remaining in HIM

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you" John 15:7 This was the verse I read yesterday morning, from Joel Osteen ... perfect timing.

FROM JOEL:

In life, we all have ups and downs. There are seasons that are more difficult than others, seasons of testing, trials and temptation where our character is being developed and our faith in God is being strengthened. Sometimes it can feel like you are taking two steps forward and then three steps backward. But if we’re not careful, we’ll start thinking that life is always going to be this way. Even in the strong seasons, you'll start looking for things to go wrong.

God doesn’t want us to be living life like a roller coaster. He wants to bring us to a place of stability where we remain strong in Him. Jesus said, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you abide in me, you will bear much fruit and your fruit will remain.” The word “remain” means “to be fixed, immovable, not affected by circumstances.” If you will just keep abiding in Him, just keep meditating on His Word, He’ll bring you through. He’ll make you strong, He’ll keep you stable, and you’ll keep moving forward into the life of blessing He has prepared for you!

Yesterday, we saw our doctor and had an ultrasound.

I was anxious, nervous and had kept my emotions at bay since we had a positive pregnancy test in October.

It is hard for me to believe it was THIS past January that we were in a similar situation. Headed to the Doctor for an ultrasound at 10 weeks ... only to learn that the baby had stopped developing at 6weeks, it was called a "blighted ovum". Heartbroken - confused - mad.

Those feelings shifted and we knew God had a family for us - and we began the process of adoption - Xavier. His smile, laugh and love is contagious. He is the answer to many prayers. The manifestation that GOD desires GOOD things for HIS children.

Followed by Aaron transitioning from his position at Northview Church as the Urban Pastor to the new role at Shepherd Community Center as the Director of Urban & Sports Ministry. Amazing to see how all along the way GOD has been preparing Aaron for this role. (All the way back to working now in the neighborhood his father grew up!)

So yesterday, as we entered the ultra sound (love the tech Erin!) I shared my anxious feeling - Aaron had a meeting, so my mother and Xavier were with me .... and what did we see, a healthy developing baby. Followed by a strong (161) heart beat. It took a while to get the reading of the heart beat due to my laughing, crying and shaking. We also learned that I was off by a week, I thought we were 11w3d, when the baby measured 12w5d (due June13) .... we will be 13 weeks tomorrow!

meet our JUNEBUG!

choosing to remain in HIM.

GRACE AND PEACE!