Friday, May 27, 2005

Observations on being pregnant

I've been behind on posting pics, especially for our parents, the Whangs, and the Shims...my apologies!  But once we get our home computer set up, I'll be a lot more diligent.  So, they're coming soon!

10 Observations on being pregnant...

1. Strangers and acquaintances are very nice to you and are willing to open doors for you, carry bags, smile, and make conversation.  A great opportunity to build relationships...which I definitely need to take more advantage of.

2. Once you are over your spell of nausea, everything tastes SO yummy!  I've never enjoyed watermelon or a PB&J sandwich so much before. I'm so thankful for taste buds!  The Lord sure is so creative in creating all different types of food for us to enjoy.

3. You thank God for simple things. For example, making it up the stairs after a long day, having a good night of sleep, fitting into clothes, getting out of the car, reaching dishes in the cupboard, breathing comfortably, and having uninterrupted time with your husband.

4. You marvel at how well skin stretches.

5. You realize that you have no immediate control over this little life growing inside of you because baby is dancing and wiggling all on his/her own.  It truly is God who knits little ones together in their mothers' wombs.

6. If you are a teacher, you are resigned to the fact that your students cannot concentrate on the lesson because all they are looking at is your growing belly.  When you ask them if they have any questions about the material, they ask, "Did you get a stroller yet?"

7. It's an exciting time for you and your husband to get ready for a new member of the family and to anticipate the joys and challenges of raising a little one.  It's also fun to play "Name That Body Part" when you see a bump on your belly.

8. It's great to enjoy every different stage of pregnancy and consider it a precious time that God's given you and your husband.  And in admitting that there are no guarantees for a healthy child, you trust in the Lord at every stage.

9. When talking with other moms, you thank God that other women have already experienced it all and can share a lot of wisdom with you.  You also realize how every pregnancy, labor, and baby are so unique and different.

10. Although labor is very scary, you are reminded that "Whenever a woman is in travail she has sorrow, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she remembers the anguish no more, for joy that a child has been born into the world." (John 16:21)

Thursday, May 12, 2005

Preparing for Parenting

Tedd Tripp Conference

Like many other parents and parents-to-be, Mike and I really enjoyed being able to attend Tedd Tripp's parenting conference.  We are SO blessed to have been able to learn all these deep, yet practical truths before Baby comes.  One thing that really struck my heart during the first night was when he said that since we are made in image of God, we are all worshipers.  But we will either worship God or we will worship idols.  He went on to say that unless we as parents are completely dazzled by the wonder and beauty and holiness of God, our children will not be impacted to also be worshipers of the Lord.  How we need to constantly abide, grow in the knowledge of God, and walk in obedience ourselves!

We need His grace to fulfill this huge responsibility of being a mom and dad!  We really appreciate your prayers because we certainly cannot do this on our own.  But we're so thankful for the Word to guide us and for so many other parents who are modeling right things for us.  Just pray that we would obey.

Baby's gettin' bigger!

It's fun to play with Baby.  He/she is moving a lot and it's fun to ask Baby to move for daddy after a long day.  It's amazing that in a matter of months, we will have a new addition to our family.  I'll definitely miss this time that I have alone with Mike, without interruptions, so we're trying to cherish every moment of it.  But we're also very very excited to finally meet him/her!

Changes

As we all know, Joan & Dale are leaving for the Czech Republic this coming Tuesday.  Thinking about them leaving makes me praise God for all that He's done in our lives to grow us and to cause us to be more like Christ.

Here's an old picture of Joan and Jeanne and me.  I'm so proud of these sisters for following the Lord in obedience, and following their husbands joyfully as they lead their families.  This picture was taken before pregnancies, babies and before thoughts of missions...  I'm so thankful for how He's directed our lives these past few years and for all He'll do in the coming future.



On top of that, Jane is officially finishing a 4-year chapter in her life and Jenny is preparing to be Mrs. Kang!  So much to praise God for!
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