Celebrations!!!

Wow! I can't believe the time of year we are at. Today is the 50th wedding anniversary of my grandparents. I can't even begin to tell you what a blessing they are to me. They pray for me, encourage me, and live out a life that is submissive to the Lord's and the Love each other sooooo much! I hope Andy and I are that much in love when we celebrate our 50 years...if the Lord blesses us with that much time with each other! I hope so!
Then, tomorrow...tomorrow, my baby turns 1. I can't believe a year ago I was getting ready to go to the hospital the next morning to have this precious baby! I am amazed that the Lord gave me such a precious child and that He allowed Ethan to have a normal delivery, a great birth...and Ethan was my first baby to actually stay with me after he was born. I've always had my babies taken away because of complications...by I actually got to keep my baby with me! Not only that, but my mom, grandma and sister were with me and were able to encourage me while I delivered him and witness what was a miracle to me! I am amazed and astounded by the grace and mercy the Lord poured out on us as we carried and delivered this babe! Now the Lord has graciously given a year with Him. I am humbled and amazed at the greatness and mercy of our God!
I was so blessed by the Lord yesterday as I spent time with my sister, Julie, yester day at "Mom's Morning" at her church. I have so enjoyed the time with her as well as fellowshipping with other ladies. It has been a time for me to be refreshed and encouraged. Sometimes, I am overwhelmed with the busyness of life...and I need encouragement. This is a place where I am GREATLY encouraged. Anyway, they talked about how we need to stand on the knowledge that who we are is based on Christ...we are in Christ if we know the Lord. He sees Christ not our failings and shortcommings. That is again something I have been seeking to focus on. How grateful I am that God's perspective on me is the perspective of seeing Christ!!! How freeing! Praise the Lord! That is the basis of seeking to bring Him glory and honor...not the fear of being cast away...for when we are His nothing can separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus! Praise Him!
God is good...God is glorious....as we enter this weekend, I pray that these celebrations I will focus on His wonderousness in each of these joys. I pray that you will too!

"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Let the people rejoice!
O Come to the Father through Jesus the Son
And give Him the glory great things He hath done!"
~ From " To God be the Glory" by Fanney Crosby

Busy Life...but Good!

The last few months have been filled with much enjoyment! I really have loved and enjoyed time with family and friends...and making new friends. One really never knows what the Lord has in store for them! July and August brought me special times with family. We flew to Florida where we spent time with my sister and her husband and enjoyed a few days with Andy's sisters who flew back with us! Some of the highlights were the following: sleep, the awesome zoo in Tampa, Disney World in the rain, putt-putting, and learning how to play hand and foot! It was so enjoyable...I didn't want it to end! So, I flew to Florida a few weeks later! I helped my sister and her husband pack for moving from Tampa, Fl to South Carolina. I really enjoyed my time helping her, and yet was happy to get home to my girls and Andy!
Before our first trip to Florida, I had a garage sale. A young lady came and through talking found out she was searching for Christian fellowship. It's amazing how the Lord works...I was hesitant to do the garage sale...and now the Lord has opened a door of minsitry to this young lady and her husband! HOW AMAZING OUR LORD IS! We have had opportunities to talk with her about various struggles and are praying the Lord will use us to encourage her and her husband.
I had the privilage of completeing 2 books in the last month. One was Every Thought Captive: Battling the Toxic Beliefs that Separate Us from the Life We Crave By: Jerusha Clark. This book was incredibly encourageing to me as I struggle greatly with my thought life. She helped me to see that my perfectionist attitude (always wanting to be perfect and do things perfectly) was holding me captive and hindering me from living a life free in Christ! How timly also was the opportunity I had to teach the ladies Bible Study at church and how convicted I was by this verse in I Peter chapter 2 verse 16-" Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover up for evil, but living as servants of God!" An aspect of being a servant of God is the freedom we have because of Christ's blood that was shed for us! Amazing that this verse's context is honoring authority! We demonstrate who we are by being free in Christ and yet honoring to those in Authority!!! Another aspect that I was convicted by was trying to please everyone! I love to please my husband, my children, the people in my home, those who come to my home, those whose home I am in...I try to please everyone...sometimes at the exclusion of seeing first and foremost to be pleasing to the Lord. I then read this verse in Galations 1:10 - "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or ofGod? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Ouch!!! If I am still seeking to please man...I am not being a servant of Christ! I desire to serve Him in everything...and yet I struggle constantly with being a people pleaser...and being bonded to that! I have been praying that the Lord would continue to free me from seeking man's approval...even their opinions on my 'godliness' based on their standards (not God's)!!! It is hard because so many times there are good things that we are encouraged to do...and yet we get such false security because we are doing them...but our hearts are not right before the Lord. So we think we are godly...when in truth we are far from Him!
The next book I was able to finish was Satisfy My Thirsty Soul
By: Linda Dillow. This book was incredible! I love Linda Dillow alot! God has used her greatly to deal with my fears, worries, and trusting in His awesome Soverignty! This book was about establishing a life of worship. Worship is not something we just do on Sunday or when we have a quiet time...it is how we live! I have held this opinion for a few years now that many people are going through the motions of doing the "spiritual disciplines" but that we are not living lives that are filled with the spirit! We distinguish too much between the secular and sacred...there should not be a difference. We are God's chose people...holy and blameless in His sight...and we need to start living each moment covered with His Spirit and according to His Word. I loved how Mrs. Dillow exclaimed that even the mundane is an act of worship to the Lord and how our thoughts arn't necessarily always meditating on scripture or activly acknowleging His presence, but when we move from doing things to focusing on Him exclusively we can know that we have never left His presence for it will feel like we've never left! That is lifestyle worship! I tend to think that if we aren't acively acknowleging God...then we must now be worshiping, but I am learning that we can always be abiding in His presence whether we are sitting and reading His word, praying, or doing dishes and changing diapers! We are not bound to be in His presence only when we are doing the "spiritual things" but also the mundane. When we live lifestyles of worship...there is no difference it is all a spiritual act of worship to God!
I am learning more and more what living for Christ really is. For me it has been freeing (though I find myself bound in my thoughts and actions often) and I am praying that the Lord will build in me a lifestyle of worship! I love His presence and I long to spend every moment of my day there!
So, that's alittle abit of what I am learning...what's happening. Well...there is alot more (like homeschooling and such), but I will share more on that later!
Seeking to abide always in His presence,
Amy

Fun Quiz!

I am an avid "Anne of Green Gables" Fan! I took this fun quiz today! It's nice to know that even though it's been years since I've read Anne, I still know her well!

How Well Do You Know Anne?

You know Anne very well! Good job :)
Take this quiz!








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Encouragement from a Mom to many

I must admit, that I was greatly encouraged by this post! If there are other mom's out there feeling blue, I hope that this will encourage you! Pray for me that I will press on and enjoy life!!!!

Mommy Life on Finding more Joy in Life

Long Time, No Write

I know it has been a long time since I have written! I have been feverishly working on dresses for my sister's wedding (I will put some pictures up as soon as I am able!) and just celebrated the marriage last Saturday, June 9th! My sister was beautiful and her new husband is so nice! I know God is going to dosome neat things in and through them.
We've also endured some sickness, and my sweet Ethan is teething, which is no fun! But I am so grateful for my children and the excitement and joy they bring to my life.

We also celebrated Andy's graduation the first weekend in May. I must admit I loved having my family there, but besides a few friends, it was quite small. Quite a disappointment for me but Andy loved it and that's what matters. I am sooooo proud of my husband for completeing school! He is an amazing man and I can't wait to see where the Lord is going to lead us now that school is done!

Andy was sooo sweet a few weeks ago...I have to brag on him! I had been to my family's home for a week and he surprised me with a dinner date at my favorite restarant, 40 sticky notes declaring his love and admiration vairous aspects of me, his wife, and ending with the sweetest note he'd written while I was gone. I am spoiled by this man of mine! What a jewel I've been given! If only every wife were so loved and adored! Below is my pantry sporting my lovely notes!! Isn't he amazing!

I've struggled alot lately with lonliness and just major downness! It is sooo unlike me and is hard for me to figure out what is up! I know it is not just one thing that has me down, but seemingly every instance that comes my way, I am struggleing with negative emotions. I don't know what the Lord is trying to teach me or wants me to learn, but pray that I will be a willing learner and become the woman He desires me to be! How grateful I am that I can go to Him at anytime, anywhere and that He will hear my cry! How grateful I am for His Word where I can find the encouragement my heart needs. And How marvellous it is to find refuge in Him! If you think of it, pray that I will remember and be reminded of the great blessings I have in HIM!

A Desire to Listen

This week has been stressful to say the least! I am quite tired today and am anticipating a relaxing day minus a dr's appointment for Ariana at 3. It is so easy in the throws of life to be busy and to not take time to listen. To some degree, that has been a problem for me this week. I can easily read what God has to say in His word and through the encouragement of other godly men and women through literature, but really listening to what He wants me to know and apply to my life...sometimes that is another story. I cannot tell you how many times I am reminded that I must stop and listen...really listen to His still small voice. I know it starts from ceasing to strive and know that He alone is God! (Ps. 46). I want to listen and to truly understand the right way what God wants me to know and to apply it to my life. So, this song is becoming a new prayer for me. It is off the new cd, by Keith and Kristyn Getty...I encourage you to check it out and be encouraged by the hymns of modern hymn writers! Until you can check it out, enjoy the lyrics to their song, "Speak, O Lord" written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend.
Speak, O Lord, as we come to You to recieve the food, of Your Holy Word
Take Your Truth, plant it deep in us; shape and fashion us in Your likeness;
That the light of Christ might be seen today in our acts of love and our deeds of faith
Speak, O Lord nad fulfill in us all your purposes for Your Glory

Teach us Lord, full obedience, Holy reverence, true humility
Test our thoughts and our attitudes; in the radiance of Your purity.
Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see Your majestic love and authority
Words of pow'r that can never fail; Let their truth prevail over unbelief.

Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds; Help us grasp the heigts of Your plans for us
Truths unchanged from the dawn of time, that will esho down through eternity.
And by grace we'll stand on Your promises; And by faith we'll walk as You walk with us.
Speak, O Lord, 'til Your church is built, and the earth is filled with Your glory.
~ taken from the lyrics on the cd, "In Christ Alone" featuring Keith and Kristyn Getty.

May we truly listen to the Lord and allow Him to work His grace in our lives.

Busy, Busy, Happily Busy

Days have been busy and enjoyable!!! The weather today is spectacular!!! 72 degrees currently with a high around 78 expected! I love spring and summer and fall...winter tends to get me down and overwhelmed. However, my spirits are high and I am loving this life!!!!
I love, love, love my hubby!!! WE are going out on a DATE tonight (yes, a date with NO children- Thank you David and Julie) and I am really looking forward to it. We went on a walk yesterday...and I just loved it (especially watching Ariana and Lillian who were best friends at that moment...and they are best buds most of the time.) Since completing school, we've been able to spend time together and I am really enjoying it. And I love watching him with the kids.
I too am loving my children sooo very much today. Ariana has been a sweet heart and Lillian cuddled with me in bed this morning...it was soo fun!!! Ethan is such a cutie!!!! I can't believe he is 6 months!! He is sooo close to crawling..I know it will be anyday now.
The last few weeks, I have had the privilage of leading our Ladies group. I love teaching and enjoy sharing things that the Lord has taught me. Mind you, the lessons haven't been the easiest, but my greatest times of growth have also been my greatest times of struggle. I spoke on two Psalms, 77 and 64, and used many thoughts from a book I have recently enjoyed entitled, "A Deeper Kind of Calm" by Linda Dillow. I have been through many struggles in the last few years. Mainly struggleing with the stresses of haveing a Hubby in school and working 40 + hours and being pregnant 6 times in 5 years and dealing with the early births, loss of children, and busyness of house. And yet, those are the times that the Lord has taught me to Cling to Him, to hold on the the Truth that He is soverign over all things in my life and that He is working out His glorious plan in my life. It was such an honor and privilage to share the Word of God with these ladies, and I pray that His words will be remembered! I am not particularly anxious to go through any more trying times, but more than anything I want to grow in my relationship with Christ- grow in grace and knowlege of Him. No matter where the Lord leads.
My husband purchased a new Bible for me...the ESV journaling Bible and a new book, "Damsels in Distress" by Martha Peace. I am excited to get into the book and to see how the new Bible will aid in my study.
Well...I am not a great keeper upper with my xanga, so I thought I would update! Hope you all are enjoying the lovely weather as much as I am!!!!
Grace and peace.

Here is a somewhat recent picture of our little boy! I can't believe he's 6 months now!!!! He's so hansome and looks just like his daddy.

Check This Out

The ladies at Girl Talk are interviewing Noël Piper on their blog. Check it out. She is the wife of John Piper. I have read one of her books and a few of her husbands. They are a neat couple whom the Lord is using greatly in the lives of others! I know they have influenced my life! So, hop on over there and check it out!

More on Rest

Sickness has sapped the energy from my sweet Ana, and she lookes sooo sick and unrested. Please pray for her to get over this nasty flu bug!!!
The snow here is beautiful today...sun shining and glistening on the snow. Lillybug enjoyed the snow with our sweet neighbor girl. I know she had a great time. Ethan and I have cuddled some, although not as much as we did last week when he was cutting his first two teeth. I can't believe my baby has teeth!!! He is growing and changing fast. Time definitely goes by so fast!!!
Meditating on Hebrews has me thinking alot on Rest these days (especially since I feel like I don't always get alot of rest). There is alot of repetition on not entering God's rest if we've hardened our hearts. This passage has me thinking alot on the rest that we have in our Salvation. We believed and therefore have entered into the "rest of God". I think we try to earn our salvation and there is great rest in knowing Christ has completed the work of the cross making it possible for us to have peace with God. What rest there is when we realize it is not about us working to earn God's favor, but rather resting in what Christ has done on the cross and knowing His work has brought about God's favor on us. God is daily calling people to His rest. He says TODAY to enter His rest...not tomorrow...not a month from now...but TODAY. And yet, so many are still striving to earn favor with God. I am so thankful to know that I have this "rest" that is spoken of, but I know there is more "rest" that comes from God. There is the "rest" we have from drawing strength from Him each day. Rest given us we are pierced by the Word of the Lord as our hearts are "naked and exposed" to His eyes, He the righteous judge. Rest that comes from holding our faith knowing we have a great High Priest in Jesus Christ who understands our weaknesses and brings our cries before the Father. Rest in knowing I can lay everything at His throne and know that grace and mercy is there for each moment of need that I have. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for REST. Rest this moment, this hour, this day, and for all eternity!!!!
Do you have His rest today????

Rest and Time with the LORD

This morning was wonderful. I don't know why I can't seem to remember the wonderfulness of mornings like this and GET UP and do it again. I had some great time with the LORD this morning (I'm reading through Hebrews) and was reminded again how THE LORD gives REST! I read these verses this morning:
"Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, 'Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness, where your fathers put me to the test and saw my works for forty years. Therefore I was provoked with that generation and said, 'They always go astray in their heart; they have not known my ways.' As I swore in my wrath,' They shall not enter my rest.'" (Hebrews 3:7-11)
I know that Jesus has said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”(Mt. 11:27-30) and yet I continually look elsewhere to find rest for my weary soul. For example, when I am tired I sleep (not that that isn't sometimes needed) but often times I equate my weariness for sleepiness when in fact life is wearing on me and I need to find rest in Him! I need to return to the place of rest, the presence of the Most Holy and Awesome God.
"Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;our God is merciful. The Lord preserves the simple;when I was brought low, he saved me. Return, O my soul, to your rest;for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you." (Ps. 116:9-11)
I am feeling restored today, and am looking forward to seeing what the LORD has in His plans for me

.
REST

Often times I find myself in weariness of soul,
Lord, help me to remember that You are in control.
You use that time to draw me back to the place of quiet rest
I come away, my heart restored, my weary soul refreshed.
With You, my Lord, is peace and joy and strength for every day
Keep me abiding in Your presence as I journey on life's way.

A hearts Cry

Where does one go when they are utterly exhausted????
"My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever....But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that i may declare all thy works". Ps. 73:26,28 (KJV)
I sure feel like I am failing miserably in my flesh today. I know I have been trying to do way too much on my own..and I am reaping the consequences. One cannot manage a home, raise children in a righteous way, be a good helpmeet without the strength of the LORD and I have not been faithful in relying on Him. I am much more apt to try and do it on my own.
Oh, LORD, please forgive my failings and forgive me for my pride and arrogance. I need you to be my strength. Please draw me to you...give me a thirst for you that I sooo desparately long for and need. Help me to trust that what you have given me is truly good and is your best for me. Please help me to always glorify you in the tough days and in the good days. Please give this weary mom rest in You!

The Honor of the King

Days have been busy...we are enjoying having Andy home in the evenings and have found various ways to encourage and minister to others. I have been busy caring for our children and home and have desires to grow more in my walk with the LORD this year.
So many exciting changes are taking place this year, my sister is getting married, my cousin is expecting a baby, and Lord willing more exciting things will happen. However, as I have enjoyed today and yesterday watching a theatrical rendition of the Biblical account of Esther, I am reminded that nothing happens by chance and that all is part of the honor and Glory of God. I am only a small part of His plan, I am sure, and I only pray that He will complete His plan for me in His good time and way. Until then, may I seek to be "to the praise of His glorious grace" (Ephesians).

"While we continue onward in the face of a world filled with uncertainty, we can rejoice, for hidden within its mysteries is the honor of a King." exerpt from the film, "One Night with the King"

I just love Christmas time!!! How grateful I am that the Lord of Heaven and Earth was born as a babe and willingly gave His life to pay for my sin! I am so grateful that He fulfilled the purpose ordained for Him for the honor and glory of His name!!! As we finish this year out, there are some things I am incredibly grateful for and desire to praise the Lord for:
Praise the Lord Andy completed his last semester of college!!!! What a blessing...long time in comming it seems. He has worked so hard and I am so grateful for the grace the Lord poured out on Andy as he completed school!!! Congratulations, my dear!
Praise the Lord for the beautiful daughers the Lord has blessed us with. Ariana is 4 and has just been a huge help and encouragement to me. She has a desire to please and we are praying that she will desire the Lord and want to please Him. Pray for her heart to be tender to Him and to trust Him to save her. Lillian is a sweetheart and I can't believe how the Lord has worked in her life. I am completely amazed that she is here and healthy. She is rather stubborn, but we hope to curve it to more useful things


Praise the Lord for the addition of a little boy into our family. I must admit that this entire year was a test of faith. I didn't know what the Lord would have in store for us...and I am constantly learning that He holds each one of my children's lives and I need to joyfully surrender them to Him everyday! Ethan is a great joy and a testimony to me that we truly don't know what He has in store for us. He is 3 months today and rolling over like a pro. He seems soooo little! How blessed we are to have such a healthy baby!!!!!

Praise the Lord for growing me and teaching me more of the desire He has for His glory and for the honor of His name. I am seeking to make it my daily prayer that I will glorify His name even as Jesus Christ did. I am also learning and seeking to bring Him glory in my daily duty's of caring for my husband and children. He has given me such a big responsibility and I pray that He will give me His strength and grace that I my glorify Him.
As you celebrate the Son's birth, I pray that you will be able to see Him working in your lives and in your families and that you can glorify Him for the great things He has done!!!!
Merry Christmas from the Petz Family!

Remembering a Holy Night

As we put up our tree and lights today, we had Christmas music on! I love Christmas music! I love remembering our Saviour's birth and why He came- to save a wretch like me as the old hymn goes. Knowing my unworthiness makes me even more grateful that He chose me to be in Him before the foundation of the world...how amazing is that!!! And He did that for the praise of His glory! Oh, that my life would constantly proclaim the glory and praise of the Lord! And yet...I falter everyday and often times fail to rely on Him.
As I listened to the music, the song "O Holy Night" came on in a beautiful instramental arrangement. As I sung the words I've known for years, I teared up.

"O Holy night! the stars are brightly shining - it is the night of the dear Savoir's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining- til He appeared, and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night divine, O night, O night divine!" ~Placide Cappeau, translated by John Sullivan Dwight

How amazing to think of the birth of Jesus. I can see how the people could have missed this awesome moment- God as a babe- for I often forget and am hardened against the reality of what He did for me. He gave me worth- worth in Himself, He gave me hope- hope of reconcilliation to Him, He gave me joy- joy in abiding in His presence forevermore! The result of this knowledge should cause me to fall on my knees and worship the Lord of Hosts!
This season, I ask that you would pray that I would worship and serve Him only, not myself or earthly pleasures...I will be doing the same for you.

"Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother and in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever! His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow'r and glory evermore proclaim!" ~Placide Cappeau, translated by John Sullivan Dwight

Basking in God's Grace

I know that it has been a very long time since I have written. Life with 3 children is much diffrent than life with 2. Ethan is just over 6 weeks old! I cannot believe how much time has flown by. In the last six weeks, all of us, but Ethan, struggled with illness. Andy got sick twice, as well as had some big projects due and so life has consisted of school and recovery. We now have 5 and a half weeks left and then Andy is done!!! Yea!!! He just recieved word on what he will be doing at his job once school is over and it will be a day job (yeah...no more nights) and will be from 8 'til 5 or 6 and every other Sat. 'til noon. He will begin the week before Christmas! I am hoping that it will be a good job for him.
As a mom, I am learning alot....mostly how appreciative of my mom I need to be. I don't know how anyone with more than a couple of children do things...and I know why people think 3 is alot of children...it is alot. I have found that my lovely daughters find mischief while I am nursing Ethan and the result has been trying to build sand castles out of flour in both the kitchen and the dining room as well as toothpaste everywhere. I often find myself just happy to get anything accomplished and doublely happy if there is not an added job in a day. :) However, the girls love their brother and are very helpful in good ways and I appreciate their willingness to help. Ethan is a doll, and is quite smart which scares me to some extent. Last Thurs. he impressed the doctor with his ability to smile, coo, and roll over...all accomplished before 6 weeks!!! I think he will be a busier baby than my girls. He is however extremely content and sleeps anywhere from 5-7 hour stretch at night. Most nights I am only up once between 9ish and 6ish. I cannot complain about the sleep.
I am also learning that I must, MUST, rely on the stregth of the Lord every day. If not, I am a very cranky mom and am unable to be the example I know God desires me to be for my children and am an ungrateful wife, unable to meet the needs of my husband because I am too busy complaining. So, I am learning submission and abandonment to my God in ways that I have not learned to do. I am praying that each stuggle and challenge will in turn make me more like Christ. I so long to be like Him....and yet have soooo very far to go.
"And He said to me, ' My grace is sufficient for you, for MY strength is made perfect in weakness...'". (II Cor. 12:9)
"He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mrecy, To multiplied trials His multiplied peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance, When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources, Our Father's full giving is only begun.
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His pow'r has no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus He giveth and giveth and giveth again!"
~ Annie Johnson Flint
(I was going to post a new picture of Ethan, but my sweeet boy would rather have some attention...so I will try to do so later!

Introducing Ethan Andrew

Introducing Ethan Andrew
"It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High." Ps. 92:1
God has been soooo gracious!!!! We are rejoicing in the birth of Ethan Andrew. He is sooooo precious.

We arrived at the hospital at 5am on September 22nd, and began induction at 6:30ish. They upped my pitocin as high as it could go around 7 and we waited. And we waited. And we waited. After a long and difficult day, he was born at 11:47pm and I am pleased to say that the VBAC was a success!!! He weighed 7lbs. 2oz. and was 20in. long. He is just beautiful and we are really enjoying him alot. The girls think he's the best!!!

We are really enjoying him, and praise the Lord for the addition to our family. Children are a heritage from Him and we ask that you would pray with us that we would be used of Him to raise these precious charges for Him!!!













Rejoice with us!!!!!

Friday

We are officially in the last days of pregnancy. Due to my lovely history, if I don't deliver before Friday, we will head to the hospital at 5 Friday morning and begin induction!!! I am sooo excited about meeting Ethan and can't wait for him to make his appearance. So, I would ask that you all pray that I have a safe, good delivery and that the VBAC would go well...and if I do end up having to have a c-section that I will have a good spirit about it. I really don't want a c-section, but we'll see what God has in store. Until then, I will leave you with this verse:
"This God-his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him." Ps. 18:30
Desiring His ways,
Amy

Some Thoughts for Today

September 11th is a day Americans will never forget. It is a day that changed lives and continues to affect lives even today. It happened less than a month after Andy and I were married. I remember watching it happen on T.V. It's a day I will never forget.
Last year's September 11ths is also a day I will never forget. Last year, somewhere between 1:30 and 2:00am, I was in the emergency room and our son, Nathan Joel, was with God in eternity. It was a shock as I ahd made it well past my other miscarriages and assumed smooth sailing through the rest of my 2nd trimester until the end when I"ve usually struggled with Preeclampsia. Instead, God had other plans- taking Nathan home to HIm. The next Sunday, I sang the song "In Christ Alone" and wept because I learned by experience that those words were true. The words of the final verse hit me the most:

"No guilt in life, No fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life's first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power in hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
Til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I'll live"

Learning about Christ's Soverignty in such a personal way changed my thinking about alot of things. He holds the lot of my life (Ps. 16:5), He has ordained all my days, from the first breath to the last (Ps. 139:16), He not only ordained the number, but planned my salvation and the works that I would do for His honor and glory (Eph. 2:8-10). Not only that, but He planned all of Nathan's 15 and a half weeks in my womb. And His plan was for Nathan to never taste of the sinfulness and rottenness of this world and to only know the joy and peace and gloriousness of worshipping in God's presence always. I too can enjoy a portion of the same Joys Nathan is experiencing in heaven here on earth as I seek Him and strive to abide in His presence (Ps. 16:11). And one day, I will join Nathan in praising God forever and ever....let me tell you, heaven gets sweeter and sweeter. Until then, I have the same power that raised Christ from the dead at my disposal that I may spend my time here on earth bringing God pleasure and honor and glory because the Holy Spirit lives in me and gives me power to daily live for the Lord. If only I utilized that power more!

This September 11th, I am basking in something diffrent- the undeserved grace and mercy of God in my life. I carry within me, evidence that God is working in my life and is at this moment choosing to pour grace on the son I carry within me- allowing him to grow healthy and strong in my womb. Not only that, but I have enjoyed a problem-free pregnancy which to me has been another demonstration of His grace in my life. I am anxious to meet Ethan and pray that I will be used by God to train him in the ways of God and share with Him all that God has taught me. For now, I am learning, as did Job, that " The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away, blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21) and "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted." (Job 42:2) I am excited and anticipate what the Lord has in store for the rest of this pregnancy and the rest of my life!!!

"Have Thine Own Way, Lord, Have thine own way
Thou art the potter, I am the clay
Mold me and make me after Thy will
While I am waiting, yeilded and still."

Encouragement

I found this prayer yesterday while I was reading through one of my notebooks of things that I have saved to be reminded of. I was struck by the words and thought I would share it with you all (crazy...2 posts in a row!). I pray that you will be encouraged by the words even as I was.

My Prayer” ~ Author Unknown
Teach me, Lord, to keep sweet and gentle in all the events of life, in disappointments, in thoughtlessness of others, in the insincerity of those I trusted, in the unfaithfulness of those on whom I relied.

Help me to put myself aside, to think of the happiness of others, to hide my little pains and heartaches, so that I may be the only one to suffer from them.

Teach me to profit by the suffering that comes to me. Help me to use it that it may mellow me, not harden or embitter me, that it may make me broad in my forgiveness, kindly, sympathetic, and helpful.