WELCOME HOME, BENJAMIN!

I've not been able to post any pictures of our youngest son, Benjamin, because he was a foster child/ward of the State and his picture was not permitted to be posted on the internet or newspapers...

Until today, because he's officially our ADOPTED son!!! Here's a few pictures I thought I'd share -- of him playing, and of adoption day.

This is my dad keeping guard over the courtroom entrance before going before Judge Beebe.

This part was really cool. When Judge Beebe announced the adoption as final, she allowed Benjamin to strike the gavel. I think he struck it about 23 times! He had a blast banging on something and getting away with it.

Finally, my gorgeous sister and me striking a pose after it was all finished! Happy day!

WHY I RESPECT JOHN PIPER:

In light of the recent news that John Piper announced to his church he would be taking a sabbatical from May 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, my respect for this great bible teacher has grown tremendously.

Citing his need to combat sin in his life and tend to his marriage is extraordinary to me. While many are speculating about what the specific sin is (it's really none of my business to know) and why his church has made the decision to continue paying him during his absence (still none of my business), I am encouraged that Dr. Piper is taking this time to work on his life. I truly respect John Piper. Here's why:

I know from experience that I tend to revel in my sin rather than extrude it from my life. I tend to wallow in the short, simple pleasures endulging in sin brings, rather than uprooting it and throwing it in the burn heap. But not John Piper. He's the antithesis of me!

I'm proud of you, John Piper. I support your decision, even if your skeptics do not. I'm praying for you.