A Son is Born! The Lord has blessed us with another child, and our first boy! Josiah David Bouton was born on November 9 just before midnight. He weighed in at 8 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long. We thank God for this blessing and for another healthy child and safe delivery. He is the only one born with a head of dark hair, and seems to favor my side of the family. He has already put on another 4 ounces above his birth-weight, and is the delight of our home. The girls are all very enthusiastic, constantly vying for the privilege of holding him!

“Matthew’s Begats,” from Andrew Peterson’s album, Behold the Lamb of God, has always brought tears to my eyes when the song comes to “a good boy named Josiah!” Indeed, Josiah (“the Lord supports”) is named for the greatest king of Judah, unique in his devotion to the Lord and to His Word: “Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him” (2 Kings 23:25 ESV).

He is also named for David. While David stands as the other greatest king of Israel, Josiah David is primarily named for my brother, David Aaron Bouton. David’s devotion to the Lord, his service to the church, and his character are a continual encouragement and inspiration to me. It is our prayer that Josiah will imitate these good men, and that the Lord will indeed support him for the sake of His glory.