she and her mom have been the recipients of their prayers throughout our daughter's pregnancy.  We are so thankful for the faithfulness of those who have prayed, encouraged us with their positive thoughts, and shown their love for our family during this time. God has surely answered our prayers in that Sophie arrived without complication and she and her mom are healthy and doing well.

As Ray and I left the hospital on the day of Sophie's birth, he said, "Well, it's over." I understood what he meant--the stress and concern for our daughter and the uncertainty surrounding how things would turn out for her and the baby. Truly, we did feel a huge sense of relief and thankfulness.  But, thinking a little further down the road, my reply to my husband was: "No, it's not over, it's only the beginning."  Sophie's birth is the beginning of so many wonderful moments for this little one and her family.  In our lives, there are always triumphs and challenges. As Sophie grows and learns about life and how to live it, she will experience much happiness as well as some of the ups and downs that comes to each of us. 

Upon learning of Sophie's birth and seeing a picture of her, my cousin wrote three words that will stick with me indefinitely: "What a treasure!"  Her comment is such a great description of Sophie's worth to us.  She will always be our treasure, but more importantly, Sophie will always be God's treasure. He knows her far better than we do because He carefully and skillfully formed her. Sophie is God's creation and according to Jeremiah 29:11, He has plans for Sophie and for each one of us.  Whether we are fresh out of our mother's womb, or we are living in the sunset of our lives, God desires that we trust Him to lead us through each season of our time on earth.  Through Jesus Christ, we have hope that our tomorrow will be better than today.  Our minds and attitudes are drastically changed when we allow Jesus to lead us through life. 

So, welcome to our lives and into our hearts, Sophie Leeann! You are a blessing sent from God and you have come to us just when we needed you the most.  You have brought us renewed hope and energy and faith and trust.  And by your birth, you have shown us that our Creator is a God of miracles--for you are that little miracle!  We love you with all of our hearts.

Prayer:  Father God, thank you for bringing Sophie into our lives and hearts.  Thank you for this perfect gift and for bringing her safely to us.  Thank you for watching over Shelly while she was carrying Sophie and for allowing a delivery that was complication free.  Now, as we begin our lives with Sophie, I pray your blessings upon her.  Give Sophie Your wisdom as she grows and learns of You and her Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our prayer and desire is that Sophie will be a passionate follower of our Lord and Savior.  Help us as family members to do our part in pointing her toward the Cross.  We pray this in Jesus name.  Amen.