Finally, a name! Only 4 more days to go!

You know I can't tell you all right away. I have to give a mini speech first. First, I know many of you think that we live a radical lifestyle. I mean who in the world wants more than 2-3 children, why would you want to teach your children at home, why would you want to eat, sleep, and breath "church"? I know, I have heard these things, people think we're weird. I admire my husband in so many ways, one because he doesn't care what anyone thinks. He truly lives his life to please God. When someone lives like that, their life is going to look weird. I on the other hand, aim to please. I have always been a people pleaser, wanting to fit in, wanting everyone's approval. Why???? I don't know why. I just know that I have always been this way. I am learning slowly. God has taken me out of my comfort zone, plenty of times. I find the more I pray to Him, and seek to live my life "sold out" to Him, He then takes me more and more out of my comfort zone. But, who am I pleasing? When I take these radical steps of faith, I feel like He is saying, "well done my good and faithful servant". I have learned to LOVE children, lots of children. I know that God has called me to stay at home with my children, teach them at home, and even have more children. WHAT!!!! I know I haven't even had this one, and I said it more children. Crazy, huh??? That's o.k.; I am learning to be o.k. with crazy. I have always had a passion for adoption, so we'll see what lays in store for our family. I'm just giving everyone a heads up, so when we make more "radical" decisions for God, please don't be surprised.

O.k. so the name… Well, when I was pregnant with Andrew I remember sitting in church one Sunday and Martie was preaching Acts 9:36-43. I remember listening to the story of Tabitha completely amazed. First, she is the only woman in the bible that is called "a disciple", and then she reminds me so much of the Proverbs 31 woman. She was "abounding with deeds of kindness". I knew right then I wanted to name a daughter after her. I told Martie, and he told me he had thought the same thing. This morning in my quiet time, I was reading Isaiah 49:1 and it says, "From the body of my mother He named me." I might me taking this out of context a little, however I feel like God laid that name on mine and Marties hearts. So her first name, "Tabitha". Like it, love it, hate it.... I just hope you will love her just the same. O.k. so the middle name. I do a bible study two times a month. For a while we went through the book of Ruth. If you have never read anything I challenge you to read the book of Ruth. Talk about "sold out" to God. She left her home, her family, sacrificed everything to be obedient to God. She is also thought to be the woman behind Proverbs 31. What more could we want for a daughter of ours? So, as ugly as you all might think, Tabitha Ruth Mangum will be our daughter’s name. I think her name is beautiful and I pray that we will raise her up to become what these women represented.

So, lastly I would challenge you all to read Acts 9:36-43, the whole book of Ruth, and Proverbs 31:10-31. Then give me your opinion. I hope that the Lord changes each of your minds as you see us trying to follow the Lord. I love you all!