Whew... time is flying these days. Josiah is growing by leaps and bounds as you can see in the photos below. Arielle & Rachel are the dutiful big sisters who love to care for their little brother. I'm not sure where the Lord is leading me with this blog. It may be time to end it soon, but I will be in prayer about that. In the meantime, a quick update is that in June we are preparing to move back to the US -- Georgia to be exact. Our stint in Europe is soon to be over and we will certainly miss many things, especially our church family. Nonetheless, I know that God is preparing a place of worship and fellowship for us in Georgia -- even if that place is to be OUR OWN HOME!
Josiah Malachi arrived on Wednesday, November 19 at 6:07AM (Central European Time) via c-section. He weighed 7lbs 2oz and was 20.3 inches long. He has a head full of hair. He was born in perfect health and we give God all the glory for protecting him throughout the pregnancy.
The Significance of His Name
We chose the name Josiah because we wanted it to reflect what the Lord had done throughout the pregnancy, especially after the initial complications. Josiah means protected or supported by God. We are so grateful for God’s mercy in that he saw fit to sustain Josiah in my womb. The story of the Josiah, the boy who became king of Judah at the age of 8 may be found in 2 Kings 22 & 23. He repairs the temple and reinstitutes God’s law among the people. Two telling verses that reflect Josiah’s character are 2 Kings 22:2 & 23:25:
“Before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him.” 2 Kings 23:25
“And he did what was right in the eyes of the LORD and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” 2 Kings 22:2
What an honor to name our son after a man who sought the Lord with such diligence and obedience.
Malachi means “messenger of God”. A key verse for our family is Malachi 4:6, “
And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.” Over the past year, the Lord has convicted Sean and I about keeping our children’s hearts as we seek to bring them up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
Well, it’s finally over and we have our new president- & vice-president- elects, Barack Obama and Joe Biden. As we all know, this was a historic election in that the first Black person is slated to become the next President of the United States. Just because I am Black does not mean I am filled with the warm fuzzies as many are. I am a child of God first and frankly one’s race does not make me an iota of difference if one’s values are contrary to those of God as outlined in scripture. Several months ago, Sean and I decided to sit out this election. This was a first for me since I became of voting age several elections ago.
Why did I choose not to vote?
“Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens.” Exodus 18:21
In this election, I was hard-pressed to find a man who exhibited qualities through platform, voting record, verbal affirmation etc. that pointed to a fear of God. A candidate’s simple claim to be “a man of faith” with very little fruit to back that up was not enough to spur me to voting action. I was particularly dismayed when aspects of the candidates’ platforms or voting records were completely opposed to God’s word.
Now that the election is over, what am I as a Christian called to do?
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” I Timothy 2:1-6
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” Romans 13:1-2
According to scripture, I am to lift my leaders up in prayer and lead a life of peace, quiet, godliness and dignity. Perhaps my Christian example may be a light to others. I am not to disparage my leaders with slander and insults. No president or government is to be my savior, only Jesus Christ can fit that bill. However, I am to be subject to the authorities placed over me, recognizing that God has ordained their rise to power -- for blessing or for judgment. I am to remember that in the end, it is all for the Lord's glory.
27 days left until my scheduled c-section on 24 November!!!! I can barely believe we have less than a month until we get to see Baby Boy's little face. I often wonder who he looks like... I've come to accept that our girls look mostly like me -- according to Sean. But I really hope Baby Boy looks just like Sean. No matter what, he will be such a precious blessing, just as our other children are.
Today was my 35 week appointment and I gained only one pound since last time -- YAY! So far I have gained a total of 34 lbs, but it's a bit late in the game to worry too much about it.;-) My abdominal measurement was on target for 35 weeks and Baby Boy's heart rate was 135bpm. He has also settled in the head down position. My next appointment is in 2 weeks, 12 November.
We have most everything we need for Baby Boy's arrival. My last shopping trip will be for toiletry & medicine cabinet items like baby soap, infant tylenol, etc. I have his bag pretty much packed for the hospital. Mine is a whole different story. That probably won't get done until a day or so before we leave for the hospital.
Arielle and Rachel continue to be excited about their brother's impending arrival. They drew pictures of themselves and the baby and decorated his bedroom door with them. Every night they tell my tummy goodnight before they go to bed. Sean plans to take off a couple weeks after the birth. I am so grateful because I will definitely need his support as we adjust to the newborn stage.
Thank you as always for your continued prayers on our behalf.
In Christ, Talya
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." ~Psalm 139:13-14
Yesterday was my 32-week OB appointment. All continues to progress well. I measured on target for 32 weeks and Baby Boy's heart rate was a healthy 148 bpm again. He continued his normal high activity as he would kick back at being poked and prodded by the doctor. We still have our tentative c-section date for 24 November (47 days to go!). My doctor will be on leave then, so a new doctor, who has yet to arrive, will likely be delivering the baby.
My blood pressure was elevated which is the story of my life. The nurse took it 2 times -- the first time was a whopping 152/69, the second time was 137/68... better, but no cigar. Some good news was that my glucose tolerance test results were indeed normal.
I had a postpartum uterine hemmorhage 5 days after Rachel was born, so I asked if that was likely to repeat itself. The doctor said it was something to make note of, but that there was not a greater likelihood of recurrence. Apparently, the same goes for the SCH (subchorionic hematoma/hemmorhage) in subsequent pregnancies.
My next appointment is scheduled for 28 October. We'll be 35 weeks along by then.
I am continually grateful to the Lord to be able to bring good reports of this pregnancy. I am awed by how far He has brought us through this experience.
Here's a picture of me today at almost 30 weeks! My tummy is bigger than the last photo of me at 22 weeks, but my face and legs have really taken the brunt of the weight gain. Glad you can't see my legs!
Sean and I this past Sunday right before church... 29 weeks exactly.
Rachel, Arielle and I outside a restaurant on 30 August. Apparently, I really love my black t-shirt. It's from Old Navy and it's so comfortable. It's not maternity, so it may be stretched beyond recognition by the end of this pregnancy. In Christ, Talya
I am finally in my third trimester. I can barely believe that, Lord willing, in a couple months we will be holding our new baby boy! In fact I ALMOST have a date for my c-section -- probably 24 November. That shaves off a week, hence only 11 weeks to go! The dr said the 24th looked like a good date, but she won't put me on the books until my next appt at 32 weeks.
Today's OB appointment went well. Even though I've gained 5.5 lbs since four weeks ago, the Dr. (a different one from last time) didn't say anything. She did say that I continue to measure two weeks ahead, but doesn't see a cause for concern unless I measure more than 3 weeks too large or I am found to have gestational diabetes.
Speaking of gestational diabetes, I took the dreaded glucose test today. Actually, I've never minded it as long as the glucose drink was cold. It's always tasted like nearly-flat Pepsi or Sunkist to me. The dr will call me in the next few days if the results are abnormal. Otherwise, I won't hear from her until my next regular appt.
Baby boy's heartbeat was 148 bpm. He was kicking a lot and still is a few hours later. I think he is still experiencing a sugar high from the glucose drink.;-)
Thank you all for your continued prayers. In Christ, Talya
Today was our first day back to school. We have a lot of carryover from last year due to our trip to the states and the complications with this pregnancy, but we are planning to proceed full steam ahead until baby boy is born in November. We will then take a long break, but the good thing is that it will be around holiday breaks anyway.
Arielle is starting Sonlight Core 2. She is doing Saxon Math 2, Reason for Handwriting Transition (to cursive), and Language Arts 2. We will be finishing up Science 1 this year and continuing on to Science 2. Rachel is as pleased as punch to start doing her own school. She listens in on a lot of Arielle's curriculum, but she is starting Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, Pre-School Comprehensive Curriculum (one of those thick all-in-one books I picked up from Sam's Club) and Reason for Handwriting K.
Borrowing an idea from Miki over at Happy Keeper at Home, I decided to do my own school pictures of the girls. A photographer I am not, but this was really a much cheaper, more fun way to go! Enjoy!
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Andthese words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (ESV)
Today was my 24 week appt. This week is significant because baby boy becomes viable with over a 50% chance of survival outside the womb!! Of course, permanent disability for the baby would be likely if I delivered now, so he will have to remain in the oven for several more weeks.
In general, all was well... except the one thing I had been dreading -- my weight gain!!! I just knew the nurse would HAVE to say something this time. First she asked how much I had gained with my daughters. For both, I gained 40-something pounds. The nurse then remarked that I was on track to repeat that weight gain, which is more than the recommended 25-35 lbs by delivery. I am already up 22 lbs at 24 weeks! She recommended that I get out and walk and that I make healthier eating choices and cut down on portion sizes. Ugh, I'm PREGNANT!!! Why do I have to think about these things??!!
The official result of last month's ultrasound was that all appeared normal and that there was no sign of any uterine bleeding or, I presume, the hematoma. This is really good news!
My blood pressure was awesome at 120/65. The baby's heart rate was 134 bpm. I measured at 26 weeks, but that was within the realm of a normal-sized baby.
I continue to be amazed at how God continues to sustain this pregnancy and our baby boy.
Here I am at 22 weeks, taken just this past Monday (with Rachel looking on; Arielle took the picture!). I feel like my tummy is running a bit larger at this stage than in other pregnancies. I can't imagine doubling in size by the end of all this unless I was having twins -- which we are certain we are not. By my 20 week appt, I had gained a total of 16 pounds, but 8 of that had been in the 4 weeks prior! I'm SUPPOSED to gain only a pound a week for a total of 25-35 lbs by delivery. Well, I've cut back on stuffing myself, so I should do better at my next appt on 12 Aug.
We've been buying many of our main nursery items: crib, infant car seat, Pack 'N Play, etc. There are restrictions to the size and weight of things shipped to our APO address, so we are definitely a captive audience to what the PX has in stock when it comes to larger unshippable items. Sean and the girls have been having a ball putting things together. Normally, it's my job, but I have enjoyed just supervising this go around!
We've even got our cloth diapers! Yes, I'm taking the plunge and using cloth diapers on this baby. It seems that cloth diapers have made a resurgence of sorts and are more sophisticated and convenient to use than the cloth diapers of my infancy... oh, so long ago! They are also incredibly less expensive than disposables and, of course, more environmentally friendly. I'm excited about using them... obviously, it doesn't take much to amuse me these days!
I continue to have more energy these days as long as I get one little midday nap in! I still have the bothersome cramping when I sit too long or walk too long, but baby boy seems to be oblivious. He is very active especially in the evenings.
I found a message board for women with SCH (subchorionic hematoma/hemmorhage) pregnancies which has been so encouraging. The women are very knowledgable about the condition and willing to share their own experiences as we travel this road together. Most pregnancy outcomes have been positive despite early deliveries for some. I will update again after my 12 Aug appt. I will be 24 weeks by then which means the baby will be considered viable -- he will have over a 50% chance of living outside my womb!
Today marks 20 weeks down, with 20 weeks to go until our 30 November due date!!! I praise the Lord for each day that the baby is well and for each day we get closer to seeing his or her little face, Lord willing.
I remember my days in the hospital during the ninth week of pregnancy when things looked grim, thinking that I could not imagine making it this far. Physically I felt bad and emotionally I was exhausted. Only the Lord got me through those early days when I honestly felt I did not want this to go on any longer. He knows best and I keep reminding myself to rejoice in Him no matter how grim the circumstance or how uncertain the future may seem. One thing I know is that the future is NOT uncertain to the Lord.
Here are photos from the girls' ballet recital earlier this month. Some are from the dress rehearsal while others are from the actual performance. Arielle and Rachel had great fun and did a wonderful job following the steps. This was Rachel's first recital.
Today I had a routine OB appointment. I give God all the praise for a good report!
First, my blood pressure, which is often elevated -- white coat syndrome? -- was the best it’s been in years at 127/67. For some reason my blood pressure readings have been lower since I’ve been pregnant. I won’t complain.
Second, but most importantly, the baby’s heartbeat was easily found beating at a happy 160 bpm. Also, the sound on the Doppler indicated that he/she was moving around.
Third, my triple screen blood work came back completely normal -- this is the first time I’ve ever had normal readings the first time around in a pregnancy. The triple screen tests for an increased statistical risk of Down Syndrome, Trisomy-18, and Spina Bifida.
I continue to feel very tired and I cramp most of the time, especially upon even minimal exertion. I am at a greater risk for pre-term labor as the pregnancy progresses and I pray that that does not happen. I try to lay down as much as I can with very active 7 & 4-year-olds.;-) Feeling the baby’s soft kicks every now-and-then is reassuring.
My fetal survey ultrasound is scheduled for 17 July. If the Lord wills and the baby cooperates, we will learn the sex. We’ll be 20 1/2 weeks along by then. Thank you for your continued prayers. In Christ, Talya
The situation that had me worried in my last entry (4 April, What, Me Worry?) was the discovery that I am pregnant. Sean and I welcome any new additions to our quiver and we believe we are to allow the Lord to plan our family -- read: no contraception or intentional human intervention aside from the obvious ;-). However, having had 4 miscarriages in the past always makes the discovery of a new pregnancy bittersweet for me. The hope for the new life that has begun to grow is tempered with the very real possibility we may lose the baby.
So far, I have had some potentially serious complications. In April, I was hospitalized due to a partial placental abruption (part of the placenta is detached causing severe bleeding). Then, a week later, I had to go to the ER again and was diagnosed with a subchorionic hematoma/hemmorhage.
None of this bodes well for the outcome of the pregnancy, but the baby and I continue to plug along. Surprisingly, the doctors seem to be a little nonchalant about this condition, but I guess it may be because they can’t really do anything about it at this point. My only treatment is to “take it easy” and get ample rest. My pregnancies with my daughters were trouble-free, so all this is new to me.
A praise is that I was able to hear the heartbeat at my 12 week appt! My next appt is 18 Jun and I again hope to hear the heartbeat. The baby’s due date is 30 November. Lord willing, he/she will be delivered by c-section. Thank you all for your prayers. I hope to do a better job of keeping you posted.:-) In Christ, Talya
I tend to be a rather anxious person no matter what the circumstance. I realize that anxiety and worry are sinful and we are commanded to resist those very human responses, but I so often give in to the flesh. This past Wednesday (2 April) we learned of a situation that has my “worry machine” in overdrive. Although I cannot disclose the details of the matter at this time, we would certainly covet your prayers as our family seeks to truly surrender all to the Lord.
When we got the news, my mind started racing. Worry was one of my initial responses. When I came to terms with the fact that I cannot change the outcome even if I wanted to, I started praying -- yes, I should have done this first anyway. I prayed that the Lord would take my anxiety away (too easy, right?) and show me how to “cast all my anxieties on him because he cares for me” (1 Pet. 5:7).
Well, as I got settled in bed that night, I took out the Daily Bread devotional and decided to read that day’s devotional. Don’t you know that the scripture reference for that day was Matthew 6:25-34???!!! The very scripture that commands us not to be anxious… that tells us that if God takes care of the birds and the lilies, will He not also take care of us who are more valuable to Him? The scripture that tells us not to worry about tomorrow and that we cannot add even one single hour to our lives by doing so. Finally, the very scripture that reminds us to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” Right away I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me… BUT He wasn’t done.
That following morning I went to our desk calendar to change it to that day’s date -- 3 April. Each day has a scripture verse on it. That day’s verse was Luke 12:24 part of the parallel passage to Matthew 6:25-34!! The message was the same… that if God takes care of the ravens, how much more will He care for us who are more valuable to Him!
There was no doubt that the Lord was sending me a message. I had referred to these scriptures in the past during other trials, but to be led to them without expressly seeking them out made the message resonate even louder. Maybe my spiritual ears were so clogged that the Lord had to take such action.
I know I have no choice but to strive for obedience in handing my fears, worries & anxieties over to the Lord. When anxious thoughts creep in my mind, I say a quick prayer telling the Lord that I am sending that worry His way. Even if our situation fails to turn out the way I want it to, I must continue to give God the glory and rejoice in the fact that His plan for our lives is perfect and that He knows best.
“…Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
" ...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
The announcement of actor Heath Ledger’s death at 28 struck a chord in me. I’ll admit, I was somewhat of a fan of some of his earlier work -- The Patriot, A Knight’s Tale and The Four Feathers. He lost me at Brokeback Mountain, but I believed he was a talented actor. As of this writing, the media has not reported a cause of death. The fact that Mr. Ledger was never reported to have fallen into some of the more tabloid-friendly trappings, such as publicly-known drug use or multiple arrests, has left many puzzled as to how this could have happened.
The overarching question that trumps “What killed him?’” is “Did he know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior?” Of course, I don’t know where Mr. Ledger was in terms of a relationship with the Lord. I have never heard a profession of faith of any sort being reported from him. Some of his cinematic and lifestyle choices may lead me to some doubt.
Likely, Heath Ledger was just as lost as the lesser-known lost people we encounter everyday. We live in a fallen world, surrounded by the lost -- in our own homes, among our families and friends, at the post office, the library, on the job and even on television and the silver screen. The Lord has reminded me that they are all worthy of my prayers. It doesn’t matter if I know them personally or not, the Lord knows them intimately (“For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.” Psalm 139:13). He loves them and wants them to come to Him (“The Lord is… not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9). In addition to the usual people who inhabit my prayer list, the Lord has led me to pray for the salvation of at least one other person each day or week. Be they a famous celebrity, the frazzled woman in the commissary or the mom I talk to each week at my daughter’s dance class, I must pray that they heed the Lord’s call.
As for Heath Ledger, it’s too late to pray for him -- our lives are but a vapor (James 4:14) and now Heath Ledger knows the truth. Instead, I pray for actress Michelle Williams and their two-year-old daughter Matilda -- that they come to knowledge of their need for a savior and that they draw unto Christ in faith. The Lord has reminded me that I must pray for so many, especially the lost, before it’s too late.
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16b
Welcome to 2008! I can't believe it's 2008 already, but I seem to say that every year. Time flies and we should not waste a moment of it.
We should not waste moments saying we are saved in Christ, but living like the world. We should not waste moments with little thought to growing in our relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We cannot waste moments relegating Christ to "when I can get to Him" -- after work, after shopping, after working out, after going to the movies, after picking the lint out of our navels, after our idol of the moment -- failing to make Him our FIRST priority ("Thou shalt have no/none other gods before me." Ex. 20:3, Deut 5:7).
We should not waste moments with our Bibles laid upon the shelf -- only to be opened at church on Sunday... if then ("Study to shew thyself approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15).
We should not waste moments praying only when it's convenient, failing to seek Him constantly ("Pray without ceasing" 1 Thess 5:17, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..." Matt 6:33").
We cannot afford to waste moments watching the world's TV, listening to the world's music, looking just like the world, but under a cloak of false salvation ("Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," 2 Cor 6:17). We cannot waste moments continuing to do what we did when we were in the world, while trying to make it seem holy ("... know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4).
We cannot afford to waste a moment living our lives separate from the one true & Holy God. We are all born sinners ("For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Rom. 3:23). Sin separates us from God and for that sin, the scriptures say we deserve death and to be cast into the lake of fire ("For the wages of sin is death..." Rom 6:23a; "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life [book containing the names of true believers in Christ] was cast into the lake of fire" Rev 20:15). However, God is so loving and merciful that He sent the ultimate gift, His son to take our punishment for us (John 3:16; "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom 6:23b). What must we do to receive this wonderful gift and be saved? The scriptures say it better than I can:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11
As this scripture points out twice, salvation is a heart issue -- and nothing can be faked before God. We are not saved by our good works, emotional experiences, or our outward appearances. We are saved by God's grace through faith ("For by faith are ye saved through faith, and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Eph. 2:8-9).
I do not make new year's resolutions. I believe that any change worth making is that brought about by the Lord and should result in my immediate obedience. After all, we do not tell our children to do something and allow them to tell us, "Mommy, I'll do that tomorrow, or on January 1st." It is my hope that we will all endeavor to make the changes commanded in scripture. I challenge us all:
- Examine our walks with Christ -- Is my walk genuine? Am I bearing fruit (John 15:1-2)? Am I Christian in name only?
- Make Him our FIRST priority ("Thou shalt have no/none other gods before me." Ex. 20:3, Deut 5:7).
- Have regular personal Bible study time ("Study to shew thyself approved unto God... rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Tim 2:15)
- Have constant communication with God ("Pray without ceasing" 1 Thess 5:17)
- Seek the Lord to bring forth inward change, pursue holiness ("But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness..." Matt 6:33", "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." Eph 4:24)
- Purge our hearts, thoughts, bodies, homes, conversation etc. of things of the world ("Wherefore come out from among them and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you," 2 Cor 6:17; ".. let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor 7:1)
- Turn away from our love of worldy, secular things ("... know ye not that friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4)
- If, after self-examination, you have been led to question your prior profession of faith OR do not have a saving relationship with Christ, please humble yourself and seek the Lord for a regeneration of your heart though a saving faith ("That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 10:9-11)
I'm so happy!
Arielle & Rachel in third position.
