Redeemed!

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the baptism (washing) of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." Titus 3.4-7

This past Sunday night, Micaiah was baptized into the family of God. We celebrated her rebirth into the Kingdom of God with family, friends and the 705: community. Needless to say, it was an evening filled with God's power. We were so thankful to Nora (Erin's younger sister) who committed to being Micaiah's God parent. She has the incredible responsibility of making sure that Micaiah is raised in the faith along with making sure her parents do what they are supposed to. Nora is an incredible woman of God whose passion for life and God inspire Micaiah's parents.

As a side note, this was the first baptism for the 705: community. We are hoping that there will be many more as the Lord sees fit to grow this spiritual community. Thanks to all of you who have become our spiritual family here in Houston! Here's to the journey!

Below are a number of photos from the evening. Note that the baptismal gown was made in 1915 for Erin's grandfather's baptism. It has been passed down from generation to generation! It was an awesome gift to be able to use it. Enjoy God's grace.

I Love Daddy Because...

1. He gives me fuzzy kisses.
2. He tells me I'm beautiful.
3. He calls me his 'Sweet Pea'.
4. He likes to laugh.
5. He sings me funny songs.
6. He burps me rhythmicaly.
7. He encourages Mom to eat ice cream.
8. He snuggles with me on the couch.
9. He gets up with me in the middle of the night when I'm unhappy.
10. He still loves me even when I stink.

I show him I love him by pooping while he's holding me in my freshly changed diaper.

Dad's great!!!

Our Baby Girl...at Home

Well, it's been a week. And yes, she rules our lives! And we are so thankful! God has blessed us in so many ways and Micaiah is no exception!

We've spent the week figuring out what it means to survive on as little sleep as possible, distinguishing between smiles and gas, learning the difference between neh and eh (thanks Oprah) and soaking up what it means to be parents.

More than anything else we've learned the meaning of surrender. It has quickly become clear that we are, in so many ways, powerless to answer her every need; we can't raise this little girl on our own. And as much as we would like to provide for her perfectly, we've quickly come to realize that only God can do that. Even in the birth of our new baby girl, we are still learning to follow where Jesus leads...and that means surrender. It means surrendering to his goodness, grace and His power. It's humbling to realize that you are powerless and He is all powerful.

Below are a number of pictures from our week of surrendering! Enjoy!

Micaiah Noel West

Friends-

It's our joy to share with you the blessing of our daughter. Both Erin and Micaiah are doing quite well, both are recovering. For those of you who need details:

She was born on February 16th, 2008 @ 10.43 am
Weight: 8lbs.
Height: 21''

She is a gorgeous little girl. Please enjoy the pictures of our first day!

It's about time

It's February 8th and the countdown has definitely begun! We're enjoying our weekly visits to the doctor who assures us all is well and baby will come... eventually. During our visit last week he gave Brian's heart a jump start by checking to make sure he knew when to call in. We got a lot done that weekend! :)

The following is the culimnation of our labor of love we call the nursery. You'll see there is one wall that looks rather sad and lonely. Never fear, there are plans in the making, but they won't come to fruition until after baby is here. We could wait until then to show you pictures, but we figure by then you'd rather see the baby!

Tom and Shelby

So, we have two friends who are so alike it's scary.

The first is a Pastor who has four kids four and under and the other...well she's four. Tom has a passion for talking so does Shelby. Tom could talk to walls and carry on a conversation, Shelby does. Tom can't play music, Shelby assures her mom that she can't either. Shelby likes to dress up like a princess, Tom...well, he wears pink (way to go Tam). Goldfish are staples in both kitchens.

Just recently we were presented with yet another similarity...just one word...

Whiteasaurus.

Big Things for 2008...

Not that we're suggesting that Erin is the big thing...though she kind of is. We're looking forward to all new communities; our growing family and ministry. So, here's to 2008: to our family and friends who love us in spite of our imperfections, and our Lord Jesus, who keeps us in his grace!

A Merry Christmas Wish...

From the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes... or, in this case, reindeer!