What I am Thankful for ~ Part D

"Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays aawake in vain...Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, and the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." Psalm 127:1,3-5 (ESV)

Today I received some good news. My husband and I had some tests done after we lost Nathan in September. I was hoping that they would give us some idea of why we were no longer going to meet our precious son on this earth. However, all the tests came back normal. There is nothing wrong physically with either of us!!!! I am so grateful for that. However, it has left me puzzled. What happened? How could our son be growing normally and then suddenly be comming without any warning or reason? While my flesh puzzles at these questions, my spirit is at rest knowing that it is God who holds my precious son now, even as he knew and held him then. And that is the same God who holds my life in His hands. So, today I am thankful for the heritage of children that the Lord has blessed me with.
I love Psalm 127. It is a great comfort to those who have children and those grieveing over the loss of children or the lack of children because of the first verse, "Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain." We do not build our homes...the LORD builds them. Not only does he provide the building, but the family within. If we try to build it in our own time or in our own way, we are building in vain. That is how I know that as long as I keep surrendering each area of my home to my LORD and allow Him to build and add, it will not be done in vain.
The Lord has blessed us with 5 children, 2 on earth and 3 in heaven. These are the LORD's additions to our home. They are a heritage from Him. They are to bring glory to Him here on earth. They are testimonies of HIS faithfulness and love. Not only that, but if we allow the LORD to build us and them, perhaps the LORD will use them to bring honor to my husband and I even with our "enemies in the gates". What an incredible responsibility and honor.
Our children who have gone before us, are giving glory to God personally as I write and they can bring glory to Him here on earth through my sharing of what He has done through my experiences in losing them. Our children are a great gift from the LORD.
I want to encourage you if you are single to not waste any minutes pining over not having this special treasure. God is in control of your life and if you surrender to Him and let him build your life, it will not be lived in vain. He has treasures immesurable for you!!!!
If you are reading this and you have no children or have experienced loss, God is building your family in His time and way. This season/ life He has you in is a blessed one as well. Surrender to Him and see how FULL your life will be even while your arms are aching or empty!
If you have children and are reading, let the LORD build them. Surrender yourself to be used of the LORD to train them in HIS ways. Let Him use you to shape their little hearts and minds for HIM!!!
Oh the fruitfulness of letting HIM be the master builder. He already has the plan, let Him build freely in you and me!!!!!!!


Oh, as an aside, the LORD has expanded our home this year, not by children, but in providing our first home!!!! It has been a blessing...so in gratefulness for God building our home with our two precious girls, let me compliment that with gratefulness for the LORD providing a home for His use!!!!!!