Monday, June 30, 2014

Perfect Parenting Formula


Ever feel like reading a vast array of parenting books and soliciting advice from everywhere left you feeling confused...like you were messing up your kid? Follow the link below to read an insightful blog by Lysa Terkeurst of Proverbs 31 ministries. 


http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/the-perfect-parenting-formula/

The Perfect Parenting Formula


Ever feel like reading a vast array of parenting books and soliciting advice from everywhere left you feeling confused...like you were messing up your kid? Follow the link below to read an insightful blog by Lysa Terkeurst of Proverbs 31 ministries. 


http://proverbs31.org/devotions/devo/the-perfect-parenting-formula/

Saturday, June 28, 2014

TRIALS are a COMPLIMENT to my CHARACTER

If your eyes are on the storm
You'll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You'll know I always have and I always will
And not a tear is wasted
In time, you'll understand
I'm painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands
 -Just Be Held by Casting Crowns

A friend recently challenged me to embrace the life God entrusted me with. From trial to joy, tears to triumph, accept my call and seek to please Him. She reminded me, in the Bible, that Job's trials were a compliment to his character. God used the trials in his life to chisel away the crazy and... amazing character is what remained. Since having that conversation, God has whispered a few points of wisdom to me:

1. God entrusted this life to me.
From beginning to end. Being a pastor's wife. Being a mom of a special needs child. Being a mom of a child born with a birth defect. Being a stay-at-home wife living on a restricted budget (for a season). Being a girl who has amazing girlfriends! Being someone HE plucked out of my home land to go and start something new afar. Being a Christian who seeks to make a difference even though sometimes I don't see the fruit right away.

2. God wants me to embrace what's been entrusted to me.
This was eye opening to me. I have accepted my call in life, but was never challenged to embrace it.  Embrace it. Really embrace it. That's where I am at. I want to see the twisty road I'm on as an adventure instead of a detour. Embrace it. It's all in our perspective.

 EMBRACE - verb 
 to accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically.

Well I know that up until now I have NOT enthusiastically embraced the trials and the painful parts of my life. They make up who I am, but I never looked at them with enthusiasm. Until now. I want to look at my challenges and trials, as a mom, with new lenses. With renewed vision. With hope and excitement of what HE will do with my "ashes"  and the beauty HE plans to paint with it.

3. God is painting beauty from the ashes.
The story isn't over. My life isn't through. He is making something beautiful out of the crazy in my life. I may not see it. I may not understand it, but I trust Him. He has bigger plans than what my eyes can see. As I embrace this life he has entrusted me with...truth promises:
 
The end of a matter is better than its beginning -
Ecclesiastes 7:8


 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. - Philippians 1:6

Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly. - Job 8:7
Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Beginning-And-End#sthash.bKfX1zkZ.dpuf
Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Beginning-And-End#sthash.bKfX1zkZ.dpuf
Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Beginning-And-End#sthash.bKfX1zkZ.dpuf
Though your beginning was insignificant, Yet your end will increase greatly. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Beginning-And-End#sthash.bKfX1zkZ.dpuf

Trials are a compliment to my character. It chisels. It encourages. It reminds me that HE's not finished with me yet. He can take something broken and make it beautiful.

Friday, June 27, 2014

"How To" Parenting...Really?

Joshua 1: 10 – 11 
So Joshua ordered the officers of the people. 
Go through the camp and tell the people,
“Get your supplies ready.
Three days from now you will cross the Jordan
Here to go in and take possession of the land
The Lord your God is giving you for your own.”

         I’m in disbelief.  How did I get here? Where did the time go? Our man-child will be getting married in barely two weeks.  He has grown into a precious young man.  He has a tender heart.  He loves the Lord.
         My desire has been to be a good mom. I’ve wanted to show love unconditionally and point him to Jesus at every juncture.  I wanted to give him every tool to help him in his future as a follower of Jesus, as a husband and as a dad.
         You know what?  I didn’t know how and I don’t know now.  It has been a process of learning.  I’ve read my share of books. I’ve consulted every parent a step down the aisle who would give me a moment to answer the question, “So how do you raise a boy?”
         And now as I sit two weeks out from his big day, I find solace in God’s Word.  Just as Joshua stands on the threshold of the Promised Land, he didn’t know how.
         Joshua didn’t know how.  He didn’t know how he would cross the Jordan.  He didn’t know how he would fight the giants and he didn’t know how he would possess the land.  He only knew that God had commissioned him, he was not to be afraid and that God would be with him.
         Much like us moms don’t you think?  A child comes into our lives and we have no idea (or at least minimum ideas) of what to do.  But what we do know?  Is the same knowledge He gave Joshua, God has commissioned us in the obvious, He asks us not to be afraid and He promises to be with us.
         Being a mother is a trusting exercise.  By the worlds standards there are limited guidelines on how to parent.  If we choose to trust the society we will produce a child built by the social norms of the times.
         God didn’t give Joshua the knowledge of how to walk into the Promised Land.  Had the people shouted “HOW?” Joshua didn’t know.  He just believed what he was told.

         Ladies, we have been told, you have a child.  Find yourself in God’s Word. Be the mom He has called you to be. We don’t know the “How?” of parenting but we know who ultimately made the commission.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Reach Out When You're Struggling

 Two are better than one, 
because they have a good return
 for their work:  If one falls down,
 his friend can help him up. 
But pity the man who falls 
and has no one to help him up!
 - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

So yesterday was a tough day. Oh it started out great...at a local water park where we had FREE admission tickets to get in. We played and splashed for hours. We all loved the lazy river. Then I got into a little tiff with another parent. A scuffle you might say :) I was holding one of the "squirters" so my son could cross the lily pads without being hosed down, where a boy had been strategically just moments before his mom called him over to get re-sunscreened.  Before I knew it, his mom was in my peripheral and totally dismissed my reasoning as I shared with her why I was holding down the "squirter." She scolded me that I "was at a water park" and walked away. There it went. My great and amazing day. I got frustrated - to which I responded by praying for her as I floated down the lazy river one more time. This incident was followed by both boys having meltdowns on the way to the car. 

On my drive home, satan was working overtime on my mind. He brought to remembrance a few of my relationship struggles that week. And before I knew it I was overwhelmed and my heart was heavy. As we got settled at home - with dinner and showers- there were a few other little hiccups. Of course it was right before I left for ladies Bible study. 

The next day, I was able to connect with a good friend who reminded me of truth. I shared my heart and craziness from the day before. She listened. She reminded me of my purpose and His plan. She told me what I needed to hear, not just what I wanted to hear. She reminded me to pray. She encouraged and uplifted my heaviness.  I am so glad I don't walk this life alone. Jesus created us for community. He knew we would struggle and need a friend to listen on those tough days.


Do you have someone you can reach out to when you're struggling?

Friends who love Jesus are priceless. 

Do you have one? 

If yes...
Take a moment and call them and let them know what they mean to you.

If no...
Pray HE will provide you with one. 

They are a gift and a necessity in this crazy life called motherhood.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Tools to Lead Us on Paths of Righteousness

Each day we have the opportunity to teach our children special things to shape their hearts and minds for this life and the eternal after.  I’ve learned  and applied a lot of tools from the Anxiety class I’ve been attending at church – and I’ve been using them with our kids too. 

"He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake." Psalm 23:2-4

One of the tools is to BREATHE when I feel anxious and my mind races on a path of unrighteousness.  Even before the class I was putting this tool into practice and helping our children do it when they got upset and couldn’t “get a grip.”  However, now I’m learning that it’s a way to glorify God!  When we use our body the way God created us to use it, we glorify our Creator and we can be more useful in His hand if we are not all worried and panicked.  Something our teacher noted was that in Scripture anytime God breathes, He is doing something (and with God it is usually something pre-t-t-y amazing!) 

Along with that, another tool is to use their mouth to tell their brains what to do.  This is the tool to help stop the brain from going down those paths of unrighteousness by actually saying out loud, “STOP.”  Usually when we get panicked about something it’s because we’ve fabricated a scenario in our minds that is not true. 

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things." Phil 4:8


The other day we were at the beach and one of my kids was freaking out that the waves were going to come up and get us.  Mind you, we were the farthest up the beach to the reeds, under palm trees and right next to the lifeguard station.  I put these tools into practice but they didn’t work right away. .. so I panicked – no, just kidding!  J  After a little while we were all fine and had a great two-hour picnic and play at the beach.

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

URGENT vs. IMPORTANT

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a midst that appears for a little while and then vanishes. - James 4:14

It is easy, as a mom of three, to get caught up with the "urgent" and miss the "important." My days are  crazy busy with to-do lists and never ending errands.  Many times things on my "list"  must remain there until the next day due to the fact that there are only 24 hours in a day. 

But today was different. I stopped everything and just had FUN! Yep, I took the afternoon off from my "urgent" and allowed myself to enjoy the "important" - watching my seven year old finally jump off the community diving board. He struggled all last summer climbing to the end of the board and then slowly backing up and down the ladder. All the life guards gave great advice but he just wasn't ready. 

So today, after three attempts, we prayed together and I was a proud Mama watching him soar off the board with a big splash. It was my "important." A special moment with my son, and I am so glad I could be a part of it. I took pictures and sent them to my husband and posted to Facebook too! 



Do you tend to get caught up in the "urgent" and miss the "important?"

What change need to take place, in your schedule, so you can enjoy those special moments with your kids this summer?

Think of one thing your child has done, in which you are proud of, and share it with them.

Praise God for those moments, you cherish, as you do life with your kids.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Encouragement for the Homeschooling Mom

Commit your plans unto 
the Lord and they 
will succeed. 
- Proverbs 16:3

A friend recently sent me this blog link and it was a breath of fresh air. It reminded me of who am I, and where I want to be as I homeschool my kids. I can get caught up in my many failures of the day, instead of focusing on the call HE has on my life and being obedient to walk it out in faith. Trusting. Praying. Believing. I hope this link encourages your heart too!


Note: If your kids are in public school...that is awesome too! We need missionaries out there spreading the love of Jesus. We must always remember to keep our eyes open, watching, as HE is always placing ministry opportunities before us. 


Ladies, remember not to put your convictions on another. We very lovingly can do this and be unaware of the pressure we place on a friend who chooses differently than us. Pray for wisdom. He will reveal truth for you and your family and however that looks - specifically in making educational decisions :)

Friday, June 20, 2014

The Love Audit Forward!

You know how you get those "forwarded" messages on email?  Well, this is one such forward.  

This was such a beautiful and simple "audit" I couldn't help but share it.  Interestingly enough, it didn't have an author attached.  So if these are your words, I hope you read this reprint as a compliment.  Be blessed, and if you are, forward it!  

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

My emotions swirled in frustration during a particularly difficult season of my marriage. My husband's disillusionment with life, God and our marriage had taken him to a place of rock-bottom depression. It was one of the darkest seasons I'd ever experienced.

"God, show me what you want me to do," I whispered in desperation.
"I want you to love him." I heard deep in my soul.
Immediately I responded, "But God ... he's not very lovable right now."
"I know, dear one. Sometimes you aren't either," God whispered back.
"Okay, Lord. I get that. You love me when I'm not very lovable. Show me how to do the same."

That conversation with God launched a much-needed lesson about what real love looks like in everyday life as a wife and a mom.
Love is a blend of affection, devotion and loyalty. It is part emotion and part commitment. Real love — unconditional love — is hope blended into the reality of life.

Two years after that hard season of marriage, I found myself in a difficult season of parenting. As a mother of five, we'd faced plenty of parenting trials, but none quite as challenging or long-suffering as this season with one of our children. I knew God needed me to respond in love to my child who was anything but lovable in this hard time.

Our imperfect family members need to know that our love is never in doubt. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.
When God is the leader of our lives, He asks us to deny ourselves and follow Him. That means resisting the way we want to react and instead choosing to respond the way God wants us to respond.

There's a battle that happens inside of us between doing things our way and doing things God's way. When we let God win that battle, we take a step of maturity in our faith. We also get to experience a sense of joy when we experience the victory of handling things God's way instead of our way.

I opened my Bible to 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and began to perform a parenting love audit as it related to my child:
Love is patient. Am I patient with my child who is so different than I am?
Love is kind. Am I kind when it takes my child twice the amount of time to do something than I think it should?
Love does not envy. Do I wish my child were more like someone else's child?
Love does not boast. Am I quick to share what my child does well or hide areas when my child doesn't seem to measure up?
Love is not proud. Am I hesitant to share how I'm really doing or how my child is really doing out of a fear of what people will think?
Love does not dishonor others. Do I ever dishonor my child, demanding that he be someone other than the unique person God has made him to be?
Love is not self-seeking. Am I ever selfish in my interactions with my child?
Love is not easily angered. How much energy do I waste being angry at my child?
Love keeps no record of wrongs. Do I have an ongoing list in my head about everything my child has done wrong?
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. Do I keep my mind focused on God's truth about my child?
Love protects. Do I protect this unique human being God entrusted to me even when he challenges my authority?
Love trusts. Do I trust that God has a bigger picture in mind for this child's life?
Love hopes. Do I hope and believe the best for this child, or do I dread what tomorrow might bring?
Love perseveres. Do I keep my mind on the future possibilities rather than focusing on the difficulties and challenges I'm dealing with today?


Thank You, God, for loving me with all my faults. And thank You for the imperfect people I live with. I know You use their imperfections to help me mature and mold me to be more like You. I also know You use my imperfections in that process, too. Help me to keep Your Truth embedded in my heart, so I can love without stopping, even when they don't feel so loveable. In Jesus' Name, Amen.


TRUTH FOR TODAY:
1 Corinthians 16:13-14, "Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping." (MSG)

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Be the Thermostat: Setting the Temperature of Your Home



My dearly loved brothers [and sisters], understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.” James 1:19-20

Raw emotions. Wow! They can be beautiful, but they can also be unruly…downright sinful. Jesus knew there would be times in this life where we would get angry. That is why he tells us, “In your anger, do not sin.” (Psalm 4:4; Ephesians 4:26) Jesus never said don’t get angry. There are things that should make us angry, but in our anger we should not sin. Jesus modeled righteous anger beautifully when he saw that people were turning his Father’s house (the temple) into a corrupt money exchange, he overturned those tables and chairs and stopped any and all transactions. Don’t believe me? Check out Mark 11:12-18.

However, if I am honest, my anger is not always righteous. Sometimes I am tired and I overreact. Sometimes I assume the wrong thing about my children or a friend. Sometimes I let my raw emotions get the best of me.

I was at a homeschool conference recently where a lady spoke on the importance of being the thermostat in our home, rather than being the thermometer. As you already know, the thermostat controls the temperature. On the other hand, the thermometer measures the temperature. The thermostat is proactive. The thermometer is reactive.

I have found that without a doubt, the BEST way to set the thermostat of my home is to get a head start on my kids. I NEED to wake up before they do and spend time with the Lord. I need to put my spiritual armor on just in case I need to go to battle for them or…dare I say it, against them (strong will coupled with immaturity).

In Lysa TerKeurst’s devotional, “Unglued: 60 Days of Imperfect Progress”, she addresses the difference between a reactor and a responder (similar to being the thermostat or the thermometer). She asks the reader several questions, and I am going to pass them along to you.  Ask yourself:

  1. Do I want to escalate this conflict or dissipate it?
  2. Do I want more trouble or more grace in my life?
  3. Do I want to be known as harsh or gentle?
    • A reactor/thermometer spews emotion or masters the silent treatment.
    • A responder/thermostat gives a gentle answer.
  4. Do I want to get me own way or help find a solution?
  5. Which do I care about more—demanding my rights or displaying right choices?
    • A reactor/thermometer demands her right to be right.
    • A responder/thermostat is more concerned about making right choices before God.

Ladies, let’s be the thermostat of our home. Let’s follow the truth set before us in James 1: 19-20. Let us be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Let’s take time to pause and channel our response through the Holy Spirit to make sure we are acting in a way that pleases the Lord, instead of spewing words and actions that we can not take back. Let us be silent and pray before we speak.

Let’s pray:

Lord, thank you that your Word contains every thing I need for living a godly life. May I follow the truth in your word and not lean upon my own understanding. May I make right choices before you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may live a life pleasing to you…that I would leave a trail of love and not destruction in my wake. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgement.” 2 Timothy 1:7


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Created for GoOD works!



Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Just recently I heard a beautiful sermon on this verse.  Our pastor explained that whatever it is we are walking through, God has prepared us for and those around us.  He positioned our lives so that the person sitting next to you in the waiting room, checking you out at the grocery store, or on your children’s soccer team, could be changed by your life.  We have a calling and it is to do the good things which He planned for us.  

I also heard it preached that whomever is standing in your 3 foot circle is your “good works”.  What have you done with those people?  Have you taken time to say hello and asked them their name?  Have you gone a step further and invited them to church or into your home for a meal?  I can say with certainty, like many of you, that my 3 foot circle consists mostly of 3 little people, my children. While they are young and still in our circle, I pray we take time to pour into them the love and teachings from our Lord that will be everlasting.    
 
Lord Jesus please help us to be intentional about our 3 foot circle.  Help us to see the plan He has for the ones who follow us throughout our day and for the ones we greet on the street.  Help us to remember that God has prepared us for the GoOD works that come our way!    

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  

Matthew 5:16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Picky Eaters


Direct your children onto the right path, 
and when they are older, 
they will not leave it. 
- Proverbs 22:6

I recently was surfing the web while my kiddos were vegging out in front of the TV. Yep, I needed some down time...I am guilty. So while I surfed I came across an awesome blog by Happy Home Fairy. It gave solutions for those "picky eaters" in your family, and I wanted to share it with you. 

Ketchup, sensory issues, and helpful hints are some things you can expect. Click the link and enjoy! She might just challenge the way you approach meal time with your kids!

http://happyhomefairy.com/2014/06/13/extreme-picky-eater-solutions/

Monday, June 16, 2014

Life is Hard

Many, Lord my God, 
are the wonders you have done, 
the things you planned for us.
 None can compare with you;
 were I to speak and tell of your deeds, 
they would be too many to declare. 
- Psalm 40:5

Life is busy. Life is hard. Life is complicated. Life is overwhelming...until I bring my crazy before the One who calms storms. As I look at the crazy in my life, I must also look at the "calm" as well. Those things that bless my life and make it much sweeter. I  must find my focus there...on those "wonders" the Lord has done.

Praise Him for the "wonders" in your life. Allow those blessings from Jesus be where your mind rests and resides. Cultivating an attitude of praise effects our outlook and interactions with others. What can you praise Him for today?

“God is most glorified in us 
when we are most satisfied in Him” 

“What you are is God's gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” 
― Hans Urs von BalthasarPrayer

“Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them.”
― Elisabeth ElliotA Chance to Die

“We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness.” 
― Francis ChanCrazy Love: Overwhelmed by a Relentless God

Saturday, June 14, 2014

"What You Do Matters" by Christine Marsh


After making healthy lunches and folding the laundry, cleaning the dirty dishes and washing windows, helping with the homework and going for groceries, feeling for fevers and driving to the doctor, itis easy for a mom to loose sight of the end goal.

If you are like me, you need to see what the "purpose" is for the seemingly endless demands a momma faces daily. Lets see what the Lord says:)

Psalm 8:3-9

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,[a]
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet
,All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!



Psalm 8 reminds us that we have been “crowned with glory and honor” and have been given “dominion over the works of His hands.” Likewise, the children He gave us are also “crowned with glory and honor” and will “have dominion over the works of His hands.” As you carefully nurture your “mini you’s,” remember that one day they will be managing homes, businesses, and I dare say our country! As they raise families, participate in their communities, cast their votes and live to God’s best and highest use for them, they will be changing people and events in their sphere of influence!

I want to encourage you, though the fruit is still a coming, the labor is not in vain! The truth and love you pour into them sacrificially today will directly affect the future of our world. Continue on friend, teaching them to love God and walk in the purpose and authority He has given them.  

What you do matters! 

  

"What You Do Matters" by Christine Marsh


After making healthy lunches and folding the laundry, cleaning the dirty dishes and washing windows, helping with the homework and going for groceries, feeling for fevers and driving to the doctor, itis easy for a mom to loose sight of the end goal.

If you are like me, you need to see what the "purpose" is for the seemingly endless demands a momma faces daily. Lets see what the Lord says:)


Psalm 8:3-9

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
The moon and the stars, which You have ordained,
What is man that You are mindful of him,
And the son of man that You visit him?
For You have made him a little lower than the angels,[a]
And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet
,All sheep and oxen—
Even the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air,
And the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
How excellent is Your name in all the earth!



Psalm 8 reminds us that we have been “crowned with glory and honor” and have been given “dominion over the works of His hands.” Likewise, the children He gave us are also “crowned with glory and honor” and will “have dominion over the works of His hands.” As you carefully nurture your “mini you’s,” remember that one day they will be managing homes, businesses, and I dare say our country! As they raise families, participate in their communities, cast their votes and live to God’s best and highest use for them, they will be changing people and events in their sphere of influence!

I want to encourage you, though the fruit is still a coming, the labor is not in vain! The truth and love you pour into them sacrificially today will directly affect the future of our world. Continue on friend, teaching them to love God and walk in the purpose and authority He has given them.  

What you do matters! 

  

Thursday, June 12, 2014

"Isaiah" by Stacey Wooddell Imbimbo


As a mom you know God uses your children to daily teach you so much.  I didn’t truly realize how much until I had my first son.

Kyle and I had a great desire to become parents, and we were so excited to find out that we were expecting our first baby.   Halfway through our pregnancy there were some worries about the growth development of our child.  We were placed under a specialist care, and they considered this a high risk pregnancy.  A few weeks later I was placed on bed rest.
Friday morning, June 11, 2010 I had my regular appointment and it was during this visit that we were told that our baby needed to be delivered. While they were prepping me for my emergency c-section, God gave my husband a verse from Isaiah 41:10
Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

My husband came into the operating room and whispered this verse into my ear. A few moments later we were surprised to find out it was a boy, and we named him Isaiah, which means “the Lord is our Salvation”.
He was 2 pounds 6 ounces, and 15 inches long.


The next 50 days in the NICU were met with ups and downs and uncertainties.  Through it all we kept this verse close to our hearts.  God stretched us and challenged us so much during this time.  We had to rely on Him for everything.  We had no control and had no idea what to expect each day.  We had to Trust in Him alone. 

After one year of meeting with all his specialty doctors he was completely cleared and was a healthy one year old.
I look at him today and am reminded of God’s faithfulness.  He turns 4 this week, and we are still being taught many lesson.  God uses our children like sandpaper in our lives to smooth out our rough edges.  And to keep our eyes on our Heavenly Father, and place our trust in Him alone.