Today was my orginal due date for Nolan. I always said my children like to "bake" longer as both girls were 9+ days past their due date. So, I assumed 9/18 would come and go and we would still be waiting to meet our sweet boy. Things don't always go as planned, and it has been over three weeks since Nolan was here with us. It makes me sad that he is not here in my arms. I think God has been protecting me. My devotional scripture this morning was Psalm 91:1 ~ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Hurricane Ike has kept us more sheltered than usual. I have mostly stayed home, the kids are still out of school, and I haven't even been to the grocery store. In some ways, this shelter is good for me. In other ways, I need to get out, but getting out has it's consequences. Yesterday, I went with friends for a much needed pedicure. One of the ladies came up and asked "how's the baby?". I sat there for a minute - this had to come up sooner or later and I have to learn to deal with it. I've been saved from answering this question twice already - once by my Mom when someone asked at church 4 days after Nolan's birth and once by Troy when a neighbor saw us out walking the other day. I'm so thankful to them for answering for me, but I have to do this sometime. So, I told the nail lady that he only lived for about an hour. Of course she was shocked and so sorry. I even felt bad for her feeling bad about asking. Later I went into Subway and one of the teenagers that lives on our street was working there. He asked me if I had the baby. I said yes. He asked what his name was and I told him, 'Nolan'. As I left, I wondered if I should have said more. As far as he knows everything is fine, but I just couldn't bring myself to say more and he didn't ask more questions. I'm not sure if it's better to answer only the questions asked or to spill my guts. When fears overcome me and the cares of this world worry me, I have ventured out of His protecting shadow. I can't hide in my house forever, but I can live under the protecting shadow of our Lord. That is my goal - to venture out into the world, but let God's shadow protect me. He knows what I can handle, and He won't give me more than that.
I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." Psalm 91:2
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The Power in "no power"
Praise
We have a lot to be thankful for this week! We made it safely through Ike with only some limbs down and a part of our fence down. I never would have thought it possible to be thankful for plywood that cost $30 per sheet, but boy was I thankful on Friday night as the hurricane force winds blew through, and we were safe and sound with our family in our bedroom which was the only room where we boarded the windows due to a shortage of plywood and time. We were without power for less than 2 days. God was good to us again!
Prayer Request
There are many people who lost their entire homes in the areas near the coast. We even have friends who live within a few miles of us in the suburbs north of Houston who have trees that fell through their roof. A lot of our friends still don't have power. Gas, ice and perisiable foods are hard to come by. Please pray for all the people affected by Ike. Specifically, I would ask for you to pray for the Ekdahl's and my friend Debbie who both had trees go through their roof during the hurricane. Also, my brother-in-law's parents who lived on the west end of Galveston. They still have not been able to get back on the island to see if they have a home left.
I got an email from a friend this morning regarding the aftermath of Ike. She says it so well, that I asked if I could share with everyone in blog land. I think it reminds us that God can use every situation to his glory.
The Power in "no power"
"My home town is hurting. And so is almost every other town nearby. We've collectively endured an enormous storm, and it packed a hard punch. Not a knockout blow. Not quite. But close.
When 2.8 million people lose power in one city in one night - well, that's big. In fact, sources are claiming that Hurricane Ike was the cause of the largest power outage in the history of the great state of Texas .
On Friday night Ike was downright wicked. Scary. The limbs of trees with trunks as big around as my waist were twisted off like grapes from a stem. One huge tree close to our house was split near the base of its trunk: rendered roughly in two, with one half landing on one house, and one half on another.
The morning after the storm, my front door and porch were plastered nearly solid with green leaves that looked as if they'd been run through a food processor. Hardly any of them were whole. What the winds left resembled fresh green mulch more than it did discernible foliage.
And now, four days later, the question heard most frequently in conversations between friends, colleagues and neighbors is "Do you have power?" (Second only to "Where have you found gas, or ice?") Because without power, even the most ordinary-seeming tasks must be re-thought. No air. No lights. No cable or internet, or phones.
Transistor radios are in vogue again. So are paper fans, brooms, early bedtimes and board games. Neighbors are out on their porches, not hibernating inside, seldom seen. Children are outside playing and not indoors with their Wii's. A few weeks ago, before the storm, I had decided I would meet and get to know my neighbors. Sunday, we had our neighbors, Jan and Sandy, over for dinner, they were tired of turkey sandwiches. We had a nice visit, they are from England and knew nothing of hurricanes. We even enjoyed a movie thanks to my wonderful fiance who bought a generator before the storm hit. I'm hoping to see them again soon.
What I've decided in the aftermath of September's thrashing storm is this: there's a special power in "no power." It's a low, humming, steady power, and I hope when the lights come on, it stays. It's a power that has meekness at it's heart, and I like it - even though I wouldn't have chosen this particular method of delivery.
My lights are still out - along with two-thirds of the city. But I'm seeing more clearly every day." - anonymous
But he said to me, "My power is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9-10)
We have a lot to be thankful for this week! We made it safely through Ike with only some limbs down and a part of our fence down. I never would have thought it possible to be thankful for plywood that cost $30 per sheet, but boy was I thankful on Friday night as the hurricane force winds blew through, and we were safe and sound with our family in our bedroom which was the only room where we boarded the windows due to a shortage of plywood and time. We were without power for less than 2 days. God was good to us again!
Prayer Request
There are many people who lost their entire homes in the areas near the coast. We even have friends who live within a few miles of us in the suburbs north of Houston who have trees that fell through their roof. A lot of our friends still don't have power. Gas, ice and perisiable foods are hard to come by. Please pray for all the people affected by Ike. Specifically, I would ask for you to pray for the Ekdahl's and my friend Debbie who both had trees go through their roof during the hurricane. Also, my brother-in-law's parents who lived on the west end of Galveston. They still have not been able to get back on the island to see if they have a home left.
I got an email from a friend this morning regarding the aftermath of Ike. She says it so well, that I asked if I could share with everyone in blog land. I think it reminds us that God can use every situation to his glory.
The Power in "no power"
"My home town is hurting. And so is almost every other town nearby. We've collectively endured an enormous storm, and it packed a hard punch. Not a knockout blow. Not quite. But close.
When 2.8 million people lose power in one city in one night - well, that's big. In fact, sources are claiming that Hurricane Ike was the cause of the largest power outage in the history of the great state of Texas .
On Friday night Ike was downright wicked. Scary. The limbs of trees with trunks as big around as my waist were twisted off like grapes from a stem. One huge tree close to our house was split near the base of its trunk: rendered roughly in two, with one half landing on one house, and one half on another.
The morning after the storm, my front door and porch were plastered nearly solid with green leaves that looked as if they'd been run through a food processor. Hardly any of them were whole. What the winds left resembled fresh green mulch more than it did discernible foliage.
And now, four days later, the question heard most frequently in conversations between friends, colleagues and neighbors is "Do you have power?" (Second only to "Where have you found gas, or ice?") Because without power, even the most ordinary-seeming tasks must be re-thought. No air. No lights. No cable or internet, or phones.
Transistor radios are in vogue again. So are paper fans, brooms, early bedtimes and board games. Neighbors are out on their porches, not hibernating inside, seldom seen. Children are outside playing and not indoors with their Wii's. A few weeks ago, before the storm, I had decided I would meet and get to know my neighbors. Sunday, we had our neighbors, Jan and Sandy, over for dinner, they were tired of turkey sandwiches. We had a nice visit, they are from England and knew nothing of hurricanes. We even enjoyed a movie thanks to my wonderful fiance who bought a generator before the storm hit. I'm hoping to see them again soon.
What I've decided in the aftermath of September's thrashing storm is this: there's a special power in "no power." It's a low, humming, steady power, and I hope when the lights come on, it stays. It's a power that has meekness at it's heart, and I like it - even though I wouldn't have chosen this particular method of delivery.
My lights are still out - along with two-thirds of the city. But I'm seeing more clearly every day." - anonymous
But he said to me, "My power is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:9-10)
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Bring the rain
As we, like many other people along the Texas gulf coast are preparing this evening for Hurricane Ike, I told Troy and the girls - It's just weather. We have been through a lot more than weather recently and God will protect us. He has gotten us this far, and he won't let us down now. In my women's bible study today, one of the speakers talked about the coming hurricane and how she was sure that some people in the room were thinking that it would be nice if a hurricane was their worst problem today. I was thinking "amen, sister"! Bring on the rain! If God can calm my storm, he can take care of Ike.
First I have to say, that everything I am sharing tonight I can't take credit for. I'm mostly repeating things I have heard in church and from various people over the last week. They happen to be things that have spoken volumes to me in my current situation, and I feel like right now my calling is to share and pray that someone else can encouraged by reading these words.
I believe that our outlook on a situation can affect the outcome. Our sermon in church last Sunday was about praise. Two things really stood out to me. First, praise is a pathway to God's power. When you feel attacked by Satan - praise God. ". . . Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 20:21 Second, praise brings perspective to our problems. An unshakable faith can only come from faith that has been shaken.
When I was in the hospital after Nolan was born, Troy left one day to go home and shower and then went to get a haircut. When he was on the way back to the hospital, the blade from a fan in our vehicle broke off and stuck in the radiator. He immediately knew there was a problem and drove to the repair shop. The fan and radiator had to be replaced. Then the day that we came home from the hospital our ice maker stopped working when we had a house full of company. Normally, these little inconveniences really irritate me and can get me in a bad mood. This time neither of us seemed really bothered. Troy asked me later if I thought that it was Satan trying to get us when we were down. I answered that I believe it certainly could have been but we choose instead to focus on celebrating the life of our son and God didn't allow the circumstances to get us down. I also believe that because we chose to praise God and share his love with others through Nolan that he guarded our hearts and minds from the other issues that were thrown at us during that time.
Our bible study today was about David and how he was anointed by God to to lead his people. We are all in different "seasons" of our life whether they are good, bad or just plain ugly to us, God has anointed and empowered us to be there in that season right now. He has a plan and purpose for us. I talked with women today whose husbands were out of a job, a son is in jail, businesses are faltering due to the economy; but all of them chose to praise God and continue to believe that God has a plan for their families. I would urge you to praise God for your season and choose to use it for His glory.
Please continue to pray for Kenzie and baby Faith as well as for the protection of the people in the path of Hurricane Ike.
First I have to say, that everything I am sharing tonight I can't take credit for. I'm mostly repeating things I have heard in church and from various people over the last week. They happen to be things that have spoken volumes to me in my current situation, and I feel like right now my calling is to share and pray that someone else can encouraged by reading these words.
I believe that our outlook on a situation can affect the outcome. Our sermon in church last Sunday was about praise. Two things really stood out to me. First, praise is a pathway to God's power. When you feel attacked by Satan - praise God. ". . . Give thanks to the Lord; His faithful love endures forever!" 2 Chronicles 20:21 Second, praise brings perspective to our problems. An unshakable faith can only come from faith that has been shaken.
When I was in the hospital after Nolan was born, Troy left one day to go home and shower and then went to get a haircut. When he was on the way back to the hospital, the blade from a fan in our vehicle broke off and stuck in the radiator. He immediately knew there was a problem and drove to the repair shop. The fan and radiator had to be replaced. Then the day that we came home from the hospital our ice maker stopped working when we had a house full of company. Normally, these little inconveniences really irritate me and can get me in a bad mood. This time neither of us seemed really bothered. Troy asked me later if I thought that it was Satan trying to get us when we were down. I answered that I believe it certainly could have been but we choose instead to focus on celebrating the life of our son and God didn't allow the circumstances to get us down. I also believe that because we chose to praise God and share his love with others through Nolan that he guarded our hearts and minds from the other issues that were thrown at us during that time.
Our bible study today was about David and how he was anointed by God to to lead his people. We are all in different "seasons" of our life whether they are good, bad or just plain ugly to us, God has anointed and empowered us to be there in that season right now. He has a plan and purpose for us. I talked with women today whose husbands were out of a job, a son is in jail, businesses are faltering due to the economy; but all of them chose to praise God and continue to believe that God has a plan for their families. I would urge you to praise God for your season and choose to use it for His glory.
Please continue to pray for Kenzie and baby Faith as well as for the protection of the people in the path of Hurricane Ike.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Update on Kenzie
Some of you had asked about Kenzie and baby Faith since her blog is currently not working. Here is a link to Kim's blog who has had an update from Kenzie. Keep praying for her. Thanks!
http://marygracesummons.blogspot.com/
http://marygracesummons.blogspot.com/
Friday, September 5, 2008
Urgent Prayer Request
Friends, please pray for my friend Kenzie who is 26 weeks pregnant with her third child, Faith Claire. She started having contractions on Wednesday and was admitted to the hospital. The medication they have been giving her seems to have stopped working and contractions have been picking back up. Kenzie and her husband lost a son earlier this year to Trisomy 18 and their journey and faith has been a great inspiration to me during the past few months.
http://thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com
Yet he did not waver thru unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20
http://thestanfieldjourney.blogspot.com
Yet he did not waver thru unbelief regarding the promise of God but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. Romans 4:20
Thursday, September 4, 2008
One Life Can Make A Difference
I hadn't planned on a post today. I didn't have any words to share. However, Troy went to the gym, and I was getting dressed and ready for the day, I decided to turn on the radio to KSBJ, our local christian station. When I turned on the radio, I'll Fly Away was playing . . . "i'll fly away . . . to a land where joy shall never end". We sang this song at the end of Nolan's memorial service on Wednesday as we released about 100 blue ballons to celebrate our baby flying away to heaven. The next song was Give Me Words to Speak . . . "give me words to speak, don't let my spirit sleep, I can't think of anything worth saying but I know I owe you my life". This song was so "me" right now. I sat down to check emails and began reading recent comments to my last post. Then it all began to make more sense. God has the words. Someone said that our faith has encouraged them to make a step closer to God, a good friend thanked us for inviting their family to church several years ago. Our family motto has always been "adapt and overcome". We try to teach our children that everything is not always going to go exactly as we want or as we plan but to make the best of each situation and not to give up. They even quote the motto on occasion:) Last week at the hospital, I think Troy may have unknowingly come up with a new motto or at least a wonderful addition to the one we already have . . . ONE LIFE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. I thank God for using Nolan to give us words and actions to encourage others.
I have added the two songs above to my playlist.
Karen
"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." John 3:16
I have added the two songs above to my playlist.
Karen
"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." John 3:16
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
The Puzzle
Today it has been one week since our sweet baby Nolan entered and left this world. It has not been an easy week. Everyone has commented on how strong we are but, we are not really strong. It's so very hard, and I am so sad that I can't hold my little boy and love him the way I want to, but I do have a peace that I would not have thought possible knowing that he is in good hands (God's hands), and I will see him again one day and that his short life can make a difference. Troy and I have said time and again that we could not have done this without God in our lives. He is our strength! "Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2
I have done a lot of reflection on how all of this played out. I said in my first post that I know God has a plan for us. We may not be able to see the big picture, but I can definitely see the pieces of the puzzle being put in place. I think back on how there have been so many people over the past week and the weeks and months leading up to Nolan's birth that have played an important role in our lives. I believe that God put each one of them here for a special purpose in His plan for our lives. No matter how big or small each of them may feel that their part was, it was significant! From family and friends, our church family to doctors, nurses, other medical staff and even strangers - each one is a piece of the puzzle and God used them to continue unfolding his plan for our family. Each one was perfectly shaped by Him to fit into the puzzle that is His plan. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I know that God has perfect timing. He knew that this journey was not something we could have handled six years ago before we found a wonderful church home and drew closer to Him. He knew this is not something we could have handled before our entire family had become Christians. He knew that this is not something we could have handled when our girls were younger. But really God's plan goes back to before we were even born. Every situation, every person we encounter in our life here on earth is a part of God's plan. "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16
Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for all of your prayers and for the love and care that has been shown to us and continues to be poured out. Please know that we truly appreciate all that has been done for us and that you are all a part of God's plan. Our hope is that Nolan's life can make a difference in your life and in that of people for many years to come. We pray that you know our savior, Jesus Christ, so that you will get to meet our little boy in heaven one day. ". . . if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
I have done a lot of reflection on how all of this played out. I said in my first post that I know God has a plan for us. We may not be able to see the big picture, but I can definitely see the pieces of the puzzle being put in place. I think back on how there have been so many people over the past week and the weeks and months leading up to Nolan's birth that have played an important role in our lives. I believe that God put each one of them here for a special purpose in His plan for our lives. No matter how big or small each of them may feel that their part was, it was significant! From family and friends, our church family to doctors, nurses, other medical staff and even strangers - each one is a piece of the puzzle and God used them to continue unfolding his plan for our family. Each one was perfectly shaped by Him to fit into the puzzle that is His plan. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
I know that God has perfect timing. He knew that this journey was not something we could have handled six years ago before we found a wonderful church home and drew closer to Him. He knew this is not something we could have handled before our entire family had become Christians. He knew that this is not something we could have handled when our girls were younger. But really God's plan goes back to before we were even born. Every situation, every person we encounter in our life here on earth is a part of God's plan. "Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16
Words cannot begin to express our gratitude for all of your prayers and for the love and care that has been shown to us and continues to be poured out. Please know that we truly appreciate all that has been done for us and that you are all a part of God's plan. Our hope is that Nolan's life can make a difference in your life and in that of people for many years to come. We pray that you know our savior, Jesus Christ, so that you will get to meet our little boy in heaven one day. ". . . if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9
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