Lessons from God

The digital reading on the test read, "Pregnant". I wanted to bang my head against the gray bathroom counter. How did this happen? I mean I just finished up nursing, haven't had more than one complete cycle and wham, a positive test. Not to mention all the stress I have been under trying to balance my workload and home load this fall. Pangs of self doubt and self pity begin to consume me.


Then, I'm overcome by terrible back pain. I visit my chiropractor/natural health doctor. Ironically, I notice that the family that piles out of the exam room is a family of 7. My lower back pain is so bad I can't even get off of her exam table under my own power. Dr. Jodi determines the pain is being caused by my inability to accept this pregnancy. She tells me I have negative energy running through my body. She advises me to go home and pray.


“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) is one of my most favorite bible passages. And, that is exactly what I did and amazingly God started tugging massively at my heart strings and speaking directly to my heart and mind. It is always such an awesome experience when we truly allow ourselves to listen to him!


I stopped being afraid and doubting myself, especially when this passage was sent my way by a total stranger: Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you "Do not fear for I will help you". Yes, God will help us.

Also, in a total moment of self doubt in my role as a stay at home mom, my sister (totally unaware of my news) sent me this message, "When you go out on a limb, there is always going to be someone who strolls over to the tree, looks up, and mocks. “Anyone could climb that tree.” “You’ll never get down alive.” These people don’t take time to find out 1) about you 2) why you decided to climb the tree 3) how you managed to get up there 4) what you plan to do in the tree 5) when you intend to come down." So, true!

Finally, it has been overwhelming how many people have begun asking us, "When is number 5 coming? Or, do you have 4 or 5 children?" and they have all been nothing less than serious about the question.

I can truly say we are nothing less than excited for this new life at this point! We are quite giddy and full of love, in fact. We can not wait to meet this little person. We have been so blessed. The kids are very excited that we will now be tied in numbers with the neighbors across the street. The boys do not care if it is a boy or girl and Laken is hoping for a baby brother this time. In traditional form we wait until "birth" day to find out! Either way I am so grateful God is so confident in our abilities to care for these amazing children of ours. When I was a little girl I always told my Granny I wanted to have 10 kids some day. We will officially be entering, "Big Family" status.

I wholeheartedly believe God does have plans for each and everyone of us. We don't always get to choose our paths in life. God's the one in with the ultimate control. Some people search their whole lives for their true purpose in life...may be my purpose is to be a MOM. Sure some people will look at this career path as something that is not grand or impressive, something simple minded. But, I can't think of anything more difficult, yet more rewarding. It may be simple and ordinary in some eyes, but there may be nothing more noble.


I'm not unrealistic...I know it will be very challenging at times, but with a bit of humor and God walking this journey with us we will be just fine. After all, he could have chosen any number of ways to make his entrance and presence on earth, but he chose to do so through a MOM!

Baby #5 anticipated to arrive August 17, 2011