It's a boy....and a girl!!

Yesterday, we found out we will be welcoming both a boy and girl into our family. We could not be happier, and are so thankful for two healthy growing babies. We spent nearly an hour and half at our 20 week ultrasound, and as I watched the grainy pictures of our tiny children flash across the screen, I couldn't help but choke back tears of gratitude, joy and sheer amazement. We are blessed.

Baby Boy Mahl was cool as a cucumber posing for his photos...relaxed and calm.

Baby Girl Mahl, on the other hand, was busy practicing a full gymnastics routine. You can see her here demonstrating her flexibility as she touches her toes to her nose.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

all the days ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:13-16

Bird is the Word

As you may have gathered from the last post, Teressa and I are actively hunting for bargains.  It has been amazing to see how God has provided thus far.  Teressa’s cousin, Matthew and his wife GAVE us a crib!  That was very kind of them and we are grateful.  Over the past few weeks, we have been actively looking on Craigslist for another crib that looks similar to the one already given to us.  We found one this past weekend in Winthrop Harbor, IL. 

When you agree to check out an item from a Craigslist posting, you never know what you may find.  Our first experience was when we purchased a stroller from a woman in Deerfield.  Teressa and I instantly connected with her and we stayed and talked for an hour. 

This time was different.  Not because the woman we bought the crib from was a hoarder or the house was un-kept.  No, it was weird because as we walked in, we noticed that the mother of the lady selling us the crib had a bird perched on her head.  She must have seen our reactions.  She responded by saying, “Don’t mind me.”  We all had a good laugh.

I was not laughing a few minutes later.  As we were inspecting the crib, I heard the awful sound of a bird’s flapping wings.  The sound got closer and closer.  I began to feel the wind around my head as the bird approached.  Yes, you guessed it.  The bird landed on my head.

I truly wish I could have seen my reaction from another’s point of view.  Apparently, it was quite funny.  Teressa was laughing.  The crib-seller was laughing.  The grandmother, whose head the bird belonged on, was apologetic.  Never in my life have I had a bird land on my head…and I hope to never have a bird land on my head again.  

One day I will tell the mini-mahls a story about how their dad was willing to sacrifice his life so they could have a safe and comfortable place to sleep.  Overly dramatic?  Maybe.  But you didn’t see the size of that bird.

God's Provision

This past weekend, I (Aaron) went to Babies 'r Us for the first time.  It was quite the experience.  I was amazed at how much stuff there was to purchase.  Some of it is absolutely necessary (diapers) while other things were luxury items (I'll let you know for sure when I find out what things are luxury items).  Teressa and I are committed to trying to get by with the fewest things possible. That strategy is aided by two things:  1: The size of our apartment, and 2: The size of our budget!

After leaving Babies 'r Us, I began to feel a little overwhelmed at the sheer amount of items that seemed  necessary.  How would we pay for all this stuff?  Would I need to take a second job?  Should I grow my hair long and sell it?...honest thoughts that came to mind.  Thankfully, the truth of God's Word came to mind.

My biggest need...my need for God's love and mercy was met when God the Father sent Jesus to earth to live the perfect life I could not live.  He died the death that I could not die.  Because of this, I have life in Him.  My greatest need was met when God forgave me of my sins and made a relationship possible through Christ.  So, what do you think?  If God the Father did not spare His only Son to take care of THAT need (Romans 8:32), do you think that He will take care of my (and my family's) physical and earthly needs?  My guess is "yes!"

Are you tempted to worry and doubt God's provision for you?  I know I am.  And when I am, I just remind myself of God's provision for me in Christ...and then I say "thank you."