At the end of January, Phil Wing – one my groomsmen, released his latest album To Find You.  If you are a andygarrett.net blog reader and haven’t gotten your hands on a copy, I recommend you pick up one here.

I might be impartial because I know the guy, but like his previous album Phil has written some very beautiful lyrics focusing on living lives of worship (Romans 12) and who we are in Christ.   I am challenged by the lyrics in “Sing Through Me” on how I am living my life that allows Christ to sing through me.

But there’s another aspect of the album that has touched me in differently.    Phil and his wife Amber are currently in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia.   This album gives glimpse into the spiritual journey Phil & Amber have been on to come to this point, as well as how God is preparing them for it in songs like “To Find You.”

As a father-to-be, I can relate in my own way to those feelings of anticipation and excitement.   As I listen to “I Still Am”, I can’t help but think of a picture of father protecting, leading, teaching their child, and how it excites me to play that role, but also the hope I can display a godly example of being dependent on God to my child as well to protect, lead, and teach us, because He Still Is.

Thanks Phil, for allowing God to use and Sing Through You.     I’m excited for you guys.

as a side note… the new album by The Fray is good as well. 

About three weeks ago now, Chelsey grabbed my hand and put it on her stomach.   I can remember my eyes getting big, looking at Chelsey thinking, “Was that him?”, “Did I really just feel that?”   Wow, it was a moment I hope never to forget.  

And since then, it’s happened more and more.   Chelsey feels him kicking all the time, but I’m still lucky to be able to match up my timing and his.   When we do however, it’s been awesome.   I’ve even gotten to the point where when I push, he pushes back – that’s been awesome.  I can’t wait to play with his feet more.

As we’re nearing the end of this journey, it’s getting more and more exciting.   Chelsey’s belly has been growing, and I love it!  I’m excited for the journey ahead, the opportunities and the challenges.   Life is going to change… and it’s going to be awesome!

For my handful of faithful blog readers, the news is in ---

We're having a baby BOY!!! Wohoo.

Here's a card we received from Chelsey's sister yesterday:

Chelsey and I are now into week 11 of pregnancy, and it's crazy to think we're over a quarter of the way done.  Last Friday we had our first "official" pre-natal visit which was so cool.   We actually got to hear the heart-beat of the little one inside. What a crazy thing that was.  At first, we just could hear Chelsey's heart, then all the sudden there it was -- "chuchu, chuchu", almost like a train.   It was like twice as fast as her's, just chugging along.  

I went to the waiting room for the rest of the exam, and couldn't help but to tear up.  How humbling?!  I am humbled that I have been allowed to be part of creating a child.   That God would allow me, so undeserving, to father a baby.  Even now, there's a weight to the responsibility in doing so, yet I believe it's a healthy one.  Not overwhelming, just a new challenge to grow closer to Him so that I am leading others His way too.  

I am not sure how often I might attend these appointments (our doctor is notorious for being behind), but I am blessed to have been a part of that moment.  To experience the signs of life we've created, in such a real way, is unreal.

"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" - Psalm 139