At one week old, on Feb. 7th, Jeb Colton came home from the hospital! He is doing wonderful and we are so grateful for the exceptional care from Dr. Anderson and Dr. Bass (along with the care provided by the many special nurses that assisted during Jeb’s stay)! We are also grateful for the sweet messages congratulating us on Jeb’s birth. The prayers for his quick recovery were answered and our hearts are filled with joy!

(Photos by Alyssa)

Jeb Colton Bates

 February 1, 2012  4:05 am

 7lbs.8oz.  20in. long

His name means “Beloved friend of God from Coal Town”

(Our town of Lake City used to be named Coal Creek)

Due to an excessive amount of amniotic fluid and a very quick descent through the birth canal, he ingested a lot of fluid which caused him to have difficulty transitioning and allotted for an unexpected trip to the ICU nursery. He is doing wonderful and should be heading to his new home soon! 

We are very grateful for prayers from friends and family over the past few weeks in anticipation of his arrival!

We’d like to thank everyone who prayed for Senator Rick Santorum’s daughter during her hospitalization this past weekend. She is recovering from pneumonia. Rumors were spread during his absence that he was dropping out of the race, but these rumors were false and we are prayerfully waiting for Florida’s results during the upcoming primary.

Zach, Lawson, and Nathan have had such a wonderful learning experience while assisting with the campaigning there (http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-with-santorum-off-the-trail-surrogates-work-to-keep-campaign-alive-20120129,0,3187747.story).

Zach wrote an e-mail response to someone’s question about why he supports Santorum. He forwarded it to me, and I thought it was worthy of posting, since others have asked:

   Senator Rick Santorum is the only candidate who can oppose Obama as a social conservative, economic conservative, and moral conservative! Furthermore, Rick has a comprehensive, conservative understanding of national security and is committed to protecting American interests abroad. (He also contrasts every other
Republican candidate on several of these points)
Under President Obama’s Administration, our economy and American jobs are being killed every day. It is going to take someone who understands the role of government rather than a “job creator” that hands out government jobs while steadily increasing inflation to accomplish this task. We need a President that will empower manufacturing and domestic energy production, and will encourage a healthy private sector in order to begin rebuilding our economy.
Sen. Rick Santorum has never voted to raise taxes (highest ranking with the National Taxpayers Union).
Sen. Rick Santorum led the fight for welfare reform, which passed in 1996, saving taxpayers billions and moving millions of Americans back to work – one of the largest cuts ever to a federal entitlement (entitlement spending is 60% of our national budget). Sen. Santorum fought for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution that would hold the American Government to the same accountability of the American public. Sen. Rick Santorum opposed the government bailouts, which has driven our economy further towards a depression. Sen. Rick Santorum has a comprehensive understanding of how policy can either restrict or encourage growth.
Rick’s economic plan directly takes on China’s competition in manufacturing jobs and makes it economically better for manufacturing to regain the title, “Made in America!”

American government under the current administration is way over their heads concerning national security and protecting American interests abroad. Nuclear Iran is a growing threat to America and American interests; Rick Santorum understands the severity of these threats and is dedicated to preserving America. During his time in office, Sen. Rick Santorum was the national leader, ahead of the curve by identifying and proposing real solutions to deal with the threat of Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. Sen. Rick Santorum served on the Armed Services Committee for 8 years. Sen. Santorum was raised in a VA apartment; both of his parents worked for the VA. Sen. Rick Santorum was the author of the Iran Freedom and Support Act, sanctioning Iran from obtaining weapons of mass destruction. Sen. Santorum was the author of the Syria Accountability Act to combat the threat Syria posed to Israel as our ally.

Sen. Santorum has a faithful record with his family, which is the most important institution and one of the foundational pillars of a strong society. Sen. Rick Santorum is 100% Pro-Life. Sen. Rick Santorum wrote the law that ended Partial Birth Abortions. Sen. Rick Santorum strongly supports marriage as between one man and one woman.
Santorum also has a faithful record as a proven conservative in Congress and Senate. Unlike his opponents, he does not change his views to be politically correct, nor does he try to run to the middle to gain support. He has always fought corruption in Washington and has an unmatched record reforming Washington.
Rick Santorum was a member of the “Gang Of Seven” that exposed taxpayer scandals at the congressional bank and the congressional post office. Rick successfully passed term limits for the heads of Congressional funded committees. Rick exposed millions in wasteful spending abuses at the Pentagon.

If we hold our government responsible to respect our views and not to compromise their vote in what they say they believe, then we should hold ourselves to that same standard and vote our consciences and convictions – not what the media suggests. The Bible teaches the principle that a man who is faithful in small things can be trusted with larger things. Rick Santorum has been faithful in the small things, such as family; furthermore, Rick Santorum was faithful to the conservative cause while serving in Washington.

The two other main candidates in this race were opposite sides of many of these important issues more than once…  As Governor of Massachusetts, Mitt Romney wrote his State healthcare plan, “O’RomneyCare”, which specifically wrote in funding for planned parenthood. “O’RomneyCare” also allowed taxpayer funding to help a woman obtain an abortion for only $50.00 (human life is worth far more than fifty dollars!) While running for Governor, Mitt Romney noted that he was more liberal than Ted Kennedy on social issues.
Speaker Newt Gingrich explained himself as a Wilson, Roosevelt, LaFollette progressive. Newt Gingrich for 20 years supported the individual mandate (Government has the right to force you to purchase something whether you want it or not, a progressive view and the foundation of ObamaCare and O’RomneyCare).  Gingrich and Romney are attempting to align with conservatives, understanding that Americans now want a conservative in the White House. Even Barack Obama in recent speeches, has courted the blue-collar “conservative values” voter… but the record of all three proves otherwise! Like all politicians, Romney, Obama, and Gingrich are attempting to sway the American voter by taking small steps toward conservative principles. In contrast, only one true conservative candidate has been unchanged in his record, standing for what conservatives stand for and refusing to change his values regardless of the supposed political stance of the nation. That man is Sen. Rick Santorum!

Many of Ron Paul’s supporters hold the claim that Ron Paul is a constitutionalist and conservative. I do not have time to go into the distinctions regarding libertarianism vs. conservatism, but I will say that while Ron Paul calls himself a conservative, any issue that arises produces the same answer: “That’s a state issue.” Most of us do not want a Federal government that is out of balance, but at the same time, I have yet to hear Ron Paul address one federal issue that he would show responsibility for – even when it comes to the defense of this country. This mindset of “falling for whatever the people will stand for, while it may make good rhetoric, is
impractical and quite simply impossible. Under the Paul administration, every state would have the potential to develop border problems. One state could legalize everything, turning that state into a moral and economic nightmare, while a neighboring state could be attempting to maintain a conservative approach – causing unmanageable problems between the borders of each.  In his 20+ years in congress, he has run 632 bills and only 1 small one has been passed! To repeal Obamacare and rebuild our economy, we must have a president who is able to get the right things done!

Rick Santorum has always been and remains a courageous conservative. Let us also take courage to stand up and make a difference! It is not enough to just vote for Rick. The liberal media, Occupy, and many other liberal groups are attacking and ignoring Rick Santorum. They are willing to stand on their views and beliefs and they are very active. Many of these groups are very vocal and even come to our rallies. Christians and those of us that claim to be conservative, must be active as well! Everyone can help:

Call or e-mail others
Put out signs and bumper stickers
Encourage others to be involved
Donate to Rick’s campaign
Start a prayer chain for Rick Santorum (and his precious daughter Bella)
Pray for and encourage others to pray for this country
Visit ricksantorum.com

Faith + Family = Freedom!!!  Join the fight!!!

One of our favorite things to do as a family is to be involved in ministry. Throughout the year, we are invited to participate in church services in other parts of the country. During school months, we slow our travelling down to churches that are within a half day’s drive… but we were still able to squeeze in a few special church services over the past few months. With each meeting, we’ve left feeling blessed to have met, fellowshipped,  and worshipped with new friends.

A highlight at Bible Missionary Baptist Church in Rockwell,North Carolina, was having my mom, Gil’s parents, and many of his aunts, uncles & cousins attend the service!

At Progress Baptist Church in Fletcher, North Carolina, we were able to participate in “Family Emphasis Weekend” with Pastor Doug Raynes and his family.   

At Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church in Oliver Springs, Tennessee, we were able to sing and enjoy the preaching of Pastor Garvin Walls. We also enjoyed fellowshipping with our good friends, Assistant Pastor Ben Graham and his family. 

Campaign activity is at a high as Republican nominees seek support in South Carolina. Part of our family has met the Duggars in SC to help blaze the campaign trail! We are excited to be a part of supporting Senator Rick Santorum as Presidential nominee. Please visit his website (http://www.ricksantorum.com/index.php) to learn more about his goals to help turn our country around! He has already won the Iowa primary and we are praying for strong results in South Carolina as well… Help us put a conservative back in office that will promote Christian family values as well as helping rescue the American economy!  (Photos courtesy of Sister-in-law Casey Bates and Duggar Family)

The New Year is a time most people resolve to set goals. In considering priorities, I’ve noticed that personal Bible reading and prayer often take a backseat to busy lifestyles! Unfortunately, the thing we need the most is the very thing we avoid… until crisis comes!

I was challenged by Erin’s new commitment to read her Bible the same amount of time she spends viewing any DVDs (in addition to her regular daily reading). The accountability of that decision has caused her to think twice before squandering precious time… and it provoked me to look up some statistics about the amount of time we waste in comparison to the time we give God!

Take a look at these staggering statistics:

· According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the avg. American watches more than 4 hrs. TV each day.

· # Hrs. of TV watched annually by Americans = 250 billion hrs.

· # min. per week that parents spend in meaningful conversation with their children = 3.5 min.

· # min. per week the avg. child watches television = 1,680 min.

· % day care centers that use TV during a typical day = 70%

· % 4-6 y.r-olds who said they preferred watching TV over spending time with their dads = 54%

http://www.csun.edu/science/health/docs/tv&health.html

Now compare these Bible Statistics:

· According to Gallup, only half of adults interviewed nationwide could name any of the 4 Gospels of the New Test.

· Just 37% of those interviewed could name all 4 Gospels.

· Only 42% of adults were able to name as many as 5 of the 10 Commandments correctly.

· Surveys say only 20-25 % of Americans have read through the entire Bible

· In an interview with Assist News Service, Rhodes quotes a recent poll stating 35% of born-again Christians do not read the Bible at all.

· In addition, Rhodes indicates that among those who say they read the Bible, the vast majority only read it during the one h.r they attend church each Sun. morning.

http://www.theologicalstudies.citymax.com/page/page/1572910.html

These are pretty sad statistics, considering:

"Half the books of the Bible can be read in 10 – 45 min. each, and many of them can be read in less than 20," says Nashville-based pastor and author Robert Morgan. "The entire Old and New Testaments can be read aloud slowly and with expression in less than 71 hrs."

There are several types of free Bible Reading Charts available to assist you in reading through your Bible in 2012 :

http://blog.betterthansacrifice.org/2008/02/04/free-bible-reading-chart-keep-track-as-you-read-through-the-bible/ (This is a self paced chart)

You can also search “Bible Reading Charts” for chronological or read in a year plans.

We were able to watch the new Courageous Movie http://www.courageousthemovie.com/themovie  at a nearby church New Year’s Eve… It reconfirmed the desperate need for parents to actively restore relationships with their children. May God help us as parents to rekindle these relationships, while striving to follow God in our daily choices!

We tried to post this several days ago, but had trouble getting it to show up… Sorry for the delay and post dated message!

What a special time of year… A closer look at Christ’s love, memories with family & friends, the joy of giving & sharing, festivities & celebrations, Christmas hymns & manger scenes… What an opportunity to spread the love of Jesus with others!

Consider a way that your family might spread Christmas hope and cheer to others this year: maybe a special meal prepared for a sick or needy family, maybe a visit to a nursing home or hospital, maybe spreading God’s word through giving to a Bible printing ministry…

In a country full of goods, its easy to focus only on ourselves, while losing sight of Jesus’s humble entry and life here on earth… Let’s look for ways to serve others as we remember that: “Jesus is the Reason for the Season!” 

(Family Photo by Chad Paine at IBLP Christmas Conference 2011)

At Christmas time, we are always on the lookout for gifts we can give that have purpose or meaning. Giving gifts to express our love can be so fun and rewarding…But I often hear people talk about the frustrations they feel from the holiday season taking on more of a form of commercialism and less of the more meaningful aspects of the holiday like taking time to appreciate the birth of the Savior, time to appreciate loved ones, and time to “spread good cheer!”… So if you want to focus more on “Christ” in Christmas, here’s some gift giving ideas that reflect God’s love and character.

1. Carl Sommer’s series of Character books for children are a delightful way to teach little ones. We often use them to illustrate Scripture lessons during Bible study time. (http://www.advancepublishing.com/)

2. James Staddon’s Calendars (Available through Lenspirations) display incredible photography work, but they also share a purposeful message!

(http://blog.lenspiration.com/2012calendar-2/)

3. Seeds for the Harvest DVD by Mike Adkins is a motivating story that will challenge your family to give. This is a heartwarming message any time of year, but especially during this season!

(http://mikeadkins.org/products.html)

4. The Harvest DVD is a heart wrenching and inspiring story of how a community comes together to help a family in need. You will be challenged in your witness for Christ!

(http://www.christianbook.com)

As the Duggar family attends the memorial service of their precious baby Jubilee Shalom, that was born prematurely during Michelle’s second trimester, our prayers are that many will be encouraged by their faith in the Lord through this storm in their life. It was Michelle that was able to offer our family much comfort after our first miscarriage and we now lift their family in prayer, knowing that God will use this occasion for His glory and that He will draw them close to Himself during this sad time.

In Honor of Jubilee

When little ones leave us we seem to think,

Their lives were somehow incomplete ;

Yet, we may not see the role they play

In helping someone else see the way.

Who knows what blessing their life may bring,

Though seemingly such a tragic thing.

For Maybe some lost soul will see

His desperate need of Calvary.

A mom might begin to treasure her role

As she realizes her investment in a soul.

Maybe a dad will spend more time

Making memories versus spending a dime.

Maybe a sibling will stop to pray

Before choosing unkind words to say.

Maybe hurt feeling will begin to mend

To secure their bond with a friend.

Who knows the impact a life can make;

There is a purpose for Heaven’s sake.

So though we hate to say goodbye;

We know that Jesus now holds you nigh!

Alyssa, Tori, and I were invited to accompany a team of students travelling to Romania on a week long ministry trip. It was a tremendously moving experience as we became aware of the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of precious people from other backgrounds and cultures.

While there, we visited schools and were invited to teach character lessons. We also visited the Minister of Health, hospitals, orphanages, and Gypsy camps. We were able to share the Gospel message of love and encourage others through music and song. We were given a police escort through town with the President and Mayor of the county, while passing out tracts telling of God’s love. I think we all have a new perspective of life and missions.

We serve such a BIG God, and we feel extremely privileged to be able to tell others of Him!