Thursday, January 31, 2013

1 Timothy 2:9-10

I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,  but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."  1 Timothy 2:9-10

My blessing and lesson for today from God:
While shopping for new shoes for Cole, I ran into another baby loss mom whom I met in the last 9 months. I was so relieved and happy to see her, as she now has a 5 month old baby boy, whom happened to be her 3rd child, 2nd living son. She too lost a baby girl not very long ago. After chatting for a few minutes, we both went about our shoe shopping. We happened to meet back at the check out.  While in line we both kind of understandingly commented on the boring selection for boys and how it's not fun seeing all the cute, sparkly girl shoes. Although it truly does hurt and make you want to feel bad for yourself, it was a blessing in its own way, to have someone right there, at that moment, when you had those thoughts, who could just comprehend and feel how you were feeling.

My initial thoughts were that I want to make an effort to encourage moms who have little girls to make sure to buy their daughter's girly, frilly things and to treat them like the princesses' they are. As I thought more about it, I was led to the above verse along with Proverbs 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." The world we live in draws us to think girls, young women, older women should and need to be adorned in the finest "things", including make-up, clothes, shoes, jewelry and other accessories. However God tells us in His Word the way in which he wants a woman to dress and behave and it is far from the world's view.
So, after my pity party for myself and missing out on the opportunity to dress my little Olivia in cute clothes and shoes, I am now hoping to encourage mom's of daughter's, whether they are little or older, to lead your daughter's in the way that God desires them to be- modest, and God fearing (with a little sparkle and glitter to be a shining light for God)

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Psalms 46:10

"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." -Psalms 46:10

God has been revealing to me a lot about trusting Him through His word. Throughout life struggles, I have always been able to rely on Him and trust in Him, ultimately to see me through. However losing a child has been the worst, most painful and emotionally exhausting "storm" that has come my way by far!
I am thankful to say, He has brought us a long way in the last 9 months, bringing us from the days that didn't seem bearable to days that come and go, with tears shed, but with an amazing hope.
Being pregnant now is truly a blessing, but has really tested my ability to just trust and let go of worries.
I'd like to share a reading from one of the devotionals I'm reading through now. It is called Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.
"Trust Me by relinquishing control into My hands. Let go, and recognize that I am God. This is my world: I made it and I control it. Yours is a responsive part in the litany of Love. I search among My children for receptivity to Me. Guard well this gift that I have planted in your heart. Nurture it with the Light of My Presence.
When you bring Me prayer requests, lay out your concerns before Me. Speak to Me candidly; pour out your heart. Then thank Me for the answers that I have set into motion long before you can discern results. When your requests come to mind again, continue to thank Me for answers that are on the way. If you keep on stating your concerns to Me, you will live in a state of tension. When you thank Me for how I am answering your prayers, your mind-set becomes much more positive. Thankful prayers keep your focus on My Presence and My promises."
I am determined to put this into practice for the rest of this pregnancy and in the years to come. So far, it feels a lot better, than the mind-set of worry I had been in. Don't get me wrong, it is still a struggle. I have never been a very anxious person until this past year. I don't know how best to descibe it other than a shaky horrible feeling that leaves you sick to your stomach, all coming from negative thinking that you just can't seem to control. It takes a lot of energy on your own to calm yourself down when worry and anxiety enters your mind. It's a lot more manageable with the help of The Helper. Thank goodness for a Lord who bears our burdens and lightens our load.
Today, I did something I told myself and Isaac I would not do this pregnancy, and that was to buy clothes in preparation for our new baby boy. I only bought a of couple of outfits but you know what, it felt good to not feel so doubtful and just trust that we would be bringing home a baby this time.
We have chosen a name for the baby that also symbolizes our trust that God is going to bless us. His name is Nathaniel Josiah, meaning given of God, God sustains.
Thank you for your continued prayers!