Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Lessons and Verses

Three months have past and our little girl has had three surgeries with at least one more in the future.  We started sharing this blog with some family members and close friends the first few weeks because they couldn't come see Abby.  The blog has since been shared and passed on to others to the point that many of you are strangers to us.  That's okay in our eyes because we know that many of you are praying for Abigail. We are truly thankful for your prayers because we know they have been heard.

May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22 

For the last three months we have driven a car around with an empty carseat. In our home an empty swing sits in the bay window and a beautiful pink nursery full of wonderful gifts awaits up the stairs.  Time has stood still for us these past twelve weeks and we are out of the loop on just about everything other than blood pressures and respiratory rates.  What we expected to happen three months ago didn't go as we planned.  The days and weeks that followed Abigail's birth didn't seem to go that well either.  Those weeks consisted of a few ups, many downs, countless prayers, and constant fear. 

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  

1 Peter 5:7-10

That is are hard lesson.

Did that second paragraph sound like complaining or what (read-This is not meant to be a pity party)?   We have, however, had those thoughts of despair, anger, and frustration over the past few months.  More often than not though, we were able to walk through the NICU doors and smile down on a child who helped lift our spirits.  Not all can say that, though.  We are so blessed! 
Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. 1 Chronicles 16:11

In the last 3 months, HE has shown us a how precious each day is (literally), how important a church family is, and how HIS plan is better.

A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. Proverbs 16:9
  
We don't know what life will be like once Abby is home. Will her health hold up? What trials will she face throughout her life?  And even simply what will tomorrow bring? We will take it day by day and press on in faith.

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19

6 comments:

Chrisann said...

Those are powerful words to share. God is doing a great work in both of you as well as in Abigail. I see you guys having such a strong, faithful, godly family. Many will be blessed by all three of you as they are already being blessed now. Love how you are relying on God's Word. There is nothing like it. Hugs to you and prayers on your behalf.

Debbie said...

Just have to say ya'll are awesome and God knew exactly who needed to be Abigail's parents. She is very lucky. You all have a little prize in which your love for her will only grow stronger. Her latest pictures are so cute and she is filling out so nicely---kisses to her. Aunt Debbie

Heather Downs said...

Thank you for sharing your heart and for always being real! You both have taught me so much these past 12 weeks and I have grown stronger spiritually because of the continued faith that you have shown. Continue to seek the Lord and He will give you strength! Love you both dearly!

Summer said...

Abigail is so blessed to have the two of you as parents. Your faith is very inspiring. God is so good and I pray that He will continually provide healing for Abigail and strength for the two of you!

Lindsey said...

Love this girl!

Robin said...

What a great post! Thank you for sharing that. Such a blessing.