The month of February is so special to our family. Thank God, whom we believe in Jesus Christ, for keeping us alive and well.

All praise to the Life Giver for giving us a precious bundle of joy, Shalom Eliora Wijaya, who was born on February 10, 2021.

Shalom and Eliora are both Hebrew words — Shalom means “peace” while Eliora means “God is my light.”

In peace, there is harmony and prosperity. In God’s light, there is wisdom and guidance.

We pray that our daughter can truly bring His peace and shine His light into the world (she lives in) in so many years to come. Amen. By His grace.

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Just a few weeks in this new parenthood journey, we are reminded that God is our heavenly Father. He loves His children exceedingly abundantly more than we could ever think and feel.

In Christ Jesus, every who believes becomes the child of God.

So let me share some Bible verses that have encouraged me personally (and hopefully will do so to you too).

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name

John 1:12 NKJV

The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13 NLT

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…

Isaiah 66:13 NIV

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

1 John 3:1 NIV

It’s amazing that God of the universe has loved us unconditionally. He loves us not because we are good, but because He is good. God is love and He takes greatest pleasure in loving us.

When all we can do is cry, eat, sleep, poop — and repeat — as a baby, our parents love us no matter what. Nothing we have to offer to our parents to earn their love.

To all parents out there: you are exceptional. Even though we are not perfect, let us keep on learning and loving our children as the heavenly Father has loved us.

We love you, Shalom Eliora.

Joyful and blessed parents,
Philip and Sandra

Vancouver, February 28, 2021