Sweet, moist, comforting, delicious, precious cake; and then it is turned upside down. It is still a scrumptious cake, but it looks a tad bit different. And when it is upside down, you never really know what you are going to be getting when you take a bite.
Why the crazy analogy? I have this sweet, innocent little man growing inside of me and my body doesn't pregnancy for some reason. My pregnancy with Lily was easy going. I was exhausted every day, but other than that, it was good.
The last couple pregnancies have been difficult. This one that we are in currently has been status quo and we were all getting so excited. In fact, my doctor had just cleared me for take-off. Literally. We were headed to Florida for a whole week.....
Last week, I started contracting and after a couple of days of monitoring, the results were not good. Our OB put me on strict bedrest for the weekend. After a few days of medication and being horizontal, the contractions calmed. I was praying for a miracle. Something I didn't think could happen: that my cervix would bounce back. And guess what....it did. Praise God! A little bit at least. Truly a miracle at this point in the pregnancy! However, I am still on bedrest. The doctor did lift the restrictions a tiny bit. I can now take a shower, help Lily with a quick breakfast and lunch. I am still housebound for the time being. We are waiting it out to see if they return as I complete the small tasks of life that I have been okayed to do as long as I am not having contractions, that is.
We are praying fervently that God will still allow us a healthy baby boy. One that will live a full life on earth. One that is healthy functioning child.
Friends are pitching in. Thank you LORD for your people! Friends, family, housekeeper, and my wonderful husband are all going above and beyond. They are radiating God's glory by sacrificing time and effort. I am blown away at such a wonderful support system that God has graciously provided once again. God knows what he is doing and we are hanging on for the ride.
Yesterday I just happened to open my Bible (in all my spare time) up to Hebrews 12. It says,
4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]
7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 “Make level paths for your feet,”[b] so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
What a good reminder. God is continuing to discipline me:) and if we are faithful through that, there is a chance that we will produce a harvest of righteousness and peace.
If you are reading this and feel prompted, here are some prayer requests:
Our overall health/avoidance of flu and cold bugs--Matt, Lily, Me and Baby
Our marriage to be strengthened
Baby boy's well-being
Contractions to cease
Sleep--seems like I should have plenty of it, but I can't seem to
My grandma's spiritual welfare and dealing with her recent medical news
