1 + 1 = 6

That's right...to our surprise we will be adding a sixth and final member to our family! While this wasn't our plan, we know that God's plan is so much better than our own and trust in his timing and provision for this new little one. Big families are fun, right?

Here's how we announced to our friends and extended family:

Isn't this is going to make an adorable first picture for the baby book? And the process itself was quite memorable...it's not easy getting 3 little people to sit still. After lots of laughs, a few tears, some bribes and about 10 outtakes, it all came together. Precious:)

I had been dying to tell the kids from the very beginning....the night before we found out Nathan asked when I was going to get another baby in my tummy so I knew he would be excited. We waited until everything looked good at my first OB appointment and then gathered them up to tell them the good news. Want to see their reactions?

Again, such a great moment to have captured and I can't wait to show their future brother or sister just how loved they were from the beginning. And I can remind the newest addition how lucky they are that I didn't give big brothers free reign on picking a name! This morning Nathan said breakfast prayer and sweetly said, "Thank you God for putting a new baby in mommy's tummy and letting it come close to my birthday." How could I not be excited about a new little one when the ones I already have are so amazing?

For those of you who are wondering....yes, we would love a girl but honestly, a boy would probably just be easier. We already have this boy thing down and all the stuff to go with it. But ultimately, I trust whatever God has in store. He sure has planned my family better than I ever could have! Not everyone is so neutral about this subject though. Nathan is hoping God picks a sister for our family because as he puts it, "we don't have one of those!" Can't argue with that logic!

Let us not forget

Just over a week ago was Resurrection Sunday. Because of the type of blogs I follow, my dashboard was filled with posts celebrating our Savior and what he did for us. We remembered why Jesus died, so that no man would be lost and that each of us would have a way to the Father. He came for sinners, for the lost, for the least among us and we all celebrated the fact that He had done this.

Now as I get on my different social networking sites today I see post after post with people celebrating the death of Osama Bin Laden. And I get it. Really, I do. In a way it really is a victory for the military and for our country. But it is also a loss. The Lord does not wish for any one of us to perish without knowing him. "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9. The reaction we should be having is that of mourning. Not mourning the person, as obviously his life is not one to be celebrated, but mourning the loss of his soul.

While thousands of people are dancing in the streets and raising a glass in celebration of this fallen enemy, I would call all of you Christians to take a different approach in reacting to this news.
"Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice." Proverbs 24:17. This is a time to truly practice what we believe. We believe that Christ died for all and so that has to include Osama Bin Laden. That may not sit well with your flesh but spend some time praying on it and I think you will see that that is God's heart. Let your reaction be a reflection of God's love for all of us. I guarantee that this will stand out from the majority. It will cause people to question. It will present the opportunity to witness. Don't begrudge those who aren't there yet...it is not an easy place for some to come to.

Some people who have said it better than I can:
-http://www.revelife.com/746839071/the-death-of-osama-bin-laden-and-the-christian-reaction/
-http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/osama-bin-laden-now-in-hell/
-http://blogschmogme.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/mixed-emotions-about-osama-bin-laden/-http://carrythefireministry.blogspot.com/2011/05/christian-response.html

Now I realize that not everyone who reads this will agree with me. And I also understand that this can be an emotionally heated topic. I would love to hear your opinions, whatever they may be. I just ask that we deliver them in a respectful manner. My hope is that we can have some candid discussion from all of this that will lead to greater understanding, whatever perspective we come at this from.