“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their fathers”
Proverbs 17:6
Do you ever find yourself anxiously waiting for something?
Probably so. Waiting is such a part of our everyday living. Waiting for the weekend, for the light to turn green, for payday, for a vacation to start, or countless other things we could list. Some waits are for minor things, but others are for major life changing events that will alter the very core of our being forever.
One of those waits was finally over for us when we looked into the face of a little girl who changed our world. This is what happens when…
A Princess Comes to Town…
We’ve discussed it all…from her nursery, to the sweetest shower, to Pam’s grandmother name, and the day is here for us to finally share…
It is with great joy and excitement that we announce the birth of Ella Mae, born May 12! This 9 pound bundle of love has stolen our hearts!
The emotions and feelings that surrounded the day were so different than anything we’ve experienced before. It was our first grandchild. This was definitely new territory for us. We’re talking grandparents – and at our young ages!!
Her birth also instantly triggered things in our memories that took us back over 30 years. We shared some of that experience in a post (Miracles and Mangers) on Seth’s 29th birthday.
All of God’s creation is incredible and indescribable. There aren’t enough adjectives. We can see Him everywhere. While sitting in the waiting room anxious for news from Seth about Ella Mae, a thought hit me that I wanted to share with Seth. Sometimes technology is overrated and it frustrates, but we do live in a time when a Grand “Da”, sitting in the waiting room, can text a Dad, who is in labor and delivery preparing to assist. Allison was not interested in texting at this moment so no group message!
There are many ways we can sense God’s presence and be aware of His nearness. We can all be thankful for this. I sent a text to Seth which summed up something I felt back on that December day in 1985. It went something like…..
Humanly speaking I don’t believe there is any time that one can feel closer to God while on this earth than when we are experiencing and witnessing the birth of a child.
Even through the stress and labor we prayed that Seth and Allison would sense the closeness of the Heavenly Father as never before in the midst of this wonderful event. And we believe they did! There is no miracle to compare with new life. A child being born. Flesh of your flesh. And, there is no greater miracle of God’s love and Grace than a child being born…again. The second time by the Spirit.
It’s a fact that many will not actually witness a child being born, but all of us are here because of this miracle of miracles. We are all born once by the flesh. We are all invited to be born a second time by the Spirit. The second birth makes one a child of God.
Talk about closeness!
If you have a minute, read John Chapter 3.
Jesus tells a man who has questions, “you must be born again.”
God is everywhere and longs to be near to us and for us to know it…
James, the half brother of Jesus said,
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Coastal Charm, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, French Country Cottage, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, 21 Rosemary Lane, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined, Poofing The Pillows, What Meegan Makes, Celebrate & Decorate
I can’t see for the tears streaming down my face. Yes, new birth of the spirit and the flesh can’t be adequately described.
I am so happy for you and the joy your precious Ella Mae will bring.
Pam, you have a wonderful gift with words reflecting your heart and faith.
Bonnie, thanks so much! She has totally captured our hearts!
Thank you, Butch. What an awesome post. I’ve never understood how anyone can deny God’s existence after witnessing childbirth. The big boom behind all of creation is Him! I’m so thrilled that you and Pam get to enjoy this new journey – grandchildren. Ella Mae is precious!
Kim, I don’t have the words to describe the love and emotion! God is good!
Congratulations, Butch, Pam and your children – all of you!
Thanks so much, Rita! I will be posting pictures of our little princess way too often!
Congratulations to you and Butch, Pam! So awesome! The feeling of holding that grandbaby for the first time…the feeling that you are now someone’s grandparent…the feeling that the baby you are holding is actually also a physical part of you! Such a tremendously unspeakable joyful moment!
Congratulations to the proud parents too, of course!
Thanks so much for such sweet words, Esther! As you very well know, we are beyond excited!
Congratulations on the birth of your first grandchild “Ella Mae”, she is beautiful. I know I have told you before, but there just isn’t anything like the love you will have for her Ella Mae! Grandchildren just melt our hearts!
Lynn, she has totally captured our hearts! Love and hugs!
What a beautiful baby girl!!! I know yall are so excited and happy!!!
Yes, we are so excited…thanks so much!
Congratulations Pam – a beautiful post for a beautiful new little granddaughter!
Joy, thanks so much! We are absolutely in love with her!
Congratulations Pam, you are truly blessed and will have many more stories to tell!
Jenna
Jenna, please tell me if I become the obnoxious grandmother that posts way too many pictures! We are totally in love with her!
Oh, happy-happy, day full of joy! What a total blessing! Many years of fun yet to come with this little one. Congratulations!
Leslie Anne, we are so excited we can’t contain ourselves’
What beautiful words to describe a beautiful event!!! Thank you for sharing this with us!!! It is such a blessing to have grandchildren to make us feel young again and fill our lives with love and laughter. God bless you and Butch. You are such kind and caring spiritual leaders. I am thankful God caused our paths to cross. Love to you both in Christ.
Patsy, thanks so much for such sweet words! We are excited beyond words!
Congratulations, I know ya’ll are so excited for that baby girl to be here!
Jan, we are more than excited! Thanks!
AH she’s HERE! I have been waiting 🙂 Congratulations !!! I know that your heart is overflowing and what a sweet princess she is indeed! 🙂
Funny…I am in the book of John right now..usually have a few going in different Bibles.
Dug up an old book that I’d read years ago called ” Mystical Christianity” by John Sanford on John. Interesting to see what I underlined and took note of a good 20 years ago and what speaks to me now 🙂
One thing I know is that there’s a powerful blessing in being a parent but being a grandparent is even more special 🙂 Congratulations again ; very happy for you! 🙂
My dear friends Pam and Butch, the day came … and came this beautiful creature. Have no doubt that will alter the very core of your being forever and that is very beautiful.
The experience is unique, you have to be grandfather to know.
My congratulations to their parents for such a beautiful girl. Pam photo with Ella Mae gives me great tenderness …
A big hug for all
Dolores
There is such joy in welcoming a new one to the family. Congratulations to you all.
Linda, we are so excited for her arrival! She is a blessing!
With the sincerest congratulations. What a blessing and miracle.
Valerie, yes she is a blessing and a miracle! We are very excited!
Oh how cute. The little man is one lucky guy to be born into such an amazing family.
Congratulations, treasure every single moment! My two granddaughters are just 16 months and 2 1/2 and I know of all of the emotions and miracles you feel. Thank you for sharing over at the Celebrate Your Story! link party.
Chloe, being a grandmother you do understand our excitement! Blessings~
She’s just precious–congratulations to everyone. You will have such fun times with Ella Mae.
Congrats! She is adorable!!
I am so happy for you and your family.
And, I’ll admit that I’m a bit jealous. I keep hoping it will happen one day for us.
Thanks for sharing at SYC.
Pam, she’s beautiful! Your family is precious and I know you are overjoyed. I do agree that we are never closer to God than when the miracle of a baby happens. Enjoy every moment. 🙂
No better gift than the gift of a baby. She is beautiful. Babies are such miracles from our Lord. I have no clue how people can view this miracle that could only come from God, the Master designer, as anything else but LIFE. Being a Nana to 5 precious grands I know all too well your joy. And I have had the awesome privilege of watching all 5 of my grandbabies be born! God is good. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Congratulations on your sweet blessing!
Congratulations on the birth of your little Princess Ella Mae. Butch, I love that you will be a Grand “Da”. One of the first words he ever said was “Da.” We were never quite certain why he called my husband “Da” but we thought it was just grand. I especially liked it because British novels are some of favorite books! It was natural that all five of the grands should call him “Da.” I understand that it is used in referring a father, but it works just fine for grandfather in our family! You Ella Mae is beautiful, Butch!
What a precious bundle of joy Pam! That baby surely will not lack for hugs and kisses. 🙂 Being a grandparent is the best! Can’t believe that we have 10. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Pam, what a wonderful post! Ella Mae is so beautiful, and Mike and I congratulate all of you on her birth. You now have an example of amazing love, love beyond measure, love that will fill your hearts in so many ways. Enjoy! And rest up, and save up! Mike and I just had Mary Grace, Elsie and Virginia at Disney, and you will surely take that trip, and it takes stamina, strength, and lots of money! But experiences with a grandchild are such fun. There is so much for you to look forward to. We are so excited for you all. Love you lots!
How sweet Pam! Congratulations!
Wow! Thank you for linking up with me and sharing this beautiful post! I LOVED every word and I couldn’t agree more. The proverb you shared at the top I was vaguely familiar with, but it really hit home reading it now that I’m a grandparent. It’s funny how God’s Word does that. One can read the same words over and over in a lifetime, but the meaning or significance jumps out at you differently depending on what your going through or what stage of life your in.
Beautiful baby! I guess she is about a year old now. Such fun times!
🙂 gwingal