Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
How to Respond When Your Child Sins Against You:
A Lesson From the Forty-Year Wilderness Wandering
I. Introduction
Quote from Jay Younts in Everyday Talk:
“Moses was charged with leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt to freedom in Canaan. God handed Moses an infant nation that was virtually born as it passed through the waters of the Red Sea. Israel could not feed herself, she could not defend herself, she did not know how to what was right. The job of raising Israel to maturity fell to Moses.”
The relationship between Moses and the Israelites is a useful study for parents. Let’s look at some ways in which the Israelites were like our own little ones.
II. God’s Top Two for Children - Obedience and Honor (Ephesians 6:1-2)
The Israelites promised to obey - “Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, ‘All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.’” Exodus 24:7
A. Disobedience
1. The Manna Hording Incident
“And Moses said to them, ‘Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.’ But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them.” Exodus 16:19-20
2. The “I Told You Not To Go There” Incident
“Then you answered me, ‘We have sinned against the LORD. We ourselves will go up and fight, just as the LORD our God commanded us.’ And every one of you fastened on his weapons of war and thought it easy to go up into the hill country. And the LORD said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the LORD and presumptuously went up into the hill country. Then the Amorites who lived in that hill country came out against you and chased you as bees do and beat you down in Seir as far as Hormah. And you returned and wept before the LORD, but the LORD did not listen to your voice or give ear to you.” Deuteronomy 1:41-45
B. Disrespect (via Complaining)
1. Pick A Chapter, Any Chapter
Exodus 15:24, 16:2-3, 17:2-3; Numbers 11:1, 20:2-5
2. The Carnivorous Incident
“Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, ‘Oh that we had meat to eat! We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at.” Numbers 11:4-6
3. The Worthless Food Incident
“…the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, ‘Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.’” Numbers 21:4-5
(Do these examples sound familiar? You might want to remind your children that these incidents of complaint and ingratitude were rewarded by plague and fiery serpents!)
C. The scriptures record that Israel was also guilty of self-centeredness and self-pity. Lack of self-control was displayed by frequent weeping and angry outbursts towards Moses. Exodus 18 records Moses’ everyday duties - giving advice and settling disputes from morning until night (sound familiar?). There is one major difference in Moses and you, though….Moses did this for forty years!
III. Our Primary Concern Drives Our Reaction
A. Moses’ Good Reaction to the Golden Calf Incident
“But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, ‘O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? Why should the Egyptians say, With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.’ And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.” Exodus 32:11-14
“So I lay prostrate before the LORD for these forty days and forty nights, because the LORD had said he would destroy you.” Deuteronomy 9:25
(See also a similar reaction to the We Won’t Go Incident in Numbers 14:13-19)
B. Moses’ Excellent Reaction to the “Enter the Land, But I’m Not Coming” Incident
“‘Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. Consider too that this nation is your people.’ And he said, ‘My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’ And he said to him, ‘If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, from every other people on the face of the earth?’ And the LORD said to Moses, ‘This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.’ Moses said, ‘Please show me your glory.’” Exodus 33:13-18
IV. Closing Remarks
Moses’ desire was for the honor, reputation, and glory of God. He was not concerned for himself. Of course, we know that Moses was a sinful person, as we all are. He did not always respond in a way that pleased God. You can read about Moses’ sinful reactions in the Just Kill Me Now Incident (Numbers 11:11-15) and the We’re Thirsty Again Incident (Numbers 20:6-12). That final one cost Moses the moment he had looked forward to for so long - crossing into the Promised Land.
If we truly believe that our children are sinners from birth, it should not surprise us when they sin. Rather, we should expect and plan for those difficult times. This will allow us to focus on God’s glory and our child’s need of a Savior rather than on our own hurt, embarrassment, and inconvenience. We must realize that the root of all sin is directed towards God. “Your grumbling is not against us but against the LORD.” Exodus 16:8
Finally, let these promises encourage you.
God Himself will comfort you:
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” 1 Thessalonians 2:16-17
He will be with you:
“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:8
And He will equip you:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” 2 Peter 1:3
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
Funny Memories
I love this video of Owen. He was less than a week old. In case you are wondering, he does NOT snore like this anymore.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Baby Shower Devotion 2 - Psalm 23
Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 3: Moses and Parenting
Baby Shower Devotion 2 - Psalm 23
I. Introduction - God’s word is rich! Just one chapter of scripture can bring encouragement and discipline throughout our entire life.
A. Childhood memorization of Psalm 23 (This is a popular memorization passage.)
B. Historical perspective of Psalm 23 (What do shepherds do? How do sheep act? What was the land like in that area?)
C. Psalm 23 for comfort in difficult circumstances (Frequently cited at funerals, this passage has brought much comfort to my own life in times of great physical suffering.)
D. Relating Psalm 23 to mothering (Just as the LORD is our shepherd, we are called to shepherd our children. We can gain insight from studying how God shepherds us.)
II. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Definition: want - need, lack, be without, fall short of
I will not fall short of my responsibilities in mothering if I look to Christ as the source of my strength (I Peter 1:3). My children will have their physical and spiritual needs met by Christ working through me, even when I sin or face physical challenges.
III. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
Definition: makes - causes or compels (God causes the action of rest.)
Definition: still - not or hardly moving; calm and tranquil
A. I should make my children rest, both physically and in activities (BUT, avoid legalism!)
B. I should strive to feed my family well (BUT, avoid legalism!)
C. I should keep my children safe (BUT, avoid legalism!)
Ask your husband to help you know what is the "middle ground" for your family!
IV. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Definition: restores - brings back to the original state by rebuilding or repairing; brings back to health; gives back to the original owner
Definition: leads - causes to go with one, especially by guiding or going in front of
A. I should help my children recognize their sin in order that God may bring them to repentance and restore their souls.
B. I should lead in righteousness by example, being honest about my own sin and modeling walking in righteousness.
C. All of this should be “for His name’s sake.” To God alone be the glory!
Baby Shower Devotion 1: Warning Against Idolatry
Baby Shower Devotion 3: Moses and Parenting
Baby Shower Devotion 2 - Psalm 23
I. Introduction - God’s word is rich! Just one chapter of scripture can bring encouragement and discipline throughout our entire life.
A. Childhood memorization of Psalm 23 (This is a popular memorization passage.)
B. Historical perspective of Psalm 23 (What do shepherds do? How do sheep act? What was the land like in that area?)
C. Psalm 23 for comfort in difficult circumstances (Frequently cited at funerals, this passage has brought much comfort to my own life in times of great physical suffering.)
D. Relating Psalm 23 to mothering (Just as the LORD is our shepherd, we are called to shepherd our children. We can gain insight from studying how God shepherds us.)
II. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
Definition: want - need, lack, be without, fall short of
I will not fall short of my responsibilities in mothering if I look to Christ as the source of my strength (I Peter 1:3). My children will have their physical and spiritual needs met by Christ working through me, even when I sin or face physical challenges.
III. “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.”
Definition: makes - causes or compels (God causes the action of rest.)
Definition: still - not or hardly moving; calm and tranquil
A. I should make my children rest, both physically and in activities (BUT, avoid legalism!)
B. I should strive to feed my family well (BUT, avoid legalism!)
C. I should keep my children safe (BUT, avoid legalism!)
Ask your husband to help you know what is the "middle ground" for your family!
IV. “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Definition: restores - brings back to the original state by rebuilding or repairing; brings back to health; gives back to the original owner
Definition: leads - causes to go with one, especially by guiding or going in front of
A. I should help my children recognize their sin in order that God may bring them to repentance and restore their souls.
B. I should lead in righteousness by example, being honest about my own sin and modeling walking in righteousness.
C. All of this should be “for His name’s sake.” To God alone be the glory!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Catching Up
At some point I had wonderful posts all blogged out in my mind for the following activities. And those posts are still there - in my mind. Since most of these events took place months ago, and since today is Christmas with many more fun things to blog upon, I need to just move on. But not before a token picture and comment for the Ghost of Blog Posts Past!
First we have a trip to Valentine Park, with an autumn walk in the woods:
Soon after we made one last trip to the Memphis Zoo before our yearly membership expired. This is Audrey, who honestly believed she had escaped from me in "Once Upon a Farm."
Another highlight was the birth of Isaac, my sweet new nephew. Over 9 lbs. but supposedly three weeks early! LOL!
Couldn't pass up this cute one of the cousins!
First we have a trip to Valentine Park, with an autumn walk in the woods:
Soon after we made one last trip to the Memphis Zoo before our yearly membership expired. This is Audrey, who honestly believed she had escaped from me in "Once Upon a Farm."
Another highlight was the birth of Isaac, my sweet new nephew. Over 9 lbs. but supposedly three weeks early! LOL!
Couldn't pass up this cute one of the cousins!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Baby Shower Devotion 1 - Warning Against Idolatry
Other Outlines
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
Baby Shower Devotion 3: Moses and Parenting
Last week my friend Mary made the mistake of asking me to "say a few words" at a double baby shower at Unity. Okay, here is what I do, people. I sing. I can sing in front of people all day and never be nervous. And although it has been a long time to serve in this area outside my own home, I teach kids stuff like Children's Choir and Bible Drill.
My experience in speaking to anyone over the age of twelve is limited and slightly out of my comfort zone. But I swallowed my uncomfortableness and started studying.
For three days.
Did I mention that I am CDO? (That's OCD, but you have to have it in alphabetical order.)
After three days, I had enough material to teach a six-week study on motherhood. Somehow I knew this wasn't what Mary had in mind, so I had to cut some stuff. I tried to focus on what would have been the most beneficial to ME, SPIRITUALLY, as a new mom. Then I typed out a nifty outline and made copies for everyone.
Overall, it was fine. (Under 20 minutes! They had to cancel the shower games because it was getting late!) But as Kevin said in retrospect, "They probably expected to open cute pink outfits and eat cake, not get a lesson on idolatry." He was not saying that I shouldn't have done it, just trying to give me something to consider for later.
Assuming that I'll be asked again! *giggle*
So if you need a lesson on baby idolatry, check out the outline below. I'm open for booking and don't charge very much. ;-)
New Babies: Blessing, Warning, and Encouragement
I. Babies are a Blessing!
Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
II. Warning Against Idolatry: “Our hearts are idol factories.”
A. Graven Images
B. “Bad” Idols (materialism, vanity, etc.)
C. “Good” Idols (gifts from God that twist into idols - especially firstborn children!)
(Can you think of times when you idolized your children?)
III. Encouragement in Difficult Times (James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7)
(When do we depend on God the most? What causes us to grow?)
A. Labor
1. Painful labor is part of the curse that resulted from the Fall (Genesis 3:16).
2. God is making all things new, but this has not yet been completed (Romans 8:18-23).
3. God has promised that He will be with us (Deuteronomy 31:8), and He has given us means to bear the pain (mediating on scripture and music, prayer, and your HUSBAND!)
(Do you have a testimony of God’s peace and mercy during your labor?)
B. Sleeplessness
1. Feeding your baby in the wee hours of dawn can be a special bonding time.
2. This is your first baby, so get a nap during the day when they do. Housework can wait!
3. GET SOME HUMILITY AND ASK FOR HELP! It is a blessing for others to help you.
(Do you have a special FOND memory of the “psycho-tired” days? How did others minister to you after the birth of a child?)
C. Parenting Advice
1. God’s wisdom is perfect (James 3:17). Man’s wisdom is flawed by sin (Proverbs 14:12). Praise God for wise men and woman who have written encouragement, but be careful to not place them on the level of scripture.
2. Although we can’t give Gary Ezzo a call at two in the morning, we can pray to the King of the Universe (James 1:5)!
3. God has graciously surrounded us all with godly help. Seek the advice of your husband first. You can also ask an older (not necessarily OLD!), godly woman for her wisdom and insight. (Ephesians 5:23; Titus 2:3-4)
(Have you tried to legalistically follow a human plan for raising your child? Or have you been blessed by the wisdom of your husband or a Titus 2 woman?)
From Valley of Vision:
Let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory. Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursery for heaven…enriched with the trees of righteousness of thy planting, for thy glory.
Baby Shower Devotion 2: Psalm 23
Baby Shower Devotion 3: Moses and Parenting
Last week my friend Mary made the mistake of asking me to "say a few words" at a double baby shower at Unity. Okay, here is what I do, people. I sing. I can sing in front of people all day and never be nervous. And although it has been a long time to serve in this area outside my own home, I teach kids stuff like Children's Choir and Bible Drill.
My experience in speaking to anyone over the age of twelve is limited and slightly out of my comfort zone. But I swallowed my uncomfortableness and started studying.
For three days.
Did I mention that I am CDO? (That's OCD, but you have to have it in alphabetical order.)
After three days, I had enough material to teach a six-week study on motherhood. Somehow I knew this wasn't what Mary had in mind, so I had to cut some stuff. I tried to focus on what would have been the most beneficial to ME, SPIRITUALLY, as a new mom. Then I typed out a nifty outline and made copies for everyone.
Overall, it was fine. (Under 20 minutes! They had to cancel the shower games because it was getting late!) But as Kevin said in retrospect, "They probably expected to open cute pink outfits and eat cake, not get a lesson on idolatry." He was not saying that I shouldn't have done it, just trying to give me something to consider for later.
Assuming that I'll be asked again! *giggle*
So if you need a lesson on baby idolatry, check out the outline below. I'm open for booking and don't charge very much. ;-)
New Babies: Blessing, Warning, and Encouragement
I. Babies are a Blessing!
Psalm 127:3-5
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
II. Warning Against Idolatry: “Our hearts are idol factories.”
A. Graven Images
B. “Bad” Idols (materialism, vanity, etc.)
C. “Good” Idols (gifts from God that twist into idols - especially firstborn children!)
(Can you think of times when you idolized your children?)
III. Encouragement in Difficult Times (James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 1:6-7)
(When do we depend on God the most? What causes us to grow?)
A. Labor
1. Painful labor is part of the curse that resulted from the Fall (Genesis 3:16).
2. God is making all things new, but this has not yet been completed (Romans 8:18-23).
3. God has promised that He will be with us (Deuteronomy 31:8), and He has given us means to bear the pain (mediating on scripture and music, prayer, and your HUSBAND!)
(Do you have a testimony of God’s peace and mercy during your labor?)
B. Sleeplessness
1. Feeding your baby in the wee hours of dawn can be a special bonding time.
2. This is your first baby, so get a nap during the day when they do. Housework can wait!
3. GET SOME HUMILITY AND ASK FOR HELP! It is a blessing for others to help you.
(Do you have a special FOND memory of the “psycho-tired” days? How did others minister to you after the birth of a child?)
C. Parenting Advice
1. God’s wisdom is perfect (James 3:17). Man’s wisdom is flawed by sin (Proverbs 14:12). Praise God for wise men and woman who have written encouragement, but be careful to not place them on the level of scripture.
2. Although we can’t give Gary Ezzo a call at two in the morning, we can pray to the King of the Universe (James 1:5)!
3. God has graciously surrounded us all with godly help. Seek the advice of your husband first. You can also ask an older (not necessarily OLD!), godly woman for her wisdom and insight. (Ephesians 5:23; Titus 2:3-4)
(Have you tried to legalistically follow a human plan for raising your child? Or have you been blessed by the wisdom of your husband or a Titus 2 woman?)
From Valley of Vision:
Let those that are united to me in tender ties be precious in thy sight and devoted to thy glory. Sanctify and prosper my domestic devotion, instruction, discipline, example, that my house may be a nursery for heaven…enriched with the trees of righteousness of thy planting, for thy glory.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Pregnancy Sickness
(This is the second article I submitted. I won't know for a few months whether or not it will be published.)
My husband and I desired children early in our marriage, knowing that they are a blessing from the Lord. After three years of infertility and a miscarriage, God miraculously granted us the beautiful sights and sounds of a strong little heartbeat on an ultrasound monitor. I thought the hard part was over, not knowing that one of the most difficult seasons of my life was about to begin.
I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarium - severe pregnancy sickness. Nothing would ease the constant nausea and vomitting. With that first pregnancy I was desperate and would try anything suggested to me, but you can only take so many ginger pills, saltine crackers, and peppermint tea. Not knowing how to manage the sickness, I just stopped trying to eat since I knew it would come back up anyhow. This landed me in the hospital twice, followed by a few weeks on IVs at home. I tried to deal with everything myself, rarely asking God for help. After all, He had caused me to have so much trouble conceiving; shouldn't he owe it to me to have an easy, happy pregnancy? The sickness never completely abated but did ease some in my late second trimester. My beautiful daughter was born in September of 2002. The awful sickness slowly became a distant memory, replaced by the joy of her little face.
Surprisingly, my husband and I both hoped to have a second child only a few months after my daughter was born. Although we knew that conceiving might be difficult due to our earlier experience, we were encouraged when we were blessed almost immediately. But once again, we went through that sad, sad time of losing a little one when our firstborn was barely a year old. Fourteen more months passed very slowly.
We were so excited when we found out we were again expecting! I was full of hope. Maybe the first pregnancy was a fluke. This one just had to be different. But it was not. I was so sick that we had to move in with my in-laws because I could not care for my daughter at all. I was a complete vegetable for about four months, most days not even being able to care for myself. I was weak and dehydrated but managed to stay out of the hospital. One thing I did learn through this pregnancy was what a wonderful woman my mother-in-law is. She cared for me and for my family, never complaining. But I am humbled to admit that I cannot say the same for myself. I was full of complaints. I cried and cried, exclaiming that I would NEVER be pregnant again. It was too difficult. God had promised that He would never give me more than I could bear, but I was certain He was wrong! Yet again, the light at the end of the tunnel came when my bouncing baby boy appeared after only three hours of labor in July of 2005.
This time the memory of the sickness didn't fade as much. I remembered how awful it was and knew that I had no strength to go through that ever again. But apparently God had other plans. He still had more to teach me about relying on His strength instead of my own. He changed my heart and my desires, and after only three months, we discovered that we would be having a third child. This time there was no false hope. We knew from the beginning what we were getting ourselves into. But this turned out to be one of the most growing experiences of my Christian walk. Allow me to share just a few quotes from my journal...
I cannot say that I did not have moments of depression during my third pregnancy. But I was much more aware of God's presence, and was able to rely on Him for strength to endure. And I am learning that it is this way for all of life, not just pregnancy sickness. We are weak and sinful creatures, and we need to depend on God for everything. My youngest daughter turned one just this past week, and I cannot imagine life without her. I praise God for His gift of three beautiful children!
My husband and I desired children early in our marriage, knowing that they are a blessing from the Lord. After three years of infertility and a miscarriage, God miraculously granted us the beautiful sights and sounds of a strong little heartbeat on an ultrasound monitor. I thought the hard part was over, not knowing that one of the most difficult seasons of my life was about to begin.
I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarium - severe pregnancy sickness. Nothing would ease the constant nausea and vomitting. With that first pregnancy I was desperate and would try anything suggested to me, but you can only take so many ginger pills, saltine crackers, and peppermint tea. Not knowing how to manage the sickness, I just stopped trying to eat since I knew it would come back up anyhow. This landed me in the hospital twice, followed by a few weeks on IVs at home. I tried to deal with everything myself, rarely asking God for help. After all, He had caused me to have so much trouble conceiving; shouldn't he owe it to me to have an easy, happy pregnancy? The sickness never completely abated but did ease some in my late second trimester. My beautiful daughter was born in September of 2002. The awful sickness slowly became a distant memory, replaced by the joy of her little face.
Surprisingly, my husband and I both hoped to have a second child only a few months after my daughter was born. Although we knew that conceiving might be difficult due to our earlier experience, we were encouraged when we were blessed almost immediately. But once again, we went through that sad, sad time of losing a little one when our firstborn was barely a year old. Fourteen more months passed very slowly.
We were so excited when we found out we were again expecting! I was full of hope. Maybe the first pregnancy was a fluke. This one just had to be different. But it was not. I was so sick that we had to move in with my in-laws because I could not care for my daughter at all. I was a complete vegetable for about four months, most days not even being able to care for myself. I was weak and dehydrated but managed to stay out of the hospital. One thing I did learn through this pregnancy was what a wonderful woman my mother-in-law is. She cared for me and for my family, never complaining. But I am humbled to admit that I cannot say the same for myself. I was full of complaints. I cried and cried, exclaiming that I would NEVER be pregnant again. It was too difficult. God had promised that He would never give me more than I could bear, but I was certain He was wrong! Yet again, the light at the end of the tunnel came when my bouncing baby boy appeared after only three hours of labor in July of 2005.
This time the memory of the sickness didn't fade as much. I remembered how awful it was and knew that I had no strength to go through that ever again. But apparently God had other plans. He still had more to teach me about relying on His strength instead of my own. He changed my heart and my desires, and after only three months, we discovered that we would be having a third child. This time there was no false hope. We knew from the beginning what we were getting ourselves into. But this turned out to be one of the most growing experiences of my Christian walk. Allow me to share just a few quotes from my journal...
If I really believe that children are a blessing, and I am willing to endure something this bad to have one, then I need to trust God to take care of me and my family during this time. I believe this verse applies to my hyperemesis: 'I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.' - Romans 12:1
Ten weeks of misery results in a 'soul that will never die.' THAT is why I am doing it. It is very hard not to feel sorry for yourself and let the hyperemesis be all you think about. I mean, how DO you think about anything else?
Today the nausea has been almost constant. It's like this...I know that if I actually vomit I will NOT feel better and will probably feel worse, because I will get dehydrated. So I fight it. All day.
An example of a day: I wake up off and on while Kevin gets ready for work and I lie as still as possible. Kids still sleeping. My sister is here, asleep on the couch. Try to get up to go to the bathroom but end up dry heaving for several minutes. Go back to bed shaking, stomach and throat are sore and head aches.
Finally around 9:30 the kids and my sister get up. My sister starts feeding them and getting them dressed. She makes me toast and ginger ale. I struggle to get it down, then immediately lie down. The next two hours are a fight to not vomit. The kids run around me and hug me; I try to respond as much as possible.
Eat lunch which I cannot even make for myself. Fight once again to keep everything down. That is what my existance boils down to...eat and then fight.
Try to nap...I have been getting about 1/2 hour before someone or something wakes me up. Spend time meditating on scripture or hymn lyrics (strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside, great is Thy faithfulness, all I have needed Thy hand hath provided.....He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.......His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness.......kyrie eleison, christe eleison, kyrie eleison.....).
I cannot say that I did not have moments of depression during my third pregnancy. But I was much more aware of God's presence, and was able to rely on Him for strength to endure. And I am learning that it is this way for all of life, not just pregnancy sickness. We are weak and sinful creatures, and we need to depend on God for everything. My youngest daughter turned one just this past week, and I cannot imagine life without her. I praise God for His gift of three beautiful children!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
One Year Ago Today...
Here is an excerpt from Audrey's birth story. I'll get the rest copied at some point, when the rest of my journal is moved:
At first lots of people were in the room - Kevin, Mom, Daddy, Mama, and Abby. Somewhere around 1:00 and 4 ccs of Pitocin, Tom, Stacy, and both of their kids came in. Daddy decided there were too many people in the room and took the kids and Tommy out. I really didn't know what was going on. Just like with Owen, I started out by meditating on scripture or hymn lines or just praying through contractions, focusing and breathing to the rhythm of the words. But Pitocin is EVIL and things got really hard and out of control fast! I lost my reputation of being a peaceful, quiet laborer and started crying out. First I told Kevin, "I can't pray!" Meaning I couldn't focus enough to pray through the contractions. The two Moms thought I said "I can't cry!" and started saying "Go ahead and cry!" Mom Hinton was even suggesting the epidural because she knew how high my pain threshold is and it was so odd for me to be that loud. I spoke quieter to Kevin between contractions, "No, I can't pray anymore, it hurts too bad! Pray FOR me."
Kevin was incredible. First he was stroking my hair and face so I could focus on that. Then he was whispering to me between contractions and encouraging me during them:
"I am praying for you and I am not the only one....everyone at Unity just got out of church and they all know you are in labor. They are all praying."
"That was a good one! I bet you are already in transition, at least 6 cm by now."
"You are doing a great job. I love you."
"God is with you. He will get you through this."
"It can't be much longer now."
The nurse checked me at some point after I was up to 6 ccs of Pitocin. I had gone from an unmoveable 4 cm. to 6 in just minutes. Only a bit later I told them I felt like pushing. She checked and I was 8-9 cm. Seconds passed and I told her the baby was COMING OUT without me trying to push at all!!! Everyone started moving fast. A nurse I hadn't seen before stood just inside the door but left when the doctor arrived - I think she would have delivered. I had to wait 20 minutes on the doctor and the nurses all encouraged me to blow through, just like with Owen, but it was MUCH more difficult! My body was just doing it involuntarily. Finally the nurse got the brains to turn the Pitocin drip off - LOL! That made it a bit easier to wait.
The nurse came in and I started barking commands! HA! "Don't touch my ankle when I push, it hurts." Etc.
I pushed ONE TIME. Two if you count that I took a quick breath between head and shoulders! She was small and I was DONE, shaking and hurting..........
They put her on my stomach just like they had done with my first two babies, but this time I took my time rubbing her down and talking to her. They had to ask me if they could have her! She was just beautiful, so tiny, with a little dark hair. She cried some but not as loudly or insistantly as Owen.
I nursed her a little when they were done with her, but then she had to go visit everyone - she had about 25 visitors that first day! That's what happens when you have a baby on the weekend. It was like that with Katie, who was born on Sunday. Owen was born on a Thursday and hardly anyone came. Although I love company, I was thankful when everyone was gone because I hadn't slept a wink in over 36 hours and had been laboring for about 12 of that.
Katie and Owen came up for a bit that evening. It was really sweet to see them with their new sister. Katie was in love and couldn't stop smiling. Owen didn't seem to get it, but since then he has become quite a protective, loving big brother.
When everyone was gone, Kevin and I just about collapsed from exhaustion. But we had our sweet baby, and I felt so much better I was in tears - not to mention the fact that I ate two dinners within about three hours...plus frozen yogurt AND ice cream!!! LOL! We sent Audrey to the nursery for a few hours, and when I had gotten my nap, I was ready to snuggle and kiss her. I am so thankful that God has entrusted us one more little life, and I pray that we will bring glory to Him in her training and care.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Something a Bit Nicer To Look At
Owen in-utero
Katie, about the same time
My favorite newborn picture of Owen
Katie and Mommy goofing off
Beautiful Katie
Katie and Cousin Ana
Owen in his woolies
Owen's first oatmeal
My Babies
The Great Turkey Race
Kevin's Turkey
Lots 'O Turkeys
Two Butterballs
Katie trimming the Christmas tree
Katie, about the same time
My favorite newborn picture of Owen
Katie and Mommy goofing off
Beautiful Katie
Katie and Cousin Ana
Owen in his woolies
Owen's first oatmeal
My Babies
The Great Turkey Race
Kevin's Turkey
Lots 'O Turkeys
Two Butterballs
Katie trimming the Christmas tree
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
(Mostly) Funny Stories
Lost at the Zoo
About two months ago I took Katie, Owen, Lissa, Abby, Ivan, and Jesse to the zoo. When we finished seeing the animals we decided to get some drinks (sodas!) and ice cream at the playground area. Katie immediately headed for the slide and the other kids got out money and went inside the building to get food.
I dragged a chair over to where I always sit, pushing the stroller as I went. In that short amount of time, Katie had looked back to where I had been standing with the kids, didn't see me, and circled around to the building behind me. I was looking for her on the playground and didn't see her. It was literally seconds, and just as I got that panic-feeling in my stomach, I heard her WAIL "No thank you!" behind me. Some nice lady with a church group saw her wandering around and was trying to get her to come to her. Katie would have NONE OF IT, which is a good thing!
I can't believe how fast she did that. God was gracious to protect her by having her run to the building instead of back out the area where we had come...otherwise, she would have been open to the whole zoo! Just thinking about it makes me shaky again.
Meltdown at Picture Time
We tried twice to get pictures of the kids made. The first time, we took family pictures first and they both did fine with that. Then Katie started getting nasty with the photographer, fussing and whining. Owen was okay until she tried to get him on his stomach. He wasn't really good at that yet and even bashed his head on the prop! So that trip was pretty much wasted. We got a decent family picture, one of Katie crying, and one of Owen looking like a deer caught in headlights. When we left, Kevin actually said he needed to just "let it go" because she had frustrated him so much! He usually never gets ruffled, so you know it was bad.
The second time, the (other) photographer was pretty smart and started by putting out pumpkins, apples, scarecrow, etc. on the platform. Katie was so excited, saying "I want to get up there!" We put her up and she headed for a log to sit on. The manager was in the room with us trying to help, and told Katie that she needed to sit in FRONT of the log. Instead of waiting for her to comply, she picked Katie up and tried to sit her down on the platform. Katie became a stiff board and wouldn't bend in the middle, wailing all the while. (Have I mentioned that she does NOT like strangers?) So we got a few good ones of Owen and later a couple of quick shots of Katie.
That is an awkward situation, because Katie needed to be spanked. But you can't just take her out and spank her and tell her to smile! LOL! And you don't really have time to spank and then wait for her to calm down and be a happy child again, because other people are waiting for their turn. Bribing does nothing for that girl, and threts are useless. So we just do what we can and remember that she is unregenerate. LOL!
Leg Hair and Cold Sores
This week has been exciting. For one, I ended my long leg-shaving ban. It was getting pretty bad, I will admit. Since the hair was so long, I decided to try some wax. HA! Kevin was offended that I said a cuss, but no other word was appropriate for the pain I felt while pulling off that first strip. I tried to talk myself into doing more, but it would have taken some major alcohol, I am guessing.
After that, I thought about just leaving the three waxed parts and let the rest keep growing. My husband didn't seem to find this alluring. So the next day I shaved. The end.
As for Katie, first she had some kind of rash on her, ahem, bottom. We got that cleared up, and a few days later she woke up at 5:00 with fever and puked. Just once, mind you. Later that morning she seemed okay. The next day she got cold/flu symptoms, which lasted a day or two. Then the cold sores came. They were definitely the worst part. She had about four on her top lip, one on the inside of her bottom lip, and later we found that the roof of her mouth was covered! Poor baby couldn't eat much at all. We finally got some food down her by coating the inside with this new stuff by Colgate...and the outside with Abreva twice a day and Herpacin-L (thanks, Michelle!) before meals. She is better now but hates the scabs on her lips.
Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Bad Diaper
We took Katie to see the Were Rabbit movie. It started with a short starring the Madagascar Penguins. Just about the time the penguins showed up, I felt the earth move. Okay, so it was just Owen having a blowout. No problem, I'll just run to the restroom and change him. As I stood up I felt something warm and wet on my hand....NASTY! I scooted as fast as I could to the bathroom.
It had gone out the back of the diaper. His shirt was saved and his pants just had a little spot. But I was COVERED. I had a six-inch spot on each of my thighs, with drips going down to both knees. It was that beautiful mustard color all over my khakkis. I prayed that it would come out because I don't have many pants that fit right now (and it did, thanks to some sun-bleaching).
I had a cardigan on that was great to throw around my waist, but I had not really prepared to be taking it off...underneath I was wearing a white tee-shirt that was rather tight thanks to the fact that I am a supplier of lactose right now. And you could see the two big circles of nursing pads, just like a couple of bulls-eyes. It was great fun, I tell you. But we did make it back to our seat before the show started.
About two months ago I took Katie, Owen, Lissa, Abby, Ivan, and Jesse to the zoo. When we finished seeing the animals we decided to get some drinks (sodas!) and ice cream at the playground area. Katie immediately headed for the slide and the other kids got out money and went inside the building to get food.
I dragged a chair over to where I always sit, pushing the stroller as I went. In that short amount of time, Katie had looked back to where I had been standing with the kids, didn't see me, and circled around to the building behind me. I was looking for her on the playground and didn't see her. It was literally seconds, and just as I got that panic-feeling in my stomach, I heard her WAIL "No thank you!" behind me. Some nice lady with a church group saw her wandering around and was trying to get her to come to her. Katie would have NONE OF IT, which is a good thing!
I can't believe how fast she did that. God was gracious to protect her by having her run to the building instead of back out the area where we had come...otherwise, she would have been open to the whole zoo! Just thinking about it makes me shaky again.
Meltdown at Picture Time
We tried twice to get pictures of the kids made. The first time, we took family pictures first and they both did fine with that. Then Katie started getting nasty with the photographer, fussing and whining. Owen was okay until she tried to get him on his stomach. He wasn't really good at that yet and even bashed his head on the prop! So that trip was pretty much wasted. We got a decent family picture, one of Katie crying, and one of Owen looking like a deer caught in headlights. When we left, Kevin actually said he needed to just "let it go" because she had frustrated him so much! He usually never gets ruffled, so you know it was bad.
The second time, the (other) photographer was pretty smart and started by putting out pumpkins, apples, scarecrow, etc. on the platform. Katie was so excited, saying "I want to get up there!" We put her up and she headed for a log to sit on. The manager was in the room with us trying to help, and told Katie that she needed to sit in FRONT of the log. Instead of waiting for her to comply, she picked Katie up and tried to sit her down on the platform. Katie became a stiff board and wouldn't bend in the middle, wailing all the while. (Have I mentioned that she does NOT like strangers?) So we got a few good ones of Owen and later a couple of quick shots of Katie.
That is an awkward situation, because Katie needed to be spanked. But you can't just take her out and spank her and tell her to smile! LOL! And you don't really have time to spank and then wait for her to calm down and be a happy child again, because other people are waiting for their turn. Bribing does nothing for that girl, and threts are useless. So we just do what we can and remember that she is unregenerate. LOL!
Leg Hair and Cold Sores
This week has been exciting. For one, I ended my long leg-shaving ban. It was getting pretty bad, I will admit. Since the hair was so long, I decided to try some wax. HA! Kevin was offended that I said a cuss, but no other word was appropriate for the pain I felt while pulling off that first strip. I tried to talk myself into doing more, but it would have taken some major alcohol, I am guessing.
After that, I thought about just leaving the three waxed parts and let the rest keep growing. My husband didn't seem to find this alluring. So the next day I shaved. The end.
As for Katie, first she had some kind of rash on her, ahem, bottom. We got that cleared up, and a few days later she woke up at 5:00 with fever and puked. Just once, mind you. Later that morning she seemed okay. The next day she got cold/flu symptoms, which lasted a day or two. Then the cold sores came. They were definitely the worst part. She had about four on her top lip, one on the inside of her bottom lip, and later we found that the roof of her mouth was covered! Poor baby couldn't eat much at all. We finally got some food down her by coating the inside with this new stuff by Colgate...and the outside with Abreva twice a day and Herpacin-L (thanks, Michelle!) before meals. She is better now but hates the scabs on her lips.
Wallace and Gromit and the Curse of the Bad Diaper
We took Katie to see the Were Rabbit movie. It started with a short starring the Madagascar Penguins. Just about the time the penguins showed up, I felt the earth move. Okay, so it was just Owen having a blowout. No problem, I'll just run to the restroom and change him. As I stood up I felt something warm and wet on my hand....NASTY! I scooted as fast as I could to the bathroom.
It had gone out the back of the diaper. His shirt was saved and his pants just had a little spot. But I was COVERED. I had a six-inch spot on each of my thighs, with drips going down to both knees. It was that beautiful mustard color all over my khakkis. I prayed that it would come out because I don't have many pants that fit right now (and it did, thanks to some sun-bleaching).
I had a cardigan on that was great to throw around my waist, but I had not really prepared to be taking it off...underneath I was wearing a white tee-shirt that was rather tight thanks to the fact that I am a supplier of lactose right now. And you could see the two big circles of nursing pads, just like a couple of bulls-eyes. It was great fun, I tell you. But we did make it back to our seat before the show started.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Everyday Providence
Owen is eating food now. On Monday (his four-month birthday) he nursed at 7:30 and then started screaming and putting his fist in his mouth at 10:00. I nursed him again. He drank everything I had and wanted MORE! So I scoured the cabinets and found some baby food that Mom Hinton had bought for his trick-or-treat bag (she can't treat grandkids differently so she had to buy him SOMETHING! LOL!). Owen LOVED the bananas. The next night he had peaches. On Wednesday I finally got groceries and that night he had oatmeal. I think that was his favorite. Now he is sitting in his high-chair and talking baby babble. He is SO cute! He has been sitting there for almost an hour, watching Katie play with some new play doh I bought and watching me clean up around here and get ready for lessons. MUCH more content now. And sleeping better, too. That boy was HUNGRY!
Katie is feeling better. She only threw up once. Now she just has cold symptoms. She is excited to go to Grandma's house today.
I think everyone is sick. The Quicks, Hughes, Crenshaws, Will Hefner, Katie, and the Mays all have this bug. I had half my voice students cancel today. And only five people showed up for church last night!
I got groceries by myself last night while Kevin watched the kids. It was wonderful! I am even considering getting up around 6:00 once a week to get them before Kevin leaves for work. It was much easier this way.
Kevin is the most wonderful husband EVER. I lost my CD that went with my Christmas book for voice lessons, so he drove to Amro for me on his lunch break yesterday to save me a trip to Memphis. Then he even made copies of the songs I needed because the church copier is broken! Then he came home and babysat. What a man!
That's all I have time for. I hope to write a little more tomorrow when I have more time.
Katie is feeling better. She only threw up once. Now she just has cold symptoms. She is excited to go to Grandma's house today.
I think everyone is sick. The Quicks, Hughes, Crenshaws, Will Hefner, Katie, and the Mays all have this bug. I had half my voice students cancel today. And only five people showed up for church last night!
I got groceries by myself last night while Kevin watched the kids. It was wonderful! I am even considering getting up around 6:00 once a week to get them before Kevin leaves for work. It was much easier this way.
Kevin is the most wonderful husband EVER. I lost my CD that went with my Christmas book for voice lessons, so he drove to Amro for me on his lunch break yesterday to save me a trip to Memphis. Then he even made copies of the songs I needed because the church copier is broken! Then he came home and babysat. What a man!
That's all I have time for. I hope to write a little more tomorrow when I have more time.
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