I have been putting off writing the following blog post for several months now.  The situation is just so bittersweet... and beautiful... and painful... and unexplainable. I have a hard time wrapping my own brain around it, much less talking to other people about it.  BUT I have learned (finally) that I don’t have to understand everything – in fact, I understand very little in light of the expanse of knowledge in the universe.  But I know the Maker of the universe.  And He has filled my heart with great hope and peace. 

Many of you prayed with me a couple of years ago for my friends Ben and Kelly Myers and their daughter McKenna, whose life was cut short (from our perspective) by Spinal Muscular Atrophy.  McKenna’s condition was genetic – both Ben and Kelly were carriers of the recessive gene which resulted in the SMA diagnosis. They were told that any future children they might have had a 25% chance of also having SMA.  25% seems a relatively small percentage – and yet huge when you’re talking about your family, your children.  Ben and Kelly had not planned to have any more children because of the impending risk, but late last fall, they were surprised to find out that Kelly was pregnant.  Surely this was a miracle!  God’s precious gift of new life.  We were all so hopeful—and expectant—that this new little baby would be healthy and would grow to be strong and energetic and vivacious.  But sadly, after an amniocentesis in February, Ben and Kelly were given the news for the second time in their lives that their child was sick with an incurable disease – Type 1 Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

It was tough news to swallow—for Ben and Kelly, for big sister Natalie, for the family, for all of their friends.  It felt like a cruel joke.  Why, WHY would God allow this to happen?  And really, there isn’t an answer to that question.  At least, not on this side of heaven.  But as I’ve wrestled with the reality of the situation, I have found amazing comfort in a few simple truths…

• This child is already a miracle.
• This child has a purpose – her condition is not a mistake or an accident.
• This child’s life is going to be just as long and full as God intended it to be.
• This child is going to touch so many lives – she will evoke smiles and tears and unite hearts with prayer.
• This child is going to know nothing but love in her whole life – when the time comes, she will pass from the arms of her loving earthly family into the arms of her Heavenly Father, the Creator of Love.

So, without further ado, I present to you Delaney Nicole Myers.  Born on July 18 at 4:32 PM, weighing in at an impressive 9 pounds, 3 ounces.  Seriously, have you ever seen a child so beautiful?  And have you ever seen a big sister so adoring?

*photos courtesy of Chrissy Morgan*

Please pray with me for the Myers family as they travel down this road… again.  Pray that all the days of Dela’s life would be full of joy.  Pray for the Lord to work, beautifully and mysteriously.  And pray for the deep, deep love of Jesus to flow over the Myers family in fresh new ways.

time for a job update!

• i am feeling a MILLION times better, praise the Lord.  days 2 and 3 at work were smooth sailing!
• wednesdays and thursdays are my "short days."  i leave at 1:00 -- how nice!
• my trainer's last day was today.  (she retired.)  she was SO sweet and helpful.  i have some big shoes to fill!
• i have been SO giddy these past two days.  i'm like my old self again -- the "unemployment blues" are gone, and i feel like i'm walking on sunshine.
• my first "major" decision at work was the choose the color of our new church directory.  hahah -- such power i have!  
• xanga is blocked at work, so i won't be able to do any updating while on the job.  but i hope to still keep up with my blog!  we'll see how it goes...

in other news...

• steve is taking me out for a celebratory dinner tonight -- so sweet.
• the summer session of pottery classes started last night -- so fun!  i should have some pictures to post soon.
• i am SO excited to spend the upcoming long weekend with my dear friends up in northern PA.
• i know that the Twilight series is all the rage these days, but i just watched the trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and it looks absolutely a.maz.ing.

ok, time to get a few chores done on my afternoon off!  have a great day!  

i just thought you should know...

I AM EMPLOYED.    after nine months of unemployment, i have finally secured a new job.  on monday, i will start working at my church as the receptionist / administrative assistant.  according to my new boss, i will be the "face of our church."    it is truly a God-thing how this all came about, and i feel so humbled and blessed and overjoyed.  this job is just such a good fit for me at this stage in my life.  all praise to God for His amazing provision!!

perks with my new job:

• the church is located two minutes from our apartment -- maybe three if i hit get stopped at the traffic light.
• i am allowed to wear jeans!  and capris!  and sandals!  it's like "casual friday" everyday!
• i will work 35 hours per week, which is considered full time and allows me to have benefits, but i also get to leave early twice a week.  score!
• they have an optional staff devotion time every morning.  i'm not sure if i will attend everyday, but i think i will enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship.
• my new boss is the sweetest.  i have volunteered in the office a few times during my unemployment, so i've had a chance to get to know her.  i think her personality and mine will work well together.
• i will do a lot of basic clerical duties as well as have the opportunity to use my writing / editing / formatting skills.  i really enjoy this type of work.
• apparently there are some "slow seasons" at the church.  my boss said, "feel free to bring in a book or magazine to read during the slow times!"  ummm, so you are going to pay me to read??  yes, please!

i just can't stop smiling.    God is so good.

in the interest of full disclosure, though, i will admit that i am quietly terrified of returning to the workforce.  do you know how long it's been since i've had to concentrate on one thing for eight hours straight??  i'm positive that i am going to be exhausted for the first few weeks, but hopefully it will be a "good" exhaustion.  God has provided this job for me, so i believe He will also provide the strength for me to do it.

xanga friends, thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement during this season of unemployment.  i really don't think i could have made it without you.  these xanga-friendships are unexpected little blessings, and i praise God for each of you.

have a great day!  i'm heading out to the pool to soak up one of my last days of "vacation"!