My kids had their first swim meet of the summer last night. We got just past halfway when the skies broke open, shortly thereafter the lightening started so the meet ended. I was somewhat grateful as I was responsible for timing the swimmers the second half and was becoming very chilled by the cold rain (I had not dressed for cool, nor rainy, weather). However, I was also blessed during this time at how quickly folks at our pool stepped up - one of the lifeguards/swim coaches came to find me and offer me her sweatshirt (off her back). She was holding my six year old, trying to keep her encouraged and comforted while I was unavailable, and came to find me to offer more support. She was just heading for my car to get our beach umbrella when the meet was called.
I can't even begin to say what a wonderful blessing that imparted to my heart. Another lady in my group of timers immediately ran to get pencils when the rain became worse in order that we could record the times on the swimmer's cards in a way that "worked" since our pens were no longer able to write on the very wet cards we were being given. She did this between swimmers, and we were on a very "tight" schedule with the head as he was trying to get as many in as possible before the meet ended. I was blessed by her thoughtfulness as well.
I pray each day that I, too, can be this light to others in our dark world.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Thursday, June 7, 2007
A New Niece!
God is so cool!! My sister, whom I absolutely adore, was due with her fourth child at the end of June (June 27, to be exact). :-) She has had difficult pregnancies each time, and this one, while filled with horrible nausea and such (per usual) was a bit different in that she did not end up on bedrest at any point. I celebrated each week she was closer to the "no bedrest needed" date of 35 weeks. Each week beyond that has just been icing on the cake...though I kept hoping that maybe she would have the baby early, so she could share a birthday.
So, last night I get a call - it was my sis, and she was in the hospital. They had decided to induce labor because they did a sonogram and noticed that there was no amniotic fluid visible in the sac. Frightening. She had gone to see the doc (not too tough since she is an OB herself) because she had felt really crummy all day while seeing patients. She was concerned, apparently rightfully so, and they decided to get her baby into this world. I was praying that she would wait until today to deliver since today actually is her birthday (I still wanted that neat twist for her)but didn't think it was too sensible since this was seven and 1/2 hours after the induction started (and fourth babies seem to know how to go faster than the first three)...just like perfection, at 12:05 a.m. the little tyke arrived.
Now, the best part. My sis is a boy machine (I am a girl machine...we just work that way). :-) She was sure it was another boy, but didn't "find out" (which is actually true of her other pregnancies as well). I was sure that God would, in His infinite love and grace, bless her with a girl. When she called about her induction, I was certain He was orchestrating a rich blessing (I had it in my mind that this would be the crowning glory of her beautiful season of birthing babies, and that she would be tremendously blessed by such a neat ending)...God did just that. My sister was just that - blessed beyond measure. He is so neat in the different ways He delights in bringing us joy.
My sister absolutely, unequivocably LOVES and ADORES her sons, please may nobody reading misinterpret. She is a fabulous mom, has a great husband, and he is a great dad tp the boys as well. Many would understand "family" in a greater depth if they spent time with my sister's...but they are both tickled to bits (as are the boys) to have a girl amongst the gang. I am just so excited for them I cannot quit smiling. I keep looking up to our maker and thanking Him for His incredible love for us and willingness to shower us at times with the desires of our hearts. How cool... My sister, she keeps looking at her daughter's bottom side, sure that it might change. :-) How funny.
To Alexandra "Lexie," my new niece ~ may God become the mainstay of your life, may He bless you richly and guide your every thought as you grow older. "May the Lord Bless and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" Numbers 6:24-26. Lexie, I pray that you learn to depend upon and trust your loving parents in such a way that transferring that dependence to your heavenly Dad is a natural and graceful evolution...may you bless all whom you meet and be richly amazed by the joys of life in your family. We love you. Welcome to our world.
So, last night I get a call - it was my sis, and she was in the hospital. They had decided to induce labor because they did a sonogram and noticed that there was no amniotic fluid visible in the sac. Frightening. She had gone to see the doc (not too tough since she is an OB herself) because she had felt really crummy all day while seeing patients. She was concerned, apparently rightfully so, and they decided to get her baby into this world. I was praying that she would wait until today to deliver since today actually is her birthday (I still wanted that neat twist for her)but didn't think it was too sensible since this was seven and 1/2 hours after the induction started (and fourth babies seem to know how to go faster than the first three)...just like perfection, at 12:05 a.m. the little tyke arrived.
Now, the best part. My sis is a boy machine (I am a girl machine...we just work that way). :-) She was sure it was another boy, but didn't "find out" (which is actually true of her other pregnancies as well). I was sure that God would, in His infinite love and grace, bless her with a girl. When she called about her induction, I was certain He was orchestrating a rich blessing (I had it in my mind that this would be the crowning glory of her beautiful season of birthing babies, and that she would be tremendously blessed by such a neat ending)...God did just that. My sister was just that - blessed beyond measure. He is so neat in the different ways He delights in bringing us joy.
My sister absolutely, unequivocably LOVES and ADORES her sons, please may nobody reading misinterpret. She is a fabulous mom, has a great husband, and he is a great dad tp the boys as well. Many would understand "family" in a greater depth if they spent time with my sister's...but they are both tickled to bits (as are the boys) to have a girl amongst the gang. I am just so excited for them I cannot quit smiling. I keep looking up to our maker and thanking Him for His incredible love for us and willingness to shower us at times with the desires of our hearts. How cool... My sister, she keeps looking at her daughter's bottom side, sure that it might change. :-) How funny.
To Alexandra "Lexie," my new niece ~ may God become the mainstay of your life, may He bless you richly and guide your every thought as you grow older. "May the Lord Bless and keep you, May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you, may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" Numbers 6:24-26. Lexie, I pray that you learn to depend upon and trust your loving parents in such a way that transferring that dependence to your heavenly Dad is a natural and graceful evolution...may you bless all whom you meet and be richly amazed by the joys of life in your family. We love you. Welcome to our world.
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