Hello from a dad to be

God is sure faithful! I just wanted to state that first above everything else as His love is amazing and He is faithful to provide! My sweetie has been updating y'all on the events of the Dunham household with an eloquence I could never duplicate, but I figured I would check in and give my perspective on a busy time.

I am going to be a father! This simple fact is amazing to me. For as long as I can remember, I have loved interacting with children. I can honestly say that I always looked forward to being a father just as much as I did a husband. Every time Val and I pass a cute little kid, my desire for parenthood increases that much more! I can't wait to see my baby's beautiful face come July :)

I want to personally thank everyone for their prayers last weekend. Time seemed to stand still as we waited for Monday morning to come, but the Lord gave us patience and peace which can only come through Jesus! Val's mom flew in from Massachusetts which was a huge blessing. She cooked us wonderful meals, bought us some essentials, and encouraged us along the way. Thanks Mom McGinnis for being there for us! God is so good and answered our prayers. We can now look forward to the exciting times ahead as parents.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! We had a blast spending time with my family and especially enjoyed time with my 3 month old nephew Lucas! Val and I have had the blessing of following both my sisters in marriage and parenthood. This allows us a sneak preview and we are certainly taking notes! Family is such a blessing and God has made that abundantly clear to us lately.

I just found out a few days ago that I will be a permanent sub for a math teacher at Salem High School starting next week. I was all set to do my student teaching when I received a call from my supervisor regarding the math opening. This is yet another answer to prayer! I will now be paid to complete my student teaching requirement. This semester was going to be very tight for us financially and this is a big help. Plus, Val has an interview on Monday! I ask you all for your prayers as I begin this assignment. I am excited for the opportunity to learn from the other teachers at SHS. Pray that I will be able to manage my classroom effectively and that I will lean on the Lord's strength throughout the rest of the school year. Thank you!! This could really be a neat opportunity to eventually land a full time job in a great school district!

I want to leave you with a verse which Val and I are taking on as a sort of daily life verse this year. At Salem Baptist Church, the verse for 2012 is Colossians 3:16 which reads "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." This verse is an awesome exhortation to the body of Christ on how to live in harmony together under God. This verse leads to 3:17 which is what we have written on our whiteboard at home: "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."  It is my desire each day to do everything to the glory of God. Amen!