I know this is still a difficult time, but I want to encourage everyone to stand strong on the Word of God. He will never fail you nor forsake you. I’d like to use this forum for a members community. Tell me as a member what you think would be most helpful to you this holiday season as an encouragement. A daily scripture, a song, an encouraging word, a discussion question? Use this forum to your benefit. It is created for members to communicate, with me and each other.
"What a comfort having Naomi there before, during and after my birth in any way I needed her. In addition to my physical needs, she continually helped to keep my mindset on God and the things above. Pregnancy and birth is such a spiritual time and it's easy to lose sight of that, I appreciate her bringing my attention back to HIM! She is knowledgeable but also eager to learn new skills. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for a doula in the Jacksonville, FL area." -Lauren, mother of 2
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I find it amazing that Elizabeth knew Mary was pregnant with Jesus before Mary spoke a word. Just from the leaping of John the Baptist in her womb, Elizabeth knew that Mary was pregnant with the Messiah. Oh Lord, help us mothers of yours to be so in tune with you that we know the intimacy of your heart. Let us have clarity of mind to lead our children straight to your heart. We thank you that you so sacrificially sent Jesus so that we do have grace by faith to have eternal life with you, and the ultimate helper, the Holy Spirit.
I read Philippians 4:8 every morning as part of a prayer ritual I do but until today, did not notice the amazing promise that comes after it! Verse 9 says: “and the God of peace will be with you.” How awesome a promise! I want the God of peace with me 24/7, don’t you?! When my child pitches a fit because I fixed spaghetti and meat sauce instead of meatballs for dinner. When my baby is crying all night from a stuffy nose. When my baby is on nursing strike. When my husband ignores me. When I don’t feel like I’m good enough. Wouldn’t it be great to have the peace of God all these times and for all difficult times we face?! It’s ours for the taking! Grab hold of it!
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=a6LC8cu03Ig&feature=share
The Lord led me to Ephesians today and as I read chapter 5 about walking in wisdom, I began to get a mental picture in my mind of this scene Paul describes in verses 18-21. This is certainly the way the Lord would be pleased to see us living out our daily lives. Why is this so hard? My thoughts: First, we have the human nature to sin. We can put away sin and discipline ourselves to rest in him but it is not easy, just like giving up potato chips and chocolate! Second, evil is all around us, distracting us from total surrender and worship. Verse 15 says “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” I think this is the answer to have what is described in the image, walking wisely. I believe this is a promise. If we walk wisely, He will redeem the time. What does that mean? He will restore to you what was lost or taken from you, in one form or another. If you are wise, and you had gotten into debt before, he will restore your finances. If you lost a child, he will give you another child, either one of your own, or ones to steward. If you lost a loved one, he will restore your broken heart. I truly believe these things. God never does anything evil. We are in uncertain times. But I am certain of my future in Heaven. Therefore, I do not worry. God is ultimately in control.
It grieves me to hear that term, LaToya. Praying for you dear. Can you tell me a little more about what you are envisioning?
A mix between discussion questions and scripture would be helpful. I'm personally still trying to push through this breastfeeding journey and a recent "failure to thrive."