Like Family

I work at a food pantry, and the staff decided to throw a party for Joel (only problem is that I was his representative since he is still in the hospital, lol). The day started with one of the ladies giving me (I mean Joel) a present. It was clothes for a preemie. They were cute (if I'm allowed to say that as a guy). Then they made some lunch and had this cookie cake that says, "Welcome Joel." I barely know these people, and they treat me like family. They are sooo sweet. God used them to teach me a lesson on acceptance and love.

Awesome Youth Group

During many school's spring break, these devoted youth came on Wednesday. While I was with my family celebrating the birth of our new son, Joel, these youth were thinking of my family and sent me this picture. All of them signed the board and left the following message:

Welcome Joel
Congrats John and Amanda!
We love you

Youth, this is not the first time you have comforted my family. Some of you brought candy, cookies, Ihop, magazines, called, texted, visited, and really ministered to Amanda and I. We cannot thank you enough for thinking of us during this past month. THANK YOU for loving on us!!!

Big Brother

Luke is going to be a great big brother!

Proud Parents

God has been gracious to Amanda and Joel. Joel is 11 weeks early but does not have the complications that a baby born so premature should have. He is breathing the same air we are (21% oxygen) and has started to take feedings. Also, he tinkled on the nurse and has already had a poopie diaper. Things seem to be going well, and Amanda should come home tomorrow.


As parents, we are now entrusted with the physical and spiritual well-being of these 2 boys. We feel the weight of providing for them and lean heavily on the Lord's guidance. Our desire is not to provide for their every want but to see them grow up to become men of God that walk according to their Master and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

And the award goes to...

my wife, Amanda. Tomorrow will be 4 weeks for her in the hospital. The month spent in the hospital was all worth it when she saw little Joel come into the world. (See his picture below)

God is gracious!!!

Joel Lee Denby

Joel Lee Denby came into the world today at 2:53p. He was 3 lbs. 8 oz. and 16 1/2 inches long.

Amanda is doing well, and Joel has not had any abnormal complications. The Lord is good!!!

Thank you for all of your prayers. Please keep praying for baby Joel and Amanda.

What He Must Be...if he wants to marry my daughter by Voddie Baucham

I haven't read this book but have read Voddie's other books. I highly recommend it and want to share a review of this new book. Enjoy!

Why should you (or I) blog?

I read this blog by Voddie Baucham, and the Lord used it to convict me. Most of the time (if not all of the time), I have nothing of great importance to write about. But do I write only for me? Read this blog for a perspective that you (or definitely I) probably didn't consider.

Amanda: The Real Trooper

I am not a hyperactive creature but love to move about freely. I wouldn't be able to spend any time in jail, so I abide by all laws. In other words, I would be closer to a tortoise than a hare. Despite that, I could not stay in one place for a month. That is one room (12'x12' at best) with "field trips" only to get x-rays, ultrasounds, and an echo cardiogram. I speak of Amanda who has continued to make it with the ups and downs of her stay with our second son, Joel. She will be in the hospital 4 weeks this Thursday. I nominate my dear wife for a medal of honor. She continues to plod along and keep Joel "cooking" inside of her body for as long as possible. I would have killed somebody by now, but she is still kind. I would have asked for the baby to be taken out, but she is patiently waiting. I want to put forward my wife, mother of Luke, and soon-to-be-mother of Joel as the REAL TROOPER.