One Year ( A reflection)

Looking back on this year I have learned so much. I feel that we have done a good job taking care of our child. She is healthy, happy and cute as a button. I could not have asked for a better child. There is nothing that can take her place. We've seen first smiles, laughs, teeth and even heard first words. (Da da was the first) She is even starting to balance herself better. I believe that she is going to start walking soon. I am amazed to see how much she has changed in the past year. As I look at early pictures I almost don't even recognize her. It really is amazing. After realizing that she may only wear an outfit one time we noticed that she is growing fast. We want to make the best of every moment. We love all of you. Thanks for stopping by.

Happy New Year!

I am excited about this new year! I have a beautiful daughter who is going to be nine months old! Can you believe it? Things are changing for us. I have been away for awhile. (From the website I mean) I am still in Mississippi. I have taken a job here locally working in a computer store. Because of this transition into the work force, my wife has been able to move to part time at her job to be with Lauren. It is our goal to have her completely at home with our daughter. I really enjoyed those first five months with Lauren. I will always treasure those moments. However, Lauren needs her mother there to nurture her and care for her like only a mother can. That is how God intended it to be. This new venture has also made it more difficult to travel. I have to say, however, I have not wanted to be gone ever since Lauren came into my life. I don't want to miss these precious times and all the "firsts". I will still make some trips this year. I am planing on returning to Florida this Summer and perhaps a trip in the fall. I still am leading the worship at Shepherd of Grace Ministries every Sunday morning. We are also praying about a house. I want to thank everyone who has played a part in this ministry. It is by no means over. This is something I need to do for my family. Thank you for all your prayers and continued support. I will try to post more often to keep all of you updated. God bless!

Daniel

Lauren's Dedication

Lauren Elizabeth McElhenny was dedicated on Sunday August 20, 2006. I was excited that my father was the one who dedicated her. I know that was special for him and for us. I was also happy that most of the family was able to attend. It was a good day. It is important to us as parents that we instill the knowledge of God into Lauren. I want her to grow up with the truth. One of these days she is going to have to make a conscious choice to serve God. I want to give her the tools to make that choice wisely. All of our immediate family is either involved in ministry or has been on some level. I know that Lauren is in good hands. We will do all that we can to raise her in the admonition of the Lord.

Almost 4 months now!

I have been totally consumed by this miracle. I love being a dad. We are now approaching 4 months. We will have Lauren's four month check-up the week of September 4th. She is really starting to grab for things intentionally and making all kinds of sounds. I can't believe how strong she is. She can hold her head up very well.

I got to bring her to a ministry trip in Vicksburg, MS at the beginning of August. She had just turned 3 months old. It was nice having her there with me. My wife, Melany, was also there with us. We had an awesome time of worship and preaching and ministry. I want my daughter to grow up in that atmosphere. I want her to see ministry first hand. I can't wait until she wants to participate in the worship or other aspects of ministry. I know that she won't be able to attend every trip I take, but it was very nice having her there and being able to see her in the crowd was inspiring.

2 Month Mark!

We have reached the 2 month mark! Things are still going great. Lauren is getting more and more alert. Her personality is really showing now. I am amazed at the joy she has. There is such an inocence about her. She has it made! We are prepare for her dedication and I am singing a song to her at the dedication that speakes of her growing up and reaching for dreams that God puts in her. It will be very difficult to sing that day I am sure. I am going to try it any way. Next Sunday will be her first time at church. I am very excited because I can say that going to church was the best thing for me. I am who I am because my parents wanted me in church. I always loved going. I want Lauren to have that same passion. I also can't wait to show her to everyone. Time has really flown. I want to make the best of every moment.

Update!

Hello everyone. Sorry that I have not been posting like crazy. After having this baby I wanted to flood my site with pictures and stories and more. My computer is not working at the moment. I have been able to check email and I have read the wonderful things that everyone has said and I want to say thanks. Your comments blessed us so much. Since Lauren has been born I have been to Germany and back and Melany has started back to work. I can't believe that it has been six weeks already. Wow! Time really does fly. I am keeping Lauren during the day while Melany is at work. I this is the second day now. I have been coming to my parents house where my mom can help and Melany can come visit Lauren during her lunch break. God is blessing us every day. This summer I plan to help my father and work with Shepherd of Grace Ministries here in Laurel, MS. I will continue to travel although not as much. I will be visiting Florida this fall as well as Vicksburg, MS. I am sure I will be doing some events with AMI this year as well. I am going to try and get my website updated with current info such as calendar dates and (of course) pictures. Thanks again for the great comments. Keep them coming! By the time you read this there should be more pictures. God bless!

Daniel

Lauren Elizabeth McElhenny

We have a baby girl! We are so very excited to have this baby in our lives. I couldn't be more proud. I have to say this has changed my life forever. Lauren was 8 pounds and 7 ounces. She was 21 and 1/2 inches long. Melany never dilated so a "C" Section was necessary. Mother and baby are doing great. We got to come home today. I am amazed. We just had the baby 2 days ago. Melany is recovering well and Lauren is just as cute as she can be. I am truly in love with this baby. Thank you for all of your prayer and support. I thank God for this miracle that has come into our lives.

In memory of Jerry Hill

Jerry Hill passed away yesterday just before his surgery on the 26th of March. Jerry was a good friend of mine. I haven’t seen him in some time, but I will always appreciate what Jerry did for me. He also played saxophone in our praise team at Grace Covenant Church in Laurel, Mississippi. There were four of us in the horn section. We called ourselves the four “Monsieurs”. We really had great times. Jerry taught me a great deal about sax. Much of my technique comes from the things that he showed me. He also shared with me proper care and handling of the sax. He saw great potential in me when I was young and just starting. Jerry always gave me mouth pieces to try out and new reeds to sample. Beyond all the help and support Jerry was to me, he was also a great friend. He was quite a bit older that I (in his 70’s to be precise) To us he was one of the guys. Good sense of humor, excellent saxophonist, loving husband, great friend and most of all strong Christian.

One thing that will always stay with me is how he helped me and saw promise in me. Jerry was a mentor to me. He taught me that we all have something to pass to this next generation. Whether it be skills, wisdom, encouragement or just support, it is important to invest into the future generation. I am challenged to carry on and reach out to this generation and teach them the things I have learned through my experiences. I am truly going to miss Jerry. I actually thought about him yesterday. I wanted to go and see him after his surgery. I am currently in Orlando, Florida and will be returning Monday the 27th. I am going to miss the grave side service today, but my heart and prayers are with the family. Jerry, I love you man. I know you are playing that sax in a more powerful way that we could never imagine. Good bye dear friend.

Daniel