Clinging

Last night Aaron and I read devotion title Clinging to God - what an appropriate title.
I find that in times of trouble we tend to cling tight to God and anything that makes us feel safe - I pray that I will in the next year - cling tighter to God when things are good, and I am certain 2009 will be good! I pray to cling all the time.

"I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;
That you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them." Deuteronomy 30:19-20

lesson
Have you ever seen a scared or troubled child "clinging" to Mommy's skirt or Daddy's pants with all his or her might? This is the picture I get when I read this promise. As parents grow in their relationship with God, more and more, they assume the posture of "clinging" to the Creator in times of trouble and in the midst of a very wicked world. This impresses the minds of children, often compelling them to maintain the same stance. People of this world tend to cling to a rope that unravels - and they often perish as a result: mentally, emotionally, and even physically. God's offspring cling to an unbreakable chain of hope in God's promises. At the end is the "anchor of the soul" going beyond the veil of time

prayer
LORD GOD, I first confess that not only do I believe in You, I also "cling" to You. In times of difficulty, my intentions are to hold on to You will all my might. I pray You will awaken this depth of dependency in my son. Instead of "clinging" to the things of the world for fulfillment and satisfaction, may Jeremiah Parker Shelby always "cling" to You - with a tenacity that will never let go. I confess that this kind of spiritual stick-to-itiveness will be the prevailing attitude of my child's heart all the days of his life - in Jesus' Name, AMEN (let it be so!)

In one week we will have either met Jeremy, or the process will have started and we will soon meet this little man so many of us are ready to meet. What an amazing thought as I enter the new year - 2009 ...

Please be safe tonight, as my Dad always says " It is amateur night" .. meaning people do VERY silly things on this nght of the year - so stay off the roads.
Aaron and I will go for an early dinner then be in ... not even sure we will make it to midnight, so please if you are going out, have fun - and be safe.

Next post ... Next Year!

GRACE AND PEACE!

A Real Blessing

from our devotion last night:

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a real blessing Psalm 127:3

lesson
When God first appeared to Abraham, He promised, "I will bless you ... and you will be a blessing ... and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed" (Genesis 12:2-3). Late on he pledged, " in your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 2:18). God promised to bless Abraham by giving him children, then God promised to use those children to bless all the families of the earth and every nation.
What a blessing it is to have children who bear your image, both naturally and spiritually! What a blessing to have them return your love! What a blessing to see them mature and fulfill their dreams! What an even greater blessing it is to see them bless others with the truth and expand God's blessing around the globe! I claim this status - of being a "real blessing" - for you and yours!

prayer
LORD GOD, I know the Scripture announces that those who are "of faith" are "blessed with faithful Abraham." I declare that one f my greatest blessings will be the continuation of God's blessing through my offspring. I confess that Jeremiah Parker Shelby is, and will be, a great blessing to me, but more importantly, he will be a blessing to You and to many others during his sojourn in this world. May this blessing of God flow so powerfully through Jeremiah Parker Shelby that it ultimately extends around the globe in its influence - in Jesus' name, Amen (LET IT BE SO) !

Jeremy was very active this morning and all I could do was praise God, he is so good. It felt like Jeremy was trying to stretch out his legs (which according to the ultra sounds should be long) and working his arms too ... what a wonderful feeling. I am looking forward to meeting him and loving him for eternity.

Today I will be heading to the Children's Museum with my sister, the twins and the 3 mo old little guy ... not sure how long any of us will last, but it will be nice to get out and be around people.

Finally, yesterday Aaron and I received a Christmas card with this scripture enclosed:
The good news is, with all the challenges of today, our God is still working things out, We must trust Him and never doubt.

They That Wait ...

Why do you say, O Jacob,

and complain, O Israel,

"My way is hidden from the Lord;

my cause if disregarded by my God"?

Do you know know?

Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strengthto the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

BUT those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength..

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:27-31

GRACE AND PEACE!

Let the Count Down Begin!

Well, sorta .... nothing has changed regarding my body being ready for Jeremy's arrival during our visit today - so we set an induction date for next week ... we will go in on January 6th at 6:30 pm and begin the induction ar 7am on the 7th. After a full 40 weeks, we will finally get to meet this little man ... Jeremiah Parker!

I hope the outfits we have prepared for him will fit, the guess is about 7lbs .... but we will know soon enough. Not sure what emotions will surface over the next week, but I do know that I can lean on God and HE will be right there with Aaron and I ... along with our wonderful Prayer Warriors!

Thank you all for continued prayers - and if things begin to happen on their own, we will be sure to let everyone know! :)

GRACE AND PEACE!

39 weeks

Today marks 39 weeks of Pregnancy, GLORY TO GOD! Although I am becoming increasingly uncomfortable - I love it. God is good. Already an answer to prayer, Jeremy had an active night and I woke up early this morning with some low tightening of my belly - this could be the start. It has not happened again - but I am increasingly aware ... I even asked Aaron (who left to preach this morning) to keep his phone on His body today - not to leave it in his office. Which is usually what he does when he preaches. But, so far no more feelings like the one that woke me up this morning. Just typical Jeremy moves, he was pretty quite yesterday - so I anticipate a busier day for him today.

When we do go in, the Labor and Delivery room does have a computer so we will be able to update the blog and check emails -so we will certainly be able to keep everyone posted.

I want to share the promise we read last night:
The Glory of God
Let your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children. Psalm 90:16

lesson: Moses wrote psalm 90 by the influence of the Holy Spirit. We know this because - "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The word "inspiration" means to breath into. So this was much more then just a prophet interceding for the nation of Israel. It was the Holy Spirit, "breathing" into that prophet a petition concerning all God's people of every era.
Whenever the Holy Spirit prays, the Father answers - without a doubt. So according to this inspired prayer - if we are truly "servants" of God, we can fully expect to see God work in our lives and manifest His glory to our children.
Primarily, the glory of the Lord is His manifested presence (as happened on Mount Sinai, in the Temple of Solomon, and the Upper Room). It also speaks of demonstrations of His power that bring honor and praise to His Name. The Holy Spirit has already interceded these things over our children through Moses. It is our responsibility to believe, confess and praise God for the fulfillment of this divine design.

prayer:
LORD GOD, I declare that I am a servant of God. I renew ,y commitment to serve Your purposes in this world. Because I am yielded this way, I expect You to work in my life and I expect to participate in Your works in this world. I also confess, by faith in this promise, that Your glory will be manifested to my son. I praise you for supernaturally revealing your power and your greatness to Jeremiah Parker Shelby that praise might flow from his life upward to Your throne. Lord, I trust You to do glorious things - in my child, for my child and through my child - that will bring glory to Your Name forevermore - AMEN. (let it be so!)

PRAISES:
Aaron completed the painting of Jeremy's room Friday ... the red is covered, but some of the black writing is coming through - Aaron will do more primer then another coat of the caramel color - it is such a relaxing color ... I look forward to spending time in that room! I will post pictures of the transition when it is complete.

GRACE AND PEACE!

Christmas - we made it.

We met another milestone yesterday - December 25th, Christmas Day. Which of course brings us another day closer to the arrival of Jeremy. Who is still growing and moving.

Aaron and I filled the day with family. We are so blessed that both of our families are still here in town. At the most, a 25 min drive. Everyone is on the Northside of Indy - so it was easy for us to make the rounds and actually spend time with each side of the family. The other big blessing, both sides are very laid back about the amount of time spent in each location - or if they are feeling slighted - we never know.

The day was great, we ate great food and were both exhausted at the end of the day. Last night I actually slept for 3 hours before having to get up to use the bath room - on 3 occasions! I feel like I actually slept through the night. YEAH:) What is strange, I woke up the final time to thunder ... in December!

my morning read:
"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam if dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" Proverbs 4:18
" For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plan to give you hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11

prayer:
Lord, I ask that You would give me total peace about my future. I reach out for Your hand today so that I can walk with you into the plans you have for me especially regarding Jeremy's birth and life. I stand if faith that you have a prefect plan and have prepared the time for his birth. I know that you have prepared the Doctors, nurses and support staff that will provide the best care for Jeremy, Aaron and me. We know that You can do all things, because we believe in You and the truth of Your promises. AMEN.

Today - I hope Aaron completes the painting in Jeremy's room. I have some thank yous to write .... and have a lazy rainy, thunder storming day.

Looking ahead - Sunday we hit 39 weeks and have a Dr appointment Monday morning - maybe something will be happening, we are so looking forward to meeting Jeremy! In His Time.

GRACE AND PEACE!

wonderful ...

Such a great word ... not just for Christmas. Again, what a perfect gift we receive in Jesus.


Wonderful Counselor
Today's Scripture
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ).

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
Do you need wisdom or direction in your life today? The scripture tells us that Jesus is our Counselor. And He’s not just any kind of Counselor, He’s our wonderful Counselor! When something is wonderful, it is unusually good, marvelous or astonishing. God is a marvelous, astonishing Counselor—the very best you could ever have! When you seek Him and follow His commands, He’ll work in your life in ways you never thought possible. He’ll give you the best advice. He’ll give you the best guidance. In fact, He’ll take you places that you never dreamed.

Remember, God is a rewarder of the people who seek after Him, so seek Him as your Counselor. Let Him show You the good plan He has for you. Let Him direct and guide your path. As you trust and seek Him, He’ll bless and prosper you and lead you in the abundant life He has prepared for you.

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, You are my Wonderful Counselor! I submit my ways to You knowing that You have a good plan for me and that You will direct my paths. Thank You for Your wisdom in every area of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Finally, in addition to prayers continued for Jeremy ... my mothers family lives in the pacific northwest ... Portland, Seattle and Yreka, California (northern cali) They have received so much snow that roads are closed and travel is not encouraged. I pray that they remain warm and safe over these days and if possible will be able to spend time together.

MERRY CHRISTMAS - and MANY BLESSINGS!

GRACE AND PEACE!

Unto Us

Unto us ... we hear these words every Christmas regarding the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. Today when I read Joel, more insight was given regarding what was brought to us through the birth of Christ. As I anticipate the birth of Jeremy I have a new perspective on birth and what we received as a human race because of this one birth.

We have all been given a gift that I am sure we will never be able to fully wrap our heads around until we are in his presence. But the small part that I do understand changed my life forever. As I continue to learn about the promises, walking in faith and what trusting God provides access to - I am humbled and covered with His love that I can never earn but has been freely given to me.

Unto Us
Today's Scripture
“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder…” (Isaiah 9:6a NKJ).
Today's Word from Joel and Victoria
When Jesus came to the earth in human form, He brought with Him everything you need to be empowered to live a life of victory. He came as a little baby, but He represented all authority in heaven and earth. When you choose to serve Him, you are no longer a part of the kingdom of the world; you become a part of His kingdom, and you have access to all of His resources.

You have access to His peace, power, authority, provision, joy and strength. He brought all of this to us. Unto us victory is given. Unto us peace is given. Unto us provision is given. Unto us hope and healing are given. Unto us eternal life is given!

Whatever you need today, remember, when Jesus came into the world, He made a way for every one of your needs to met spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Take hold of His promises by faith, knowing that He has good plans for you today!

A Prayer for Today
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, so that I could be free to live an abundant life in You. Fill me with the revelation of Your love and all that You have for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.


As we get busy in the hustle of the season, I pray that everyone will take time to thank God for the best gift we have ever received and bask in His Love for each of us. There is nothing that can compare to the Love Our Father showers on us - knowing this .... I will stand strong as the journey with Jeremy prepares to change.

GRACE AND PEACE!