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Zachary Roy Pudding born in London this morning  October 24th 2023 A first child for Sarah and Ian. Exceptionally handsome Zach weighed in at a healthy 7.5 pounds.  The parents hoped for a natural birth but after listening to informed medical advice, it was decided around midnight  that he would be born by c-section and he arrived at eight minutes past two this morning - which just happens to be our 42nd wedding anniversary. You couldn't ask for a better anniversary gift. Above - there's Ian and Sarah with Zach  very soon after the birth. Ian was present the whole time. I think that the pale green sheet you can see kind of screened off what was happening in Sarah's nether regions. Below you can see our Ian falling in love with his son Dear Zach, Welcome to the world! This is your Yorkshire grandpa calling. You have so much to learn in the hours, the days, the months and the years ahead. This world that we share is filled with interest, beauty and pote...

 Today’s post is a lesson. It never ceases to amaze me how He uses you dear friends to minister to me, and teach me at the same time. One of you lovely souls emailed me to say I would receive something in the mail yesterday. And I took that statement to be truth. I took it to the bank, and cashed it, before I received it. I did receive it yesterday, and this person made my day, my week.  All this to say, what if I took God’s Word, His promises to the bank and cashed them before I received it. He delivers. He does it when He wants, not mine. What this friend taught me yesterday was something I don’t want to forget.  People can be good. Decent. Better than expected.  I’m always surprised by how much I’m loved. Maybe I shouldn’t be.  Loving myself is hard, but a worthwhile pursuit.  Crying tears of gratitude not of sadness is a wonderful change.  There will be hard days ahead. I was reminded that I’m braver than I think. As much as I loved the gift,...