Today is Joshua’s 9th birthday! We are so thankful the Lord gave us the gift and inheritance of Joshua James. Our first born child, his birth changed our lives wonderfully and forever. We love our children with a depth of love we never imagined. We have a tiny taste of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. “If you then…know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him.” Matthew 7:11

Joshua is a terrific blend of a caring, tender soul and a strong, passionate boy. He is loyal, loving and enthusiastic. He loves his younger sister, even though they squabble. Recently, Daddy took Joshua to pick up his tackle football uniform (this is his first year ever playing tackle football for a Pop Warner League). Later in the day when he was playing outside with friends, he dropped everything and ran inside to don his football finery for Gabrielle when she arrived home from a playdate. He put all the equipment and entire uniform on for her. He wanted to share this special moment with her. (He did not even put the whole uniform on for Mommy here, which is just fine. My heart was thrilled that he honored his sister this way.)

Joshua’s sport passion is football. He is a Philadelphia Eagles fan, with green running through his veins. For his birthday today, we have invited family and friends for a special day at the home of the Philadelphia Eagles — Lincoln Financial Field — for a tour of the Eagles locker room, the football field, press box, interview room and exclusive suites. We are very excited indeed!

In lieu of a birthday gift for Joshua, his friends have been invited to bring a new football for the boys of Rock Ministries of Philadelphia, which ministers to at-risk young men of Philadelphia’s inner city. The boys will earn a new football by memorizing scripture. We invite you to visit their site by clicking here.

Joshua is a polished arrow in our quiver. Our prayer is that God will hold him close, continually fill him with His spirit, use him mightily, keep him on the narrow road and abiding in Him daily, and strengthen him to finish his race well. By His grace, mercy and love.

Lyrics to “Big House” by Audio Adrenaline
I don’t know where you lay your head or where you call your home
I don’t know where you eat your meals or where you talk on the phone
I don’t know if you got a cook a butler or a maid
I don’t know if you got a yard with a hammock in the shade
I don’t know if you got some shelter say a place to hide
I don’t know if you live with friends in whom you can confide
I don’t know if you got a family say a mom or dad
I don’t know if you feel love at all but I bet you wish you had

Come and go with me to my Father’s house
Come and go with me to my Father’s house
It’s a big big house with lots and lots a room
A big big table with lots and lots of food
A big big yard where we can play football
A big big house
Its my Father’s house

Ibidibidee bop bop bow whew! Yeah!

All I know is a big ole house with rooms for everyone
All I know is lots a land where we can play and run
All I know is you need love and I’ve got a family
All I know is you’re all alone so why not come with me?