Yeah, I know I have been rather pitiful about posting updates. I am on facebook and do a bit better with that, so check that out if you want. I do lurk on here though, and keep up with my friends at least a little. :)
But anyway, like the typical straying child, I come back when I have a favor to ask.
Some dear friends of Andrew's and mine, Adam and Shea, are expecting their second child and have been eagerly anticipating a home birth. The first pregnancy went as smoothly as could be hoped, and they had a relatively complication-free hospital birth. Since his birth though, they have had two miscarriages for which they never could find a reason. Now they are 5 months along, and things have gone well over all until last night. They spent half the night in the ER because she was bleeding. Finally the doctors told her that her placenta has moved and is completely covering the cervix, and that a natural birth would be impossible. They have had to find a doctor, and will be seeing him in the next few days, in addition to their midwife. Shea has also formed a blood clot, which they have to watch closely. If it ruptures, they will have to take the baby immediately.
Understandably, they are rather discouraged and a bit depressed today. They have all but given up hope for a natural birth, and are having a hard time with the thought of a cesarean (a feeling I can totally understand!) I have known cases where this diagnosis ended in a c-section, but I've also known of cases where, in the last few weeks of a pregnancy, the placenta moved back to where it belonged. And of course, we all know the power of prayer.
Please, please, please pray for this family. They so desperately want a home birth, and after the two miscarriages they feel today like they can't win for losing. Above all, please pray that Shea and the baby will be safe. But also, please pray that they will be able to avoid a cesarean. We don't know how God's providence works, but we know that it does. Who knows what His answer may be, if enough of His children plead on their behalf?
I'll keep you posted. Thanks in advance for the prayers.
Wait, you are on here, I just had to figure it out by seeing on the pregnancy goup teathyme, I put two and two together when I remembered your status on facebook.
I was asked to speak on A Merry Heart, from Proverbs 15:13 and 17:22, at one of the ladies devotionals at Roundhouse this year. This is the lesson I prepared and delivered.
A Merry Heart
I'm sure we're all familiar with the phrase "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy" - This phrase is often used in a joking way, but seriously, the attitude of the lady of the house does set the tone for the whole household.
The Bible gives us many examples of the influence a woman has over her family. Look at Eve and the wives of Solomon, who influenced their husbands to turn from God. And of course, Eunice and Lois, who guided young Timothy to spread the gospel.
We know that a bad attitude or a sour expression can hurt the ones around us, but what exactly does a merry heart do?
First of all, let’s look at what a merry heart is. Webster's defines merry as "causing laughter, mirth, gladness or delight" or "overflowing with good humor and good spirits"
1. First I want to talk about the effects of a merry heart:
a. Prov. 17:22 says A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.
They say laughter is the best medicine - If one can keep a positive outlook during the difficult times, it will be easier to overcome them. In the way that a good medicine banishes an illness, having a merry heart will better equip one to fight an illness of the body or the soul.
b. Another thing that a merry heart does, is make a cheerful countenance – Prov. 15 verse 13
Proverbs 23:7 says "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." If one has a merry heart, it will soon show in the countenance, manner of speaking, and every day walk of life. I’m sure we all know someone who seems to always wear a smile. We all like to see people like that, so why don’t we try to be people like that?
A merry heart also…
c. Encourages others
Just as a merry heart shows itself in a cheerful countenance, one who has a merry heart will want to share it. Isaiah says, in chapter 35 verse 3, and the beginning of verse 4: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not…” One of our duties as Christians is to exhort and encourage our brethren as we are all exhorted in Jude verse 3.
d. Gives to others
When we look at the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31, we see that one of the things that kept her so busy was helping the poor. Verse 20 says “She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. And of course, James 1:27 – “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows, and keep oneself unspotted from the world.” There is always someone around us who is less fortunate. Whether they need a meal, word of advice, or a chance to hear the gospel, let’s try to give it to them.
Luke 6:38
2. How can one have a merry heart?
A few ideas:
a. Count your blessings
One of my favorite scriptures is Luke 1:49 – “For he that is mighty hath done to me great things: and holy is his name.” He that is mighty – He that created and rules the universe – has done to me great things.
Our lives are full of blessings - we all have beautiful families, we have food to eat and clothes to wear. And of course, it is wonderful to be here with so many friends of a like mind. When we honestly consider how blessed we are, it will be hard not to be merry.
b. Keep your home cheerful and upbeat.
A person’s attitude will be influenced by his surroundings. Make your home a happy place that your husband and children will want to come to and will be proud of. We Moms are home a lot, and we need our homes to be bright, pleasant places so we will be bright, pleasant women. Girls, do your part to help your mothers keep things running smoothly – whether you are keeping younger children occupied, folding laundry, or just being pleasant company. A little bit goes a long way.
c. Remember your responsibility
We are Christians. Our number one priority should be to bring glory to our father. We all have seen those people who are just down about everything. You’ve been in the store or in the restaurant and heard that person who complained about every little thing that wasn’t on the shelf or that the waiter did wrong. Does that type person strike you as someone you might run into at worship services? I’m afraid not. I have the responsibility to be merry. The reputation of the church depends on it.
c. And, probably the most important, Choose to be merry
In the end, whether or not I have a merry heart, is entirely up to me. Paul said in Philippians 4:11 that he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself. Ladies, if Paul could do it, we have no reason to believe that we can’t. Let’s look at 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 In chapter 11:23-29, Paul describes some of his sufferings. Please turn there with me.
This shows true determination. Happiness is a mindset, not a set of circumstances.
Proverbs 21:9 states that it would be better to live in just a small corner of a house top than in a large house with a brawling woman. The same point is repeated in verse 19 of the same chapter- it would be better to live in the wilderness than with a contentious and angry woman. Reading these verses has always brought to my mind how sad it would be, to have the reputation of an angry or contentious woman. Wouldn’t it be so much nicer to be thought of as lovely, or pleasant?
Looking again to the virtuous woman, we see that she did many good deeds. I believe it is safe to assume that these things were done with a right attitude and a merry heart. And as a result, her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband praises her. (vs 28)
The Bible is not just a book of suggestions. God did not just present the merry heart as a good idea. It is our God given responsibility as wives and mothers, sisters and daughters. We will largely influence how our families live here on earth, as well as where they spend eternity.
Let us all strive daily to have that merry heart spoken of in Proverbs, for our families, ourselves, and most importantly, for our Lord.
Well folks, I know that those of you on here who know me already know that our munchkin has arrived, as well as having already heard the story of his arrival. In case you've forgotten, it's a boy, Andrew Jacob, jr. (Jay) He was 10 lbs 1 oz and 21 inches long. And, well, he's the sweetest, prettiest, most wonderful baby in the world. :)
Since Andrew had to go back to Kuwait the day before Jay was born, my mom extended her visit until Saturday. So far I'm feeling her absence - we had a lot of fun making over every little thing Jay does - but we are getting along just fine. We sleep, he eats, and occasionally I am able to get up and do something around the house. I'm feeling good after the cesarean and starting to get back into the swing of things, but I'm determined not to push it. Of course, having Jensie around, as well as lots of others who are looking out for me, helps with that. :)
I hope everyone else is doing great - have a wonderful week!
This is me, just taking a couple of minutes to say hello and give a short update.
Andrew made it home on the 31st and we have been waiting for Baby ever since. I've been having steady contractions for a couple of days now, but the booger seems to be too cozy to bother about gracing us with his presence. :)
My parents are also in town. Mom came early and helped me get the house organized and in shape, before Dad and Andrew came and promptly helped me mess it up again. ;) We're having a great visit, though of course they are also starting to get a bit antsy about the baby. :)
Other than that, there's not a lot going on. I'll post again with pictures, once the tyke makes his big debut. :) Have a great day!
I know it's horrible when you're near the end and people keep asking, but... baby yet?? I haven't talked to Jensie in a couple days. How much longer is Andrew home? I'll be praying that baby comes before Daddy has to leave!
My pregnancy has been, in a word, perfect. I, having no prior experience, felt like it had been perfect, but it was very encouraging when my midwife told me the same thing. I feel wonderful, everything checks out to be great, and it's been just plain fun.
But in the last 3 or 4 weeks, the pregnancy fairies have been testing me, trying to make me a bit less happy. All in two weeks' time, they struck me with stretch marks (they finally caught up with me) back pain, a heat stroke here and there, and the ever so common mustard seed sized bladder.
But I refuse to let them win! I may whine a little bit more, but I am determined to still have fun carrying this little booger!! :)
Really, I almost don't want this baby to be born. I will never again be this close to my child. God was so smart, creating us to function the way we do. Is there any blessing greater than carrying the child of the man you love the most in the world? I suppose raising said child would at least rival this belssing. Whatever the case, never have I suffered a pain or inconvenience that was so worth the cause as are these silly little annoyances. :)
I'm in one of those blissfully happy moods... share in the excitement! :)
First to post!!! and I so TOTALLY agree with you! It is soooooo awesome and just makes it silly to even think about anything other than a loving, and all wise creator to think it up!!!
