Psalm 91:1-2 — He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

I want to first thank everyone who knew what was going on with us for their prayers. We are deeply appreciative of all the efforts to support us and lift us up during this trying time.

For those who don’t know, on Friday, January 11, around 11:50am, Renée, my brother Scott, Samuel, and I were involved in a car accident while heading westbound on Lomas right in front of the University hospital here in Albuquerque (I was driving). Someone traveling eastbound was attempting to turn left into the hospital parking lot by sneaking through two lanes of stopped westbound traffic, but we were in the right-lane, which was flowing freely. This person tried to cross and was too late for us to avoid hitting her, so we ended up t-boning the vehicle.

It’s our belief that our Toyota Camry gave up the ghost (the other driver’s car was worse); fortunately, though, everyone else is okay, save for myself; I have airbag “road-rash” burns on my neck and lower-right cheek, as well as some hearing loss in my left ear from the explosion of the airbag and the impact. Unfortunately, since Renée was 34 weeks pregnant, they took her and I to Presbyterian hospital in an ambulance for observation.

The trauma from the accident sent Renée into premature labor, five weeks early. So, after 20 hours of labor, at 8:39am January 12, 2008, Renée delivered naturally a beautiful, healthy, 5 lb. 10 oz., 17.5″ long……

Baby Boy!

So Noah Paul Horlbeck entered this world with a crash! Unfortunately, He is having some slight difficulties breathing and eating and is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit, so please continue to pray for his health. He’s already been there for a week; we’re praying it’s not much longer.

The Lord has provided for us in amazing ways this past week, so thank you again to everyone who has supported us so much during the traumatizing time—your prayers had everything to do with helping us through! Although we’re one car down, we’re one family member up and our spirits are high!

Check out Flickr for pictures. Check out Scott’s blog for another tantalizing version of the story.

We had a lovely new year’s eve… a quiet evening just the three of us. We ordered a pizza and hung out and did our usual night time routine. Samuel made Mark and I kiss over and over again at Bible time which was wonderful! It’s so cute how he pushes our faces together.

After he went to bed, we made a ton of chocolate chip and toffee cookies, which we downed with a cold glass of milk… all while cuddling on the couch as we watched Amazing Grace blown up on our wall with the projector. It was a truly wonderful movie and a fun night altogether. One of our favorite quotes from the movie– John Newton: “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly. I’m a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.” Amen!

Today we’re enjoying the last day of Mark’s vacation before it’s back to the grind. We hung out with some friends at Jen and Dan’s annual New Year’s Day gathering and that was really fun. I put an elk meatloaf together for dinner and now it’s time to bake some golden wheat bread. We’re rejoicing in the Lord’s goodness to us for 2007 and are excited to see what 2008 will bring. Happy New Year, everyone!