Holy Ground...

God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:5

This weekend I had the privilege of standing on truly holy ground. I was able to be present at the hospital with Nathan and Christy and their new, precious baby - Judah Nathaniel - not even an hour after he was born. Oh man, do I love babies!

It was truly a sacred moment to behold as these two, who had so patiently waited and prayed for so long, finally held this sweet blessing in their arms. I am still in awe of the way this new mom just knew what to do as she cradled and nursed her baby for the first time. I am still moved thinking about this new dad's first precious prayer of blessing over his little boy.

There is something so special about new babies ... fresh from heaven, still perfect and intact without yet a hint of sin's stain ... there is something about them that makes us want to speak in hushed tones and weep with joy ... fresh starts, new promises, hopeful beginnings ...

I realized that I had never been around a baby so new, other than my own. And, looking back at the births of my own boys ... I was there, but had so many thoughts swirling around at the time about what I should be doing (or not doing), is the baby ok? my tummy hurts! and on and on ... This time, being a outside observer with none of those thoughts racing through my head ... it was pretty amazing.

Judah Nathaniel, we have all prayed for you for so long and are overjoyed at your arrival. Nathan and Christy, thanks for letting me be a small part of it all.

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Proverbs 13:12


















Nathan handing Christy back her new baby after he was checked out and weighed by the nurses.






















Joy.

















Family.






















He was so alert ... this pic was taken before he drank his first meal.


















... after.




































I love this picture of all the new grandparents gathered around this new, little family. Judah is the first grandchild on either side ... such a blessing!






































I have to say, being a part of this special moment for the Bentleys has made me think and pray even more about the sweet baby growing strong inside of me right now. I am excited to meet him (or her) and get another fresh start as a mommy.

Jared was able to briefly meet baby Judah last night and we talked about it this morning.

I told him, "I love Baby Judah, don't you?"

He said,"Yes," and placing his little hand on my tummy said, "I love the new baby in your tummy, too, Mommy."

Me, too, Jared. Me too.