She's Here! (Now with pics)

Okay, so it is now 5:00 in the morning and I have been up for a couple hours.  Why might you ask can't I sleep?  Because a precious new life has just entered the world!!  My niece, Ella Bernadette was born early this morning!!!  During her pregnancy with Ella, Andrea had the desire placed in her heart to have a natural childbirth and with the help of our Lord she was able to do this!  I am in awe of how fast Ella came, how our Blessed Mother is such a powerful intercessor, and how our God answers prayers! 

Moments before Andy called me with the news of Ella's birth, I was in our living room continuing to pray for Andrea and Ella and I was struck with the amazement of life entering the world.  I was watching the lightning outside and listening to the thunder and I became overwhelmed with the thought that we have a POWERFUL God who is rejoicing over this life that will forever change the world!  I think we tend to forget that God has a special purpose for every life and that they are destined to change the world in a way that no else could!  All of us, if we are open to God's will in our life, will be a blessing in this world.  Every birth is truly a miraculous event.

I can't help but also think at this moment of Clara who gave up her life while still in the womb for her sister, Ella.  Clara never breathed the breath of life outside her mother's womb, but she too has an impact on this world that is just beginning to be played out with the mere fact that Ella is here. 

Ella Bernadette, YOU are destined to be great!