Saturday, June 6th we celebrated our dedication and commitment to raise Declan and Wyatt in honor of the Lord. Family and friends gathered at church to witness our family stand up with Pastor so that Joe and I could affirm our commitment to our sons that we have made a promise to the Lord to raise them in a Christian home. What a special time for us to present our precious gifts back to the Lord asking for His blessing in helping us being the best parents we can be in the hopes that someday soon they will come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and following and serve Him as godly little boys and then men. We are so in awe of God's graciousness to us to allowing us to be these two special boy's Mommy and Daddy. Praise the Lord for He has done great things!
What a special time it was watching Wyatt in his first sporting practice this past Thursday. He did so well at learning and playing and we were so proud of his efforts. We were blessed by family coming to watch, Grandma and Grandpa, and Aunt Jen with John Robert, Hannah Mae and Sarah Kate. We played afterward at the community park and went to have pizza later. Wyatt is such a special little boy. His eagerness and attention to the coach was so neat to see. He can't wait to get to the next practice.
Our precious little boy Declan Elijah arrived on March 11th at 9:52am by c-section. He was 6 pds 9 ozs, 19 inches long. He screamed immediately when he came out, which hey consider good respitory strength. Alas, he slowly started showing signs of distress in his breathing and soon was taken to the NICU and he has been here ever since. We are prayerful that he will be coming home to us by the end of this week. It has been difficult but we hold on to God's promises and provision that we are confident that none of this is too difficult for God. We look forward a life time of blessings through this special little boy who's name means "Full of Goodness" and "The Lord is my God."
Last night we were shaken by the sudden death of our sweet Grandpa Bobby while in the care of a nursing facility in Fort Myers. Mom and Dad came just at the same time as they tried to resusitate him from respitory distress brought on by COPD and a paralysed lung suffered from his stroke in December. We are all sad but know exactly where he is right now, in the arms of Jesus and among his family and friends who have gone before him. He is no longer suffering the affects of the stroke but has an eternal life of no more tears as Rev. 21 says. Christ has wiped away every tear from his eyes and he is truly alive in the presence of our Great and Mighty King. Grandpa Bobby lived 77 years, had two children Donna Lorraine Williams Patterson and Daniel Scott Williams, both of whom loved him and cared for him in these last years of his life. Uncle Dan is having his first child this Friday and we are saddened that Grandpa wasn't able to make it till little Joey Scott's birth, but we know he has seen him and the one who has made him and we pray for Uncle Dan and Aunt Missi's comfort this week. Grandpa has 3 grandchildren, John Scott Patterson, Bria Lorraine Patterson Bare, and as of Friday newborn Joseph Scott Williams. He has 5 grandchildren, John Robert, Hannah Mae and Sarah Katherine Patterson, Wyatt Matthew Bare and due April 6th a newborn great-grandson. Each of us loved our sweet Grandpa Bobby who had a meek and mild spirit that we all admired. He served his country in the US Army while stationed at Fort Hood for 4 years in his early years. He was married to our Grandma Delores Ruth Williams who had gone ahead to eternity in August 1999. He was one of 11 children most of which lived or lives in Tennessee. Grandpa loved to play pool as well as was his daughter Donna's prayer partner for the last few years. Grandpa Bobby loved Jesus, his family and enjoyed watching all of us during family gatherings. We are proud to have had him as our Grandpa and Great-Grandpa and know that some day we will see him again in heaven. We love you and will miss you always Grandpa Bobby.
What a privilege it was to watch Joe being ordain as a deacon at our church, First Baptist Church of Naples. We were blessed by the prayers and fellowship that made it an evening to remember. Joe's testimony was so precious to hear as he gave the Lord all glory and praise for what He has done in Joe's life. We can not believe all that God has done in our lives and where He has brought us. As Joe begins his service to the deacon ministry and congregation, I am humbled by God's faithfulness to restore "that which the locusts have eaten" and see such a wonderful work in Joe's life as he serves his God, family and church with joy and commitment.
