37 Weeks!

Woohoo 37 weeks! And boy what a week it has been so far! This past weekend we were anointed once again for Addie's healing. It was a good time of prayer and once again we handed it over to God in faith. We decided to go out to eat afterwards and that is when things started getting interesting. As we were preparing to head home I had a sudden fear that my water was leaking, so we head home and I called the doctor. Of course they sent me to the hospital to get checked because if it were to be leaking there is chance of infection the longer it goes and so Addie would have to come then. Well, after the routine tests and an ultrasound they sent me home. Everything looked good and I was to follow up with my doctor at my next regular appointment which was set for Tuesday. I went to the appointment Tuesday for a schedule ultrasound and routine appointment. In the ultrasound we found that Addie is 6 pounds and 3 ounces!!!! She just keeps growing. That is on the smaller size for 37 weeks but saying that both my boys were only 6 pounds and 10 ounces she is doing well! There was some concern from the fluid levels in this ultrasound about still the possible leaking. So once again I headed to the hospital for a different test that is a little more accurate, but they had been unable to perform on Sunday. I had the second test done and also another ultrasound there so the resident doctor could once again check my fluid levels. Everything looked good and I was sent home. I have heard this verse many times in my life, but it has come up even more in the past week. Romans 8:28 " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I have had three ultrasounds since we were anointed for healing and she is still breech and her feet are still severely clubbed, but none of that changes the truth of the Bible. I may not see how He is working it all for good, but I can and do trust that He is working it all for good; for my good. The Bible reminds us over and over how much God loves us, but it is the love of a Father. He wants what is best for us and only He knows what that is. As a parent I know there are many times my boys don't like or understand why they don't get what they want when they want it, but I am hoping they will learn to listen and obey because they see the love I have for them. It is not because of a power trip that I don't give in but because there is something better if we do it my way because I can see farther out than they can. It is the same way with God. Actually it is even better because He sees the beginning, the middle, and the end. I don't know why God didn't answer our prayer for healing the first time we prayed, or the second, or third, but I know that He will. James 5:14 "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." So I may not know His times or His ways, but I know His promises and His character. That is enough for me! We will continue waiting, trusting, and praising Him! Psalms 136:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.His love endures forever."

The Blessings of Friends and Family!!

What a great week! Monday night my church family threw me a surprise shower for Addie. It was a beautiful and fun time. So many people came and sent gifts to bless our family! We have only been here a little over a year and it was so nice to be made such a part of the church family! We were very blessed with many beautiful presents diapers, wipes, toys, clothes, and blankets all so lovely! No worry about Addie showing up in blue clothes! This week has also been big because today Addie has official stayed in longer than Stephen! God is working! Early labor was a concern before we even knew about everything else going on with Addie. Sunday I will hit 37 weeks and while that will still be early it is considered full term! God is answering our prayers! The appointment today showed that I have dilated more, but not much, so things are looking good for me to be able to carry her longer! We have been praying that she will stay in as long as she needs and, also, that when she comes it will be with the right doctor present to deliver her. Today, we did schedule a C-section because she is still breech. The C-section date is December 12th at 8:00 A.M. This is good because it gives her plenty of time to turn on her own, unless I go into labor before that time. If I were to go into labor before that date they would do an ultrasound when we get to the hospital to check her position and then go from there. At this point we are just praising God. He has answered every prayer that has needed immediate answers and we are still anticipating her healing upon birth as we have been praying. We have decided get anointed again at our church here in Peoria this coming Sunday for her complete healing. We hold to the promises and instructions in James 5:14-16 " Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Thank each of you for the prayers you have lifted for us and for Addie. God has been faithful and will continue to be faithful. We are blessed beyond measure by the body of Christ all over that has been holding us up in prayer as we call out and anticipate God's power to come through for His glory in each and every situation! We are praying like Elijah in 1 Kings 18:37 "Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again." We want to see God's power so that He can receive the glory that is due Him. We are so desperate for revival in our churches and in our country that as we call to Him and He answers in real and visible ways the doors are open for visible proof and turning of hearts to Him. That is our greatest desire through it all. That everything we do and say would turn hearts back to Him. Our deepest prayer is that our lives reflect Psalms 115:1 "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."

Thankfulness

There is something to be said about choosing to go about life joyfully or thankfully. Once you start looking for things to be thankful about more and more start to show up. I had the house to myself yesterday!!! So I started writing some thank you notes I was sadly pretty behind on! It made me start thinking about how blessed I truly am. I was writing to thank people for some the things they had sent for Addie, but then I was struck with how much more grateful I was for all the prayers that they had and are praying for Addie. I have been learning more and more about persevering prayer these past few months. There is something special about not getting everything you want the second you ask for it. I think we see that as parents and try our best not to give our children every want right away so they don't become spoiled, or for their greater good. Why then would God not do the same thing for our greater good. Through periods of waiting we are called to a deeper trust in God because we are holding on in faith to His promises even though the results are not visible yet. My verse Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised." God wants us to persevere so He can bless us, not only with what He has promised but also with a greater faith and appreciation of who He is. I don't want to get lost in doubt or despair because He is still God and He still loves me, but He also knows and sees so much bigger than I do and that is why trusting is necessary. He calls us to be patient and wait and I am learning that patience isn't in waiting but in joyfully waiting. Situations arise that we all must wait whether you want to or not. It doesn't make you patient that it takes you 3 hours to get from one place to another if you complain all the while; it makes you patient when you trust and have joy as you travel the 3 hours. In each situation the time doesn't change just your attitude and perspective. Then when you look back you have had a good trip instead of a miserable trip, blessings in disguise. So we have been persevering in prayer for Addie's healing believing that God hears us, but I was blessed as I wrote my thank you's and realized how many people He had been hearing. Matthew 18:19-20 "

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Also, there is the promise in Isaiah 65:24 "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear." So you see while the things for Addie are wonderful how much more wonderful was the realization of all the people that have called out to God for Addie. He has met with them in prayer and He has already heard and answered the requests! We have a faithful God. While I was somewhat disappointed when I left the specialist last week, God reminded me and continued to remind me that He is hearing our prayers. Actually one of my biggest shocks last week was that I was already dilating, but then come Sunday my dad showed up to help me with the boys so that I can stay off my feet as much as possible! God already reminded He was in control and then He blessed me with an unexpected answer! So whatever things you may be need to persevere in prayer in don't lose hope. Psalms 147:11 "the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." He delights when we fear Him and put our hope in Him because that is when His power came truly shine through. As we call out to Him and claim His word as true and therefore His promises in His word as true, there is power! Psalms 25:3a "No one who hopes in you, will ever be put to shame." Our hope and expectation for Addie's healing is found in Him. We are not afraid regardless what the last scans have said because we have cried out and continue to cry out, and we know that many others have and do continue to join us as we persevere and pray for her healing! So do not be discouraged if your answers haven't come as quickly as you anticipated, don't let that distract you from whom you are praying to and hoping in. The answers will come and it will be more than you could imagine. Remember how great God is! Get into His word and pray from your heart. "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21. He is already at work to do more than we can even dream for His glory, but because of His love!

Voice of Truth

I love how God always knows what you need and when you need it. This pregnancy with Addie the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns has been one that has been in my head over and over again. It talks about how we need to listen to the true voice instead of all the others that float around clamoring for our attention. It was David listening to the voice of God instead of the voice of fear as the rest of the Isrealites that allowed him to face and defeat the giant, Goliath. I love the song. I went to the appointment expecting good news. We are praying and God is listening. The ultrasound showed that Addie is 5 pounds and 3 ounces!!! We made it over the 5 pound mark! The ultrasound also showed that her legs are still severely clubbed, and she is still in the breech position. Also, I have started to dilate and at this point if I go into labor they will not stop it. I was a little disappointed, but while we have been praying and believing for her healing we have also been desiring God's glory. As I got in the car the song Voice of Truth was on talking about David. It reminded me once again that regardless of what the outside voices may be saying God is still Lord of All and His voice and His words carry more weight than any other. Jeremiah 32:27  “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" God's promises are just as true today as they were yesterday. We will continue to pray for and expect full and complete healing on all of Addie by the time she is born. Hebrews 10:23 "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." God hasn't changed and He won't so we will hold onto that as we hold onto to His promises. Including the verse we claimed for Addie from the beginning Psalm 139:13-14"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb^, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." He is just not done knitting yet! So please join us in continuing to pray for complete healing for Addie, her turning around, and for me to be able to carry her to term! Here is a link to the song Voice of Truth, if you have not heard it I would encourage you to take a couple minutes and listen and remember where the truth that we should live our life off  comes from. 
voice of truth casting crowns 

Strong Tower

Well my Dad came into town today to help with the boys and this morning I took Stephen to the urologist. She checked him out and said that she can feel where it his left testicle is sticking, but at this point we are just going to return in 6 months. So I made an appointment for May and at that time we will decide if surgery is necessary or not. When telling some friends one responded with our exact emotions "well that just means we have 6 months to pray about it!" So that is what we will do. We are trusting and anticipating healing for Addie and we have no reason not to do it also for Stephen. Building 429 has a song "We Won't Be Shaken" Mike and I have claimed it as our theme song. I am going to try and link it below. But the gist is that God is the only thing we can stand on regardless of what comes our way so we will stand on Him. Proverbs 18:10 "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." We will run to Him and rest in His tower. Thank you for joining us in prayer for Addie and for Stephen. God is working and God will continue to work as we call out on His name!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BJhOgb-unI

So it Continues!

I don't even know where to begin this time. On Monday I took our boys to the doctor for their normal check-ups not expecting a thing out of the ordinary. Well, come to find out our little guy, Stephen, has a testicle that has not descended so he was referred to a pediatric urologist. That appointment is set up for tomorrow where we will find out if we need to just continue to watch it or if it will need surgery to be corrected. It is becoming one thing after another, but God continues to be faithful. When I left the doctor's office Monday all I could do was chuckle at how continuous the attacks have been, you cannot even make this stuff up. But as with Addie, we are holding onto the promises of God and waiting to see how God will use even this to bring about not only our good but also His glory. We are promised in Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I cannot believe in some of His promises and not all of His promises. As I have stated time and time again about believing in this healing for Addie as His word describes I will also believe in it for Stephen. God is at work to do something amazing and we are thankful to be a part of it. It is exhausting and tiresome but still powerful to know that we can turn to the Creator of everything with all our concerns as we are reminded in Ephesians 6:18 "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." No issue we face is too big or too small for God. He wants to hear about it. This week God has brought to my mind my marriage vows. We promise our spouses "in better or worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health." When we choose to live a life following God He wants the same commitment. Many times in the Bible Jesus calls the church His bride. He has made these promises and more to us. Matthew 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” As the bride of Christ and, therefore, the children of the One, True God we have been given all that Jesus had. We have been taken into the family through all the ups and downs. And so in our sickness and in our health, in our riches and poorness, in our better times and in our worse times - we will stand as Joshua did. Joshua had just reminded the Israelites of all that God had done for them providing for them and bringing them into the land He had promised them. He called them to make a choice, as we all must do. Joshua 24:14  “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” We are too looking back at all God has done and instead of being down and out about where we are now we have decided to continue to choose to serve the Lord because He is worthy of our devotion. I will end with this Psalms of praise because even in the midst of the storms through the rain, hail, and lighting as it seems He is still worthy of praise because nothing that happens takes away from His power or His majesty. 

Psalms 100
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
² Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before Him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is He who made us, and we are His;
    we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.

⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving
    and His courts with praise;
    give thanks to Him and praise His name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
    His faithfulness continues through all generations.

Blessings Come in All Shapes and Sizes

So pregnancy has been progressing normally for the most part so of course we will be attacked in other ways. We found out there is a possibility of an emergency C-section due to Addie's breech position.  Furthermore, Mike has not had to travel much for work and wouldn't you know it, November is setting up to be full of traveling.  Of course this is not the worst part of recent events, Tuesday Mike had to drive 2 hours away to the Veterinary Hospital at University of Illinois where it was discovered that Payton (our dog) had a rare injury back in June that only surgery can fix, so rare that the head vet with 20-30 years experience has only seen it 4 times total.  Well the blessing (no not the cost$$$$) is that one of those times was just 6 weeks ago, which made them recognize this injury and diagnosis so quickly.  So surgery was Wednesday (went well, whatever that means) and Mike had to travel back to U of I on Thursday to pick up the dog.  Our house consists of two wild boys and a "spoiled" dog in a cast that we must keep doped up, caged, and collared.  YES, God has a sense of humor.  The dog has 6 weeks of casting/splinting/bandaging left and I have 6 weeks before Addie is due unless she follows her brother's foot step and chooses to enter the world on her own time (month early for those unaware). So things here have stayed interesting, but through it all we have felt God drawing us closer and giving us peace and blessings in the midst. We are still continuing to cry out to God for complete healing for Addie believing that upon birth this is what will still happen. The time we are taking to spend in the Bible is reaffirming to us how much God desires to hear and answer our prayers. A week ago Mike went to Arlington TX for a prayer conference. He came home with lots of books for me because I love to read! One of them was about divine healing so of course that is what I started first. One of the verses that really hit me was Mark 16:¹⁵ He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. ¹⁶ Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. ¹⁷ And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” We are suppose to be seeing these healings and miracles. The signs and wonders are suppose to be alive in the church in order to show God's power and bring about His glory. Today in Sunday school we were studying 1 Kings 18 and the story about God's prophet Elijah calling down fire from Heaven onto his sacrifice to the Lord when the prophets of Baal could not. He prays this prayer right before the fire falls “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. 37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36b-37. This along with the verse from Mark really hit me to where we are at right now especially with Addie. We as it says in Mark are believers in the name and power of Jesus, we have a right to expect sick people to be made well because of the power of Jesus. But He gave them that power to use as they went out to preach and spread the gospel to all creation so as Elijah cries in 1 Kings we want to see God's healing touch on Addie so that people will know that there is a God in Heaven who not only holds all power but desires to interact with us. He wants us to pour our hearts out to Him and to give our lives to Him as a daily sacrifice so that His power can flow freely through us. Mike and I therefore are standing on the promises of God where we have no fear because we know that Psalms 33:4 tells us "The word of the Lord is right, and true, He is faithful in all He does." When we live in His truth and His power we are able to live in peace that can open our eyes to the blessings in the midst of the trials. Even this week because of the way God has so strengthened our faith in Him and His power, even as we wait for the healing, we are able to reach out and walk along side others who are also desperate for His healing power and to see Him glorified in every part of their lives. God has given us verses and promises and a deeper level of understanding as we have drawn closer and closer to Him. It is so powerful to see Romans 8:28 come all "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Our purpose is to love and bring glory to God as we share His truth with those around us. The more we open ourselves up to that and by prayer to the power of God the more He uses us. The more we give of ourselves the more He can fill. We are waiting anticipating God's healing to come more powerfully then we can imagine we hold to Micah 7:7 "But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me." He is already our Savior and Redeemer our names our written in His book of life now we watch and we wait to see how He will continue to use us here on earth as we wait for the day we can enter His kingdom. I go to the last specialist appointment Friday November 8th at 2:00. I am now 6 weeks away from my due date of December 15th and if I go into labor from today on they will not stop it. Life is exciting and it sure doesn't stop going but though it may be exhausting we are living Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because He trusts in you." There is no better place to be than in the perfect peace of Jesus because you know that no matter what circumstances this world may throw at you Jesus tells us to “take heart! I have overcome the world.”John 16:33b. The battle has already been won and by accepting the love and forgiveness of Jesus, recognizing our sin and humanity we have chosen the side of the victor! We will come out victorious because Jesus has already fought the fight and overcome this world we are just waiting and must remember whatever we are facing to follow the truth of the Word of God.  "Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory" Deuteronomy 20:3, 4.