December 9th

As a means of being more efficient, Missy wrote the following regarding Noah's current status.

The roller coaster continues with Noah's feedings. He dropped back down to 44 % bottle feeding yesterday. Today he was doing well when I saw him. I could tell a difference in his efficiency when eating. His suck was much stronger, and he took the first half the bottle much faster than he has been. He was probably around 60% bottle so far today but we will see if he was able to keep that up or improve. Noah most likely hit a major milestone today...5 lbs! This morning he weighed in at 4 lbs 15.8 oz (2261 grams), so I am assuming he has gained two tenths of an ounce today. He actually is out growing one of his preemie outfits!! I was excited because something was getting too small for him, almost.

We had a good day. We all were able to go to church this morning. Our friends at Grace Chapel continue to be a wonderful support and encouragement to us. There is always someone else coming up to give us encouragement. Thanks to everyone.

Tonight was the children's Christmas program and Anna, along with the other children in the Sunbeams class, got to lead off the show. Missy's mom was glad to be able to be here for such a wonderful night. It was a great time and a real blessing. The most entertaining parts of such programs always has little to do with what is supposed to be going on. Kids are always making funny faces, waving, zipping their pants...all sorts of things. It was great.

I was able to spend some time after the program talking to Nick Bassill. I've never had the opportunity to get to know him and it was a great conversation. I pray that we will get to know each other more in the future. A few days ago, he and his wife Kristen gave us a bag of about 200 newborn diapers. I'm sure Noah will get great use of those. Again I thank God for the Body of Christ and the blessings He continues to pour out on us.

I spoke with my friend Ebrahim today and he informed me that his relationship with his wife has improved markedly during the last several days. The Lord is actively working in his life and He is beginning the process of healing their marital issues. I am so excited for him and the things God is doing. It's great to see the Lord in action.

After considering the Christmas program and some of the discussion that Nick and I had, I have been reflecting on how it is that the Lord looks on us. For those of us under His grace, He looks at us as children. When Anna draws something that she claims is an airplane and wants to give it to me as a present I don't condemn her for her lack of an accurate depiction of a given aircraft. I rejoice that she earnestly made this...drawing to give to me. She did her best with it and gave it to me out of love. I get excited about it. I'm certain that God looks on us in an even better manner. As the Lord said in Matthew 7:11, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" When we come to the Lord with the attitude of a child, He looks on us in the same manner. Ultimately, we have to come without pretense to the throne of grace. When we do that and God moves in us, we have no choice but to be amazed.

Thanks for checking on Noah and Missy today.

Please pray for the following:
Ebrahim's walk with the Lord and his marriage
Noah, and his big sister Anna, that they would come to know the Lord at a young age
God's continued working in the lives of our friends and family
My mom for continued comforting and encouragement after her surgery
Opportunities to be salt and light to others

Please thank God for (at least) the following:
His love, grace, faithfulness, and provision
His strengthening of our family
His working in the lives of all those who have played such an important part in Noah's life already: those who have and continue to pray for him
My mom's recovery of her eyesight

"When Jesus saw this, He was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.' "
Mark 10:14