Becky and I are delighted to share the joy of welcoming our sixth grandchild and our first granddaughter, Bethel Rose Clanton!

Bethel was born on October 16 at 9:38 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 19½ inches long. She is beautiful! And Becky is absolutely over the moon about having a granddaughter.

We were taking care of Bear and Asher when Chris called to tell me that Rachel was craving sushi. So, off I went to find a sushi bar!

As I was leaving, Becky said, “You’re going to get to hold her first.”

“Yeppers!” I replied with joy.

That evening, I had the wonderful privilege of holding our precious granddaughter and praying a blessing over her. What a beautiful moment! One I will treasure.

The next morning, we all returned to the hospital, and Becky finally got to hold her granddaughter. To say she was over the moon would be an understatement! Her smile says it all!

Bethel is already surrounded by so much love. She has a mom and dad who adore her. Her five-year-old big brother, Bear, showers her with affection, while Asher, at a year and a half, is still getting used to having a baby in the house!

We are so grateful for our children and grandchildren. Each one is a gift from God, and we long to be a blessing to them.

“Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6, NLT)

One of our greatest desires is to join with our children in providing a strong spiritual foundation for our grandchildren. I love Paul’s words to Timothy:

“I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.” (2 Timothy 1:5, NLT)

What a beautiful picture of faith being passed from one generation to another! That is our prayer for our family.

I have always prayed that our children and grandchildren would dream big dreams; dreams that would bless others and bring glory to God.

And I want little Bethel Rose to grow up knowing that God has given her gifts, abilities, and opportunities to make a difference in this world.

There is a fascinating little verse tucked away in the genealogies of 1 Chronicles. It tells us about Sheerah, a daughter of Beriah and granddaughter of Ephraim.

“He had a daughter named Sheerah. She built the towns of Lower and Upper Beth-horon and Uzzen-sheerah.” (1 Chronicles 7:24, NLT)

Isn’t that remarkable? In a long list of names, the Bible pauses to tell us about a woman who built towns!

I don’t know what dreams God will place in Bethel’s heart or where those dreams will take her. But I pray she will grow up loving Jesus, knowing she is deeply loved, and believing that her life can make a difference.

And I pray the same for all six of our grandchildren.

Bethel, the night of your birth, I held you close in my arms and prayed quietly with deep gratitude this blessing for you.

“The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

(Numbers 6:24–26, NKJV)

Dream big dreams, little Bethel Rose! May your life be filled with faith, love, courage, and a desire to bless others.

I love you!

Papa

To God be the glory!

Peace!