like ice-cold water that was poured on my face, i woke up this morning with the thought that in 22 days i’m going to be a dad. same realization i have every morning for the past two weeks, of course the number of days just keeps on getting smaller.

this will probably the most difficult and wonderful thing that i’ll ever experience in my entire life … be entrusted with another. proverbs 22:6 comes to mind.

as i look forward, i end up looking inwards. realizing that in the 30 years of my life i’ve trifled with so many things and end up questioning my maturity in the faith. am i mature enough to train a child in God’s ways? deep inside, I hear a resounding NO. but on the other side her name reminds me so much of what God has done for me and marchesa.

For those of you who do not know yet, our little girl’s name will be Emmanuelle Grace … Emmanuelle because she is a testament that God is with us, and it is only through his Grace that we are where we are, and thanking Him for every moment that we have in this world.

I dedicate her with this promise from God …

Psalm 91

1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 This I declare of the LORD:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I am trusting him.

3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.

4 He will shield you with his wings.
He will shelter you with his feathers.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,

6 nor dread the plague that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

7 Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.

8 But you will see it with your eyes;
you will see how the wicked are punished.

9 If you make the LORD your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,

10 no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your dwelling.

11 For he orders his angels
to protect you wherever you go.

12 They will hold you with their hands
to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.

13 You will trample down lions and poisonous snakes;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

14 The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.

15 When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.

16 I will satisfy them with a long life
and give them my salvation.”