I want to take this opportunity to welcome two new "little additions" to our Calvary Family: Michael James Thomas (born September 14, parents: Amber & Zach) and Mattie Rae Bayliff (born October 19, parents: Megan & Matthew)! Congratulations, I love you and am so proud of you. This is awesome news for everyone and I am hoping you will do your part in helping these parents train, love and nurture these precious babies. God has greatly gifted them with healthy children. I know it took a great effort to bring them into the world, but now their work really begins...

Parents have one opportunity to raise their children, and we all know children don't train themselves. I greatly admire young couples, like these two, who are willing, by God's design and grace to bring children into this world. We live in difficult times, but God is greater than the age in which we live. We have before us two, innocent, beautiful, sweet babies. Right now their lives consist of sleeping, eating, crying, "dirtying" their diapers, being carried, and keeping their parents up at night. But, they will grow and they will learn. The weight of responsibility for training them is upon the backs of their parents; they are accountable to God for the direction of their children. Just as it is a heavy burden it is also an inexplicable joy! To both I say, "Enjoy your babies...they are your heritage from Almighty God. He has entrusted you with a wonderful gift!"

As a church what do we do? The one thing we must do well as the days, weeks and years pass is to pray. Don't take for granted the power of a praying church for its children. If you can't sleep one night take it as a hint from the Holy Spirit to pray for Mattie and Michael (Megan and Amber probably aren't sleeping either!). Think of all the children at Calvary, write their names on a card, and pray throughout the day for each of them. Pray for their salvation, pray for their safety and health, and pray for mom and dad. Pray without ceasing. Don't give up praying. And on their wedding day you can go up to them and say, "I've been praying for you since the day you were born, and I'm going to keep praying."

BTW...ask Angie and Len what their big news is!

Grace & Peace,

Scott