God Speaks Through Cheryl

After last night, this was a welcomed email from Cheryl [a powerful prayer warrior] in my inbox this morning:

Jen,

As I was praying for you and Sam this morning this is what I heard from the Lord. 

Though things seem insurmountable at times the Lord wants you to move forward in your endeavors. Sometimes as Christians we have the mindset that if things become difficult, if there are too many obstacles or glitches, we think that it is not of the Lord. BUT this is not the case many times. As you know, He allows glitches for whatever reasons that we may not understand this side of heaven. When we ask for His favor and hand upon something then there are insurmountable ( or so they appear) obstacles, we tend to think it is not of Him and start the questioning process.  

Be at peace, keep your eyes focused totally on Him, and do not allow that to come in to play.

The other thing I have been praying about is the Lord "cutting through the red tape." He is a God of order and details. Red tape, which can be obstacles again, He has under control and He can handle with no problem. It just seems like alot on this end, but He has it covered.

Again, not sure of what this says to you but got this at 7:30 this morning so figure I best pass it on.

 Blessings, Cheryl

What an amazingly cool and kind God we serve. New mercies are available EVERY morning and He wanted to remind us that HE is in control. HE already knows the outcome. HE can handle it with no problem.

Uh ya Cheryl, this speaks to me.

The Intensity Climbs. And Climbs. And Climbs.

Once again we were hit with another dose of reality tonight. Still with Emily and her family, we received confirmation [through a letter] that Colton is taking action to retain his rights as a birthfather. 

It is hard to explain the intensity of this situation. It seems that the future of this baby boy still hangs in the balance. 

It is a struggle between the natural and the supernatural right now. 

In the natural, it seems hopeless. It seems that we either need to throw in the towel or get ready for the fight of our lives [FOR the life of this baby].

In the supernatural, we know that all things are possible. We know that God works miracles. We know that God wants to not only provide a resolution for us, but give us a restored and whole relationship with Colton.

And it seems that is where my heart is tonight. Even as the intensity climbs, I have great compassion for Colton. I want to have the same kind of relationship with Colton that we have developed with Emily. He is so removed from this process. He is isolated and I am sure lonely. He is disconnected and I am can only wonder what he thinks about me and Sam. 

God help us. 

It seems that is all I can muster as a prayer tonight. 

Shopping for Baby Boy

I had to include this photo! We went shopping and found this little outfit at a boutique. It says "peanut" on the front pocket. LOVE that we got a picture of this on Emily's growing belly. Now I can't wait for the picture of the outfit on baby boy!

Just the Girls

What great fun! Kristen was only in town for two short days, but we certainly made the most of the time. Shopping, talking, walking, dining. We packed it all in and made some great memories.

[Kristen, me, Emily, Em's mom]

Off to TN Again!

So it looks like this could be our last trip to TN before baby boy arrives.  We already have lots planned.  Kristen (my sis-in-law) is coming with me at the beginning of the trip and then she will leave and Sam will join us for a long weekend.

I am so excited...can't wait to see you Emily!

Keep Rejoicing

A friend of mine [Becky], sent this Psalm to our prayer group today [Partners in Grace or better known as the PiGs]. It reminded me that even in the midst of trials we need to continue to rejoice. We need to continue to claim God's promises over lives. We need to continue to have joy. We need to continue to give God all our praise and thanks.

Psalm 30

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up,

And have not let my enemies rejoice over me.

O Lord my God,

I cried to You for help, and you healed me.

O Lord, You have brought up my soul from Sheol;

You have kept me alive, that I would not go down to the pit.

Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones,

And give thanks to His holy name.

For His anger is but for a moment,

His favor is for a lifetime;

Weeping may last for the night,

But a shout of joy comes in the morning.

Now as for me, I said in my prosperity,

"I will never be moved."

O Lord, by Your favor You made my mountain to stand strong;

You hid Your face, I was dismayed.

To You, O Lord, I called,

And to the Lord I made supplication:

"What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the pit?

Will the dust praise You?  Will it declare Your faithfulness?

"Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me;

O Lord, be my helper."

You have turned my mourning into dancing;

You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

God's Plan

Sam reminded me of a short and simple verse today to encourage and keep our focus on Jesus.

Job 42:2

 

"I know that you can do all things; 

no plan of yours can be thwarted."