We're having a baby!

Well, it's official - Jen & I are going to be parents in about 8 months. I guess if you really try to become pregnant, it kinda boils down to a simple matter of biology. No names picked out yet. I should put a survey or contest or something on my site, asking for suggestions.

It's pretty wild thinking that our lives are going to be very different in the coming months...and will remain different for, oh, the next 18-20 years. Still, we have a baby coming! In a matter of months, I'll get to hold my son or my daughter for the first time, followed by a lifetime of firsts: first steps, first day of school, first bike without training wheels, first car, etc. It's both daunting yet exciting that we'll get to be an integral part of a new life. Thank you God!

Back from our trip

It's been a good week off. Went to Rock Island State Park in northern Wisconsin for a relaxing backpacking trip. Saw some cool indian carvings and the first federal lighthouse built in Wisconsin. After that, Jen & I went to see the musical "Evita" at The Fireside dinner theater in Fort Atkinson. We're not done yet - we're planning on going to the Milwaukee County Zoo tomorrow.

It's nice taking a week off.

Lessons From Nature

I'm amazed every time I see this.

Soaring above the treetops, a large hawk searches for its prey. Gliding effortlessly on the wind, this large bird conveys the very essence of power, by the span of its wings, razor-sharp beak, curved claws, and intense gaze surveying the world below.

If I were a small bird or mammal, I'd be scurrying for cover, desparately hoping to avoid the hawk's notice. I'd be...afraid!

Tell that to the two tiny birds that are now beating the tar out of that mighty hawk!

Like an arial battle, these two small birds boldly divebomb the hawk, attacking relentlessly from all sides until the hawk is driven from the area. I vaguely remember learning about some species of birds that defend their nests in this manner. I smile as I watch this battle continue for almost 15 minutes before the hawk leaves. Go little birds!

How many times have we cowered when confronted by our spiritual enemy? Don't get me wrong, Satan is not a lion without teeth, for the Bible says he is like a lion seeking to devour. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."(Eph 6:12 NIV)

An intimidating foe. Some Christians retreat from the slightest attack from our enemy. Watching the two small birds confronting their adversary, I'm reminded of the passage in the Gospel of Matthew, "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matt 6:26 NIV) Though small, God has given them the tools to face the hawk, just as our Father has given us the full armor of God. "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet." (Eph 6:13 MSG)