Why?

Perhaps you have already seen this, but today I was thumbing through the new CBD catalog when I came across a new item in the children's Bible section:
Does it not look very like this?Not only that, but this Bible offers "dream girl" sections, "Bring it On" life application quizzez, and "Oh, I get it!" answers."

Why, oh why do Christians continue to copy our mediocre culture?!

Always Learning

What my recent resting has taught me:

Patience: This one is obvious.

Humility: Through accepting the love and help of my family and covenant community. I've been overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone around me. It has truly been a blessing to feel the love of Christ through each of them.

Selflessness: Through realizing that this really is not about me, it's about the life and health of the precious baby within me. Despite my discomfort and annoyance, her little life takes priority right now. Each additional day in the womb she grows a little stronger.

I am no longer on bed rest. This Friday, I reach full term (37 weeks). And, I thank the Lord for his faithfulness and that of his people. I look forward to sharing the good news with you soon!

Big Momma

Before every child's birth, we have taken this picture of a very pregnant Momma with her kiddos (except for the first pregnancy, of course!). So, this is the classic shot a taken a little earlier than usual, just in case we don't get another chance. Today, I am 35 weeks and 3 days along. I have only 3 1/2 weeks before my scheduled c-section on Sept. 13th. Although I am growing weary of being pregnant, for her sake I do hope that I can make it at least another week and a half.

Undeserved Fruit

With her pretty green eyes more serious than most children of her age, the seven-year-old young lady listened as her Mother explained the situation. Mommy's baby was trying to come out, but it was still too early. So, Mommy needed to be very still and rest a lot to make sure that the baby's lungs developed enough to breathe on her own.

The precocious little woman listened intently, indicated that she understood, then went on about her day. That evening, after dinner, she got up from her seat and proceeded to clear the table as was her usual chore. But then she carried her little stool next to the kitchen sink and proceeded to do the job that was normally left for Mommy. She washed the dishes for the very first time. Afterwards, she commented that she really liked washing the dishes and that she wanted to do it every night. And so she has.

God is so gracious to bless our feeble efforts at parenthood.

Human Incubator

That's what I'm feeling like now. Yesterday morning at 2:30am, I awoke my husband to inform him that my contractions just weren't stopping. They had been going on since 8:45 the night before. So, being a repeat c-section, we got to go into L & D very early where I was poked and prodded until the contractions ceased. I'm thankful that they were able to stop them so that this little girl can develop a little more before meeting us all.

So, for now, I'm ordered to take it easy. No housework, lifting, time in the heat, etc. And so, I sit and wait like a Mama chicken sitting on her eggs. I can't wait to meet her, but I would like for it to be once she is strong enough to survive without the aid of machines or medicines. In only three weeks, she will be considered full term.

Knowing that this is my last baby, I think that I'll just sit back and focus on how cool it is to feel her little feet poking my belly - even when she's doing karate.

Have a great weekend!

just thinking...

With five weeks to go, it's really starting to hit me that very soon I will be the mother of four small people. I will have a 7, (almost)5, 2 and new-year-old to love and teach. I am certainly excited about this new little body separating from mine because it will fell good to not be pregnant anymore, and because I really look forward to holding her little body. But, there will be all new challenges for this Mama who already struggles with leaving the house with my three. I'm beginning to wonder if we'll ever get out again.

I guess, in a way, I 'm preparing myself for a year or two of pretty much staying close to home while finding creative ways to complete the tasks and errands that my husband depends on me for. I hardly remember Ma ever leaving the house, she kept herself quite busy right there. Now, if only my Laura and Mary could walk into town for me : )

I'm certainly not complaining, for I have yet to experience greater joy than the joy of adding to our family. Watching relationships form between my children, and developing my own bond with this little one are certainly things to enjoy in all their sweetness. I suppose I am just a bit anxious, anxious to see what this will really look like. And, excited to see how He will carry me through it.