James' Baptism

On December 14th, we had James baptized at Church Creek Presbyterian. I am thankful to be back in the church where I grew up and having my child baptized in the same place I was. It is an encouragement to me to see God's faithfulness to his covenant promises to me, as I trust in those same promises for my son. It was wonderful to have both sets of believing grandparents there to witness it as well.

"And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after
you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you
and to your offspring after you. " Genesis 17:7

Anna Ruth's 3rd Birthday

Anna Ruth turned 3 on December 6th, but I am just now posting some pictures from her little party we had with the grandparents. Anna Ruth's 3rd birthday party was Winnie the Pooh theme. Lita got her a Pooh birthday balloon, which she loved and is still floating in her room. Memaw made her an amazing Pooh birthday cake. And she received a stuffed Tigger, which made her bounce around just like him. She also got a kitchen, shopping cart, a cash register, and dress up clothes, shoes, and jewelry.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Our hopes for our son

A few thoughts on James Elijah Hamlin’s name: First, James is my father’s (middle) name. His discipline did not seem pleasant at the time, but it was for me a seed that produced for me a harvest of (albeit very far from perfect) righteousness in God’s due time. I am very thankful for his (and my mother’s) training and prayer for me.

James was also the brother of Jesus, the leader of the Jerusalem church after Christ’s resurrection, and the writer of the book of James. James’ direct involvement in the church is documented in Acts 15:13-21, and 21:18-25. In both cases, James is concerned with the law of Moses and its continuing significance for the believer. He understood that the Law’s character was abiding because it reflected the abiding character of God. His concern was for the holiness of the church. This is also evident in his letter to the church at large. True faith and the flesh cannot continue to and should not begin to be allowed to coexist. James’ concern is evident in his opening exhortation:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (Jas. 1:5-8 ESV)

In the above paragraph is introduced the central target of James’ letter, that of double-mindedness in the church. Faith in Christ and adopting the goals and ethos of the world and the flesh are ultimately mutually exclusive. James saw the new Baal for what it was, a false god who was tolerant of faith in Christ in so much as it was a dead faith.

Similarly, Elijah served Israel at a time when this sort of syncretism was alive and well.

And Elijah came near to all the people and said, "How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him." And the people did not answer him a word. (1 Kings 18:21)

So what do we want from James Elijah Hamlin? We want him to be conformed to the image of Christ in such a manner as to become more-and-more a man of single-minded purpose. We want him to put his sin to death, even culturally acceptable sins, as sin will otherwise be killing him. We also want him to courageously work for the holiness of the church, even if in such work, he may be called a “troubler of Israel” (18:17) “so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed” (Heb. 12:13).

What will he need for this task but confidence in and reliance upon our Lord Jesus Christ? In contrast to the double-minded prayer described in chapter 1, “the prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” (Jas 5:16-18)

James Elijah Hamlin

Our son, James Elijah Hamlin, was born on Friday, November 14, at 12:53 p.m. He weighed 7 lbs 2 oz. and measured 18.5 inches long. He is such a sweetie and seems pretty laid back, but hates getting his diaper changed.

I was awake during the c-section, so I got to give James a little kiss right after they cleaned him up.

Right before we left the hospital, we got this shot.

This is a cute close up of James at home.

Anna Ruth enjoyed finally meeting her little brother!

A Bit of Early Christmas Spirit...

Tonight Rich worked late, so I decided to try and get the house in order while I didn't have any distractions. I cleaned the bathroom, and tidied up the house while listening to music. After I was finished, I listened to Josh Groban's Christmas CD, Noel, while drinking egg nog. My justification is that dairy products are supposed to help you sleep better, since they contain tryptophan. And, of course, the baby really likes eggnog, so I have to give it to him.

Hall-of-Famer Daddy

Last month, Rich was inducted into the Fort Dorchester Athletic Hall of Fame, and we had a fun evening going to the ceremony and the football game that followed. Rich's parents and my parents also attended and made sure to cheer loudly when they introduced Rich during the halftime ceremony. Anna Ruth also enjoyed seeing her Daddy being honored, and she kept pointing at him and saying, "There's Daddy!" She also was a good fan during the football game, clapping and cheering when people around her did. Below is a picture of the five inductees with Rich on the far left.
I know our little boy will be proud to have a hall-of-famer Daddy!
By the way, only 5 days to go!!!