The Home Stretch

When I saw my Dr just yesterday he said "Heading towards the finish line, Are we?"  I always feel about this time in a pregnancy that the baby could just come any day.  getting excited and anticipating his or her birth.  However with a past like mine I can anticipate along time even or the expected time and be caught sitting around still anticipating the birth of a child.  My last precious gift I looked for from the end of June since he was my third and they usually come earlier the more times you carry.  Not him He was born July 31st weighing in at 9lbs. -7oz.  A perfect ten on the Apgar score. and holding his head up at birth.
So for me I start anticipating early, and just get to look for "the Day" longer.
Well two nights ago (Early morn April 8th) I was awoken in the middle of the night by this precious child in my stomach, it didn't really hurt but never the less it was like I could see what was going on, as I felt him stretch out in my stomach, I could feel his little feet and body push all the way up in my diaphram as he took a huge stretch. At this pt in pregnancy the baby is just starting to outgrow the little space they have for almost nine mos been comfortably nestled into.  as they begin to outgrow that space we get more excited about their birth.  Anticipating it every day.  They of course just know by God that it's time to come out when it's uncomfortable to stay in, but if you think about it they have no idea what's out there.  They just know they are getting a little uncomfortable staying in this spot!!
Well this morning I awoke thinking of the  baby soon to come out of my pouch!!  And I thought of God and how he prepares our lives and the life of everyone he calls to himself.  How much he must anticipate the rebirth of a new Christian.  As he feels the world around them, becoming so uncomfortable they can no longer bear it. Because of the conviction the Lord has allowed us to feel before we accept him.  waiting for us to come to that point of I don't know what's out there but I can no longer stay here.  I can no longer be cramped in this darkness. It is way too uncomfortable here.  Then we come to the point where we know without  a shadow of a doubt that we must be born again.
It's neat how all of this compares to a Baby being born and made in the womb of a mother.
If you look at God's created world you can see pictures of salvation all over but the pregnancy and birth of a child is by far the closest of them all.    

Seeds of Grace

This whole holiday I've been stuffing myself with "good food" Turkey, ham, dressing, corn pudding, cranberry sauce, potatoes, rolls, cheesecake, you name it we've had it over the Christmas break.  After looking back after I vegged out on anything other than veggies. I thought "Maybe that wasn't so good for my baby" but it was already done.   I did not worry but it concerned me that I may not be eating the best for his or her development.  I think it's because all the starchy foods make you feel blah tired and yes ..fat!!

Well this morning , first day back to school for the fiscal year of 2010, my daughter Gracelyn noticed a red bird pecking the ground out side of our house.  It was a cardinal eating off the ground in 25 degree weather .  God was providing for the cardinal and it was like through that beautiful little bird he said "I am providing for you and your baby just what you need too"  It was so simple yet so beautiful and then the scripture came into my mind from

 Matthew 6:26

 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?

This brought me comfort and reminded me that "God provides for his own" He is in control and no matter what he is taking care of my unborn child.  It is so easy to worry about what we do not know or understand anytime during pregnancy is and can be uncertain. So no matter if your in the first trimester "trying to make it out of the woods of a miscarriage",  the second trimester, "concerned with health and development" or the third, "anticipating the safe and healthy birth of your new little one" just rest in the fact that this baby is Gods creation and you and this child are "Valuable" to Him.  He is going to provide the comfort and peace that we need.

Thought to ponder:  Think about the things that "concern" us about pregnancy and ask God to provide peace and comfort for those needs.

Let's Pray:

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Thank you once again for this little life living, breathing and moving inside of me.  Thank you that you provide for the needs of the birds Lord, the sparrow one of the smallest birds, and they do not worry about how or where to feed their young.  Help me to rest in your peace Lord knowing that you are providing just what I need for where I am in my pregnancy and only you Lord know where that is.  You Lord know exactly what this baby needs daily and I pray you will provide that nourishment for this child's needs.  Thank you, Lord for also taking care of me, Thank you that I am valuable to you along with this child and I can rest knowing that you Lord are my sole provider of all my needs.  Thank you Lord. In Jesus name I pray. Amen