My wife and I have been together for twenty-six years, but this is our first Thanksgiving...

The really astounding part for David, is that God would make these precious promises, as he put it "EVEN THOUGH YOU KNOW ME JUST AS I AM."

Celebrate God's little surprises!

The Father didn't want to hear his son's excuses, or apologies. He just wanted to hold his son, overwhelmed with the joy of the homecoming.

God told his prophet Hosea to get married and have children.... So this was three pregnancies and a weaning... During this time frame-- crying babies, sleepless nights ("Mommy? Mommy? Mommy? Mommy?"), it is only recorded that God spoke to his prophet on three occasions-- the birth of each child. Why? Because it was not yet his mission to be a prophet to the nations. His mission from God was TO LOVE THAT WOMAN AND BE A FATHER to their children. That was his mission... No matte

Sometimes, children are a symbol of God's grace and mercy... David and Bathsheba's first child together, conceived in adultery, died-- in spite of much fasting, praying and repentance. But then God did an incredibly beautiful thing as a gift for this couple. 2 Samuel 12:24-25 (MSG) tells us: "...they conceived a son. When he was born they named him Solomon. God had a special love for him, and sent word by Nathan the prophet that God wanted him named Jedidiah (God's Beloved.)"