Announcing the Arrival and Adventures of God’s Glorious Gift

On October 20, 2006, at 4:30 in the morning, the Lord brought the glories of new life into the Phillips home. With thanksgiving to the God of mercies (Psalm 136) we praise our Creator for the birth of our fourth daughter, and our eighth child on this earth, Virginia Hope Phillips—our own precious answer to prayer and the apple of her parents’ eyes. May the glorious name of Jehovah be praised in the life of this future “maiden of virtue” (the meaning of “Virginia”).

Virginia Hope was born in the comfort and safety of our home, assisted by the able hands of a faithful midwife. Less than two hours later she was being smothered with the love of seven wildly enthusiastic children, each trying to patiently wait for their first opportunity to hold the baby whom for nine months they had prayed about, dreamed about, and spent endless hours debating whether God had given a boy or a girl (the latter of which would mean “even stevens” for the family.)

Thanks to all of you who have written to ask about the baby and who have patiently awaited the formal announcment of her birth. We have just been enjoying the blessings of the solitude and joy of new life in the home, as well as some special adventures around the country introducing Virginia to Massachusetts. Over the next day or so, Beall and I will share some pictures and stories of the first six weeks of Baby Virginia Hope.