Tuesday, May 17, 2011

The Last 48 Hours

We are now into the last 48 hours of my pregnancy. There are days that it seems like I have been pregnant forever, yet on the other hand, it’s hard to believe that in less than two days we are going to look into those sweet (probably blue if I had to bet) eyes for the first time. I am filled with so many emotions, yet I have a peace knowing that God has already orchestrated all of the details of Thursday.

I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful, encouraging comments, emails, cards and phone calls. If I haven’t responded yet, I promise I will. I just want you to know that it hasn’t gone unnoticed, and how much we appreciate the outpouring of love and support you have given our family. Thank you for walking this road with us and for uplifting us in prayer.

If you are newer to my blog, I would like to welcome you and thank you for coming along this journey with us. I hope that our family and the life of our daughter will be a light that shines the love of our Heavenly Father, as He has so graciously given us this opportunity to see Him at work.

There are many things I want to remember, so this will probably be a hodge podge of a post, but I want to make sure I don’t forget these details.

  • Two weeks ago, Friday, Cade didn’t get his medicine. It was one of those mornings, and I felt so bad, because I didn’t want to set him up to have a bad day. But I just prayed for him, and his teachers. When I got to school, his teacher wanted to talk to me. I just knew he had a rough day. But she shared with me that he got the undivided attention of his class, and shared with them all about his baby sister. He asked them to pray for her, so they had a prayer time. I was so thankful to her for sharing that with me. When we got in the car, I asked him about it. He told me that he told his class that “Faith will probably die, so we need to pray for her. But I told them we needed to pray for you too, because you were having a rough time.” He then told me, “Mommy, I pray for her everyday.” And he does. I am so amazed to see how God is working in his little life. We do not know the impact this experience will have on him, but I know that God is doing a mighty work.

  • My new doctor has been amazing! Dr. D is a blessing from above. I was extremely anxious about switching doctors and hospitals, but God is so faithful to provide what you need when you need it. Dr. D is so compassionate, kind, and very caring. He has made the change most pleasant. I am the biggest baby when it comes to pain, and he has been so accommodating. He has been very supportive of our decisions as a family, and has also been very instrumental in communicating with all of the doctors that will be on board Thursday. I am so thankful for all he has done for us!

  • We went to see Soul Surfer Friday night. I had been looking forward to seeing it, and the kids were all too excited to see a shark bite somebody’s arm off. But I have to tell you, God’s timing is impeccable. As the movie started, Bethany is sitting in youth group, and they are talking about perspective. How when you are so close to a situation, it’s hard to see what is really in front of you. Her youth leader (Carrie Underwood) shared a verse with them, while telling them that when they can’t get perspective, or understand a situation, that they can trust God’s plans. The verse she shared was Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Rob just looked at me and said, “WOW!” As we watched this young teenager overcome such a trial in her life, it reminded me that the Lord always has us in the palm of His hand. We just have to let go, and let Him do His thing.

  • I always look forward to Sunday mornings, as I love going to our church. But what I have come to love about our Sunday mornings, is feeling Faith jump around inside my belly, as we sing praise and worship songs. It’s such a reminder that we have so much to be thankful for. I think about the freedom we’ve been given, by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. That if He hadn’t suffered through that trial, eternity in heaven would not be a possibility. Romans 8:28 -“ And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

As Thursday draws closer, I feel like I am growing more and more weary. Yesterday was tough. It was my last doctor’s appointment. As I was driving to get the kids, I was listening to my Selah cd, and the song “Oh Draw Me Lord” came on. I just cried out to Jesus asking Him to draw us closer to Him during the next few days. I begged for Him to give us the strength and the courage for what lies before us. I asked Him to take the nerves from me, so that we will not lose focus on what He is going to do. And can I tell you, I had an immediate peace just come over me. He just whispered in my ear, “I’m right here. I haven’t gone anywhere.” I know the next days, even weeks will not be easy, but I do know that God will carry us through them. We have NO idea what will happen on Thursday, but He has promised that He does.

Someone (either Christina or Amy) will be updating our blog on Thursday. Please continue to pray for Faith, for our family, our children and the doctors and nurses that will be on board with us. God is going to do a mighty thing on Thursday, and as Cade reminded us, He will show His power. I am excited to see what He has in store. Thank you again for all of your love and prayers.

21 comments:

Robin said...

SaraBeth...I tell Amy all the time what a strong person you are and you FAITH is so strong...you choose the perfect name for your little girl. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you now and the next couple of days & weeks and know that not only is God in control of what's going to happen he's going to help you and be there for you. Be strong and know everyone is there for you and your family! Love Robin

Journey to Joy said...

SaraBeth,

Me Matt, Mom and Dad will all be praying for you guys tomorrow.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, in all ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight! Prov. 3:5-6

Love u guys!

Connie said...

Each time I read your blog I think I can't be more amazed but you are AMAZING...We all at the Beauty Shop send our love and prayers to you all also for the Doctors , Nurses and Staff on Thursday as Faith makes her arrival. Give her big kisses from us all...We love you

~Amy~ said...

SaraBeth~
I have been following your blog for a few weeks now and finally decided to leave you a comment. I just want to let you know that you give me strength each and every day just by talking about what you and your family are going through. You are an absolutely AMAZING woman of God and I am in awe of your ability to look upon the Lord and know that He holds the key to your baby's future. Sometimes I wish I could do that. It is something that I am definately working on. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you enter into the next chapter of your journey.

charlotte jan said...

SaraBeth, You will never know the extent of your family's witness in this wonderful 'walk' you are experiencing...just wanted u to know the Lord had planted your "date" tomorrow on my heart and I will be in much prayer for you all and especially your precious new gift, Faith. love, jan austin, (Mary Mauldin's sister in Charlotte)

From the Bumpy Road said...

Hi SaraBeth!
You all will be close to my heart in prayer all day tomorrow (and tonight, and beyond). I have seen the glory of the Lord in how you all have handled this. May He be glorified tomorrow and may He meet your every need in a special way. You all are loved!
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family tomorrow.

Unknown said...

Praying!!! You are near to my heart.

catrinaisme said...

SaraBeth,

You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Catrina

Missy Dougherty said...

Jonathan & I know how u 2 feel. Grant was an emergency csection to save my life & we were conseled that he would NOT survive...I didn't get to see him for almost 2 days b/c I was so bad too. His 5 months in Shands NICU was FULL of mixed emotions. I didn't have time to process it all when they took him & I never held him nor felt him BUT knew GOD had and continued to wrap his arms around my tiny 2 pound struggling baby. The night we lost him for 15 straight minutes & told to make that night the final goodbye, I was at peace believe it or not! I KNEW God had his/our best interest in mind (w/in His masterplan) & that I had to FULLY hand it ALL over to him. Just like Jonathan's cancer and our 5 yr. infertility course. BUT, as you well know...that wasn't our goodbye, it was a bump in the road w/Grant...and well worth it all...hang in there! "Trust in the Lord with ALL of your heart...." xoxo

Marie said...

SaraBeth, Keeping you and your precious family in my prayers.You are an amazing woman of God and I am sure an inspiration to many who follow this journey you are on.
Remember Isaiah 41v10, So so not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you and uphold you with my righteous right hand. God is in control and He is in this as you know! And God is using you in a powerful way to further His kingdom with your testimony! Love and prayers all the way from England, UK.

Ashley Tremaine said...

SaraBeth,
Please know that I will continue to pray for you and your sweet family...I will be praying especially hard on Thursday. I cannot imagine how excited but sad you must feel. Know that you are covered in the love of Christ. {{{hugs}}} coming your way.
love, ashley

Carrie said...

I am praying Romans 8:28 for you,Sarabeth. You are one brave momma with an amazing heart for God. Come what may I know He will see you through.

Unknown said...

SaraBeth- I met you through the Volpe's in FL! I have been following your journey through your blog and chats with Christina. I just wanted to let you know that we will be praying for Faith, your family, specifically you, for the doctors, and nurses who will be with you tomorrow! You are amazing and your faith is an absolutely amazing testament to God's love for us! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

Kara @ His, Hers and Ours said...

Through all of the trials and the unknown's you are facing, your words continue to amaze and inspire me. Your strength, honesty, and faith are nothing short of bringing me to tears. Please know that you, Rob, Faith, Cade & SaraGrace will be in my thoughts and prayers all day tomorrow.

cancersucks said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Praying for Faith. God bless you!

Aunt B said...

Praying for you and your family.
No Trial troubles the child of God who knows God has a reason for allowing it.

Buckaroo Babe Boutique said...

SaraBeth, Reading your blog updates touch my heart each time and brings a tear to my eyes. I will be praying for you, Faith, and the family today. You are such a beautiful and strong person... your love for God is so amazing and inspiring! He has a plan for your family. Just know that you have a wonderful and loving family and circle of friends who keep you in their thoughts and prayers. ~Jennifer, Mark and family

Unknown said...

SaraBeth, I just wanted you to know I've been praying for you, especially these past two weeks. I'm praying for you right now and my heart is heavy. We love you and Rob, Cade and SaraGrace. Your family is a blessing to North Central. Thank you for sharing about how Cade is growing in his faith and how he asked for his class to pray for his baby sister. How precious is that. Sweet boy. Love you, Pam

Jeannette said...

He is faithful and we are trusting Him for the peace that passes all understanding. Your witness is a blessing to all who know you. Jeannette/Holt

Anonymous said...

To Sarabeth and Rob,Wow,what a story you were able to write about your precious daughter Faith! What a prefect name for what has taken place, the bible says without faith it impossible to please him.It truly has been a blessing to be able to read this story and thanks to Niki @ Sonny's in Alachua for giving me the web address. Yes God is good All the time! After reading it made me think of the plan of salvation becaust ya'll give God the glory and praise, you trusted him for every moment and every hour and that is what we are suppose to do trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus,but to trust and obey. I will pray for you and your husband and your children. In Christ,janice sherman