welcome to the gun show!

a note on life

in the Good Book, in the book of Daniel, there is a story of men being thrown into a furnace for failing to worship a king over God.  these men did not perish however, and all were amazed as they walked out to safety.  one of the first thoughts to my mind is:  'where is this today?  doesn't God show us these types of signs and miracles anymore?'


i believe it's an honest question, and i would also believe that God would encourage curiosity and honesty in seeking out who He is.  i have done that lately, and really had challenged some of my notions as to what we should look for and how we could identify these 'miracles'. 

my focus has been adjusted:

i remember the darkness.  it wasn't a grassy field or clear blue sky that i remember when i nearly lost my life.  it was darkness, and intense, pounding pain.  on a physical, mental, and emotional level the very lowest point that i could be.

then, it was life.  not the grab a coffee and head to work life; i mean vivid, passionate, don't-take-it-for-granted life.  i knew i could never settle for less, when you taste something so fine, anything else is just too bland.

i've written about this incident in my life before, but this time, it's different.  it's not about that story, or me, or the doctors.  it's about life.

through that darkness and pain, come two bright, beaming rays of life.  these little ones are our miracles, and the very proof i was searching for.  their sheer existence is a divine statement of purpose and responsibility for the two of us, and we rest assured that in our newfound role as parents, we are not alone.

God delivered those men from a fiery death, and in a couple months, He is delivering two more precious lives into this world.

a miracle?  a sign?  oh they're here, they're visible, and in this case, they weigh 2 pounds a piece...

let the adventure(s) begin!

i'll let today's post speak for itself!

titles

some people work their whole life for their shot at a new 'title'.  CEO, President, Vice-President, Chairman, etc.

They gladly give up quality time for themselves and for their family for a shot at a higher rung on the ladder.

In a way, I can relate to their quest.  I've spent my entire life hoping and praying that I can work my way up to a worthy title.  I have certainly been blessed, as I'm on the doorstep,  at 28 years old, of my most prestigious title yet:

'dad'

we have a sonogram in a couple more weeks, we're so excited to see the little one.  i'll get some pics posted when the time comes.

a pulse!

not every day of your life is a day that you'll never forget. most days you get up, go to work, go to bed, and repeat. but then you have one of those days..

yesterday was a day like that for us. it was the first time we were able to listen to the pitter patter of our baby's heart. at 172 beats per minute, it was the most unmistakable and miraculous sound i've ever heard.

the miracle of life pops into full focus, and you start to realize just how precious that gift really is.

as of today, our baby is about an inch long, has formed tiny finger and toenails, and is starting to grow its hair.

we're embarking on a new chapter in life, with a lot of uncertainty and a lot of excitement.

one way or another, we're expecting this Stein family to be +1 in September. and we couldn't be happier about it.

all i can say for sure, is that 2010 is going to be chocked full of days that we'll never forget. more to come..

stress relief..

here's some rapid fire stress relief on a saturday afternoon

Rough trip

Here's zeke on our drive out to CO for the weekend. He's obviously stressed about things...