tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88610751514862838042024-02-20T06:52:03.614-06:00Anchored Hope for Your PregnancyA place to encourage pregnant women who are worried about their pregnancy. This is especially for women who have struggled with infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death who are now pregnant and anxious about their pregnancy.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-25612685986466709872009-06-05T09:29:00.003-05:002009-06-05T09:30:17.126-05:00Uncreated OneOK - I'm on a roll - found another song showing the glory of God as our Creator - He is the uncreated one who has created everything. Let's praise Him!<br /><br />Uncreated One by Chris Tomlin<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WjL4nyw37-E&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WjL4nyw37-E&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-78733762750276707532009-06-05T09:03:00.002-05:002009-06-05T09:05:27.834-05:00Another Creation SongI can't help but add this song and video after the last posting - won't you praise Him with me today?<br /><br />The Creation Song by Fernando Ortega<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/uViJecN0_BI&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/uViJecN0_BI&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-55398870339435872532009-06-05T08:13:00.006-05:002009-06-05T08:46:22.810-05:00Wonderful Maker<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">he who created the heavens and stretched them out, </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">who gives breath to its people, </span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">and life to those who walk on it.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 42:5</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">God, our creator. Sometimes my feeble little mind can't get around how amazing of a creator we have. I saw His creation this week in a big lightning storm. A local weather reporter said there were 9,000 strikes of lightening from one storm just in a local area. Amazing.<br /><br />I have seen His creation in a lush green land in Ireland. I've stood at the top of the Cliffs of Moher (frightened of the height) and seen the awe of His creation.<br /><br />I have been amazed at His creation as I've gone through "meeting" children through ultrasounds, then to be completely amazed as I've gotten to meet them in person. The birth of a baby is an amazing look at God's Creation.<br /><br />I need more amazement in my life. So often, the mundane tasks take away from my mind that spirit of amazement. I take for granted the great God and how He works. How He creates.<br /><br />Take some time today to thank our great Creator for His gifts of creation. Be in awe of Him today. Here are some verses that talk about Him as our creator:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">This is what God the LORD says—</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> he who created the heavens and stretched them out,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">who gives breath to its people,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and life to those who walk on it: Isaiah 45:5</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm 148</span><br /><br /><sup style="font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-16373">1</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Praise the LORD. </span><sup style="font-weight: bold;">[<a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=psalm+148&submit=Lookup+Verse&niv=yes&display_option=columns&v_mode=on&t_mode=on#fen-NIV-16373a" title="Go to" a="">a</a>]</sup><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Praise the LORD from the heavens,</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> praise him in the heights above. </span></div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16374">2</sup> Praise him, all his angels,<br /> praise him, all his heavenly hosts. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16375">3</sup> Praise him, sun and moon,<br /> praise him, all you shining stars. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16376">4</sup> Praise him, you highest heavens<br /> and you waters above the skies. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16377">5</sup> Let them praise the name of the LORD,<br /> for he commanded and they were created. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16378">6</sup> He set them in place for ever and ever;<br /> he gave a decree that will never pass away. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16379">7</sup> Praise the LORD from the earth,<br /> you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16380">8</sup> lightning and hail, snow and clouds,<br /> stormy winds that do his bidding, </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16381">9</sup> you mountains and all hills,<br /> fruit trees and all cedars, </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16382">10</sup> wild animals and all cattle,<br /> small creatures and flying birds, </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16383">11</sup> kings of the earth and all nations,<br /> you princes and all rulers on earth, </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16384">12</sup> young men and maidens,<br /> old men and children. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16385">13</sup> Let them praise the name of the LORD,<br /> for his name alone is exalted;<br /> his splendor is above the earth and the heavens. </p><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16386">14</sup> He has raised up for his people a horn, <sup>[<a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=psalm+148&submit=Lookup+Verse&niv=yes&display_option=columns&v_mode=on&t_mode=on#fen-NIV-16386b" title="Go to" b="">b</a>]</sup><br /> the praise of all his saints,<br /> of Israel, the people close to his heart.<br /> Praise the LORD.</p><p><br /></p><p>Let us praise the Lord today for His great creation - His creation in the world around you. His creation in you and growing within you. He is am amazing and great creator. I pray the following video clip will facilitate some praise today. Look beyond the mundane - look to our amazing Creator God today.</p><p><br /></p><p style="font-style: italic;">Dear God,</p><p><span style="font-style: italic;">I praise You for your creation. You took nothing and created our world - with just your words, You created. I praise You for the world around me. I praise you that you give me every breath in my day. I praise You that You provide food and drink. I praise You for the blessings that abound in my life. Father God, I praise You for the creation of this precious little life growing inside of me. Help me to remember to be amazed today. If I am weary or not feeling well, remind me that You can renew my strength. You can renew my mind. God, I stand amazed today and ask You to continue to grow this precious little life inside of me. In Jesus' name. Amen.</span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Wonderful Maker by Chris Tomlin</p><p>You spread out the skies over empty space<br />Said "let there be light"<br />Into a dark and formless world Your light<br />was born<br /><br />You spread out Your arms over empty hearts<br />Said "let there be light"<br />Into a dark and hopeless world Your Son<br />was born<br /><br />You made the world and saw that it was good<br />You sent Your only son for You are good<br /><br />What a wonderful Maker<br />What a wonderful Savior<br />How majestic Your whispers<br />And how humble Your love<br />With a strength like no other<br />And the heart of a Father<br />How majestic Your whispers<br />What a wonderful God<br /><br />No eye has fully seen, how beautiful the cross<br />And we have only heard<br />The faintest whispers of how great You are</p><p style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NPT-8zrWWJk&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NPT-8zrWWJk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-89873167439073719702009-05-30T09:04:00.003-05:002009-05-30T09:19:11.662-05:00Steps Determined<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.<br />Proverbs 16:9</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>I am a planner - how about you? I am a Type A, firstborn. I like to be in control. I'm sure that God laughs at my plans often. And as time goes on, I'm realizing the joy of rejoicing in giving up my plans for His plans. His plans are infinitely good and infinitely abundant in blessings.<br /><br />I am looking at three of these abundant blessings today. They are now on summer break from school. I have been reflecting this morning on the journey the Lord brought us on to this point of abundant blessings in our three children.<br /><br />God plans our steps as Proverbs 16:9 tells us. God knew the road my husband & I would take on our journey towards children. He had a master plan - it wasn't the plan I would have planned, but as I look back on the road, it's an even better plan than I could have imagined. He has grown me in my faith greatly. He has equipped me for ministry to others. He has given me a purpose and a great plan. He is abundantly good. But I would not be where I am now if it were not for the hard times of the past.<br /><br />Although we've experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage four times, God has restored those "locust times" - I love the following scripture: <br /><br />25 -27 "I'll make up for the years of the locust,<br />the great locust devastation— Locusts savage, locusts deadly,<br />fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion<br />I sent your way. You'll eat your fill of good food.<br />You'll be full of praises to your God, The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder.<br />Never again will my people be despised. You'll know without question<br />that I'm in the thick of life with Israel, That I'm your God, yes, your God,<br />the one and only real God.<br />Joel 2:25-27 The Message<br /><br />God's ways are not our ways. God's plans are not our plans. And I praise God that my agenda isn't His agenda. His plan is abundantly better. He is the one and only real God.<br /><br />God has given you this precious baby growing in you today. He is abundantly good. If fear and anxiety creep into your mind, take those thoughts captive -remember that it is the Lord who guides your steps - it is the Lord who is creating this miracle growing inside of you. Look to Him and to His anchored hope for His abundantly good plan for your life. He is our one and only real God. <br /><br />Dear God,<br />Thank you that You are in control of every detail of my life - of every detail of my baby's life. Thank you for this precious baby. Please grow him/her today. Help me to find joy in today. Help me to grow in your Word today. To look to your abundantly good plan. Help me and my husband to grow together in your Word. I thank you for this great blessing You have bestowed to us. In Jesus' name. Amen.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-35792556507365045932009-05-27T16:42:00.004-05:002009-05-27T16:54:29.361-05:00Experiential Knowledge<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as</span><sup style="font-weight: bold;">[<a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=john+7&niv=yes&submit=Lookup#fen-NIV-26356c" title="Go to" c="">c</a>]</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;"> the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.<br />John 7:37-39 </span><br /></div><br /><br />This morning I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah. I am sure I didn't catch the quote exactly, but what I wrote down to remember was the following: God will not put us in a situation where He cannot sustain you. He will show Himself strong. He will give you experiential knowledge that will show you that you can do anything with His help.<br /><br />As the verses from John 7 tell us, Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to equip us and sustain us in our daily living. The Holy Spirit gives us streams of living water. Often in my humanness, I look for streams of water in other places - in hobbies, in other people, in stuff, in activities. Yet, the Lord has designed us to draw from His living water. Sometimes in order for us to draw from His streams of living water, He allows circumstances that brings us into valleys, where we can thirst for the Lord instead of the longing for drinks that don't fully satisfy.<br /><br />I heard the below song today on the radio - waves of thankfulness rushed through my body - tears streamed down my eyes. I am honestly thankful for the valleys which I've gone through - especially those valleys of our four losses. Without those losses, I would not have experienced so much joy in ministering to others and in cherishing the blessings God has given to me. God has truly taken me from the valley and brought me to rivers of joy.<br /><br />And now that I've had the experiential knowledge of seeing how God takes the valleys and brings rivers of joy, I find that I can draw from his strength and look to Him with greater hope than before. The combination of seeing how God has worked in the past in the lives of those in the Bible combined with my experience, grows my faith.<br /><br />I pray that today you are looking to Him for encouragement. Drink deeply from His Word and look to Him for that river of joy. You may find anxious thoughts creeping in your mind - take that thought captive and replace it with God's Word - that He has a hope and a future for you (Jeremiah 29:11). Find scripture to drink from today - don't let the anxieties of our humanness take away your joy today.<br /><br />I am praying for you, your precious baby, and for the rest of your family.<br /><br /><br />I pray the song below blesses you.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dear God,<br /><br />Thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit - thank You that I can drink deeply from Your Word. Help me to remember that your allowing me through any valleys is to equip me for this journey of life - to give You the glory - to find that river of joy that only comes from You. I pray for my baby and for the rest of my family that we would all find that river of joy. In Jesus' name. Amen.</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CvHMjILrSJ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CvHMjILrSJ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Valley Song by Jars of Clay<br /><br />You have led me to the sadness<br />I have carried this pain<br />On a back bruised, nearly broken<br />I'm crying out to you<br /><br />Chorus<br />I will sing of Your mercy<br />That leads me through valleys of sorrow<br />To rivers of joy<br /><br />When death like a Gypsy<br />Comes to steal what I love<br />I will still look to the heavens<br />I will still seek your face<br /><br />But I fear you aren't listening<br />Because there are no words<br />Just the stillness and the hunger<br />For a faith that assures<br /><br />Chorus x2<br /><br />Alleluia, alleluia<br />Alleluia, alleluia<br /><br />While we wait for rescue<br />With our eyes tightly shut<br />Face to the ground using our hands<br />To cover the fatal cut<br /><br />And though the pain is an ocean<br />Tossing us around, around, around<br />You have calmed greater waters<br />Higher mountains have come down<br /><br />Chorus<br /><br />Yeah<br /><br />Alleluia, alleluia<br />Alleluia, alleluia<br /><br />Alleluia, alleluia alleluia, alleluia<br />Alleluia, alleluia alleluia, alleluia<br /><br />Chorus (4 Xs)<br /><br />Oh, Lord sing of Your mercy,<br />Mercy<br />Your mercyNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-91348046940833618402009-05-09T20:48:00.002-05:002009-05-09T20:51:22.664-05:00Remembering...Dear Ladies,<br /><br />Since this site is a site for ladies who have fears about pregnancy and many of those ladies may have experienced loss in the past, I am posting this tonight. I apologize for not writing much lately - it is a very busy month with my children. I am praying that the Lord will help me to find more time to write, especially once school is out. I am praying for you and for the precious baby the Lord is forming in you. Have a blessed Mother's Day.<br /><br />Love,<br />Nicole<br /><br /><br /> I just wrote the writing below to send to friends to ask them to pray for any dear ladies who are in grief. <br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Dear Friends, it is Mother’s Day.<span style=""> </span>A day of rejoicing, right?<span style=""> </span>Dear Friends, today I call on you to remember and pray for a group of ladies who are hurting, especially on Mother’s Day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Throughout my day today I have been praying for these ladies.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the mom who is grieving the loss of her baby through miscarriage – and many may not have even known about that precious life.<span style=""> </span>It’s a hard grief.<span style=""> </span>She is remembering her hopes and dreams for that little one.<span style=""> </span>Even though she never got to hold this little one, she is remembering…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the mom who experienced stillbirth.<span style=""> </span>The world has gone on, but she still remembers.<span style=""> </span>She misses that little precious life.<span style=""> </span>She’s remembering…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for that mom who has experienced infant loss.<span style=""> </span>She longs to hold that precious little one again. She misses him/her.<span style=""> </span>And for her, much of the world has gone on as well. Today she is remembering and missing her little one…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the woman who is struggling to have a child. She is grieving the struggle of infertility.<span style=""> </span>She desires to add a child or another child to their family.<span style=""> </span>She is remembering her hopes and dreams for their family…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for that mom of an older child who is now with Jesus.<span style=""> </span>It doesn’t make sense to her why the Lord took him/her early.<span style=""> </span>She’s grieving and remembering….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the mom whose child died as an adult.<span style=""> </span>We parents expect we’ll be the ones to go first.<span style=""> </span>But that wasn’t God’s plan.<span style=""> </span>That mom is remembering and also grieving for those other family members who are also grieving…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the children who won’t get to hug their mommy today.<span style=""> </span>They are remembering and missing her….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the adult children who won’t get to tell their mom they love her today. They are remembering…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for those moms who are seeing their child suffering and perhaps will lose that child soon.<span style=""> </span>Praying for a blessed Mother’s Day with that child.<span style=""> </span>A day full of precious memories…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for those children whose mom is suffering and perhaps will lose that mom soon.<span style=""> </span>Praying for a blessed Mother’s Day with their mom.<span style=""> </span>A day full of <span style=""> </span>precious memories…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today can be a very hard day.<span style=""> </span>Let’s take time to remember these grieving people today.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s pray Psalm 147:3 for them:<span style=""> </span>"He [the LORD] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.<span style="">" </span>Let’s pray that they will look to the Lord to heal them – that they will grow to see God as He truly is.<span style=""> </span>That they will look beyond the ashes and look towards the beauty the Lord has for them down the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“and provide for those who grieve in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Zion</st1:place></st1:city>— <span style=""> </span>to bestow on them a crown of beauty <span style=""> </span>instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise <span style=""> </span>instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”<span style=""> </span>Isaiah 61:3</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> As one who has had bittersweet Mother’s Days in the past due to my grieving babies who have gone to be with the Lord, I thank you for your prayers for these women, men, and children.<span style=""> </span>I praise God that He has revealed to me the beauty for those times of grief and ashes.<span style=""> </span>My prayer is that those who are grieving would be encouraged that God does have a big plan for their life and that this current grief is for but a season – He has a crown of beauty waiting for their future.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-26374039708872023412009-05-04T23:11:00.003-05:002009-05-04T23:15:02.058-05:00I Can Hear Your VoiceGood evening dear ladies. Please forgive me my quietness. I struggle with busyness of our family. Would you ask the Lord to help me with my time management? I long so spend time blogging, yet know that God wants me to put Him first and then my family second. I have not forgotten you and have continued to lift you and your baby up in my prayers.<br /><br />Tonight I listened to a Michael W Smith song. It spoke to my heart and I desire to share it with you. But first, let’s look at the Word of God.<br /><br />Jesus meets a woman at a well in John Chapter 4. She is there to get water and is there alone. She is a woman who has been living with men who are not her husband. Jesus talks to her at the well and she is amazed at what He knows about her. For the full account, read it <a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=john+4&niv=yes&submit=Lookup">here</a>. Jesus tells her about living water that will never make her thirst again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."</span><br /></div><br />Another passage that talks about water from God is found in Jeremiah 17:7-8<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,<br /> whose confidence is in him.<br />8 He will be like a tree planted by the water<br /> that sends out its roots by the stream.<br /> It does not fear when heat comes;<br /> its leaves are always green.<br /> It has no worries in a year of drought<br /> and never fails to bear fruit."<br /></div>Dear ladies, dig deep into the Word of God. It is living water to your thirsty soul. When Jesus gives you the water of eternal life, it wells up within you. Yet, we can’t sit stagnant. We have to dig into His Word and trust in Him. The Bible helps us to learn about Him and to remind our feeble minds about His goodness, His mightiness, His holiness.<br /><br />The song I’m going to share also talks about Jesus singing over me. Did you know dear ladies that the Lord rejoices over you? Now, the Lord is not dependent on our choices. Yet, our following Him. Our allowing Him to be Lord over our lives, he rejoices in that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17<br /></div><br />As you listen to this lovely song by Michael W Smith, thank the Lord for His living water. Remember that He loves you. He has a plan for you. He has a plan for your baby. The Lord is there for you. Come close to Him. Feel His touch. Let His touch heal your heart today and fill your heart with joy. Let Him restore and renew you today.<br /><br />I love you ladies – I am praying for you and your baby during pregnancy. I have seen His faithfulness. He is faithful. Keep looking to Him anytime you feel anxiety.<br /><br />I pray this song fills your heart with the peace of the Lord today. Don't forget to dig into His Word.<br /><br /><br /><br />Michael W Smith – I Can Hear Your Voice<br />I'm in the river that flows from your throne<br />Water of Life<br />Water of Life<br />It Covers me and I breath again<br />Your love is breath to my soul<br /><br />I can hear Your voice as You sing over me<br />It's Your song of Hope breathing life into me<br />I can feel Your touch as I come close to You<br />And it heals my heart<br />You restore and renew<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/88fbQtA1kJw&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/88fbQtA1kJw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-40142911980046120202009-04-16T08:47:00.004-05:002009-04-21T07:26:29.049-05:00Remember Surrender<div style="text-align: center;">I am getting ready for Bible Study this morning and listening to Sara Groves - a favorite artist of mine. The song <span style="font-style: italic;">Remember Surrender </span>touched my heart. I am a first born, Type A, person who wants to always be in control. And I have to day by day, minute by minute turn that control over to the Lord Jesus - I am not in control. He is. Last night I was studying Colossians and read the following which looks at the Supremacy of Christ:<br /></div><br /><h5 style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">The Supremacy of Christ Colossians 1:15-23<br /></h5><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-29465">15</sup>He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. <sup id="en-NIV-29466">16</sup>For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. <sup id="en-NIV-29467">17</sup>He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. <sup id="en-NIV-29468">18</sup>And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. <sup id="en-NIV-29469">19</sup>For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, <sup id="en-NIV-29470">20</sup>and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div>Everything is created by Christ and for Christ. He is in control. I am not. It is my job to surrender my own desire for control - to acknowledge that it is His and His alone. I pray this song touches your heart today and that God's Word is permeating your thoughts as you are reminded to surrender to the Lord today - He is good and faithful.<br />I am praying for you and your baby today.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear God,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for your Word. Thank you that you only ask me to surrender my will, my control to you. That You see the big picture - I only see a tiny piece of this great puzzle of my life. And You have a beautiful picture for my life. I praise You for that. I know God that You have a great plan for the life of my baby, also. Please grow this precious life today. Help me to find joy in today. Help me to surrender my anxious thought to You - knowing You are in control. Help me to surrender to You today and to find joy in You today. Thank you God for Jesus' anchored hope that He secured on the cross for me - thank You for His mighty resurrection. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.<br /><br /><div style="width: 300px;"><object height="110" width="300"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/m/7cCyLbHlMT/aus=false/"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/m/7cCyLbHlMT/aus=false/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" height="110" width="300"></embed></object><div style="padding: 1px; background-color: rgb(230, 230, 230);"><div style="padding: 4px 4px 0pt 0pt; float: left;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/E6E6E6/" border="0" /></a></div><form method="post" action="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/" style="margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt;"><input name="EmbedSearchBox" type="text"><input value="Search" style="font-size: 12px;" type="submit"><div style="padding-top: 3px;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=0&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/152/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=1&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/153/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=2&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/154/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=3&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/155/10/7cCyLbHlMT/" border="0" /></a></div></form></div></div><br /><a href="http://www.imeem.com/popmusic12/music/5LYbyhZr/sara-groves-remember-surrender/">Remember Surrender - Sara Groves</a><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;" align="center">Remember Surrender</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;" align="center">By Sara Groves<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Remember surrender<br />Remember the rest<br />Remember that weight lifting off of your chest<br />And realizing that it's not up to you and it never was<br /><br />Remember surrender<br />Remember relief<br />Remember how tears rolled down both of your cheeks<br />As the warmth of a heavenly father came closing in<br /><br />I want to do that again<br />Why can't I live there<br />And make my home<br />In sweet surrender<br />I want to do so much more than remember<br /><br />Remember surrender<br />Remember peace<br />Remember how soundly you fell fast asleep<br />In the face of your troubles your future still shone like the morning sun<br /><br />Remember surrender<br />Remember that sound<br />Of all of those voices inside dying down<br />But one who speaks clearly of helping and healing you deep within<br /><br />I want to do that again<br />Why can't I live there<br />And make my home<br />In sweet surrender<br />I want to do so much more than remember<br />Remember<br />Oh surrender</p><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-56686582966359096662009-04-10T22:29:00.003-05:002009-04-10T22:40:53.135-05:00But Jesus Stayed<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier this week I was reading the story of Jesus’ death on the cross to our four year old son.<span style=""> </span>I am loving this preschool Bible entitled <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=708257&netp_id=417972&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers"><u>The Jesus Storybook Bible:<span style=""> </span>Every story whispers his name</u></a> by Sally Lloyd-Jones.<span style=""> </span>As I was reading from this Bible, I came across the words “but Jesus stayed.”<span style=""> </span>I have had difficulty this week getting that phrase out of my mind. Here was the Lord who had created the entire world – the entire universe – and He stayed and endured the cross because He loved me - He loved you. <o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jesus – who was without sin – let himself be shamed and cursed and flogged and sent to the cross – He gave up His intimate relationship with God the Father while on the cross.<span style=""> </span>He took my punishment for my sin – He took your punishment for your sin. He stayed.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>When the Roman soldiers mocked Him and made Him a crown of thorns and put a robe on Him – He stayed.<span style=""> </span>When they whipped him and cursed Him – He stayed.<span style=""> </span>When they nailed Him to the cross, He stayed.<span style=""> </span>He did more than just stay – He said “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.<span style="">" (Luke 23:34) </span>He could have rescued Himself.<span style=""> </span>He could have called a legion of angels to rescue Him.<span style=""> </span>He could have made it all stop.<span style=""> </span>But He stayed.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What made Him stay?<span style=""> </span>“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life<span style="">." John 3:16. </span>He stayed.<span style=""> </span>He stayed because His love for you and for me was more than the pain.<span style=""> </span>And the pain was pain that you and I cannot even imagine.<span style=""> </span>And yet, He stayed.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I encourage you right now to praise the Lord Jesus for staying – He did it for you.<span style=""> </span>Here is a song that touches my heart – It’s called “At the Cross” – spend some time right now at the cross – pondering that the Lord Jesus stayed on that cross for you – and give Him glory for the power He has over death.<span style=""> Praise Him this Good Friday.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HRjXBbtbEpM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HRjXBbtbEpM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the Cross by Hillsong</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Verse 1:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Oh Lord You’ve searched me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You know my way;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Even when I fail You,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your holy presence<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Surrounding me<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">In every season,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Verse 2:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You go before me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You shield my way,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your hand upholds me;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Bridge: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You tore-------(torn) the veil <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You made a------(the) way<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">When You said that it is done x2<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Verse 3:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">And when the earth fades,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Falls from my eyes,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">And You stand before me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Bridge: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You tore-------(torn) the veil <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You made a------(the) way<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">When You said that it is done x4<o:p></o:p></pre> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-17818686513406937172009-04-03T08:59:00.002-05:002009-04-03T09:04:06.464-05:00Seek Joy Today<h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: bold;">Psalm 126 NIV<o:p></o:p></span></h1><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16117">1</sup> When the LORD brought back the captives to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Zion</st1:City></st1:place>,<br /> we were like men who dreamed. <o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16118">2</sup> Our mouths were filled with laughter,<br /> our tongues with songs of joy.<br /> Then it was said among the nations,<br /> "The LORD has done great things for them." <o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16119">3</sup> The LORD has done great things for us,<br /> and we are filled with joy. <o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16120">4</sup> Restore our fortunes, O LORD,<br /> like streams in the <st1:place st="on">Negev</st1:place>. <o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16121">5</sup> Those who sow in tears<br /> will reap with songs of joy. <o:p></o:p></p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-16122">6</sup> He who goes out weeping,<br /> carrying seed to sow,<br /> will return with songs of joy,<br /> carrying sheaves with him.</p><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><br /></p> <p>I went to Sam’s Club last night and while checking out, I saw a beautiful new little life – she was so tiny – it’s amazing how quickly I forget how our three children started out.<span style=""> </span>The dad holding the baby girl looked so proud and full of joy.</p> <p>I started thinking about the joy I had when each of the kids were brand new.<span style=""> </span>Then I pondered the joys of pregnancy.<span style=""> </span>Here is a list of joys I remember right now (and my memory is fading – I encourage you to keep a pregnancy journal – I did not do that and really wish I had done that!).<span style=""> </span>These are not in any particular order:</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of telling my husband we were expecting (although usually he knew before I did just from seeing me and being around me).</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of telling others about our pregnancy.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of seeing that little heartbeat early on in the pregnancy</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of seeing the developing baby and learning the baby’s gender later on in the pregnancy.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of hearing a heartbeat at each appointment.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of having strangers open doors and be extra helpful when out shopping.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of wearing my first pregnancy clothes (ok – this joy was just the first time around – didn’t find as much joy in the other pregnancies with pregnancy clothes! With Klara and Adam’s pregnancies, <span style=""> </span>I wanted to stay in my normal clothes as long as I could!)</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of feeling that baby moving around.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of my husband and I <span style=""> </span>being in awe of the moving baby as we lay in bed at night.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of sewing quilts for each little one on the way.</p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of dreaming and hoping for that baby. <br /></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of dreaming of that little life to teach about the Lord. The joy of reading aloud God's Word to that baby in the womb.<br /></p> <p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->The joy of seeing extended family’s excitement about this little life.</p> <p>I pray today that you can find joy in the day, no matter how your body feels – no matter what anxious thoughts might enter into your mind.</p> <p>I remember a friend who had experienced secondary infertility prior to her pregnancy say to me that she was enjoying each day being pregnant – that comment was such an encouragement to me.<span style=""> </span>Each day with a baby in the womb should be as joyful and important as when they are out of the womb, being cared for and trained.<span style=""> </span>Today is an important day in the life of your baby – think of all the things you are doing to care and grow this baby.<span style=""> </span>Choose joy today. Enjoy your day with your baby.</p> <p>We are looking at Psalm 126 today.<span style=""> </span>The song is thought by many to have been written by God’s people who returned from their Babylonian exile.<span style=""> </span>Imagine being held captive and then being able to return to your home – to that Promised Land God had given to the people.<span style=""> </span>What joy they must have had.</p> <p>Have you ever felt joy from God’s amazing blessing after time of “exile”?<span style=""> </span>I remember the pure joy of being pregnant after our molar pregnancy and one year of healing and making sure my body was safe for a new little life.<span style=""> </span>My tongue was filled with songs of joy (like verse 2).<span style=""> </span>Warren & I rejoiced in what the Lord had done – those great things – we were filled with joy (v. 3).<span style=""> </span></p> <p>I love verses 5 & 6 – the Lord surely did take those tears I sowed from past loss and brought me songs of joy.<span style=""> </span>Even after our last two losses, we have not added any more children to our family, but the Lord has brought great joy and growth in my life because of those losses. God is faithful!</p> <p>Enjoy your day carrying this precious little one today.<span style=""> </span>Find joy in the day.<span style=""> </span>Get a journal out and start writing daily what joys you are finding in pregnancy.<span style=""> </span>Praise God for these joys.<span style=""> </span>Praise Him for this precious life that is growing inside of you.<span style=""> </span>Share with those around you:<span style=""> </span>The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” (v. 3).</p><p><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p style="font-style: italic;">Dear God,</p> <p><span style="font-style: italic;">I praise you for this little life growing inside of me. I thank you for how You are knitting this baby inside of me. Help me to find joy in today. I may be tired. I may be weary in body and/or in heart. God, I ask that you would bring to mind the many reasons I have to have joy today. When anxious thoughts come to my mind, bring Your Word to my mind to remind me that You are in control and that You have a plan for me and a plan for this baby. I praise You for bringing me the joy of this baby. I pray God that You would continue to mold and shape this baby to a healthy baby. And help me to find joy in my day today. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.</span><span style=""><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span> </span></p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>I am praying for you dear ladies – for you, your baby, your husband, and any other children you are caring for.<span style=""> </span>Have a blessed, joyful day.</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-37996800982772093522009-03-31T10:22:00.005-05:002009-03-31T10:49:14.914-05:00New Every Morning<p style="text-align: center;" align="center"> </p><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"> </p><p style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lamentations 3:22-26</span></span><sup><o:p></o:p></sup></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><sup>22</sup> Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,<br /> for his compassions never fail.<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><sup>23</sup> They are new every morning;<br /> great is your faithfulness.<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><sup>24</sup> I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;<br /> therefore I will wait for him."<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><sup>25</sup> The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,<br /> to the one who seeks him;<o:p></o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><sup>26</sup> it is good to wait quietly<br /> for the salvation of the LORD.</p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>I love the feeling of an early spring morning– my heart just streams full of hope.<span style=""> </span>It’s one of those days that I rejoice in getting out of bed and readying myself for the day – spring is full of such hope.<span style=""> </span>Do you know that you can have that hope today, regardless of the weather – regardless of what’s happening to you or around you?</p><p></p>Are you finding your heart gloomy today?<span style=""> </span>Is worry creeping into your thought life?<span style=""> </span>I encourage you today to take those thoughts captive and look to the Lord and His Word for encouragement today.<span style=""> </span>God is a compassionate God – He is there to encourage you and direct you in His Word. <p>We are looking at Lamentations today.<span style=""> </span>It is widely believed that Jeremiah wrote the book of Lamentations.<span style=""> </span>Jeremiah had been called to speak for God before he was even born.<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"><sup>5</sup> "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,<br /> before you were born I set you apart;<br /> I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center">Jeremiah 1:5</p> <p>Isn’t it amazing that God has plans for each of us before we are even born?<span style=""> </span>God has a great plan for you and for this baby you are carrying – praise Him today for that. </p> <p>Now let’s learn a bit more about Jeremiah.<span style=""> </span>God had a difficult job planned for Jeremiah.<span style=""> </span>Jeremiah’s job was to call <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>, God’s people, to repent and turn away from their idol worshiping lifestyle.<span style=""> </span>He called them to repent and place their faith and trust in the one, true God.<span style=""> </span>Well, <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> half heartedly tried at first, but no true repentance came, and Jeremiah’s message was hated in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<span style=""> </span>Jeremiah saw the destruction of <st1:city st="on">Jerusalem</st1:city> and saw <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region> be turned over to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Babylon</st1:place></st1:city> in captivity.<span style=""> </span>Jeremiah is often called the weeping prophet.<span style=""> </span>He had a great deal to weep and mourn over.<span style=""> </span>Yet, here in Lamentations 3, we see Jeremiah looking to the Lord even though Jeremiah had seen very dire circumstances.<span style=""> </span>Jeremiah took his eyes off of himself and the circumstances of God’s people and put his eyes on the Lord.<span style=""> </span>He saw God’s compassion, God's mercy, and God’s plan. God's mercies were new every morning for Jeremiah. <span style=""> </span></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center">I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;<br /> therefore I will wait for him."<span style=""> </span>Lamentation 3:<span style=""> </span>24</p> <p>My NIV Study Bible says that the Hebrew phrase for “therefore I will wait” is the same as “therefore I have hope.”<span style=""> </span>Let’s change the words to that phrase:</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center">I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;<br /> therefore I have hope for him."<span style=""> </span>Lamentation 3:<span style=""> </span>24</p> <p>This is the anchored hope we have – we have the hope of the Lord – that He has a master plan and that plan is good.<span style=""> </span>Today is a day He has called to ask us to rejoice in Him and in His plan.<span style=""> </span>We are to hope in His plan for us and for our children.<span style=""> </span>God is good – yes, he allows hard times and hard circumstances, but he works those circumstances for His glory and for the good of His people.<span style=""> </span>God used that time of Babylonian exile to work out His plan for His glory.<span style=""> </span>God is working through your past and present circumstances to bring a future of glory for Him and of molding you to be the Christian woman He desires you to be.<span style=""> </span>I pray that you look to Him today.</p> <p>Hope in the Lord today.<span style=""> </span>Enjoy this day nurturing and growing the baby in your womb.<span style=""> </span>Remember that God has a plan – He is a God of hope.<span style=""> </span>I pray you cling to that hope today, no matter what your circumstances.<br /><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>Dear God,</p> <p>I thank you for the Bible, Your Word.<span style=""> </span>Thank you that it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105).<span style=""> </span>Thank you for Jeremiah and the book of Lamentations.<span style=""> </span>God, Jeremiah saw such hardship, yet he could still hope in You and find his rest in You.<span style=""> </span>God, help me today to rest in You, to hope in You.<span style=""> </span>I pray for this precious life You are growing in my womb.<span style=""> </span>I pray God that you would continue to mold and grow this baby to full health.<span style=""> </span>I praise You that You have a plan for all of this child’s life and for all of my life.<span style=""> </span>I praise You that You work all things for your glory.<span style=""> </span>I ask you today to give me that fresh spring-like feeling of joy and hope today.<span style=""> </span>When I find anxiety, bring Your Word to my mind and fill me with the joy of Your presence in my life.<span style=""> </span>I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.<br /><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>I am praying for you dear ladies – praying that your day will be filled with the hope of the Lord.</p><br />Fernando Ortego is a favorite Christian artist of mine - here is a video which uses the song "Great is Thy Faithfulness" sung by Fernando. I pray the song reminds you of God's faithfulness and His new mercies each morning.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yN44tOis9hc&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yN44tOis9hc&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-91241462691824760822009-03-18T22:01:00.005-05:002009-03-18T22:16:19.370-05:00Resting, Resting in Our Lord<p style="font-weight: bold;"><sup><span style="font-size:180%;">Psalm 33 NIV</span><br /></sup></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><sup><br /></sup></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><sup> 1</sup> Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;<br /> it is fitting for the upright to praise him. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>2</sup> Praise the LORD with the harp;<br /> make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>3</sup> Sing to him a new song;<br /> play skillfully, and shout for joy. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>4</sup> For the word of the LORD is right and true;<br /> he is faithful in all he does. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>5</sup> The LORD loves righteousness and justice;<br /> the earth is full of his unfailing love. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>6</sup> By the word of the LORD were the heavens made,<br /> their starry host by the breath of his mouth. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>7</sup> He gathers the waters of the sea into jars <sup>[<a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/?q=Psalm%2033&niv=yes#fen-NIV-14374a" title="Go to">a</a>]</sup> ;<br /> he puts the deep into storehouses. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>8</sup> Let all the earth fear the LORD;<br /> let all the people of the world revere him. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>9</sup> For he spoke, and it came to be;<br /> he commanded, and it stood firm. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>10</sup> The LORD foils the plans of the nations;<br /> he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>11</sup> But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever,<br /> the purposes of his heart through all generations. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>12</sup> Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,<br /> the people he chose for his inheritance. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>13</sup> From heaven the LORD looks down<br /> and sees all mankind; </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>14</sup> from his dwelling place he watches<br /> all who live on earth- </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>15</sup> he who forms the hearts of all,<br /> who considers everything they do. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>16</sup> No king is saved by the size of his army;<br /> no warrior escapes by his great strength. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>17</sup> A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;<br /> despite all its great strength it cannot save. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>18</sup> But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,<br /> on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>19</sup> to deliver them from death<br /> and keep them alive in famine. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>20</sup> We wait in hope for the LORD;<br /> he is our help and our shield. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>21</sup> In him our hearts rejoice,<br /> for we trust in his holy name. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup>22</sup> May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,<br /> even as we put our hope in you.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>Whenever I’m tired, anxious, or down in my emotions, I like to listen to praise music.<span style=""> </span>The Psalms is a great place in the Bible for us to study about how to praise the Lord.<span style=""> </span>Today we are looking at Psalm 33.<span style=""> </span>Now this is not a short devotion today – this Psalm is full of the attributes of God.<span style=""> </span>I pray you bear through this information and are blessed by it.<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Verses 1-3 encourage us to focus on God’s great worthiness to be praised – encouraging us to open our hearts and to sing to Him in praise.<span style=""> </span>He is righteous (v. 1).</p> <p>Verses 4-11 tell much about God’s character.<span style=""> </span>These verses remind us that God’s Word is right and true (v 1).<span style=""> </span>They tell about God’s faithfulness, (v.4) His righteousness, and His justice (v. 5).</p> <p>Looking at verses 6-9, we see God as the Creator of all.<span style=""> </span>Just His Word made the heavens.<span style=""> </span>The waters of our world are gathered in His jars – think about it – does it not make you full of awe to think that he can gather the ocean in a jar?<span style=""> </span>Our God is tremendous – He is immense.<span style=""> </span>Webster’s defines “immense” as “<span class="sensecontent">transcending ordinary means of measurement.”<span style=""> </span>God is beyond our measuring.<span style=""> </span>Does that just blow you away?<span style=""> </span>How can we help but praise such an amazing God.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">Verses 10-12 are full of the attribute of God that He is omnipotent.<span style=""> </span>Now, I looked at Webster’s online and got this definition of omnipotent:<span style=""> </span>“having virtually unlimited authority or influence” – evidently “Webster” doesn’t know our great God!<span style=""> </span>God is omnipotent – having UNLIMITED authority AND UNLIMITED influence – that is our God!<span style=""> </span>He thwarts the plans not in His plan.<span style=""> </span>His plans stand firm.<span style=""> </span>The purposes of his heart will go through all generations.<span style=""> </span>ALL GENERATIONS – isn’t that wonderful!<span style=""> </span>If you’ve ever read through 1 & 2 Kings, you’ve read <span style=""> </span>about lots of people – even God’s chosen people – not obeying God and not passing along<span style=""> </span>a life of faith in God.<span style=""> </span>Yet, God’s purposes prevailed and continue to prevail.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>What an encouragement that is to me, dear ladies.<span style=""> </span>I pray His omnipotence is an encouragement to you today.<span style=""> </span>His plans will NOT fail.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">As I now look at verses 13-15, I see God’s amazing knowledge and attention to detail in each person’s life.<span style=""> </span>These verses talk about the Lord looking down from heaven and seeing ALL MANKIND – that’s every person – EVERY person – just thinking about that makes me almost have a headache – it’s almost too much to comprehend.<span style=""> </span>And if that weren’t enough, “he who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do.” – God considers EVERYTHING<span style=""> </span>they (EVERYONE) do/does.<span style=""> </span>The fancy word for this is omnipresent – “being present at all places at all times” (Webster’s definition) The God who made you – who is creating your baby is actively watching you and your baby and paying attention to every detail in each of your lives.<span style=""> </span>How can we not worship this great God!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">Verses 16 & 17 focus on us humans – not one of us achieves success or strength of our own doing.<span style=""> </span>“No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.<span style=""> </span>A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save.”<span style=""> </span>Now, let me emphasize that I firmly believe that God uses knowledge of medicine and doctors and medical staff to assist with healing and good health; however, when we put our HOPE in those people or things, our hope is in the wrong place.<span style=""> </span>Our hope is to be with the Lord - that hope is our anchored hope. <span style=""></span>The Lord can use those people or medicines to help with good health, but don’t put your HOPE in those people or things.<span style=""> </span>Worship the great Creator of those people and of those things – the Lord our God!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">This great psalm nears the end with the reminder that God’s eyes are on those who fear him – those who have reverence and awe in God.<span style=""> </span>God will deliver them.<span style=""> </span>That’s why He sent the Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">The last three verses focus on God being our great hope – our shield and our help.<span style=""> </span>Let our hearts rejoice in this great God.<span style=""> </span>Let us put our rest in Him.<span style=""> </span>Rest in His unfailing love.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">Dear God,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">You are righteous.<span style=""> </span>You are worthy of my praise.<span style=""> </span>I praise you right now.<span style=""> </span>I praise You for being the great Creator.<span style=""> </span>I praise You for your Word.<span style=""> </span>I praise You for your faithfulness.<span style=""> </span>God, you gathered the waters of the sea into jars, yet you also started my little one with two tiny cells and you are knitting this baby together in miraculous ways.<span style=""> </span>You are in control of the expanse of universe and in control of my womb.<span style=""> </span>I praise You that Your plans stand firm.<span style=""> </span>I praise You that your purposes go through all generations. <span style=""> </span>I pray, God, that You will equip me to spread Your Word and Your purposes to generations through this child I am carrying.<span style=""> </span>God, when I am anxious, help me to put my rest and my hope in You.<span style=""> </span>You have a plan.<span style=""> </span>Be my shield and my help.<span style=""> </span>May your unfailing love rest upon me as I put my trust in You.<span style=""> </span>In Jesus’ name I pray.<span style=""> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span class="sensecontent">There is a great hymn that our church sings frequently – it touches my heart deeply.<span style=""> </span>It’s called “Jesus, I am Resting, Resting.”<span style=""> </span>Although my favorite tune to sing this is the upbeat way our church’s worship team leads it (Thanks Pastor Fred!), this you tube version is lovely.<span style=""> </span>I’ve also included the words so that you can sing along while the video is playing.<span style=""> </span>I pray it blesses your day.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><object height="295" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dX9-ruvMtrE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dX9-ruvMtrE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="295" width="480"></embed></object></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jesus, I am resting, resting<br />In the joy of what thou art;<br />I am finding out the greatness<br />Of thy loving heart.<br />Thou hast bid me gaze upon thee,<br />As thy beauty fills my soul,<br />For by thy transforming power,<br />Thou hast made me whole.<br /><br />Jesus, I am resting, resting<br />In the joy of what thou art;<br />I am finding out the greatness<br />Of thy loving heart.<br /><br />O how great thy lovingkindness,<br />Vaster, broader than the sea!<br />O how marvelous thy goodness<br />Lavished all on me!<br />Yes, I rest in thee, Beloved,<br />Know what wealth of grace is thine,<br />Know thy certainty of promise<br />And have made it mine.<br /><br />Simply trusting thee, Lord Jesus,<br />I behold thee as thou art,<br />And thy love, so pure, so changeless,<br />Satisfies my heart;<br />Satisfies its deepest longings,<br />Meets, supplies its every need,<br />Compasseth me round with blessings:<br />Thine is love indeed.<br /><br />Ever lift thy face upon me<br />As I work and wait for thee;<br />Resting 'neath thy smile, Lord Jesus,<br />Earth's dark shadows flee.<br />Brightness of my Father's glory,<br />Sunshine of my Father's face,<br />Keep me ever trusting, resting,<br />Fill me with thy grace.</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-67879267980466023152009-03-14T23:42:00.003-05:002009-03-14T23:49:06.107-05:00Indescribable<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" width="425">This is an amazing video to go with Chris Tomlin's praise song "Indescribable" - I encourage you to watch, to listen, to ponder how our God is indescribable. Make sure you watch to the very end - you will be blessed with the final picture, reminding you how our amazing God is forming your baby.<br /><br /><br /><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KlKhw_o6kzE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></object></div><object height="344" width="425"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KlKhw_o6kzE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-91093208616070525482009-03-14T23:24:00.004-05:002009-03-18T22:17:12.278-05:00The Fullness of God<p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center">“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”<span style=""> </span>Ephesians 3:14-19</p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>I have been reading a book which talks about how to handle trouble.<span style=""> </span>Now, when I dreamed of being pregnant before I was pregnant, trouble was not something that came to my mind; however, after experiencing a loss, pregnancy became a time that was stressful, full of anxiety – yes, it could be full of trouble when my eyes were on me instead of on the Lord.<span style=""> </span>And long months of all day sickness (whoever termed it “morning sickness,” sure didn’t have it all day like I did) were a trouble that was difficult for me as well.<span style=""> </span>I was so very thankful to be pregnant, but feeling troubled at times.<span style=""> </span>Are you finding your mind wandering towards anxious, troubling thoughts?<span style=""> </span>Are you tired and feeling troubled?<span style=""> </span>Here is God’s Word for you today – from Ephesians 4.<span style=""> </span>This is a letter from the apostle Paul.<span style=""> </span>He knew all about trouble.<span style=""> </span>He wrote this letter to the church at <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Ephesus</st1:city></st1:place> while he was in prison.<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Paul is asking God to strengthen the church at <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Ephesus</st1:place></st1:city> spiritually – Paul <span style=""> </span>says “out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you”.<span style=""> </span>Let’s look at God’s strength.<span style=""> </span>Psalm 66:6-7 says “who formed the mountains by your power, having armed yourself with strength, who stilled the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves.”<span style=""> </span>This God who created mountains and stills the seas is the same God forming your baby.<span style=""> </span>He is the same God who is using you and your body to form this precious life.<span style=""> </span>Remember to look to Him at times of joy and at times of anxiety.<span style=""> </span>Ask the Lord to strengthen you on the inside – spiritually.<span style=""> </span>Spend time talking to God and in His Word – His strength is more than enough for your trouble today.</p> <p>Paul was also praying that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith.<span style=""> </span>Let’s focus on the word “dwell” – do we dwell in a hotel?<span style=""> </span>No, we dwell in our homes – we visit in a hotel.<span style=""> </span>Paul is praying that Christ’s Holy Spirit would dwell – make a home – in their hearts.<span style=""> </span>To be a lasting master of their hearts.<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Paul prays that the Ephesians would be able to grasp the width, the length, the height, <span style=""> </span>and the depth of the love of Christ.<span style=""> </span>Here are some verses that talk about the love of Christ.</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,<sup> </sup>that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"> “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying:<br /> "I have loved you with an everlasting love;<br /> I have drawn you with loving-kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3</p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center">“Who, [Jesus] being in very nature<sup> </sup>God,<br /> did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,<br /> but made himself nothing,<br /> taking the very nature of a servant,<br /> being made in human likeness.<br /> And being found in appearance as a man,<br /> he humbled himself<br /> and became obedient to death—<br /> even death on a cross!”<span style=""> </span>Philippians 2:7-8</p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>The Lord Jesus Christ left Heaven – to come to earth as a baby born in a poor family.<span style=""> </span>He came for you – He came for me.<span style=""> </span>He came because He loved us too<span style=""> </span>much to remain in Heaven.<span style=""> </span>He gave up His communion with God the Father while the Lord Jesus suffered on the cross for your sins – for my sins –for the sins of the world – for the sins of this baby you carry.<span style=""> </span>I pray today that you are aware of how wide – how long – how high - how deep the love of the Lord is for you.<span style=""> </span>He loves you more than words can convey – scripture says “it surpasses all knowledge.”<span style=""> </span>It is too great for us to completely know the love of Christ.<span style=""> </span>Isn’t that wondrous!</p> <p>“And may you be filled with the measure of all the fullness of God.” (v. 19)<span style=""> </span>Paul is praying that the Ephesians would be filled with ALL the measure of the fullness of God – all of it – not just some of it – ALL of it.<span style=""> </span>Ladies, we have to yield ourselves so that we can be filled with ALL of the fullness of God.<span style=""> </span>We have to spend time with the Lord – we need to praise Him.<span style=""> </span>We need to repent our sins.<span style=""> </span>We need to read His Word.<span style=""> </span>We need to talk with Him and give up our wants and our desires and listen to His desires for our lives.<span style=""> </span>It is when we can let go of us that we can be filled with Him.<span style=""> </span>Look to Him today.<span style=""> </span>Spend some time alone with the Lord.<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Ladies, I am praying Paul’s prayer for you today.<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Dear God,</p> <p>I praise You that You are holy – that You are powerful – You are the Almighty God.<span style=""> </span>God, You made the mountains. You have power over the seas.<span style=""> </span>You have strength to fill up the weakness of my life.<span style=""> </span>Please help me to yield my will – to yield my desires today so that I can be filled up with Your strength.<span style=""> </span>Help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is Your love for me and for my baby.<span style=""> </span>Thank you God for that love.<span style=""> </span>Help me to grow in You and to be filled to the measure of all the fullness of You so that I can pass that on to this baby.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>When trouble enters my mind, remind me of your strength, your love, and your fullness today.<span style=""> </span>In Jesus’ name I pray.<span style=""> </span>Amen.</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-77499739465849273512009-03-01T17:20:00.002-06:002009-03-01T17:25:11.835-06:00All Things NewI'm sorry I haven't posted for a while. The kids had time off from school and I haven't been on the computer much since Tuesday. I have an idea in my mind for my next devotion, but need some more time to get it to fruition. The following You Tube video touched my heart - I've been looking at how God takes the hard times in our lives and makes all things new. Enjoy this video! <br /><br />I am praying for you - God makes all things new!<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9_Q3NrB_eHM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9_Q3NrB_eHM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-66229130362838037562009-02-24T11:51:00.004-06:002009-03-18T22:17:51.050-05:00Exchanging Strength<p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Do you not know?<br />Have you not heard?<br />The LORD is the everlasting God,<br />the Creator of the ends of the earth.<br />He will not grow tired or weary,<br />and his understanding no one can fathom. </p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">He gives strength to the weary<br />and increases the power of the weak. </p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Even youths grow tired and weary,<br />and young men stumble and fall; </p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">but those who hope in the LORD<br />will renew their strength.<br />They will soar on wings like eagles;<br />they will run and not grow weary,<br />they will walk and not be faint.</p><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> </div><p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 40:28-31</p> <p><o:p> </o:p></p> <p>Have you ever been tired or weary?<span style=""> </span>Are you today?<span style=""> </span>I think pregnancy bring on great tiredness and weariness, especially at the beginning and end of a pregnancy.<span style=""> </span>God is using the energy and nutrients in your body to do amazing things to grow your baby.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>Are you caring for other children today?<span style=""> </span>Is there a “to do” list a mile long at work or at home?<span style=""> </span>Are you overwhelmed?<span style=""> </span>God calls us to look to Him for strength today.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>As I looked at verse 31, at the word “renew,” my NIV Study Bible note says that the word for renew means “exchange”.<span style=""> </span>Let’s read it that way:<span style=""> </span>“But those who hope in the LORD will <b style="">exchange</b> their strength.<span style=""> </span>They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”<span style=""> </span></p> <p>Hope in the Lord doesn’t just give us strength that we’ve<span style=""> </span>had before.<span style=""> </span>God calls us to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>exchange our strength – to give up our strength – and to exchange it for the Lord’s strength.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>How do we exchange our strength for the Lord’s strength?<span style=""> </span>First, we have to spend daily time with Him.<span style=""> </span>Quiet time with the Lord – praying to Him, reading His Word, being still with the Lord.<span style=""> </span>We need to confess our sins to the Lord and ask for His assistance to get rid of those sinful habits.<span style=""> </span>Hiding God’s Word in our hearts by Bible memorization is also a great way to exchange our strength for the Lord’s strength.<span style=""> </span>It’s a process.<span style=""> </span>It takes time.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>Here’s an other interesting word picture.<span style=""> </span>God has designed eagles so that they soar – they do not flap their wings frequently like other birds.<span style=""> </span>Think about the difference between a hummingbird and an eagle. Are you feeling like you are flapping your wings frantically?<span style=""> </span>When we exchange our strength for the strength of the Lord, we can soar like eagles – waiting for the right wind – the right current to come so that we can soar.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>My prayer for you today is that you will take some quiet time with the Lord.<span style=""> </span>Spend time in prayer with God.<span style=""> </span>Talk to Him.<span style=""> </span>Tell Him how great He is.<span style=""> </span>Tell Him your worries, your cares.<span style=""> </span>Get into His Word so that you can learn about how great He is.<span style=""> </span>If you do not have a Bible, go <a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/">here</a><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>to read the Bible online.<span style=""> </span>Copy and paste Isaiah 40: 28-31 and put it around your house to be reminded to look to the Lord for strength – to exchange your strength for the Lord’s.<span style=""> </span>Don’t be overwhelmed – take baby steps – little by little you will find that you can’t get enough of God and His Word.<span style=""> </span>When you don’t feel like it, do it anyway.<span style=""> </span>I have found even when I’m not in the mood to be in His Word, the feelings come over time with discipline, persistence, and obedience to spending time in His Word.<span style=""> </span>I am praying for you today, dear ladies – for you and for your baby – and all of your family!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p>Dear God,</p> <p>Thank you for this day.<span style=""> </span>Thank you for Your Word.<span style=""> </span>Thank you for the promise that when I exchange my strength for Your strength, You will cause me to soar like an eagle.<span style=""> </span>I praise You, Lord, that You never grow weary.<span style=""> </span>Thank you for creating me.<span style=""> </span>Help me to stop being a hummingbird.<span style=""> </span>Help me to keep my focus on You today so that I can soar like an eagle.<span style=""> </span>Thank you God for creating this precious little life growing inside of me.<span style=""> </span>Please continue to grow this baby to a healthy baby. When anxiety fills my mind, remind me of Your Word and of Your great plan for me and for my baby.<span style=""> </span>Help me to shift my focus from me to You.<span style=""> </span>In Jesus’ name I pray.<span style=""> </span>Amen.<br /><br /></p><p>As a side note, I spent time this morning absorbed in some data on the internet in regards to eagles that I later found was not correct. There is a myth out there that eagles in their later years have to break their beaks and talons - pull off old feathers and grow new ones. This information is a myth. This has been a reminder to me to look closely at information found online - don't believe everything you read!</p><span style=""><br /></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-738645476936215432009-02-21T07:53:00.002-06:002009-02-21T07:57:41.870-06:00Strong and Courageous<div style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;">Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:8-9</span><br /> </div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Have you ever been terrified?<span style=""> </span>Have you ever been discouraged?<span style=""> </span>I have.<span style=""> </span>Do you find yourself terrified that something could be wrong with your baby?<span style=""> </span>Are you itching to get to an ultrasound?<span style=""> </span>Are you discouraged because those hCG’s aren’t as high as you had wished?<span style=""> </span>Is it too long until your next appointment to hear the heartbeat?<span style=""> God challenges you today to be strong and courageous.<br /> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, before you run and beg your doctor to get a sonogram soon. Before you rent that Baby Beat, go to God’s Word, the Bible.<span style=""> </span>It is full of hope for you today. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have a physician who is there to speak to us at any moment.<span style=""> </span>The Great Physician – God.<span style=""> </span>He has gifted us with His Word. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Proverbs 30:5</span> says "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.</span>”<span style=""> </span>Rest in that shield today – take refuge in His Word.<span style=""> </span>When doubt comes to mind, memorize scripture.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Below is a favorite verse of mine for anxiety – I challenge you to memorize it today – type it out on your computer and put it all around your home, in your car, in your pocket.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<span style=""> </span>Philippians 4: 6-7.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Go right now – copy and paste these verses – print them out – God is there listening to your prayers – to your fears.<span style=""> </span>God’s peace will rest on you when you bathe yourself in His Word.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear God,<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thank you for this day with my precious little one.<span style=""> </span>Thank you for Your Word to remind me about who You are and that You have a grand plan.<span style=""> </span>You have hope.<span style=""> </span>You can cast out that anxiety above what any earthy data can give me right now.<span style=""> </span>Help me to rest in that – help me to hide Your Word in my heart today so that it can be my shield when the arrows of doubt creep into my mind.<span style=""> </span>I ask You to continue to grow this precious little one inside of me – and to grow my heart to be more like Yours today.<span style=""> </span>Grow me to be strong and courageous in You, God. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>Dear ladies I am praying for you today – when that fear creeps in, read Philippians 4:6-7!<span style=""> </span>It’s my challenge to you today.<span style=""> </span></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-72670640556076385152009-02-20T10:02:00.002-06:002009-02-20T10:06:04.931-06:00Amazing....<p style="text-align: left; font-weight: bold;">Psalm 139:13-16</p><div> </div> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">For you created my inmost being;<br />you knit me together in my mother's womb. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;<br />your works are wonderful,<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><br />I know that full well. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">My frame was not hidden from you<br />when I was made in the secret place.<br />When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">your eyes saw my unformed body.<br />All the days ordained for me<br />were written in your book<br />before one of them came to be.</span></p><br /><p><br /></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Did you know God knew the events of today even before you were born?<span style=""> </span>Every day of our life was ordained by God even before our own birth.<span style=""> </span>That amazes me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Each of my three children living on earth were knit together by the Lord.<span style=""> </span>God has a special plan for each of them.<span style=""> </span>I praise the Lord for their lives and for their futures.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Every baby is created for a purpose – no matter how long or how short its life.<span style=""> </span>I praise God for the little ones God created inside of me whom<span style=""> </span>I have yet to meet until Heaven. God had a great purpose for them.<span style=""> </span>I praise God for their lives, even though they were shorter than I had hoped.<span style=""> </span>He has taken the ashes of my grief and grown me and given me opportunities for ministry in ways that amaze me.<span style=""> </span>Our God is a Great God!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">God has a plan for you.<span style=""> </span>God has a plan for the baby you are carrying.<span style=""> </span>No life is wasted, no matter how short that life is.<span style=""> </span>God has great plans for you.<span style=""> </span>He has great plans for your baby.<span style=""> </span>Bask in the goodness of the Lord today – of how He created you for His purposes, and how He’s created and growing your baby. God is good!<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Take some time to go <a href="http://www.christian-mommies.com/ages/in-the-womb/pregnancy-week-by-week/">here</a> and read in amazement how God grows babies from the start – it is an amazing miracle.<span style=""> </span>Only our Amazing and Mighty God can do this!<span style=""> </span>Praise Him today!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Dear God,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Thank you for how you created me – that all of the days of my life are written in your book.<span style=""> </span>You have a perfect plan for me. Thank you for Your amazing creation in <span style=""> </span>this special life growing inside of me.<span style=""> </span>Help me to remember to be amazed at this<span style=""> </span>baby you have created and are growing in wonderful ways.<span style=""> </span>Help me to remember that you have a purpose and a plan for this little one.<span style=""> </span>When fear comes to mind, remind me that You love me and You love my baby with a never ending love.<span style=""> </span>I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.</span></p><br /><p><br /></p><p>Dear ladies, I am lifting you up to the Lord today - praying for comfort for any discomfort in your health (I rarely felt well when I was pregnant, so I have great empathy for you!). I am praying that the Lord would bring to mind His Word and His Plan when you find your mind dwelling on anxiety. <br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-25933303420697348172009-02-18T21:55:00.002-06:002009-02-18T22:03:58.348-06:00Anchored Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ<div style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19a</span><br /></div><br />What is this anchored hope of which Hebrews 6:19 speaks?<span style=""> </span>Dear ladies, it is the hope from the Lord Jesus Christ.<span style=""> </span>Each one of us is a sinner who has no hope to live up to God’s standards.<span style=""> </span>The Lord Jesus came down to earth as an infant – He grew to a man – He lived a sinless life and died on a cross for your sins –for my sins.<span style=""> </span>After 3 days, the Lord Jesus rose from the dead.<span style=""> </span>He conquered death.<span style=""> </span>He took on the pain of our sins.<span style=""> </span>When we accept that we are sinners with no hope on our own, and ask the Lord Jesus to take control of our life – to be the center of our life, of our existence – it is then, ladies, that we can look to the hope of the Lord.<span style=""> </span> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, it does not guarantee a life of ease.<span style=""> </span>It won’t guarantee that your baby will live a full life on earth.<span style=""> </span>No, the hope is that God has a plan for each of us – and for your baby.<span style=""> </span>His plans are not always what we expect them to be.<span style=""> </span>I got caught in the wrong thinking that a miracle conception would have to mean that we were meant to have another child on earth from that pregnancy, and I was wrong.<span style=""> </span>But ladies, our hope has to be in the Lord and in His plan for our lives.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This does not mean that it is aimless to pray for your baby – to ask the Lord to grow your baby to a healthy full-term transition to life on earth.<span style=""> </span>God wants to hear your hearts desire.<span style=""> </span>Look to Him and to His plan. Enjoy this day you have this precious baby growing inside of you.<span style=""> </span>It is a miracle from God.<span style=""> <br /> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you want to know more about how to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, here is a website which explains it beautifully <a href="http://66.132.242.132/pages/page.asp?page_id=31469">here</a><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://66.132.242.132/pages/page.asp?page_id=31469"><br /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><u>Today’s Prayer<o:p></o:p></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear God,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thank you for this precious time of carrying this precious little one<span style=""> </span>inside of me.<span style=""> </span>Lord, I ask that You would continue to grow this baby.<span style=""> </span>As each cell is developing, knit him/her together in Your perfect way.<span style=""> </span>God, I thank you for the gift of Your son, Jesus.<span style=""> </span>Thank You for Your plan of the cross.<span style=""> </span>Thank you that Jesus has the power over death.<span style=""> </span>Thank You that He is my eternal anchored hope of salvation.<span style=""> </span>Help me to focus on hope in the Lord instead of hope in sonograms, hCG levels, and heartbeat sounds.<span style=""> </span>Help me to be reminded of the great gift of today with this baby, even though I can’t see or hold him/her yet.<span style=""> </span>In Jesus’ name I pray.<span style=""> </span>Amen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dear ladies, I am praying for you today – for you to enjoy your day and to be growing in the Lord.<span style=""> </span>When you find yourself anxious, get in God’s Word!<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8861075151486283804.post-39239574989505213642009-01-24T00:49:00.003-06:002009-01-24T00:52:54.707-06:00Our storyWelcome to my new blog. I thought I'd start with telling you a bit of our story - the journey God has granted us as my husband and I sought God's will for our family.<br /><br />We were married in 1996 after an 18 month courtship. God was starting to show me how when I'm content with where God has me, He will bless me with the desires of my heart. Meeting Warren and courting Warren was one way of showing me this. When I was content with where God had me in my singleness, God sent Warren.<br /><br />After we married, we waited until I finished my master's degree to start the journey of adding children to our family. I taught full-time -- and then some -- I am a type A perfectionist who spent too many hours in her classroom and planning. Warren & I came to the conclusion that perhaps I should resign from my teaching job before we added children to our family. I resigned from my wonderful 6th grade teaching job in 1998, feeling strongly it was the Lord's will for us.<br /><br />In August 1998, we got a positive - we were pregnant! We went on our dream vacation to Ireland, where I had extreme "morning" sickness - round the clock. Upon our return, I went to my doctor appointment, only to find that there was no heartbeat. In fact, it ended up that I had a partial molar pregnancy. The doctor explained that some women develop cancer from the moles traveling in the bloodstream, so we had to wait at least one year to try to conceive again. I was caught up in grief in our loss. I was grieved in the waiting a year or more. I was worried about cancer. How can this happen? How could this be God's plan?<br /><br />That year of waiting was a VERY hard year. But GOD had a plan - a wonderful plan. You see, before the year of waiting, my summer was full of reading every book I could get hold of about pregnancy - and what God wanted me to do was to be learning about Him and how He desired my life to be. I was a Christian - I had professed belief - I even had a daily walk with Him. Yet, I hadn't learned the JOY in daily walking closely with Him and learning from His Word - the Bible - for YEARNING to take in His Word in my life. That year of waiting was water to my parched soul. I learned to be content as a child of God and to desire to study His Word so that I could know Him more closely. <br /><br />We waited. I couldn't wait until we got the OK to start again. And God blessed us then with a pregnancy - in fact, we rang in the new century knowing there was a little life growing inside of me. And God blessed us with His will for us - our son, Will - on September 2, 2000. We praise God for our son Will.<br /><br />In September 2001, we got another positive test. We were elated! Then a month later, we experienced a miscarriage. This was another difficult time. So thankful to have Will, yet also grieving that baby. God graciously granted us another pregnancy and in November we got a positive test. During that pregnancy, I looked for a devotional book for pregnancy that was specific to a woman who was nervous about her pregnancy due to loss in the past, but only found devotionals which seemed more whimsical than I needed. This little seed was planted to write a devotional which focussed on God and His Word - to give me encouragement and hope in the midst of an anxious pregnancy.<br /><br />We were blessed to deliver Klara on August 12, 2002. What a joy to have a son and now a daughter. We felt so blessed.<br /><br />Two years later, we brought home Adam on August 20, 2004. We celebrated God's abundant goodness to our family!<br /><br />We felt content in our family size and opted for a vasectomy the next year. The week of the vasectomy, we got a positive pregnancy test. We were excited that God was surprising us with a number four and looked forward to being a family of six. The next month, we lost that little one to a miscarriage - we were heartbroken. We looked to the Lord and in His goodness, we knew He would use that loss in some way. I helped with a ministry for women going through infant loss, and I felt a renewed passion for those women. I knew God would somehow bring good out of this unexpected excitement, then unexpected loss.<br /><br />Three months later - we got another positive pregnancy test - the vasectomy had healed. We were totally excited. God MUST SURELY want us to have four children. I was SO EXCITED! Yet, a month later, again, it ended in miscarriage. Why Lord? Why did You have to allow this AGAIN? WHY? It was a VERY difficult time. I learned to look to the Lord - to who HE is - to get my focus off of me - off of our family - and put it on God - to look at His attributes - His love - His plan - His will. It was and can still be difficult, but focusing on HIM and not on myself is the best way to heal and to find joy and hope in each day.<br /><br />One of the gifts of our last two losses, is a sense that I HAVE to write - I've developed a deep desire to put words down in writing. I think this is totally from the Lord for this season of my life since I've never felt this deep desire to write, nor have I ever felt that I've been very good at writing (especially as I remember my college freshman English class where I labored over and over papers which my professor critiqued over and over again). I firmly feel this calling is from the Lord. I have felt strongly that I am to work on writing a devotional for pregnant women who have anxiety - especially those women who have suffered infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth. I feel that writing in this blog will give me accountability and an audience so that I can be more motivated and disciplined to write. I pray there will be some of you ladies out there that I can encourage by sharing God's Word and God's character.<br /><br />Thank you for taking time to read our story. I pray that my writing will reflect the Lord and His Word. <br /><br />Here are words from the Bible which were very helpful to me in my healing from loss and in finding hope towards our future with children at home:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."<br />Jeremiah 29:11-13 <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />A side note because I'm sure some of you may be curious about this - we are not currently pregnant nor are we seeking to be pregnant. Due to having four losses, already having three healthy children, and getting older, we opted for the second vasectomy - knowing God could surprise us one day or perhaps He would call us to adopt. For now, we feel content and blessed in our family of three children.<br /></div> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0