I've been able to get a few more things checked off my to-do list before Baby's arrival. I finally organized Baby's room by reworking the closet. We also nailed everything down with two wonderful Doulas who are going to tag-team the birth. I even started throwing a few things in my hospital bag.
Yesterday, my mom, sister, and nephew came up to visit and we went to a big indoor swim park in Arvada. They were making me laugh so hard I thought I might go into labor right there (luckily I didn't). Baby has been really active the last week and his/her kicks are getting really strong as evidenced by this video I uploaded.
One thing I've done to prepare is to write down Bible verses on little cards so I can have something personal to meditate on while I go through labor.
Here are some of the verses I chose:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. -Colossians 3:15
Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. -Psalm 55:22
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10
My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. -Psalm 73:26
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. -Psalm 127:3
But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded. -2 Chronicles 15:7
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD! -Psalm 27:13-14
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. -Psalm 32:7
By You I have been upheld from birth; You are He who took me out of my mother's womb. My praise shall be continually of You. -Psalm 71:6
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your savior... -Isaiah 43:2-3There are so many unknowns that go into pregnancy, labor, and delivery. I feel that birth is meant to be untamed in a beautiful, messy sort of way. No matter how much I prepare, I am ultimately not in control and that's a good thing. When I try to take control, I am trying to be God.
How wonderful is it that God designed the first step into parenthood to be something we can't control? As a parent, I am charged with a lot of responsibilities (loving, guiding, feeding, protecting, serving, teaching, disciplining, etc.) but this little person's soul is not in my control. I cannot make them choose the right path in life. I cannot make them fall in love with God. And so, like childbirth, I prepare but, more than that, I trust.
Childbirth can be scary. Parenthood can be scary. Life can be scary! I trust my God because He has proved Himself trustworthy over and over in my life. It's not a trust that bad things can't or won't happen, but rather that no matter what happens He will use it for my good and His glory.
He loves this baby more than I or anyone else on this planet ever could.
Your baby will love God because he/she will see your love and commitment for God. When I was pregnant, my little girl would move around in my belly while we were at Church. It made me think of when Elizabeth saw Mary and her baby leaped in her womb while in the presence of Mary and Jesus. Now she enjoys going to Mass at 7 months old. She smiles and loves to sing and watch the people. I even bought her a child's board book Bible to have during Mass. God Bless you during this time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Laurie! :) I love seeing little kids dancing in church. Always brings a smile to my face.
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