tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78764988339325047732024-03-08T08:53:11.531-08:00Anchored Hope After Losing a BabyNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-89122732650734802192015-10-01T07:08:00.000-07:002015-10-01T07:33:37.441-07:00Remembering God's Faithfulness Today<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">17 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So
much can happen in 17 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I
looked at my phone and was reminded it is October 1<sup>st</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you remember where you were October 1<sup>st</sup>
1998?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For many of you, you were very,
very young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, I was 28 years
old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had been on top of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Had found out a month before that my husband
and I were expecting our first child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were thrilled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had transitioned from
full time teaching to full time at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So many wonderful changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just
returned a week ago from a trip of a lifetime – 2 weeks in Ireland – I was
living the dream.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then things changed on
September 30<sup>th</sup>…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">…I had gone in for a routine appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This being our first baby and just returning
from vacation, I went alone – told my husband there was no need for him to
attend the appointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just routine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I went in praying that the doctor would assure me that
my extreme nausea would decrease – that had been a pain during traveling. But
it was all worth it after all – I was so excited for the little one that was
due to arrive in April. God was going to bless us with this precious little
one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">So I went.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sat and waited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Went in to see the
doctor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was brought into the
ultrasound room, oblivious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no
idea what was happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the doctor
told me that there was no heartbeat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
pictures on the ultrasound led him to believe I had a molar pregnancy and he
explained it to me, although I could hardly take in what he was saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">“1 in 1000 pregnancies occur this way” he said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I see about one a year” he added.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My head was spinning. I couldn’t wait to get
out of the office. He even said the dreaded word “cancer” – some women develop
a treatable form of cancer from this type of pregnancy – where the cysts that
develop can travel through the bloodstream and go to other areas of the
body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat with a scheduler to schedule
surgery as soon as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They couldn’t
reach my husband. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">The rest is a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I remember going to the hospital and in the pre surgery area, hearing a
baby cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind couldn’t think about
the pain of that family whose baby was getting prepped for surgery – my pain
and my loss was heavy on my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Years
later, I pray for that little one who is now a grown one – I pray he/she is well
and I pray for those parents who had a little one who needed surgery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember a friend who brought us a meal – even though
it was just the two of us at home – she brought a feast to us – such a blessing
– so thankful for her modeling this – to minister in physical ways to hurting
people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember getting to know women around the country
who were grieving loss on an internet website – and later getting to meet some
of them – they encouraged me day to day – what a blessing and I can still
communicate with them as all of our families have grown over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember going to get blood work week after week –
the same lady being there to take my blood – the doctors were watching to make
sure there were no more cysts in the bloodstream by watching my hCG
levels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful that I never
developed cancer – God’s grace and blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I thank God for the lady who took my blood work week after week – she
saw my grief and my tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And 1 year
later she rejoiced with me when I came in for blood work after conceiving our
son Will. I can very clearly see her face and the room and the chair I sat in
so often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember the sweet grace the Lord bestowed on our
marriage as we grieved together – not always easy as all individuals grieve
differently – God was so good to bind us together in that grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I remember 2001 when I miscarried on October 1<sup>st</sup>
– what was it with that date?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grief
knocked on my door again just after 9/11’s tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thanked God for our son Will who was now 1
year old to care for and grieved that second little one who had gone to Heaven
earlier than I had desired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">I have encountered a lot of October 1<sup>st</sup>s
since then.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is good and
faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Praise
be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and
the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can
comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For
just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort
abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and
salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you
patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is
firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you
share in our comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3-7<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the years, I have seen God’s faithfulness at
taking the comfort He gave me through His Word, through His Holy Spirit,
through His people who walked alongside me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I grew closer to the Lord through this grief, He gave me work to do
for His glory – He put people on my path and a ministry in the church we
attended to give me work to do to encourage other ladies who were hurting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is so good and faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abundantly good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And now I sit at my computer, a quiet house because
our 3 earthly children are at school right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ages 11, 13, and 15.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I praise and
thank the Lord for these great gifts He has given to my husband and to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I ponder what it will be like when I
enter heaven and meet the 4 children that were spared from the sin of this
world that I never got to meet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have experienced
4 losses and through each loss, the Lord has taught me and grown me closer to
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I enjoy sharing with our earthly
children about the 4 surprise siblings they have in Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a great day when I can meet my
Lord and Savior and then meet the children that I never held.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be a great big mama bear hug.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A group huddle of joy and love – all thanks
to my Savior the Lord Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And why do I sit here and write this to share with
you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First of all, please be encouraged
that God takes the junk that comes from the sin in our world and He works it
out for His good and for His glory, which in turn is also good for those who
seek His face and know Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And
we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those
who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also
predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be
the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also
called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified
he also glorified. Romans 8:26-30<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Secondly, I seek to encourage those of you who have
experienced/are experiencing grief – especially the grief of a little one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This grief can be misunderstood in our culture
– our culture values people who show success – our culture values money,
success, good health, good outside body image, making a difference on the
outside to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our culture does
not value life from conception.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
moms and dads who grieve little ones, grieve the opportunities and hopes of
how they imagined their life to be in the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still sometimes ponder what life would be
like now with a junior in high school – was it that older sister my daughter
has often wanted?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would it be another
tall basketball player,? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
A</span> musician?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
ponderings are normal and I don’t ponder these things all that often this many
years later – but it was very tough in the early years to not ponder the future
that I had imagined, and to grieve the loss of that future – these things are normal, be encouraged you parents who
are still heavy in grief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thirdly, I seek to educate those of you who are wanting
to understand friends who are grieving, especially infant loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I encourage you to bring a meal, offer to
babysit kids at home to give that mom a break, send a card to encourage her
(and her husband).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray and ask God for
the right words, the right actions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
hug and I am sorry goes such a long way – for deep friendships, an “I love you
and I am sorry you are suffering” is a great way to encourage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask God to guard your mouth from hurtful
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> And remember moms and dads won't stop grieving or missing until they get to their eternal home. Don't put a timeline on grief. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Lastly, I encourage any of you who are in a trial –
and if you are not now, you have just come out of one or you are heading into
one in the days to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all have
trials – keep your eyes on the Lord and His goodness – get into His Word – it is
salve for your soul – He is so good and faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen this faithfulness and testify it
right now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><em>Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! Psalm 107:21</em><span class="p"><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-49100227376965111252009-10-01T12:35:00.000-07:002009-10-01T13:04:49.239-07:00Tears in the Journey<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm 56:8 You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD. Jeremiah 29:11-14</span><br /></div><br /><br />It's been 11 years. Eleven years ago yesterday I went for a routine OB appointment after a great vacation with my husband to find out there was no heartbeat. Eleven years ago today I had a D&C and it was confirmed that I had a partial molar pregnancy and could develop cancer from the molar pregnancy. It was 11 years ago that my tears were full of grief and pain and worry.<br /><br />Nine years ago today my eyes were full of grief and pain again. I miscarried again. The same time of year as the first loss. It was hard. I was so thankful for the little one year old we had who kept me racing around the yard after him, but there was still a lot of pain and tears.<br /><br />Here I am in 2009. We've experienced two more times where we've lost little ones and experienced those tears of pain and tears of confusion - we have asked so many "why" questions of God. Yet, over these now 11 years, we've been blessed with 3 wonderful births which brought tears of joy. We are abundantly blessed with the 5, 7, & 9 year old at our home. God is so faithful<br />.<br />And as I've journeyed on this road, I've shed tears for ladies I've known who are grieving - and tears for many ladies whom I've never met. Tears have been shed over their pain and over my desire for them to see God's faithfulness and the healing balm of God's Word as He has shown me. I still shed those tears for ladies today. I praise God that He keeps me sensitive to that pain of those ladies.<br /><br />So today as my tears fall, I am overwhelmed with tears of joy - not only for our three children here on earth - not only that I have 4 or more surprises in heaven waiting for me to meet one day - but also tears of joy for what God has taught me - how He has molded me through those losses - how He has given me the opportunity to encourage hurting women and their families through a ministry at church.<br /><br />Yes, over the years there have been many tears. Praise God that He bottles our tears and that He will take the ashes of our lives and turn them towards beauty - eternal beauty. So today I praise Him for this journey that I've now walked on for 11 years and look towards the rest of the journey He has for me and for our family. He is so faithful.<br /><br />Here is a video of Crystal Lewis singing "Beauty for Ashes" - a song that ministered greatly to my heart in 1998 and encourages me today.<br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IQSk0OIEhDs&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IQSk0OIEhDs&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-54424044611104343192009-07-07T20:51:00.001-07:002009-07-10T12:57:26.694-07:00Romans 8:28 Part 3 God's Plan is Active<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28</span><br /></div><br />Today I'm going to focus on one word - that word is "work." The Greek word used for "work together" is "<span style="font-size:100%;">sunergei" "Sunergei," from which we get the word "synergy" means an active involvement - God is actively working - and even when to us it seems He is silent,</span> He is actively working to bring about His good.<br /><br />Let's look at a time when it seemed that God was silent. In John 11, the story is recounted of Jesus' friends Martha and Mary. They had sent word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus was sick.<br /><sup id="en-NIV-26517"><br /><br /></sup>John 11:4- 6 says: <span style="font-weight: bold;">When he heard this, Jesus said, "This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God's glory so that God's Son may be glorified through it." Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. Yet when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span>Marth and Mary had surely heard of the times when Jesus healed instantly; yet, Jesus waited. He waited 2 more days until he traveled to Martha and Mary. And in the meanwhile, Lazarus died<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">. </span></span></span> Scripture does not tell us what was going through the minds of Mary and Martha<span style="font-weight: bold;">,</span> but I can imagine how they felt. They may have felt let down by Jesus. Perhaps they were wondering if Jesus truly loved them. Perhaps they wondered if Jesus can really heal. I'm sure there was lots of emotion and thoughts in their minds and coming out of their mouths. I'm sure they were wondering why Jesus was silent.<br /><br />When Jesus came to Bethany, scripture tells us that Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days (v17). Verse 20 says that when it was known that Jesus was coming, Martha went out to meet Jesus, but Mary stayed home. I've not noticed that part of this story until tonight. Scripture doesn't tell us why she stayed inside. Just something interesting for us to ponder.<br /><br />After speaking to Martha and Mary, Jesus asks to go to the tomb of Lazarus. They take Jesus to the tomb and Jesus enters it.<br /><p> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><sup style="font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-26553">40</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" </span></p><p style="font-weight: bold;"> <sup id="en-NIV-26554">41</sup>So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. <sup id="en-NIV-26555">42</sup>I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." </p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><sup style="font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-26556">43</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;">When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" </span><sup style="font-weight: bold;" id="en-NIV-26557">44</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;">The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. </span><br /><br />Jesus was silent for a few days. Was He not working? Did He take a vacation or a break? No, His plan was a greater plan - to reveal greater glory to those who saw this miracle and to those who heard and we who can read it. Jesus chose to wait - to seem silent - before he amazingly rose Lazarus from the dead.<br /><br />God is active - He is working - when we can't see it right now in our life, He is still working. Be patient. Seek Him. Spend time with Him. Study His Word. Confess sin. Seek His face. He cares for you. He is actively working in your life.<br /><br />I am praying for you as you memorize Romans 8:28 and internalize what you can learn about God's character and God's ways through this verse.<br /><br />God is active - even when He seems silent. I am praying that you are seeking His anchored hope today, even when you find yourself in the midst of grief. God doesn't ask you to not grieve. He loves you - he bottles your tears - God asks you to look to Him and to trust His plan. Even when you can't see any good in the moment - trust His eternal plan to be working out good.<br /><br />Here is a song which reminds us about God's character and for us to trust His heart.<br /><br />PS - there is another blog posting called "Jesus Wept" which talks about John 11 more if you'd like to read it <a href="http://anchoredhope4you.blogspot.com/2009/04/jesus-wept.html">here</a>.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WnetYx_9450&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WnetYx_9450&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-80960295866934900922009-06-30T06:28:00.000-07:002009-06-30T07:28:49.504-07:00Romans 8:28 Part 2 God's Plan is Beneficial<xml> <o:officedocumentsettings><o:allowpng></o:allowpng></o:officedocumentsettings><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><span>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,</span>who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In Part I, we looked at who God's promise of all things working out for good in Romans 8:28. The next four posts will look at four promises for those Christians who have a purpose from the Lord. Those four parts are:</p><p class="MsoNormal">1. God's Plan is Beneficial.</p><p class="MsoNormal">2. God's Plan is Active.</p><p class="MsoNormal">3. God's Plan is Inclusive.</p><p class="MsoNormal">4. God's Plan is Harmonious.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">**Please note that these four points are from the book Spiritual Maturity by J. Oswald Sanders - you can find it <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=482525&item_code=WW&netp_id=481300&event=ESRCN&view=covers">here</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now that we know the "who" of Romans 8:28, let’s look at the "what" – what does God promise in the beginning of this verse – I am amazed at how much richness is in just six words – “All things work together for good.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p>All things work together <span style="font-weight: bold;">for good</span>.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s first focus on “for good” right now. J. Oswald Sanders spends much time in this chapter about what “good” means.<span style=""> </span>What do you think of when you think of a “good” day?<span style=""> </span>I think of my kids behaving well – being loving to<span style=""> </span>each other.<span style=""> </span>I think of my house being clean (and staying clean) all day.<span style=""> </span>I think of lovely weather – of doing something fun with my kids during the day with no conflict involved.<span style=""> </span>I think of lovely family time after my husband arrives and a well cooked meal that was planned weeks ahead of time on my menu plan. I think of no money problems - no recession. No work stress in my husband's life. I think of no stress in family relationships. I think of serving God and all around me working harmoniously. Most of my “good” (if I were in charge of the universe, which thankfully I am not) surrounds lack of conflict, no work, ease, comfort, and pleasure.<span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I have heard it said that Christians from lower economic parts of our world who visit the US claim that US Christians are so impoverished in their spirituality due to the comforts we enjoy in our culture –comforts we grow to expect and subtly accept as being the norm for those who love and follow the Lord.<span style=""> </span>This way of thinking <span style=""> </span>is not how God views the concept of "good" in the lives of His children. We live in a culture that wants it and wants it now (which has led to the recession, but that's a topic for another posting another day).</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Websters defines "good" in the following ways (I am not listing them all due to how many definitions there are for "good") - "possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc."</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">In researching Romans 8:28, I have found two different Greek words for "good." One word is "kalos" - this is a good which is appearance related - "what is beautiful, or what looks good, outward goodness, outward beauty, surface good;" <style>/ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} -</style><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10;color:black;" ></span> however, the Greek word used for "good" which Paul uses in Romans 8:28 is "agathon" - which means "good in the purest and truest sense." God is concerned with the inside - not the outside. He is creating an internal beauty that no easy life can create. God is working out His agathon - His good. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Paul, the writer of Romans suffered greatly. He spent much time in jail. He did not receive creature comforts while in jail. He had people who were seeking his end everywhere he went. 2 Timothy 2:10 says <span style="font-weight: bold;"> "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." He suffered and continued on so that more could know the plan of salvation - so more could know the Lord Jesus Christ as savior. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Paul also says in Phlippians 3:7-9 <span style="font-weight: bold;">"But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."<br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Paul knew full well what suffering meant.<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span> Yet, his seeing the Lord working out good in Paul's life - the fruit of Paul's ministry to others - he saw the Lord working out Paul's sufferings for good. I am sure that it took time. How do you think he felt the first time he went to jail? How do you think he felt the first time he heard someone was out to kill him due to his spreading the gospel? Yet, God equipped Paul through Paul's sufferings for the work God had for Paul to do. God had work in Paul's time (evangelizing then) and beyond Paul's time (the scriptures God wrote through Paul) which God prepared Paul to do.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">God is preparing you for work He has for you to do. Now, each person's work is different. And God can grow you for multiple works during a trial. In my case, as I look back on the past 11 years since our first loss, I see how God has used suffering to grow my love for God and His Word. God has used my suffering to grow me to be a better mom (who is still in need of growth there and in process). God has used my suffering to reveal sin in my heart. God has used my suffering to pass on God's compassion to those who are hurting. God's purpose can cover multiple areas of your life for now and for down the road.<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I encourage you today to seek out learning about God's agathon - His good. Ask the Lord to give you His comfort, His peace in this process of growing and learning. Look to the anchored hope that is only from the Lord. I pray that today you are able to see glimpses of that hope - that agathon - that good - He is working in your life.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am praying for you. Have you memorized Romans 8:28 yet? Print it out - put it in your pocket - tape it to your bathroom mirror. Write "agathon" down and place it around your house - perhaps someone will inquire to its meaning and you can share about what you are learning about God's goodness today.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p></xml>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-47553618766588920092009-06-30T05:55:00.000-07:002009-06-30T12:28:39.332-07:00Romans 8:28 Part 1<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><span>And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,</span>who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28</div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Romans 8:28 is a verse I hear quoted frequently in the Christian community.<span style=""> </span>When I ponder our past losses, I remember things friends said – dear friends – some who had not had a loss – and sometimes from friends who have had losses.<span style=""> </span>It’s a cliché that often pops out of the mouth of caring sisters in Christ.<span style=""> </span>“It was not God’s Will” – well, obviously it was not God’s Will for the baby to live; otherwise, it would have lived – sometimes I wanted to scream that in their face – obviously I did not and obviously they did not intend to say something that did not help me in my grief.<span style=""> </span>I often encourage those who are grieving to continually give their friends grace. Overlook well meaning things people say that don't really help.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Yet God's Word is full of healing balm for your grieving soul. Romans 8:28 is full of the richness – of the fullness of God and His plan – His hope.<span style=""> </span>Let’s look at it more closely today.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Before I break down this passage, let me reference a book that I just started reading with a group of ladies at church.<span style=""> </span>It’s title is <u>Spiritual Maturity</u> by J. Oswald Sanders.<span style=""> </span>Chapter one “The Overruling Providence of God” is where I am getting this content in regards to Romans 8:28.<span style=""> </span>If you’d like to purchase a copy, I like to use Christianbook.com – <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=482525&item_code=WW&netp_id=481300&event=ESRCN&view=covers">here</a> is the link for this book on their site.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First, let’s focus on the “who” of this verse.<span style=""> </span>Who is it that things work out for the good?<span style=""> </span>Is this something every person on earth can claim?<span style=""> </span>This verse does not mean that everything works out for the good of everyone.<span style=""> </span>No, it says “for the good of those who love him” and those “who have been called according to his purpose.”</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“For the good of those who love him” shows us that those people who love God and are in relationship with God are those people whom this verse refers to.<span style=""> </span>How do you know if you love God – <span style=""> </span>if you are in relationship with God?<span style=""> </span>Do you believe that God is holy? That He is the great creator? Do you believe that all humanity sins – that you sin – that you are not holy and that God cannot allow anything unholy into His presence?<span style=""> </span>Do you believe that God sent His son, Jesus, to die for your sins – and that He raised on the 3<sup>rd</sup> day because He has power over death?<span style=""> </span>Have you asked Jesus to be the front center of your life?<span style=""> </span>If so, you are a person who loves God.<span style=""> </span>God loves and cares for His people.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Secondly – those “who have been called according to his purpose.”<span style=""> </span>Being a child of God doesn’t just mean only that you are a child of God – God has a purpose for you being in His family.<span style=""> </span>There is relationship.<span style=""> </span>Now, suppose and earthly father is quite rich and has many children.<span style=""> </span>Those children could, due to their earthly father’s bank account, sit around and have fun and do nothing; however, a loving father gives his children jobs to do - He gives them a purpose.<span style=""> </span>God does this.<span style=""> </span>Everything that occurs in life will eventually bring about the glory of God.<span style=""> </span>He has given you a purpose – a job to do.<span style=""> </span>If you are a child of God, He has a purpose and a plan for your life.<span style=""> </span>Part of His purpose in my life has been to encourage women, especially women who have suffered the loss of babies in their lives.<span style=""> </span>He equipped me for this purpose by allowing me to experience four losses.<span style=""> </span>It takes time, but for His children, He eventually works out hardship for good. Claim that promise right now!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">So, now we know who it is that claim the promise of Romans 8:28.<span style=""> </span>If you are still wondering if this promise is for you, I encourage you to check out <a href="http://www.eeinternational.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=31469">this site here</a> to go through the plan of salvation. I encourage you to seek out a friend, a pastor, a church who is committed to the Bible as being God’s Word and to ask questions about becoming part of God’s family – accepting Christ as your Savior.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal">Next we will look at the first of four promises for those who are in God's Family - four points of hope which you can look towards in your grieving. Please know that your grieving is close to my heart and I am lifting you up to the Lord in your grieving. I encourage you to dig into His Word and to choose one verse to put around your house to focus on - if you'd like some examples, you can look at my posting on verses of hope <a href="http://anchoredhope4you.blogspot.com/2009/04/verses-of-comfort-and-hope.html">here</a>. And I encourage you to start memorizing Romans 8:28.<br /></p><br /><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-49709741393623434432009-06-11T05:46:00.000-07:002009-06-11T05:50:22.446-07:00Press On<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Philippians 3:12-14</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am planning on writing more about this scripture later today; however, feel led to post the scripture, song and lyrics this morning before I head out with the kids.<br /><br />I am praying for you in your grieving. I encourage you to spend time in His Word and in prayer with the Lord today.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;">Press On </span>performed by Selah<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When the valley is deep</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When the mountain is steep</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When the body is weary</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When we stumble and fall</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When the choices are hard</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When we're battered and scarred</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When we've spent our resources</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">When we've given our all</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Chorus:</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In Jesus' name, we press on</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In Jesus' name, we press on</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Lord, with the prize</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Clear before our eyes</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We find the strength to press on</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In Jesus' name, we press on</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">In Jesus' name, we press on</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear Lord, with the prize</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Clear before our eyes</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">We find the strength to press on</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">To press on </span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/POf__1yS4qY&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/POf__1yS4qY&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-43873080892464296522009-06-10T05:08:00.000-07:002009-06-10T05:22:36.453-07:00The Lifter of My Head<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="source"><span style="font-weight: bold;">But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head (Psalm 3:3).</span></span><br /><span class="source"></span></div><span class="source"><br />There have been times that only the Words of the Lord are what lift my head. Are you finding your head down today? Look to the Lord. He is a shield around you. He will lift your head.<br /><br />When King David wrote this Psalm, he was running away from his son Absolom who was trying to take the throne from King David.<br /><br />Charles Spurgeon, a great English Pastor spoke on Psalm 3 in a sermon titled "The Treasury of David. You can find the entire text <a href="http://www.spurgeon.org/treasury/ps003.htm">here</a>.<br /><br />Here is what Spurgeon says about Psalm 3:3<br /><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Verse 3. Here David avows his confidence in God. "Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me." The word in the original signifies more than a shield; it means a buckler round about, a protection which shall surround a man entirely, a shield above, beneath, around, without and within. Oh! what a shield is God for his people! He wards off the fiery darts of Satan from beneath, and the storms of trials from above, while, at the same instant, he speaks peace to the tempest within the breast. Thou art "my glory." David knew that though he was driven from his capital in contempt and scorn, he should yet return in triumph, and by faith he looks upon God as honouring and glorifying him. O for grace to see our future glory amid present shame! Indeed, there is a present glory in our afflictions, if we could but discern it; for it is no mean thing to have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings. David was honoured when he made the ascent of Olivet, weeping, with his head covered; for he was in all this made like unto his Lord. May we learn, in this respect, to glory in tribulations also! "And the lifter up of mine head"—thou shalt yet exalt me. Though I hang my head in sorrow, I shall very soon lift it up in joy and thanksgiving. What a divine trio of mercies is contained in this verse!—defence for the defenceless, glory for the despised, and joy for the comfortless. Verily we may well say, "there is none like the God of Jeshurun."</span><br /><br />My prayer for you today is that you would know that the Lord is the shield for you and the lifter of your head. The following song touched my heart this past Sunday at church (wish I had a video of our church choir - they are amazing). I pray the song touches your heart. Remember - it's not your job to lift your head - look to the Lord - He is the true lifter of your head - you cannot do it in your own strength.<br /><br />I am praying for you.<br /><br />Nicole<br /><br /><br />Thou, Oh Lord by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir<br /><br />Thou, Oh Lord<br />Many are they increased that troubled me<br />Many are they that rise up against me<br />Many there be which say of my soul<br />There is no helpe for him in God<br /><br />But thou, oh Lord are a shield for me<br />My glory and the lifter of my head<br />Thou, oh Lord are shield for me<br />My glory and the lifter of my head<br /><br />Repeat<br /><br />I cried unto the Lord with my voice<br />And he heard me out of His holy hill<br />I laid me down and slept and awaked<br />For the Lord sustained, for he sustained me<br /><br /><br />Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me<br />My glory and the lifter of my head<br />Thou, oh Lord are shield for me<br />My glory and the lifter of my head<br /><br />Repeat Twice<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/y284YvkYrZo&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/y284YvkYrZo&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-41002199664581333542009-06-09T09:02:00.000-07:002009-06-09T09:10:42.993-07:00A gift for healingMy friend Alice is a gifted artist. She has experienced the loss of a stillborn. You can read about her <a href="http://www.aliceart.net/abtartist.php">here</a>. Out of her grief of loss of her daughter, Grace, she created a beautiful pencil drawing of Jesus rocking a baby in heaven. She then had a company take that artwork and create a beautiful pewter medallion. I recommend her artwork for you to buy for yourself or for you to send to a grieving friend. Her website main page is <a href="http://www.aliceart.net/index.php">here</a>. She also has beautiful art work for other occasions. The Lord has gifted her with great artistic talent along with a great heart for people and a great heart for the Lord to be glorified.<br /><br />I've just noticed that there are variations on the artwork - there is one drawing with an African American baby. There is also a drawing that has twins in Jesus' arms. You can see them all <a href="http://www.aliceart.net/products.php?cat=10">here</a>. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aliceart.net/prodimages/safe_s.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 230px;" src="http://www.aliceart.net/prodimages/safe_s.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.aliceart.net/prodimages/front.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 180px; height: 209px;" src="http://www.aliceart.net/prodimages/front.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a></div> </div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-13705181266486743172009-06-09T08:45:00.000-07:002009-06-09T09:01:08.054-07:00Books and Resources for lossI have compiled a list of books (the descriptions are copied and pasted from Christianbook.com 's description. After each book description, I've added a short text with extra comments. All of these books have been helpful at ministering to me and I've heard positive comments from others as well. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Holding on to Hope by Nancy Guthrie</span><br />Description: Shunning platitudes and easy answers, Nancy Guthrie deals head-on with the issues experienced by those who are going through suffering and loss. Through lessons drawn from the story of Job in the Bible, and the experience of losing her infant daughter, Hope, Nancy gently challenges readers to embrace suffering as a means of discovering a more meaningful relationship with God. Holding On To Hope offers an uplifting perspective, not only for those experiencing monumental loss, but for anyone going through difficulty and failure. Ms. Guthrie's story of losing her daughter Hope is woven beautifully throughout, adding a richness and credibility lacking in most books on suffering. After finishing the manuscript, the author added an epilogue that deals with an additional devastating loss--the death of her infant son Gabriel who died of the same disease that took her daughter Hope.<br /><br />This book is a wonderful resource for the person/couple who is wanting to find a Biblical way to deal with the grief of their loss. This book has been very comforting to me in how I handle my grief from a Biblical viewpoint. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to dig into God’s Word to work through their grief in a Biblical way.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">For Those Who Hurt by Charles R. Swindoll</span><br />Description: Swindoll offers you words of hope about the painful subject of suffering. His look at Scripture encourages you or others you know who are struggling with grief to look to the God of all comfort for the meaning behind painful circumstances. Full-color nature photography enhances the inspiring message of this thoughtful gift book. 48 pages, paper from Zondervan.<br /><br />*This is a great book for anyone suffering a trial - not just for loss of a baby. Great little book to encourage someone hurting. The ministry I work with also uses this book to minister to women suffering infertility.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Losing You Too Soon by Bernadette Keaggy</span><br />Description: Five months into her first pregnancy, Bernadette Keaggy, wife of Christian musician Phil Keaggy gave birth to three beautiful sons, but tragically they were stillborn. The Keaggys' experience mirrors that of many who have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage and don't know where to turn for hope and healing. In this book, Bernadette writes with candor about the hurt and confusion that shook her, Phil, and their marriage as they dealt with the eventual loss of five babies. Her story does not offer simple solutions, but an example of finding the strength and courage to go on. Interspersed with the Keaggys' story is practical advice for dealing with and recovering from loss. Poignant letters from other couples reveal different facets of grief and coping. Many people who have experienced such a loss know how hard it is to find someone who can truly understand what they are going through. For such readers, or those who seek to comfort them, this book is a source of profound encouragement and a reminder that God promises grace and hope in the midst of even the deepest pain.<br /><br />*This book is comforting to read how a Christian couple has dealt with their grief and trusting God in giving them children. It's not sold on Christianbook.com, but Amazon lists other sellers who sell it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Safe in the Arms of Jesus: God’s Provision for the Death of Those Who Cannot Believe by Robert P. Lightner</span><br />Description: Writing with a father's tenderness and the confident knowledge of a Bible scholar, Dr. Lightner brings comfort to parents who grieve. He goes beyond words of consolation to the truth that brings peace, explaining God's provision for the death of little ones who were unable to believe, either because they were too young or because they were mentally disabled.<br /><br />*This book is helpful for anyone who is wanting Biblical truth in the salvation of their baby.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-16013802753435869892009-05-30T06:32:00.001-07:002009-06-09T08:39:40.634-07:00Broken Road<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9</span><br /></div><br />What does "broken" mean? I looked up the definition of "broken" and found the following definitions:<br /><br /><ul><li>reduced to fragments; fragmented</li><li>changing direction abruptly</li><li>fragmentary or incomplete</li><li>interrupted, disrupted, or disconnected</li><li>weakened in strength, spirit</li></ul><br />Broken is from the perspective of the person who is deciphering the situation. From my perspective, when my husband and I experienced our losses, our situation was broken. I could only see a tiny part of the big picture for my plan. In my eyes, death meant brokenness. Loss of dreams and expectations meant brokenness. I felt fragmented. I felt weakened in spirit. I felt broken. Are you feeling that way today? If so, let's look at the anchored hope that God has for you in your broken road.<br /><br />God plans our steps as Proverbs 16:9 tells us. God knew the road my husband & I would take on our journey towards children. He had a master plan - it wasn't the plan I would have planned, but as I look back on the road, it's an even better plan than I could have imagined. He has grown me in my faith greatly. He has equipped me for ministry to others. He has given me a purpose and a great plan. He is abundantly good. But I would not be where I am now if it were not for the "broken" road I've been on in the past.<br /><br />Do you feel broken today? God is there to listen to your broken heart. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Psalm 34:18ays "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."</span> God will bless your broken road. Look to Him and to His Word. He sees the big picture - He has a master plan - He will restore the time of grief - I have felt that restoration personally. Here is some scripture that speaks to me in a powerful way:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><sup style="font-weight: bold;" id="en-MSG-9494">25 -27</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;"> "I'll make up for the years of the locust, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> the great locust devastation— Locusts savage, locusts deadly, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> fierce locusts, locusts of doom, That great locust invasion </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> I sent your way. You'll eat your fill of good food. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> You'll be full of praises to your God, The God who has set you back on your heels in wonder. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Never again will my people be despised. You'll know without question </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> that I'm in the thick of life with Israel, That I'm your God, yes, your God, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> the one and only real God. </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Joel 2:25-27 The Message</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">God's ways are not our ways. God's plans are not our plans. And I praise God that my agenda isn't His agenda. His plan is abundantly better. Yes, He has allowed a broken road in your life. It's ok to grieve. But don't give up that anchored hope that He has an abundant plan for your life. He will take that broken road and lead you to a deeper faith in Him - to lead you to a life that He has for you. A life that is abundantly good.<br /><br />Here is a song I came upon today which speaks to me - may it remind you of God's plan for your life - that He determines your steps and has allowed you down the broken road that leads you straight to Him and to His abundant life for you.<br /><br /><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left"><br /></p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left">Bless the Broken Road by Selah</p><p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left">I set out on a narrow way, many years ago<br />Hoping I would find true love, along the broken road<br />But I got lost a time or two<br />Wiped my brow and kept pushing through<br />I couldn’t see how every sign, pointed straight to you </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left">Every long lost dream led me to where you are<br />Others who broke my heart, they were just northern stars<br />Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms<br />This much I know is true<br />That God blessed the broken road<br />And led me straight to you </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I think about the years I spent, just passing through<br />I’d like to take the time I lost, and give it back to you </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">But you just smile and take my hand<br />You’ve been there, you understand<br />It’s all part of his grander plan, that is coming true </p> <p style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Every long lost dream, led me to where you are<br />Others who broke my heart, they were just northern stars<br />Pointing me on my way, into your loving arms<br />This much I know is true<br />That God blessed the broken road<br />And led me straight to you </p> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now I’m just rolling home<br />Into your loving arms<br />This much I know, is true<br />That God blessed the broken road<br />And led me straight to you<br />That God blessed the broken road<br />And led me straight to you</span><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EI2XiMD4VVY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EI2XiMD4VVY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-79525534856506434662009-05-27T11:45:00.000-07:002009-05-27T12:21:06.573-07:00Experiential Knowledge<div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">"If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as</span><sup style="font-weight: bold;">[<a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=john+7&niv=yes&submit=Lookup#fen-NIV-26356c" title="Go to" c="">c</a>]</sup><span style="font-weight: bold;"> the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.<br />John 7:37-39 </span><br /></div><br /><br />This morning I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah. I am sure I didn't catch the quote exactly, but what I wrote down to remember was the following: God will not put us in a situation where He cannot sustain you. He will show Himself strong. He will give you experiential knowledge that will show you that you can do anything with His help.<br /><br />As the verses from John 7 tell us, Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to equip us and sustain us in our daily living. The Holy Spirit gives us streams of living water. Often in my humanness, I look for streams of water in other places - in hobbies, in other people, in stuff, in activities. Yet, the Lord has designed us to draw from His living water. Sometimes in order for us to draw from His streams of living water, He allows circumstances that brings us into valleys, where we can thirst for the Lord instead of the longing for drinks that don't fully satisfy.<br /><br />I heard the below song today on the radio - waves of thankfulness rushed through my body - tears streamed down my eyes. I am honestly thankful for the valleys which I've gone through - especially those valleys of our four losses. Without those losses, I would not have experienced so much joy in ministering to others and in cherishing the blessings God has given to me. God has truly taken me from the valley and brought me to rivers of joy.<br /><br />And now that I've had the experiential knowledge of seeing how God takes the valleys and brings rivers of joy, I find that I can draw from his strength and look to Him with greater hope than before. The combination of seeing how God has worked in the past in the lives of those in the Bible combined with my experience, grows my faith.<br /><br />Now, I would not have used the word "thankful" while in the midst of heavy grieving. Please do not think that. Do not think that you need to <span style="font-weight: bold;">feel </span>thankful in the midst of heavy grief. Look to the Lord and His Word and in time you will be able to see how He's making something beautiful of the valley and you'll find rivers of joy. Look daily - moment by moment - He is surrounding you with things to be thankful for - spend some time thanking Him today. Even when we don't feel thankful, when we take time to focus on thankfulness, the feelings will eventually come. Everything takes time.<br /><br />I pray this song blesses you.<br /><br />I am praying for you.<br /><br />Nicole<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CvHMjILrSJ0&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CvHMjILrSJ0&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Valley Song by Jars of Clay<br /><br />You have led me to the sadness<br />I have carried this pain<br />On a back bruised, nearly broken<br />I'm crying out to you<br /><br />Chorus<br />I will sing of Your mercy<br />That leads me through valleys of sorrow<br />To rivers of joy<br /><br />When death like a Gypsy<br />Comes to steal what I love<br />I will still look to the heavens<br />I will still seek your face<br /><br />But I fear you aren't listening<br />Because there are no words<br />Just the stillness and the hunger<br />For a faith that assures<br /><br />Chorus x2<br /><br />Alleluia, alleluia<br />Alleluia, alleluia<br /><br />While we wait for rescue<br />With our eyes tightly shut<br />Face to the ground using our hands<br />To cover the fatal cut<br /><br />And though the pain is an ocean<br />Tossing us around, around, around<br />You have calmed greater waters<br />Higher mountains have come down<br /><br />Chorus<br /><br />Yeah<br /><br />Alleluia, alleluia<br />Alleluia, alleluia<br /><br />Alleluia, alleluia alleluia, alleluia<br />Alleluia, alleluia alleluia, alleluia<br /><br />Chorus (4 Xs)<br /><br />Oh, Lord sing of Your mercy,<br />Mercy<br />Your mercyNicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-80292881382906742892009-05-09T18:52:00.000-07:002009-05-09T19:08:22.704-07:00Remembering our little ones in heavenDear ladies. I've been doing much reflecting these last couple of weeks. The time of spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Spring is so alive with hope and new life. There have been times, though, in the past decade of my life where spring has been bittersweet. You see, three of our precious little ones in heaven were expected to arrive in late April and in early May.<br /><br />I've noticed in the past decade how grief crescendos for a while, but over time, the Lord's healing balm helps the grief to subside. It has a general pattern over time to decrescendo over time. It doesn't seem to completely go away, and at times surprises can cause that grief to creep up again; however, God is faithful. He has a great master plan. I've found that the more I look to Him - to who He truly is - to how He truly works - that the grief is overtaken with the joy of the Lord. I am one who is speaking as one who has been there. Please know there is hope. God knew your loss would happen. He allowed it. He has a great master plan for your life. Look to Him.<br /><br />Also remember that He is the one who bottles your tears - He does not ask that you not cry or not grieve. Look to Him - He loves you and will comfort you so that He can grow you and one day you will extend that comfort to others who are grieving.<br /><br />I love you ladies - I've been lifting you up to the Lord this week and weekend.<br /><br />Nicole<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 NLT</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4</span><br /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-86604560533196297692009-05-09T18:25:00.000-07:002009-05-09T18:26:57.489-07:00Remembering...I just wrote the writing below to send to friends to ask them to pray for you dear ladies and for others who find Mother's Day a difficult time. I pray the Lord is ministering to you right now. Seek out His Word. It is healing balm for a hurting heart.<br /><br />Love,<br />Nicole<br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Dear Friends, it is Mother’s Day.<span style=""> </span>A day of rejoicing, right?<span style=""> </span>Dear Friends, today I call on you to remember and pray for a group of ladies who are hurting, especially on Mother’s Day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Throughout my day today I have been praying for these ladies.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the mom who is grieving the loss of her baby through miscarriage – and many may not have even known about that precious life.<span style=""> </span>It’s a hard grief.<span style=""> </span>She is remembering her hopes and dreams for that little one.<span style=""> </span>Even though she never got to hold this little one, she is remembering…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the mom who experienced stillbirth.<span style=""> </span>The world has gone on, but she still remembers.<span style=""> </span>She misses that little precious life.<span style=""> </span>She’s remembering…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for that mom who has experienced infant loss.<span style=""> </span>She longs to hold that precious little one again. She misses him/her.<span style=""> </span>And for her, much of the world has gone on as well. Today she is remembering and missing her little one…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the woman who is struggling to have a child. She is grieving the struggle of infertility.<span style=""> </span>She desires to add a child or another child to their family.<span style=""> </span>She is remembering her hopes and dreams for their family…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for that mom of an older child who is now with Jesus.<span style=""> </span>It doesn’t make sense to her why the Lord took him/her early.<span style=""> </span>She’s grieving and remembering….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the mom whose child died as an adult.<span style=""> </span>We parents expect we’ll be the ones to go first.<span style=""> </span>But that wasn’t God’s plan.<span style=""> </span>That mom is remembering and also grieving for those other family members who are also grieving…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the children who won’t get to hug their mommy today.<span style=""> </span>They are remembering and missing her….</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for the adult children who won’t get to tell their mom they love her today. They are remembering…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for those moms who are seeing their child suffering and perhaps will lose that child soon.<span style=""> </span>Praying for a blessed Mother’s Day with that child.<span style=""> </span>A day full of precious memories…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’ve been praying for those children whose mom is suffering and perhaps will lose that mom soon.<span style=""> </span>Praying for a blessed Mother’s Day with their mom.<span style=""> </span>A day full of <span style=""> </span>precious memories…</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Today can be a very hard day.<span style=""> </span>Let’s take time to remember these grieving people today.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Let’s pray Psalm 147:3 for them:<span style=""> </span>"He [the LORD] heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.<span style="">" </span>Let’s pray that they will look to the Lord to heal them – that they will grow to see God as He truly is.<span style=""> </span>That they will look beyond the ashes and look towards the beauty the Lord has for them down the road.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">“and provide for those who grieve in <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Zion</st1:place></st1:city>— <span style=""> </span>to bestow on them a crown of beauty <span style=""> </span>instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise <span style=""> </span>instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”<span style=""> </span>Isaiah 61:3</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As one who has had bittersweet Mother’s Days in the past due to my grieving babies who have gone to be with the Lord, I thank you for your prayers for these women, men, and children.<span style=""> </span>I praise God that He has revealed to me the beauty for those times of grief and ashes.<span style=""> </span>My prayer is that those who are grieving would be encouraged that God does have a big plan for their life and that this current grief is for but a season – He has a crown of beauty waiting for their future.<span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-59214122272440012042009-05-04T21:00:00.000-07:002009-05-09T19:09:37.977-07:00I Can Hear Your VoiceGood evening dear ladies. Please forgive me my quietness. I struggle with busyness of our family. Would you ask the Lord to help me with my time management? I long so spend time blogging, yet know that God wants me to put Him first and then my family second. I have not forgotten you and have continued to lift you up in my prayers.<br /><br />Tonight I listened to a Michael W Smith song. It spoke to my heart and I desire to share it with you. But first, let’s look at the Word of God.<br /><br />Jesus meets a woman at a well in John Chapter 4. She is there to get water and is there alone. She is a woman who has been living with men who are not her husband. Jesus talks to her at the well and she is amazed at what He knows about her. For the full account, read it <a href="http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=john+4&niv=yes&submit=Lookup">here</a>. Jesus tells her about living water that will never make her thirst again.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."</span><br /></div><br />Another passage that talks about water from God is found in Jeremiah 17:7-8<br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">7 "But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,<br /> whose confidence is in him.<br />8 He will be like a tree planted by the water<br /> that sends out its roots by the stream.<br /> It does not fear when heat comes;<br /> its leaves are always green.<br /> It has no worries in a year of drought<br /> and never fails to bear fruit."<br /></div>Dear ladies, dig deep into the Word of God. It is living water to your thirsty soul. When Jesus gives you the water of eternal life, it wells up within you. Yet, we can’t sit stagnant. We have to dig into His Word and trust in Him. The Bible helps us to learn about Him and to remind our feeble minds about His goodness, His mightiness, His holiness.<br />The song I’m going to share also talks about Jesus singing over me. Did you know dear ladies that the Lord rejoices over you? Now, the Lord is not dependent on our choices. Yet, our following Him. Our allowing Him to be Lord over our lives, he rejoices in that.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;">The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17<br /></div><br />As you listen to this lovely song by Michael W Smith, thank the Lord for His living water. Remember that He loves you. He has a plan for you. No matter how difficult the circumstances. No matter how many tears you’ve cried today. The Lord is there for you. Come close to Him. Feel His touch. Let His touch heal your heart today. Let Him restore and renew.<br /><br />I love you ladies – I am praying for you in your grieving. I have seen His faithfulness. He is faithful.<br /><br /><br /><br />Michael W Smith – I Can Hear Your Voice<br />I'm in the river that flows from your throne<br />Water of Life<br />Water of Life<br />It Covers me and I breath again<br />Your love is breath to my soul<br /><br />I can hear Your voice as You sing over me<br />It's Your song of Hope breathing life into me<br />I can feel Your touch as I come close to You<br />And it heals my heart<br />You restore and renew<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/88fbQtA1kJw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/88fbQtA1kJw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-25262438576922587802009-04-21T06:30:00.000-07:002009-04-21T06:37:15.995-07:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> The name of the LORD is a strong tower; </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10</span><br /></div><br />I have a pretty busy day, but feel the Lord leading me to post this song - the words are powerful - look to God - look to His plan. It's hard to say it in the midst of grief, but I have come to find the truth and the joy of "nothing on earth compares to the promise I have in You" Jesus. Let His comfort and shelter be your tower of strength today. I encourage you to spend some time praising Him with this song and then go to His Word to be filled today.<br /><br />I am praying for you.<br /><br />Nicole<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/tblpN1IJtZk&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/tblpN1IJtZk&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-59952484292157978512009-04-16T19:09:00.000-07:002009-04-16T19:17:04.600-07:00Remember Surrender<div style="text-align: center;">This morning I was getting ready for Bible Study and listening to Sara Groves - a favorite artist of mine. The song <span style="font-style: italic;">Remember Surrender </span>touched my heart. I am a first born, Type A, person who wants to always be in control. And I have to day by day, minute by minute turn that control over to the Lord Jesus - I am not in control. He is. Last night I was studying Colossians and read the following which looks at the Supremacy of Christ:<br /></div><br /><h5 style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">The Supremacy of Christ Colossians 1:15-20<br /></h5><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> <sup id="en-NIV-29465">15</sup>He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. <sup id="en-NIV-29466">16</sup>For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. <sup id="en-NIV-29467">17</sup>He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. <sup id="en-NIV-29468">18</sup>And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. <sup id="en-NIV-29469">19</sup>For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, <sup id="en-NIV-29470">20</sup>and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></p>Everything is created by Christ and for Christ. He is in control. I am not. It is my job to surrender my own desire for control - to acknowledge that it is His and His alone. I pray this song touches your heart today and that God's Word is permeating your thoughts as you are reminded to surrender to the Lord today - He is good and faithful. He has a plan for your life - a good plan. He sees the big picture - you can only see but a small piece of that picture. I am praying for you as you are grieving today. Look to His Word - His anchored hope today. Remember to surrender.<br /><div style="width:300px;"><object width="300" height="110"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/m/7cCyLbHlMT/aus=false/"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/m/7cCyLbHlMT/aus=false/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="110" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><div style="background-color:#E6E6E6;padding:1px;"><div style="float:left;padding:4px 4px 0 0;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/E6E6E6/" border="0" /></a></div><form method="post" action="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/" style="margin:0;padding:0;"><input type="text" name="EmbedSearchBox" /><input type="submit" value="Search" style="font-size:12px;" /><div style="padding-top:3px;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=0&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/152/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=1&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/153/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=2&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/154/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=3&ek=7cCyLbHlMT" rel="nofollow" ><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/155/10/7cCyLbHlMT/" border="0" /></a></div></form></div></div><br/><a href="http://www.imeem.com/popmusic12/music/5LYbyhZr/sara-groves-remember-surrender/">Remember Surrender - Sara Groves</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;" align="center">Remember Surrender</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 12pt; text-align: center;" align="center">By Sara Groves<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Remember surrender<br />Remember the rest<br />Remember that weight lifting off of your chest<br />And realizing that it's not up to you and it never was<br /><br />Remember surrender<br />Remember relief<br />Remember how tears rolled down both of your cheeks<br />As the warmth of a heavenly father came closing in<br /><br />I want to do that again<br />Why can't I live there<br />And make my home<br />In sweet surrender<br />I want to do so much more than remember<br /><br />Remember surrender<br />Remember peace<br />Remember how soundly you fell fast asleep<br />In the face of your troubles your future still shone like the morning sun<br /><br />Remember surrender<br />Remember that sound<br />Of all of those voices inside dying down<br />But one who speaks clearly of helping and healing you deep within<br /><br />I want to do that again<br />Why can't I live there<br />And make my home<br />In sweet surrender<br />I want to do so much more than remember<br />Remember<br />Oh surrender</p><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /></span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-7986764992862942009-04-15T22:13:00.000-07:002009-04-15T22:28:29.154-07:00Made Me GladA song that was sung often at our church after our last loss in 2006 was "Made Me Glad" by Darlene Zschech. Here are the lyrics:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> I will bless the Lord forever<br />And I will trust Him at all times<br />He has delivered me from all fear<br />And he has set my feet upon a rock<br /><br />And I will not be moved<br />And I'll say of the Lord....<br /><br />You are my shield<br />My strength<br />My portion<br />Deliverer<br />My shelter<br />Strong tower<br />My very present help in time of need<br /><br />Whom have I in Heaven but you?<br />There's none I desire beside you<br />You have made me glad<br />And I'll say of the Lord....<br /><br />CHORUS:<br /><br />You are my shield<br />My strength<br />My portion<br />Deliverer<br />My shelter<br />Strong tower<br />My very present help in time of need<br /><br />REPEAT CHORUS<br /><br />You have me glad<br />And I'll say of the Lord....<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> REPEAT CHORUS x 2<br /><br />My very present help in time of need (TO FADE)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">You can see a beautiful video to the song <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0Zc_VWJJoI">here.</a><br /><br />Here is some scripture that speaks powerfully to me - it reminds me of God's goodness and that he is my shield and my fortress.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"> <p>I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; <span style=""> </span>my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:1-2</p> <p>The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.<span style=""> </span>Psalm 28:7</p><br /><div style="text-align: left;"> <p><span style="font-weight: normal;">Even in your grieving, I am praying that you are seeing God being your stronghold and your fortress. Dear one, cling to Him – look to His Word. One day your heart will leap for joy – even if it seems impossible today. Just keep reading His Word – even when you don’t feel the hope – Believe it – the feeling will eventually get there. Trust God and who He is. I am praying for you tonight. Dig into His Word - it is healing hope for you today - the true anchored hope.<br /></span></p><p>Nicole<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span><o:p></o:p></p> </div><p><br /></p> <p><br /><o:p></o:p></p> <p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"> </div></div><br /></div></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-3849091384456330572009-04-15T22:04:00.000-07:002009-04-15T22:08:40.884-07:00Verses of Comfort and Hope<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">This list of verses was given to me at a MOPS meeting just after our last loss – God’s timing is perfect – it was the perfect topic for me that week.<span style=""> </span>I pray God’s Word will be healing balm to your grieving heart today.<span style=""> </span>I am praying for you.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nicole</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><strong><i style=""><span style="font-size:20;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></span></i></strong></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><strong><i style=""><span style="font-size:20;">Verses of Comfort and Hope<o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><strong><i style=""><span style="font-size:16;"><span style=""> </span></span></i></strong><strong><i style=""><span style="font-size:11;">(New Living Translation)</span></i></strong><strong><i style=""><span style="font-size:16;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><strong><i style=""><span style="font-size:16;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></strong></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Psalm 9:9-10</strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> </span></span></strong> The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Psalm 46:1</b><span style=""> </span>God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">Psalm 56:8</b><span style=""> </span>You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.<br />You have recorded each one in your book.</p> <p><b style="">Psalm 139: 16-18</b><span style=""> </span> You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book.<span style=""> </span>Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!<span style=""> </span>And when I wake up, you are still with me!</p> <p><b style="">Isaiah 40:28-31</b><span style=""> </span> Have you never heard? Have you never understood?<span style=""> </span>The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth.<span style=""> </span>He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion.<br />But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.<span style=""> </span>They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.</p> <p><b style="">Jeremiah 29:11</b><span style=""> </span>For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></p> <p><strong>Lamentations 3:19-24</strong><strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> </span></span></strong>The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, "The LORD is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!"</p> <p><b style="">Romans 8:38-39</b><span style=""> </span>And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong> No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.</p> <p><b style="">1 Peter 5:7</b><span style=""> </span>Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.</p> <p><b style="">1 John 4:9-10</b><span style=""> </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-transform: uppercase;"> </span>God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.<strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> </span></span></strong>This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.</p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-65644825929198684662009-04-13T21:12:00.000-07:002009-04-13T21:24:39.456-07:00Jesus Wept<o:p></o:p><span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:100%;" ></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;">It's the shortest verse in the Bible. "Jesus Wept." Have you wept today? There are many reasons we weep and cry. Many moms are weeping today over the baby they did not meet, or the child who went to be with the Lord earlier than they had hoped. Where is hope for them, for you, today? Be assured that Jesus knows what it's like to weep and to cry. <span style="font-weight: bold;"> "Jesus wept." John 11:35</span>.</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;">In John Chapter 11, we see Jesus coming to the tomb of Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Martha and Mary loved Jesus.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">They had asked him to come and to heal Lazarus.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">But Lazarus died before Jesus came to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Bethany</st1:place></st1:city>.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">In fact, Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days when Jesus came to the tomb. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">When Mary meets Jesus, she is weeping (v 33) </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">– my NIV bible says the Greek word used for weeping when Mary wept meant a wailing.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Yet, in verse 35, the Greek word for “wept” when Jesus wept means a quiet weeping or shedding tears.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Scripture teaches us that Jesus knows the thoughts of those around him ( <b style=""><sup id="en-NIV-25122">“</sup>Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, "Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?”<span style=""> </span>Luke 5:22; <span style=""> </span><sup>“</sup>But Jesus knew what they were thinking” Luke 6:8</b>).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus not only heard Mary's wailing on the outside, He knew Mary’s heart and what was in her thoughts.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">He silently wept at her pain. Did you know dear ladies, that Jesus has compassion on your pain and your grieving? He does.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>And what does Jesus do out of his compassion?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:43).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p>There was a time before Lazarus when Jesus had compassion for a grieving family member.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">In Luke 7:11-17, the story is told of Jesus having compassion on a widow who is in a funeral procession for her only son. Verse 13 says “<b style="">When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, ‘Don't cry.’”</b> (NIV).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The King James version says He “<b style="">had compassion on her</b>.”</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">The word for compassion which is used here is <i style="">splagcnivzomai, </i>which is used of Jesus and the Good Samaritan (Luke 10: 25-37).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This compassion is a compassion of action and involvement. </span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">It is not just kind words.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus cares and He’s got a plan of action.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">For the widow of Nain, He restored her son’s life – He raise him from the dead.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">This resurrection also showed Jesus’ compassion and his power over death.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p>Dear friend,</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus has compassion on you – He hears and sees your pain.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">He has a plan for you and for your life.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Know that He is a God of compassion and of action.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">He is good.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">His plan is good.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">“<b style="">Jesus wept.”</b></span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">You may be in the midst of your grieving and praying for God to restore life to that precious life lost.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Know that Jesus is there having compassion on You.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Remember that He bottles up your tears (<b style="">Psalm 56:8<span style=""> </span>You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. NLT</b> ).</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">He has a plan.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">Look to Him.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p>Please be assured that one day, you too, will find this truth to be clear from the pain He has allowed in your life – I thank Him daily for this truth from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5:</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""> <sup id="en-NIV-28788">3</sup>Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, <sup id="en-NIV-28789">4</sup>who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <sup id="en-NIV-28790">5</sup>For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.<o:p></o:p><br /><o:p><br /></o:p></b>I am praying for you, dear ladies, as you are grieving.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><span style="font-size:100%;">I pray you are seeing the character of Christ through His Word and are leaning on His Word and on Christ – the true anchored hope.</span></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-24431675500287595442009-04-10T20:41:00.001-07:002009-04-10T20:41:44.338-07:00But Jesus Stayed<p class="MsoNormal">Earlier this week I was reading the story of Jesus’ death on the cross to our four year old son.<span style=""> </span>I am loving this preschool Bible entitled <a href="http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/product?item_no=708257&netp_id=417972&event=ESRCN&item_code=WW&view=covers"><u>The Jesus Storybook Bible:<span style=""> </span>Every story whispers his name</u></a> by Sally Lloyd-Jones.<span style=""> </span>As I was reading from this Bible, I came across the words “but Jesus stayed.”<span style=""> </span>I have had difficulty this week getting that phrase out of my mind. Here was the Lord who had created the entire world – the entire universe – and He stayed and endured the cross because He loved me - He loved you. <o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Jesus – who was without sin – let himself be shamed and cursed and flogged and sent to the cross – He gave up His intimate relationship with God the Father while on the cross.<span style=""> </span>He took my punishment for my sin – He took your punishment for your sin. He stayed.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>When the Roman soldiers mocked Him and made Him a crown of thorns and put a robe on Him – He stayed.<span style=""> </span>When they whipped him and cursed Him – He stayed.<span style=""> </span>When they nailed Him to the cross, He stayed.<span style=""> </span>He did more than just stay – He said “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.<span style="">" (Luke 23:34) </span>He could have rescued Himself.<span style=""> </span>He could have called a legion of angels to rescue Him.<span style=""> </span>He could have made it all stop.<span style=""> </span>But He stayed.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">What made Him stay?<span style=""> </span>“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life<span style="">." John 3:16. </span>He stayed.<span style=""> </span>He stayed because His love for you and for me was more than the pain.<span style=""> </span>And the pain was pain that you and I cannot even imagine.<span style=""> </span>And yet, He stayed.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I encourage you right now to praise the Lord Jesus for staying – He did it for you.<span style=""> </span>Here is a song that touches my heart – It’s called “At the Cross” – spend some time right now at the cross – pondering that the Lord Jesus stayed on that cross for you – and give Him glory for the power He has over death.<span style=""> Praise Him this Good Friday.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=""><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HRjXBbtbEpM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HRjXBbtbEpM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the Cross by Hillsong</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Verse 1:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Oh Lord You’ve searched me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You know my way;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Even when I fail You,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your holy presence<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Surrounding me<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">In every season,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Verse 2:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You go before me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You shield my way,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your hand upholds me;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Bridge: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You tore-------(torn) the veil <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You made a------(the) way<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">When You said that it is done x2<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Verse 3:<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">And when the earth fades,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Falls from my eyes,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">And You stand before me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me;<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">I know You love me.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Chorus: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">At the cross I bow my knee<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Where Your blood was shed for me,<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">There’s no greater love than this.<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You have overcome the grave<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Your glory fills the highest place<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">What can separate me now?<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;"><o:p> </o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">Bridge: <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You tore-------(torn) the veil <o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">You made a------(the) way<o:p></o:p></pre><pre style="margin: 0in 3pt 0.0001pt 0.75pt;">When You said that it is done x4</pre>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-20510445227263425172009-04-05T19:01:00.000-07:002009-04-05T19:18:12.061-07:00Holding onto HopeOne of my favorite books to offer to ladies who have a loss is "Holding onto Hope." by Nancy Guthrie (check out her website <a href="http://www.nancyguthrie.com/">here</a>). Nancy looks at the book of Job to see how God would have us grieve. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to look deeply at God's Word for healing and for walking the path of grief. Today I found a Joni Erickson Tada show that focussed on Nancy and her husband's losses in two babies who were born with a fatal disorder which causes babies to live less than one year of life. I highly recommend viewing this Joni and Friends show <a href="http://www.joniandfriendstv.org/">here</a>. When at that website, click on "Episodes and offers" - then scroll down and click on "Holding Onto Hope with David and Nancy Guthrie, then click on "watch full episode" on the left. It's a 28 minute show highlighting how God carried them through very hard trials in their losses. I highly recommend her book. She has other books on her website that interest me - I'm thinking about ordering the "One Year of Hope" Devotional. Make sure to have a box of tissues close when viewing the show. It's very touching and emotional (for me, but I'm a very emotional gal).<br /><br />If you've got time, I also viewed the Joni and Friends which features the story of Joni Erickson Tada. Her life is such a model of taking a very hard trial and using that trial to bring forth good for others. It's inspiring and challenging to me. Very worth a viewing.<br /><br />I am praying for you today as you grieve. Remember to take time for yourself and to give yourself little perks. Grieving loss is hard. Do something nice for yourself today. Paint your toe nails. Get that latte you're craving Get a springy new shirt. I'm not telling you to break your budget - just find some little things to perk yourself up.<br /><br />I'd like to leave you with a scripture to ponder - God's Word is healing balm to a hurting heart. Good night. Nicole<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"></strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon<br />those who search for you.</span><strong style="font-weight: bold;"> <br />Psalm 9:9-10</strong><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style=""> </span></span></strong><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-46368281799477088052009-04-03T07:16:00.001-07:002009-04-03T07:23:23.907-07:00Genesis 22<span style="font-style: italic;">Good morning dear ladies. I am praying for you this morning. Today I am going to post something I wrote after our 3rd loss, which was in 2005. I pray the writing ministers to your hurting heart today. God's Word is active and alive for you today - May His Word be healing balm to your hurting heart today. If you would like to read the entire Genesis 22 passage online, you may read it <a href="http://http://www.ibsstl.org/bible/verse/index.php?q=genesis+22&niv=yes&submit=Lookup">here</a>.</span><br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal">I have often marveled at the Biblical account in Genesis 22 of Abraham being asked by God to sacrifice his beloved, long awaited son, Isaac.<span style=""> </span>As I read it at the time of this writing, I am in the midst of a third pregnancy loss – a third precious baby I will not meet until I get to heaven.<span style=""> </span>In a sense, the third Isaac I’ve had to sacrifice.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As I read Genesis 22, I am amazed that after God’s request, Abraham promptly and immediately obeys – verse three says “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey.”<span style=""> </span>How quick am I to obey in the hard things in life?<span style=""> </span>Abraham’s example is humbling and challenging to me.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When I look at the great effort Abraham’s obedience took, I am humbled.<span style=""> </span>Abraham himself cut the wood on which his son would be sacrificed (v3).<span style=""> </span>He, Isaac, and two servants (v3) traveled for three days (v4).<span style=""> </span>Obedience was not only an emotional action, it took much physical preparation.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Verse four tells us that Abraham said to his servants to stay with the donkey while he and Isaac go to worship.<span style=""> </span>He tells them “we will worship and then <b style="">we</b> will come back to you” (my emphasis).<span style=""> </span>Abraham had faith that God would make a way to fulfill His promise to Abraham from Genesis seventeen. Abraham trusted God’s word and obeyed even when God’s request appeared contradictory to God’s promise to Abraham in making a great nation through the line of Isaac.<span style=""> </span>Abraham trusted God’s plan.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I continue reading in Genesis 22 that Abraham built the alter, arranged the wood, and bound his son and lay him on the alter.<span style=""> </span>It overwhelms me with his obedience.<span style=""> </span>He takes out his knife to slay his son.<span style=""> </span>Abraham was fully directed towards total obedience in a very difficult request.<span style=""> </span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Chapter 22 continues with God sending an angel who exclaims “Abraham!<span style=""> </span>Abraham!<span style=""> </span>Do no lay a hand on Isaac.”<span style=""> </span>Abraham immediately saw God’s purpose in His request in this situation.<span style=""> </span>Although God’s purposes for our trials are usually not immediate, God still requires obedience of me.<span style=""> </span>1Samuel 15:22-23 says:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD ? </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> To obey is better than sacrifice, </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> and to heed is better than the fat of rams.</span><o:p><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">God sees our hearts and expects a heart of obedience to Him.<span style=""> </span>The act of obedience (perhaps sacrificing) is the action, but God looks at the heart in the action.<o:p></o:p><br /> </p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> <p class="MsoNormal">As I reflect on my heart and actions, I am convicted of four questions come out of Genesis 22:<o:p></o:p></p> <ol style="margin-top: 0in;" start="1" type="1"><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Do I immediately obey?</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Do I take great effort to obey?</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Do I trust in God’s plan, especially when it seems in opposition to my plan?<span style=""> </span>Do I trust in God’s plan when it seems in opposition to what <i style="">I imagine</i> His plan will be?</li><li class="MsoNormal" style="">Am I prepared to make the hard sacrifice?</li></ol> <p class="MsoNormal">The account of Abraham is a humbling, yet healing example for me as I mourn the recent loss of our baby.<span style=""> </span>Romans 8:32 says “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all, how will he also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”<span style=""> </span>God gave his Son, Jesus Christ, to give us the hope of eternal life.<span style=""> </span>And as I reflect on that great promise, I am reminded that I have at least three precious children whom I will one day meet in heaven.<span style=""> </span>In the meanwhile, I put aside those earthly hopes and dreams for those children, and I look forward to the day I will meet them in heaven.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p><br /><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">November 2005</div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-28504707125308076482009-04-01T14:32:00.000-07:002009-04-10T20:47:36.561-07:00Little OneHere is a poem I wrote out of my grief for one of our little ones who went to be with the Lord. I thought I'd share it with you.<br /><br /> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><u><span style="">Little One</span></u><span style=""><o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">Little one, I long to hold and to see<br />You've been taken to eternity.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">Little one, time will not erase,<br />How I long to kiss your face.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">Little one, as time goes by<br />And sometimes I just sit and cry,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">I look to God - He has a plan<br />And your name & mine are engraved on His hand.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">Little one, I will sit and pray<br />And ask God to help me through each day.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">Little one, you will always be,<br />A special part of our family.<o:p><br /></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">Little one, I cannot wait<br />To see you again, at Heaven's gate.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><span style="">But until then, I will cherish the memory,<br />Little one, of when you were here with me.</span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center">Nicole<br /></p><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold;" align="center"> I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.<br />Isaiah 49:15-16</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">The poem was inspired by a drawing by my friend Alice - if you'd like to view this beautiful drawing of hands with Isaiah 49:15-16 Bible verse, you can find it <a href="http://www.aliceart.net/proddetail.php?prod=Hands3">here</a>.</p><br /><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;" align="center"><br /></p>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-56136033864692850282009-04-01T14:25:00.000-07:002009-04-01T14:43:51.550-07:00What is Anchored Hope?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19a</span><br /></div><br />What is this anchored hope of which Hebrews 6:19 speaks? Dear ladies, it is the hope from the Lord Jesus Christ. Each one of us is a sinner who has no hope to live up to God’s standards. The Lord Jesus came down to earth as an infant – He grew to a man – He lived a sinless life and died on a cross for your sins –for my sins. After 3 days, the Lord Jesus rose from the dead. He conquered death. He took on the pain of our sins. When we accept that we are sinners with no hope on our own, and ask the Lord Jesus to take control of our life – to be the center of our life, of our existence – it is then, ladies, that we can look to the hope of the Lord.<br /><br />When we accept the Lord Jesus as our Savior, it does not guarantee a life of ease. No, the hope is that God has a plan for each of us. His plans are not always what we expect them to be. I got caught in the wrong thinking that a miracle conception would have to mean that we were meant to have another child on earth from that pregnancy, and I was wrong. But ladies, our hope has to be in the Lord and in His plan for our lives.<br /><br />This does not mean that it is aimless to pray for your heart's desire for another baby – to ask the Lord to add a child to your earthly family. God wants to hear your hearts desire. Look to Him and to His plan.<br /><br />If you want to know more about how to receive the Lord Jesus as Savior, here is a website which explains it beautifully <a href="http://66.132.242.132/pages/page.asp?page_id=31469">here</a><br /><br /><br />Today’s Prayer<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Dear God,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Thank you for the Lord Jesus - for the hope I can have because of Him. Thank You for Your plan of the cross. Thank you that Jesus has the power over death. Thank You that He is my eternal anchored hope of salvation. Help me to focus on Your plan, God and the hope I have in Jesus. God, please guide me in my grief today. Help me to look to Your plan for my life. Lord, I desire to add a child to our family. I miss my baby. God, please help heal my hurting and help me to look to the hope I have in you. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. </span><br /><br />Dear ladies, I am praying for you today – for you to find joy in your day and to be growing in the Lord. When you find yourself sad, get in God’s Word and see that God is compassionate and will help you through your grief.Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7876498833932504773.post-86989996731794249602009-03-31T18:51:00.000-07:002009-03-31T18:56:18.456-07:00Glory Baby SongI heard this song sometime after our 2nd loss. The lyrics brought tears to my eyes, but were also healing to my hurting heart. I am attaching the lyrics for you as well. You might want to grab a box of tissues before you hit "play". Love to you ladies.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="width:300px;"><object width="300" height="110"><param name="movie" value="http://media.imeem.com/m/FQCt4pqM--/aus=false/"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://media.imeem.com/m/FQCt4pqM--/aus=false/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="300" height="110" wmode="transparent"></embed></object><div style="background-color:#E6E6E6;padding:1px;"><div style="float:left;padding:4px 4px 0 0;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/E6E6E6/" border="0" /></a></div><form method="post" action="http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/" style="margin:0;padding:0;"><input type="text" name="EmbedSearchBox"><input type="submit" value="Search" style="font-size:12px;"><div style="padding-top:3px;"><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=0&ek=FQCt4pqM--" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/152/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=1&ek=FQCt4pqM--" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/153/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=2&ek=FQCt4pqM--" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/154/10/" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=3&ek=FQCt4pqM--" rel="nofollow"><img src="http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/155/10/FQCt4pqM--/" border="0" /></a></div></form></div></div><br/><a href="http://www.imeem.com/people/rmPkBn/music/EIm7F2uO/watermark-glory-baby/">Glory Baby - Watermark</a><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Glory baby you slipped away as fast as we could say baby…baby..<br />You were growing, what happened dear?<br />You disappeared on us baby…baby..<br />Heaven will hold you before we do<br />Heaven will keep you safe until we’re home with you…<br />Until we’re home with you…<br /><br />Miss you everyday<br />Miss you in every way<br />But we know there’s a<br />day when we will hold you<br />We will hold you<br />You’ll kiss our tears away<br />When we’re home to stay<br />Can’t wait for the day when we will see you<br />We will see you<br />But baby let sweet Jesus hold you<br />‘till mom and dad can hold you…<br />You’ll just have heaven before we do<br />You’ll just have heaven before we do<br /><br />Sweet little babies, it’s hard to<br />understand it ‘cause we’re hurting<br />We are hurting<br />But there is healing<br />And we know we’re stronger people through the growing<br />And in knowing-<br />That all things work together for our good<br />And God works His purposes just like He said He would…<br />Just like He said He would…<br /><br />BRIDGE:<br />I can’t imagine heaven’s lullabies<br />and what they must sound like<br />But I will rest in knowing, heaven is your home<br />And it’s all you’ll ever know…all you’ll ever know…</span>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11284132800236062078noreply@blogger.com1