Sunday, October 14, 2012
Sweet Girl is One
I can't believe that a whole entire year has flown by! Our sweet girl turned one yesterday. We had an amazing day celebrating this sweet one's birthday, surrounded by those we love most. She is such a joy and brings much happiness to our family. Our hearts are full. Amazed at God's goodness in my life! Enjoy a few pics of our princess!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Team Rainey: Duathletes
A few months after Marli was born, like any mother who has just given birth, I was ready to lose some unwanted weight. However, the motivation to do so was severly lacking. You would think the way I looked in the mirror would be enough motivation, but apparently not. Allan had (has) been doing mountain bike races through Dirty Spokes Productions for a while, so I was lollygagging on their site one day & noticed they had a duathlon coming up. Oooh.. fancy word, DUATHLON!!! Hmmm... I thought, wonder if I could do that?? So, I told Allan sign us up! The only thing that was going to motivate me to get my butt in gear was KNOWING my name was on the roster. My plan to train leading up to the first race went like this: download couch to 5K app, do it once, and then.... NOTHING. LOL! I literally went into my first race blind and ignorant. Heck, I didn't even feel the need to stretch! haha! Clearly, I had no idea how tough a trail run would be.
Here's our schedule of races:
March: Fort Yargo: 3.8 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2.1 mile run
April: Mt. Tabor: 3.1 mile run, 10 mile bike, 3.1 mile run
May: Tribble Mill: 2.8 mile run, 8 mile bike, 2.8 mile run
Of course, Allan sailed right through his biking portion. He is used to bustin' his tail in races. I, on the other hand, not so much. I did survive the first race and no one had to drag me across the finish line. That was a huge accomplishment in itself. I ended up beating a goal I had set for myself on the first leg. Was I first?? Heck no...but I had my iPod charged with uplifting & encouraging music that helped push me that extra mile to get the job done!
So, since I had not trained for the first race and I actually survived it, I got a little cocky going into the 2nd race. I thought... Hmph, I did the first race 3.8 miles.... surely 3.1 won't hurt. Ummm.... well, apparently newbie trail runner here didn't account for the fact that the TERRAIN would be different! Mt. Tabor had way more inclines and declines, roots & rocks. That kicked my tail. I even ended up with battle wounds. On the 2nd leg of the race at Mt. Tabor, I tripped on a root & slid off the trail a little bit down the mountain. Skinned my arm and hands. Man, did it burn. It has been a really long time, probably since I was a kid, that I took a tumble that caused me to bleed. Ironically, the night before we had watched the Passion of the Christ and I told myself to get back up and keep going. Those little boo boos were nothing in comparison to what Christ did for me on the cross. Get back up & keep going. So, I did.
Tribble Mill was the final race in the series. It had climbs, too, but it wasn't too bad. I think the hardest race in the series for me was Mount Tabor. I never finished first. If anything I was probably last at every race, but I finished. I would tell myself on the course that I wasn't last... the person at home on their couch was last! In just 3 races, I was able to improve my time and I am VERY happy about that!
On the first leg of each race I was able to improve my average of a 15:14 minute mile down to a 12:21 minute mile. And, on the 2nd leg of the race, I went from averaging a 18:57 minute mile down to a 13:08 minute mile! That's HUGE improvement for me and I'm excited!
So, has the race bug bitten me?? I don't know. When I'm on the trail, I hate every minute of it. It's hard, hot, and I'm slow... BUT from day one I've said I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Phil 4:13 and He did give me strength!
Maybe I am a glutton for punishment, the night after our last race I was back online looking for another trail run!
Here's a couple photos from the races.
Here's our schedule of races:
March: Fort Yargo: 3.8 mile run, 10 mile bike, 2.1 mile run
April: Mt. Tabor: 3.1 mile run, 10 mile bike, 3.1 mile run
May: Tribble Mill: 2.8 mile run, 8 mile bike, 2.8 mile run
Of course, Allan sailed right through his biking portion. He is used to bustin' his tail in races. I, on the other hand, not so much. I did survive the first race and no one had to drag me across the finish line. That was a huge accomplishment in itself. I ended up beating a goal I had set for myself on the first leg. Was I first?? Heck no...but I had my iPod charged with uplifting & encouraging music that helped push me that extra mile to get the job done!
So, since I had not trained for the first race and I actually survived it, I got a little cocky going into the 2nd race. I thought... Hmph, I did the first race 3.8 miles.... surely 3.1 won't hurt. Ummm.... well, apparently newbie trail runner here didn't account for the fact that the TERRAIN would be different! Mt. Tabor had way more inclines and declines, roots & rocks. That kicked my tail. I even ended up with battle wounds. On the 2nd leg of the race at Mt. Tabor, I tripped on a root & slid off the trail a little bit down the mountain. Skinned my arm and hands. Man, did it burn. It has been a really long time, probably since I was a kid, that I took a tumble that caused me to bleed. Ironically, the night before we had watched the Passion of the Christ and I told myself to get back up and keep going. Those little boo boos were nothing in comparison to what Christ did for me on the cross. Get back up & keep going. So, I did.
Tribble Mill was the final race in the series. It had climbs, too, but it wasn't too bad. I think the hardest race in the series for me was Mount Tabor. I never finished first. If anything I was probably last at every race, but I finished. I would tell myself on the course that I wasn't last... the person at home on their couch was last! In just 3 races, I was able to improve my time and I am VERY happy about that!
On the first leg of each race I was able to improve my average of a 15:14 minute mile down to a 12:21 minute mile. And, on the 2nd leg of the race, I went from averaging a 18:57 minute mile down to a 13:08 minute mile! That's HUGE improvement for me and I'm excited!
So, has the race bug bitten me?? I don't know. When I'm on the trail, I hate every minute of it. It's hard, hot, and I'm slow... BUT from day one I've said I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength! Phil 4:13 and He did give me strength!
Maybe I am a glutton for punishment, the night after our last race I was back online looking for another trail run!
Here's a couple photos from the races.
 |
| Freezing before the first race... it was 42 degrees |
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| After I finished the first race at Yargo |
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| Coming into the finish line at Tribble Mill... not pretty. |
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| My Man... ridin' his bike like a BOSS! |
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Baby Girl & Hypothyroidism
When MG was 2 weeks old, we got a call from our pediatrician’s office letting us know that MG had a part of her newborn screening test (PKU) to come back from the state with abnormal results. They wanted us to do a repeat blood test to confirm what the original test was showing. So, on Friday, October 27th, we went in for them to take her blood for retesting. Reading on the internet can really scare the pants off of ya. Everything I was reading was saying that there was a chance, that due to the high TSH level, she could have mental or physical retardation. Fear shot through me like an arrow. I know the Lord gave her the verse Jeremiah 29:11 for a reason. I sat in her nursery, rocking her & praying that verse over her. What a great reminder that even when I think I’m in control, the Lord reminds me that He is the one who is in control. He loves her more than I do and His plans for her are to prosper & not harm her, to give her hope & a future. I was so thankful for the peace He gave me through praying those words over her little body. The results came back on Monday, Oct 31st. Her TSH level was still high. It was 20, but it was down from the hospital score of 79. Surely, that is okay right?! Wrong. We were referred to a pediatric endocrinologist where we received some reassuring news. She has a super nice doctor. He basically told me that she would have to go undiagnosed for 3 mos. before any kind of mental or physical retardation set in. We caught hers very early. That made me feel LOTS better because in all my research, I couldn't find a definite time frame that we were working with. I mean, did it set in at 2 weeks, 6 mos., a year? what?? So, getting that answer was great relief. They started her on 50 mcg of Synthroid. He said it was very important that we get her TSH level down as quickly as possible. TSH is thyroid stimulating hormone and it is released when the pituitary gland detects low levels of T4 hormone. Once we get the Synthroid (T4) in her.. the TSH will go down because the pituitary gland will detect proper levels of the hormones. Basically he equated it to being vitamin deficient... if you were deficient, you'd take a vitamin... with her she's hormone deficient so she'll be on hormone. He did say close to her 2nd BD we'll reevaluate her. If we've not had to increase her dosage in the months leading up to her 2nd BD, then we may be able to take her off to see how she does on her own. If she does great, then she can come off. If not, she'll be on it indefinitely. Right now, it's essential that she be on it to keep her brain growing and developing properly.
She’s going to be fine, just fine! I know it…for the LORD has told me so! J
She’s going to be fine, just fine! I know it…for the LORD has told me so! J
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
37 Weeks + 1 Day
Sooo... this is all new to me!
Waiting... for sweet baby girl to make her appearance. With all the boys, I had already delivered by now. I was ready on Monday... that was 36 weeks 3 days... then I was ready on Wednesday... that was 36 weeks 5 days and here I sit at 37 weeks 1 day with baby girl still rolling away in my tummy! I feel like I'm waiting for the Fed Ex man to deliver a super duper special surprise package and he's not showing up on time! I know I should be patient and let her stay in for a while longer, but I'm so anxious to meet her and get into a routine with four kiddos, not to mention I'm extremely uncomfortable physically at this time. Rolling over in bed is a HUGE and painful ordeal!
On Monday 9/26, she was about 5 pounds 13 ounces. She's a itty bitty baby squirt. But, Seth was estimated to be 8 pounds and was born 2 days later at 9 pounds. So, I'm hoping she's actually closer to 7 pounds.
So.... I'll be waiting til sweet baby girl decides she's ready to meet her family!!
Waiting... for sweet baby girl to make her appearance. With all the boys, I had already delivered by now. I was ready on Monday... that was 36 weeks 3 days... then I was ready on Wednesday... that was 36 weeks 5 days and here I sit at 37 weeks 1 day with baby girl still rolling away in my tummy! I feel like I'm waiting for the Fed Ex man to deliver a super duper special surprise package and he's not showing up on time! I know I should be patient and let her stay in for a while longer, but I'm so anxious to meet her and get into a routine with four kiddos, not to mention I'm extremely uncomfortable physically at this time. Rolling over in bed is a HUGE and painful ordeal!
On Monday 9/26, she was about 5 pounds 13 ounces. She's a itty bitty baby squirt. But, Seth was estimated to be 8 pounds and was born 2 days later at 9 pounds. So, I'm hoping she's actually closer to 7 pounds.
So.... I'll be waiting til sweet baby girl decides she's ready to meet her family!!
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Marli Grace's Room
It's starting to come together!! Still missing a few things, but hopefully we'll get the rest completed before she gets here!! We're still working on getting polyurethane on the dresser I am refinishing for her. And, there's a mirror that's in the paint stages... almost ready to hang above the lamp. And, of course, the rocking chair. I'd like to slipcover the cushions, but we'll see if I get to that! ;) If I don't, it'll still rock the same I think!! Enjoy the sneak peek!!
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| view with lamp on... no overhead light |
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| her lamp I painted and trimmed... eventually there will be a mirror hanging above the lamp... still in paint stage! |
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| overhead light on.. very bright!! |
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| the hairbow holder I painted for her |
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| crib with the canvases I've been working on... still need to finish the "G" |
32 Weeks 2 Days
Thought I'd post a couple of pictures of my belly! Won't be much longer and she will be here!!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
{and She will be called}
Yesterday, Baby Girl Rainey's bedding arrived.
Her room is starting to come together and it's finally starting to sink in we will be welcoming a baby girl into our family very soon! She is going to be Daddy's little princess & very protected by her big brothers who can't wait for her to be here!
Tomorrow, I'll be 27 weeks. The boys all came at 36 weeks 5 days, 36 weeks 3 days and 36 weeks 5 days. So, she could very well be well on her way in just 9 short weeks! We have so much to do to get ready for her arrival.
We love & can't wait to meet you Marli Grace Rainey!!
Her room is starting to come together and it's finally starting to sink in we will be welcoming a baby girl into our family very soon! She is going to be Daddy's little princess & very protected by her big brothers who can't wait for her to be here!
Tomorrow, I'll be 27 weeks. The boys all came at 36 weeks 5 days, 36 weeks 3 days and 36 weeks 5 days. So, she could very well be well on her way in just 9 short weeks! We have so much to do to get ready for her arrival.
We love & can't wait to meet you Marli Grace Rainey!!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
It's Confirmed: It's a Baby Girl
On Friday, I went in for my 20 week appointment. My tummy was measuring right on time. We were very fortunate that the docs office was testing out a new ultrasound machine & the tech had a sales rep there showing her all the bells & whistles that the machine would do, so we got a pretty lengthy appointment! That combined with Dr. Williams had been called to an emergency over at the hospital gave us extra peeking time! All her measurements were within normal limits. This made me very happy because I was worried that I had not gained enough weight therefore maybe she wasn't growing like she should be. Dr. Williams reassured me that a 3 pound gain in a month is plenty right now and everything with the baby looked good. She is very active. Moving all the time in my tummy. I've only been able to feel kicks and movements on the outside a couple of times. It's all mainly felt inside. Can't wait for the boys to feel their baby sister kicking!!
The ultrasound tech at Dr. Williams agreed with the other ultrasound tech at Baby Vision that Baby Rainey is in fact a girl! We are so excited! Still pondering names and keeping them to ourselves to prevent any feedback. We have one we think we're pretty set on though. Most likely she'll have a good ol' southern double name, but we're trying to come up with something that isn't so popular. I mean, we don't want her to have a crazy radical name, just would rather there not be 3 or 4 in her class one day! I've used Nate & Alex's school yearbook to look through names. The name we have wasn't listed anywhere in their yearbook. So, we're hoping in the next few months we won't come across very many!
Anyway, here's the photos we got! If you click on them, it'll be bigger and you can see more!
The ultrasound tech at Dr. Williams agreed with the other ultrasound tech at Baby Vision that Baby Rainey is in fact a girl! We are so excited! Still pondering names and keeping them to ourselves to prevent any feedback. We have one we think we're pretty set on though. Most likely she'll have a good ol' southern double name, but we're trying to come up with something that isn't so popular. I mean, we don't want her to have a crazy radical name, just would rather there not be 3 or 4 in her class one day! I've used Nate & Alex's school yearbook to look through names. The name we have wasn't listed anywhere in their yearbook. So, we're hoping in the next few months we won't come across very many!
Anyway, here's the photos we got! If you click on them, it'll be bigger and you can see more!
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| top: hand beside head middle: not a great pic bottom: profile facing upwards |
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| top: foot with all piggies middle: girlie parts.. three white horizonal lines bottom: sweet face and arm |
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I'm Choosing To Trust My Lord!
**Warning Long Post**
Ok, so ever since Saturday & our exciting news that the baby is a sweet girl, I have been consumed with worry, doubt and fear. My mind hasn't stopped racing. Did the ultrasound tech really see a girl? Did she really know what she was doing? Am I far enough along to really tell what the baby is? Am I going to have to call all our family & friends in 5 more weeks to say 'we jumped the gun'? Am I crazy for really believing the Lord has promised to hear & answer my prayers? Doubt and worry led me to have a horrendous headache all day yesterday. It was the kind of headache that felt like my head was about to literally explode! Where was my focus? Not on the Lord & what He's told me since I've been pregnant.
Coincidentally, our resident snake is back, too. The one who hangs out in the knot-hole in the tree in our backyard. Each day I go out & sit on the deck & we just stare at each other. Interesting how the timing is with our fantastic news & the arrival of this slithering creature! LIGHTBULB MOMENT: I've been focusing on that crazy snake "the devil" and not keeping my eyes on the Lord.
Yesterday & today, I've had wonderful devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries which have given me a swift kick in the pants for me to get refocused on the Lord and to take my eyes off of that crazy snake A.K.A. doubt, fear, worry!
See the Lord showed me several times in my bible study where He was going to fulfill my desire. Scripture He's given me over the past few months: Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding 2 Samuel 7:28 Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Philipians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
And, on the way home to take the pregnancy test, He gave me His words through song: Casting Crowns - Voice of Truth lyrics that were on the radio right as I pulled out of CVS on my way home - the voice of Truth says, "this is for MY glory".... the voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid"
So WHY do I question?? I'm not focused on Him!
And, here's what I have learned from my 2 devotions the past couple of days.
Today's Lesson:
Feeling Emotional
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1
I felt, I felt, I felt … all I was doing was feeling, letting my emotions spread out and lay claim over every aspect of my day. There are instances where Jesus is described as feeling “deeply troubled” and “distressed.” (Mark 14:33, John 13:21, John 12:27, NLT)
If Jesus got emotionally agitated, then it’s unrealistic for me to expect to go through life without feeling some stress. The problem isn’t my emotions, it’s my reaction to them. The trouble comes when I give them free reign in my heart and mind. That’s when I become unstable. **Note to self: Hello, this is EXACTLY what I've been doing!**
That’s when I lose sight of God.
That’s when I say or do things I regret.
Jesus spoke today’s key verse to His disciples, knowing what their futures would hold. He knew His death was coming and it would trigger fear, sorrow and doubt in their hearts. Not wanting them to wallow in those emotions, He counseled them ahead of time to keep their focus on God and all that He’d been teaching them. Jesus, knowing what our day holds, speaks the same words to us. He tells us to not let our emotions fly about, creating an unstable and troubled heart. Instead, our trustworthy Lord tells us to focus our attention on Him.** Yes, He has... He's been telling me all along! **
Eventually, I made the decision that morning to pray and place my trust in God, despite how my day was shaping up and despite how volatile my emotions felt. He calmed my anxious heart. It feels good when I trade in my troubled emotions for a source of strength that will get me through my day.
Yesterday's Lesson:
I Need To Know The Truth
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
When did I start believing I was crazy? ** yep, I thought I was crazy to believe the U/S tech ** I recalled the chronic pain I’ve suffered for the last two years. As I did, familiar accusations ran through my mind: You’re such a wimp. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re crazy. Ah, there it was, the lie that had slithered unbidden into my mind and nested there. **There's that crazy snake in my yard (mind) nesting and taking up room! **
You don’t have to be a survivor of childhood abuse to believe lies. I think they’re part of the human condition. And women seem especially susceptible. Perhaps that susceptibility is an imprint of the fall when Eve believed that first untruth the serpent hissed at her in the garden.
But good news comes with the truth. Not our truth. But the Truth — Jesus Christ. **REFOCUS KELLY**
In other words, when condemning accusations coil around my mind, I know — I can be fully assured — they’re not from God. And if they’re not from God, they’re not worth believing.After my doctor’s appointment when I recognized I’d fallen prey to the lies again, another thought went through my mind: You’ll never get it right. Good grief! This time, I had to laugh. I was aware of the crafty serpent and wasn’t falling for another lie. Instead, I turned to Jesus and thanked Him for the freedom found in Him, the Truth.**Thank you, Jesus for refocusing me! **
While the enemy will continue to try and thwart God’s truth, we can know he’s already lost the battle. It’s a done deal. In Genesis 3 we read that the head of the serpent will be crushed under Jesus’ heel, defeating him for all time. He holds no real power over us.
The longer we walk with Jesus, and the more we seek His truth, the more we’ll recognize His voice and enjoy the freedom found in Him. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
Ok... that's my blip for today!
Pretend I have a great singing voice and hear me singing...
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain:This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
(Refrain)
Ok, so ever since Saturday & our exciting news that the baby is a sweet girl, I have been consumed with worry, doubt and fear. My mind hasn't stopped racing. Did the ultrasound tech really see a girl? Did she really know what she was doing? Am I far enough along to really tell what the baby is? Am I going to have to call all our family & friends in 5 more weeks to say 'we jumped the gun'? Am I crazy for really believing the Lord has promised to hear & answer my prayers? Doubt and worry led me to have a horrendous headache all day yesterday. It was the kind of headache that felt like my head was about to literally explode! Where was my focus? Not on the Lord & what He's told me since I've been pregnant.
Coincidentally, our resident snake is back, too. The one who hangs out in the knot-hole in the tree in our backyard. Each day I go out & sit on the deck & we just stare at each other. Interesting how the timing is with our fantastic news & the arrival of this slithering creature! LIGHTBULB MOMENT: I've been focusing on that crazy snake "the devil" and not keeping my eyes on the Lord.
Yesterday & today, I've had wonderful devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries which have given me a swift kick in the pants for me to get refocused on the Lord and to take my eyes off of that crazy snake A.K.A. doubt, fear, worry!
See the Lord showed me several times in my bible study where He was going to fulfill my desire. Scripture He's given me over the past few months: Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding 2 Samuel 7:28 Sovereign LORD, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. Philipians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus Ephesians 3:20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. 1 Chronicles 16:11 Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
And, on the way home to take the pregnancy test, He gave me His words through song: Casting Crowns - Voice of Truth lyrics that were on the radio right as I pulled out of CVS on my way home - the voice of Truth says, "this is for MY glory".... the voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid"
So WHY do I question?? I'm not focused on Him!
And, here's what I have learned from my 2 devotions the past couple of days.
Today's Lesson:
Feeling Emotional
Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” John 14:1
I felt, I felt, I felt … all I was doing was feeling, letting my emotions spread out and lay claim over every aspect of my day. There are instances where Jesus is described as feeling “deeply troubled” and “distressed.” (Mark 14:33, John 13:21, John 12:27, NLT)
If Jesus got emotionally agitated, then it’s unrealistic for me to expect to go through life without feeling some stress. The problem isn’t my emotions, it’s my reaction to them. The trouble comes when I give them free reign in my heart and mind. That’s when I become unstable. **Note to self: Hello, this is EXACTLY what I've been doing!**
That’s when I lose sight of God.
That’s when I say or do things I regret.
Jesus spoke today’s key verse to His disciples, knowing what their futures would hold. He knew His death was coming and it would trigger fear, sorrow and doubt in their hearts. Not wanting them to wallow in those emotions, He counseled them ahead of time to keep their focus on God and all that He’d been teaching them. Jesus, knowing what our day holds, speaks the same words to us. He tells us to not let our emotions fly about, creating an unstable and troubled heart. Instead, our trustworthy Lord tells us to focus our attention on Him.** Yes, He has... He's been telling me all along! **
Eventually, I made the decision that morning to pray and place my trust in God, despite how my day was shaping up and despite how volatile my emotions felt. He calmed my anxious heart. It feels good when I trade in my troubled emotions for a source of strength that will get me through my day.
Yesterday's Lesson:
I Need To Know The Truth
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
When did I start believing I was crazy? ** yep, I thought I was crazy to believe the U/S tech ** I recalled the chronic pain I’ve suffered for the last two years. As I did, familiar accusations ran through my mind: You’re such a wimp. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re crazy. Ah, there it was, the lie that had slithered unbidden into my mind and nested there. **There's that crazy snake in my yard (mind) nesting and taking up room! **
You don’t have to be a survivor of childhood abuse to believe lies. I think they’re part of the human condition. And women seem especially susceptible. Perhaps that susceptibility is an imprint of the fall when Eve believed that first untruth the serpent hissed at her in the garden.
But good news comes with the truth. Not our truth. But the Truth — Jesus Christ. **REFOCUS KELLY**
In other words, when condemning accusations coil around my mind, I know — I can be fully assured — they’re not from God. And if they’re not from God, they’re not worth believing.After my doctor’s appointment when I recognized I’d fallen prey to the lies again, another thought went through my mind: You’ll never get it right. Good grief! This time, I had to laugh. I was aware of the crafty serpent and wasn’t falling for another lie. Instead, I turned to Jesus and thanked Him for the freedom found in Him, the Truth.**Thank you, Jesus for refocusing me! **
While the enemy will continue to try and thwart God’s truth, we can know he’s already lost the battle. It’s a done deal. In Genesis 3 we read that the head of the serpent will be crushed under Jesus’ heel, defeating him for all time. He holds no real power over us.
The longer we walk with Jesus, and the more we seek His truth, the more we’ll recognize His voice and enjoy the freedom found in Him. It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. (Galatians 5:1, NIV)
Ok... that's my blip for today!
Pretend I have a great singing voice and hear me singing...
1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain:This is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long; this is my story, this is my song, praising my Savior all the day long.
2. Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight; angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)
3. Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest, watching and waiting, looking above, filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
(Refrain)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
It's A......... Girl?!?!
Friday, I went in as last reported to my OB for my 15 week check up. All is well with the baby & my doctor wanted to see me back in 5 weeks for the "big ultrasound". However, I couldn't stand waiting 5 more weeks to find out what Baby Rainey is. So, Allan & I talked about it & decided to go to a 3D place in Roswell called Baby Vision. It was $60 for gender determination. After, Nate's ball game yesterday, we loaded up the boys & headed up to our appointment. The appointment from start to finish was only 15 mins. It took her about 5-6 mins to get some pics of the baby. I tried really hard to find the "turtle head" like I saw in Nate, Alex & Seth's ultrasound photos and never saw it. The ultrasound tech told us with almost no doubt that Baby Rainey is indeed a girl. I was in total shock & am still in shock. Why? I'm not sure. I think I really thought it would be a boy. I have prayed and asked if it is God's will, for Him to bless us with a baby girl. And, I've claimed Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart". I've felt this whole time that this baby is a girl, so why can't I make myself believe it's a girl?? Doubt? Fear? I don't know. We've called and told all our family & friends and now I think I fear having to call them all in 5 weeks to tell them it's actually a baby boy. Lord knows I would be thrilled with a boy, too. I can't really put it into words the confusion I am feeling right now and if it's actually warranted or if I'm just over analyzing our fantastic news. Reading wrong gender predictions on the internet doesn't seem to help either. I've promised myself after today no more looking at ultrasounds online. Here's a few photos they took of her. You can click on them for a larger view.
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