I had always thought wedding planning had to be the most stressful event but now I know nothing comes close to planning and getting ready for a baby. There is so much more to do, with so many things to buy and it’s also endless. Even though it’s more work, I’m enjoying it so much more. I love getting baby stuff and all of a sudden I find myself more in the kids section at stores than anywhere else. I can't wait to meet my little girl.
February 25, 2011
February 23, 2011
Parenting Potpourri
Notes from Babywise chapter 12
Bathing your Baby: Your baby should not receive her first bath at home until the remainder of the umbilical cord has fallen off (7-14 days after birth.)
Bonding with your baby: Take time to acknowledge the wonderful creation of a new life. But don’t think these first few minutes are more binding or important than all the hours and days that will follow.
Crib Death or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) It is unexpected death that can happen anytime in the first year with most occurring between 2-4 months. More babies die in the winter months, than in summer and in colder climates than in warmer. The one thing that most pediatricians agree on is a good quality firm mattress. Soft mattresses should be avoided. Spend extra money for a good mattress.
Diapers: As a general rule, you will change your baby’s diaper at each feeding. On an average 6-8 diaper changes a day. Remember your goal is for baby to sleep through the night, not to wake up for a diaper change.
Diaper Rash: Caused by yeast infections, food allergies, new teeth or sitting too long in a dirty diaper.
Grandparents: There is a special relationship between the third generation and the first. Within, reason, you will want to take advantage of every opportunity for grandparents to enjoy your child. While they may very much enjoy their grandchildren, they are not the parents- you are. Having a high powered, take charge relative come in right after birth can be very hard on new mother’s emotions. A husband can help by protecting his wife from unwelcome intrusions. We would strongly suggest you provide each set of grandparents with their own copy of Babywise.
Immunizations: the 8 common vaccinations offered are Polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) tetanus, rubella (German measles) mumps, measles, hepatitis and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). Most docs start routine immunizations within the first two months.
Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking: Pacifiers can be used for when the baby is fussing but not hungry. But be careful not to use the pacifier as a “plug” whenever you baby fusses, nor should it become a sleep prop. Don’t create habits that will have to be broken later. Some children will not take pacifiers and suck their thumb instead. That’s fine.
Sleeping with your baby The family Bed: The family bed is unsafe. Shared sleep confuses infant sleep cycles. And separation anxiety often occurs when the child is asked to leave mom and dad’s bed. If an infant is placed in her bed and room right from the start, no separation anxiety takes place.
Spitting up: This is normal. Your baby may have taken more milk than she needed. Vomiting is not the same thing as spitting. Call your doctor if vomiting occurs when she ejects all she took in.
Starting Solid Foods: At about 3 months of age, you will see the baby preparing for a change in menu ( although you will not begin feeding solid foods until she is 4-6 months of age. The first food to add is rice cereal.
Teething: Your baby’s first teeth will push through at between 6-8 month. Irritability, fussiness, increased salivation, and a slightly raised temperature sometimes accompanies new teeth.
Weaning your baby: You may breastfeed from 6 months to a year. You can start the weaning process by eliminating one feeding at a time, going 3-4 days before dropping the next one. Usually late afternoon feeding is the easiest to drop. Replace each feeding with 6-8oz of formula milk in a bottle. If your baby is 9 months or older, consider going straight to a cup rather than a bottle. When your baby is one years, begin to wean her from the bottle. It takes time so be prepared to be patient.
Bathing your Baby: Your baby should not receive her first bath at home until the remainder of the umbilical cord has fallen off (7-14 days after birth.)
Bonding with your baby: Take time to acknowledge the wonderful creation of a new life. But don’t think these first few minutes are more binding or important than all the hours and days that will follow.
Crib Death or SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) It is unexpected death that can happen anytime in the first year with most occurring between 2-4 months. More babies die in the winter months, than in summer and in colder climates than in warmer. The one thing that most pediatricians agree on is a good quality firm mattress. Soft mattresses should be avoided. Spend extra money for a good mattress.
Diapers: As a general rule, you will change your baby’s diaper at each feeding. On an average 6-8 diaper changes a day. Remember your goal is for baby to sleep through the night, not to wake up for a diaper change.
Diaper Rash: Caused by yeast infections, food allergies, new teeth or sitting too long in a dirty diaper.
Grandparents: There is a special relationship between the third generation and the first. Within, reason, you will want to take advantage of every opportunity for grandparents to enjoy your child. While they may very much enjoy their grandchildren, they are not the parents- you are. Having a high powered, take charge relative come in right after birth can be very hard on new mother’s emotions. A husband can help by protecting his wife from unwelcome intrusions. We would strongly suggest you provide each set of grandparents with their own copy of Babywise.
Immunizations: the 8 common vaccinations offered are Polio, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough) tetanus, rubella (German measles) mumps, measles, hepatitis and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib). Most docs start routine immunizations within the first two months.
Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking: Pacifiers can be used for when the baby is fussing but not hungry. But be careful not to use the pacifier as a “plug” whenever you baby fusses, nor should it become a sleep prop. Don’t create habits that will have to be broken later. Some children will not take pacifiers and suck their thumb instead. That’s fine.
Sleeping with your baby The family Bed: The family bed is unsafe. Shared sleep confuses infant sleep cycles. And separation anxiety often occurs when the child is asked to leave mom and dad’s bed. If an infant is placed in her bed and room right from the start, no separation anxiety takes place.
Spitting up: This is normal. Your baby may have taken more milk than she needed. Vomiting is not the same thing as spitting. Call your doctor if vomiting occurs when she ejects all she took in.
Starting Solid Foods: At about 3 months of age, you will see the baby preparing for a change in menu ( although you will not begin feeding solid foods until she is 4-6 months of age. The first food to add is rice cereal.
Teething: Your baby’s first teeth will push through at between 6-8 month. Irritability, fussiness, increased salivation, and a slightly raised temperature sometimes accompanies new teeth.
Weaning your baby: You may breastfeed from 6 months to a year. You can start the weaning process by eliminating one feeding at a time, going 3-4 days before dropping the next one. Usually late afternoon feeding is the easiest to drop. Replace each feeding with 6-8oz of formula milk in a bottle. If your baby is 9 months or older, consider going straight to a cup rather than a bottle. When your baby is one years, begin to wean her from the bottle. It takes time so be prepared to be patient.
When Your Baby Cries
Notes from Babywise chapter 8
Clearly, the cry is a multi-functional tool for a baby to get what she needs. Besides crying when hungry, baby plays the blues when she is tired, wet, sick, bored, frustrated, out of routine, fed to often or sometimes simply because that is what normal, healthy babies do.
All babies cry, often without any apparent reason. Newborns cry a total of 1-4 hours a day. No mother can console her child every time she cries, so don’t expect to be a miracle worker with your baby. Pay close attention to your baby’s different cries and you’ll soon be able to tell when she needs to be picked up, consoled, or tended to, and when she is better off left alone.
Thing of crying as a signal, not a statement against your parenting.
In early infancy, crying is the intuitive way of communication both need and pleasure
Parents are most affected by a baby’s cry. We can assure you of this truth: you will not take pleasure in hearing that sound, especially if you are a first-time parent.
Will blocking baby’s cry be good for her? No.
What mom needs to respond to is why of the cry. Learn to assess the why behind baby’s cry. Only then your response be rational and purposeful instead of emotive.
A baby’s security is tied to her developing relationships with mom and dad, not simply the proximity of mom.
A marked change in your baby’s crying pattern may be a warning of illness. Look for a sudden increase in the frequency and duration of crying or a weak, mousy cry.
You can be certain the cry is not hunger-and-thrist cry if your baby is satisfied after feeding.
Babies who routinely cry and act hungry after and hour and a half are probably not getting enough food.
Another cry that needs investigation is when your baby wakes up in the middle of her nap with a loud, piercing cry. This could be caused by gas. Your baby may also be reacting to something in your breast milk as a result of what you ate earlier in the day. If this cry persists, physically check your baby. One mom reported that a strand of her long hair was wrapped tightly around her son’s toe. Once the hair was removed, the crying stopped immediately.
ANSWERING YOUR BABY’S CRY
How long should I let my baby cry? The timing of your baby’s cry is the first clue to understanding how you should respond.
Abnormal cry times include the following:
1. During feedings- Crying during feeding- Might be because baby is not getting enough food or isn’t taking in food fast enough
2. Immediately after feedings Crying Immediately after feeding or 30 minutes after, and the cry sounds like a pain cry rather than sleepiness cry, it may be caused one of these factors: trapped gas, your diet, milk quality problem.
3. At times when baby wakes early out of a sound nap- Waking early out a sound nap. If your babe wakes out of a sound sleep with a strong cry, it may be combination of the three factors mentioned above.
Crying during any one of these periods requires attention. Don’t wait for crying to subside. Investigate it, looking for the root cause.
Normal Crying Periods:
1. Just before feeding- Under normal circumstances, any cry that happens just before feeding should be limited, since the next event for the baby is mealtime.
2. When baby is put down for a nap- Many babies cannot fall asleep without crying and will go to sleep more quickly if left to cry for awhile. The crying shouldn’t last long if the child is truly tired. It is not unusual for the baby to occasionally begin whimpering or crying softly in the middle of nap. Sometimes you may think your baby is waking up when she’s actually going through a phase of very light slumber. She could be squirming, startling, fussing or even crying-and still be asleep. Don’t make the mistake of trying to comfort her during these moments; you’ll only awaken her further and delay her going back to sleep. Instead, if you let her fuss and even cry for a few moments, she’ll learn to get herself to sleep without relying on you. Some babies actually need to let off energy by crying in order to settle into sleep or rouse themselves out of it. As much as 15-20 minutes of fussing won’t do your child any harm. Just be sure she’s not crying out of hunger or pain or because her diaper is wet.
3. During late afternoon/early evening nap- Most babies have a personal fussy time. If a child is not comforted by the baby swing, an infant seat, siblings or grandma, consider the crib. At least there she has the chance to fall asleep. If you have a baby who becomes exceptionally and continuously fussy, consider the possibility that she is hungry.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY BABY CRIES?
1. Listen for the type of cry. You’ll begin to distinguish the different tones and patterns. Your baby is working hard to spell out her needs. Get to know your baby by decoding baby’s cries.
2. Think about where you baby is in her routine. Is it naptime, mealtime?
3. Take action based on what you have heard and reasonable concluded.Just remember, sometimes the best action is no action.
4. Take a note of how long your baby cries. Moms are surprised to find that most crying lasts between 5-10 minutes.
WHEN SHOULD I HOLD AND COMFORT MY BABY?
Parents should offer comfort when comfort is needed and determine what type of comfort is needed.
A baby can receive comfort in many different ways and different people.
The good news for the baby is that mom’s breasts are not the only source of comfort.
Remember, as baby grows her patterns of crying may change.
Clearly, the cry is a multi-functional tool for a baby to get what she needs. Besides crying when hungry, baby plays the blues when she is tired, wet, sick, bored, frustrated, out of routine, fed to often or sometimes simply because that is what normal, healthy babies do.
All babies cry, often without any apparent reason. Newborns cry a total of 1-4 hours a day. No mother can console her child every time she cries, so don’t expect to be a miracle worker with your baby. Pay close attention to your baby’s different cries and you’ll soon be able to tell when she needs to be picked up, consoled, or tended to, and when she is better off left alone.
Thing of crying as a signal, not a statement against your parenting.
In early infancy, crying is the intuitive way of communication both need and pleasure
Parents are most affected by a baby’s cry. We can assure you of this truth: you will not take pleasure in hearing that sound, especially if you are a first-time parent.
Will blocking baby’s cry be good for her? No.
What mom needs to respond to is why of the cry. Learn to assess the why behind baby’s cry. Only then your response be rational and purposeful instead of emotive.
A baby’s security is tied to her developing relationships with mom and dad, not simply the proximity of mom.
A marked change in your baby’s crying pattern may be a warning of illness. Look for a sudden increase in the frequency and duration of crying or a weak, mousy cry.
You can be certain the cry is not hunger-and-thrist cry if your baby is satisfied after feeding.
Babies who routinely cry and act hungry after and hour and a half are probably not getting enough food.
Another cry that needs investigation is when your baby wakes up in the middle of her nap with a loud, piercing cry. This could be caused by gas. Your baby may also be reacting to something in your breast milk as a result of what you ate earlier in the day. If this cry persists, physically check your baby. One mom reported that a strand of her long hair was wrapped tightly around her son’s toe. Once the hair was removed, the crying stopped immediately.
ANSWERING YOUR BABY’S CRY
How long should I let my baby cry? The timing of your baby’s cry is the first clue to understanding how you should respond.
Abnormal cry times include the following:
1. During feedings- Crying during feeding- Might be because baby is not getting enough food or isn’t taking in food fast enough
2. Immediately after feedings Crying Immediately after feeding or 30 minutes after, and the cry sounds like a pain cry rather than sleepiness cry, it may be caused one of these factors: trapped gas, your diet, milk quality problem.
3. At times when baby wakes early out of a sound nap- Waking early out a sound nap. If your babe wakes out of a sound sleep with a strong cry, it may be combination of the three factors mentioned above.
Crying during any one of these periods requires attention. Don’t wait for crying to subside. Investigate it, looking for the root cause.
Normal Crying Periods:
1. Just before feeding- Under normal circumstances, any cry that happens just before feeding should be limited, since the next event for the baby is mealtime.
2. When baby is put down for a nap- Many babies cannot fall asleep without crying and will go to sleep more quickly if left to cry for awhile. The crying shouldn’t last long if the child is truly tired. It is not unusual for the baby to occasionally begin whimpering or crying softly in the middle of nap. Sometimes you may think your baby is waking up when she’s actually going through a phase of very light slumber. She could be squirming, startling, fussing or even crying-and still be asleep. Don’t make the mistake of trying to comfort her during these moments; you’ll only awaken her further and delay her going back to sleep. Instead, if you let her fuss and even cry for a few moments, she’ll learn to get herself to sleep without relying on you. Some babies actually need to let off energy by crying in order to settle into sleep or rouse themselves out of it. As much as 15-20 minutes of fussing won’t do your child any harm. Just be sure she’s not crying out of hunger or pain or because her diaper is wet.
3. During late afternoon/early evening nap- Most babies have a personal fussy time. If a child is not comforted by the baby swing, an infant seat, siblings or grandma, consider the crib. At least there she has the chance to fall asleep. If you have a baby who becomes exceptionally and continuously fussy, consider the possibility that she is hungry.
WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN MY BABY CRIES?
1. Listen for the type of cry. You’ll begin to distinguish the different tones and patterns. Your baby is working hard to spell out her needs. Get to know your baby by decoding baby’s cries.
2. Think about where you baby is in her routine. Is it naptime, mealtime?
3. Take action based on what you have heard and reasonable concluded.Just remember, sometimes the best action is no action.
4. Take a note of how long your baby cries. Moms are surprised to find that most crying lasts between 5-10 minutes.
WHEN SHOULD I HOLD AND COMFORT MY BABY?
Parents should offer comfort when comfort is needed and determine what type of comfort is needed.
A baby can receive comfort in many different ways and different people.
The good news for the baby is that mom’s breasts are not the only source of comfort.
Remember, as baby grows her patterns of crying may change.
February 22, 2011
God Did Not Make You To Be Someone Else
Selected from Christine Caine Travel Blog http://www.equipandempower.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107&Itemid=224
You are the only you there will ever be. God made you unique, special and one of a kind. It is so important that in Him we become the best us we could possibly be. So many spend their lives wishing they were someone else living another life in another place. The truth is, this is your one and only life and you should never squander it in the world of comparison.
Comparison is an extremely destructive thing. It leads to self depreciation, self rejection and depression. If you focus on what you are not, what you do not have, who you are not, then you devalue who God actually made you to be, and what He called you to do. We are each different and have different levels of responsibility and authority, but we are all equally valuable in the sight of God. Don't spend your life looking at others and defining yourself by what you are not, rather look to Christ and discover all that He has created you to be in Him.
We are one body composing many parts, and we need each and every part to effectively function. It is our distinction, not our sameness, that sets us apart, and this is something we should celebrate in one another. Paul teaches, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves, but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise." (1 Cor 10:12) It is unwise to compare your gifts, talents, accomplishments, ministry or call with that of someone else. We are here to please God and fulfill His purpose for our lives, not to impress people.
If we fall into the comparison trap then we lose sight of God and His purposes because we stop looking up and start looking across. Instead of focusing on God and reaching lost people, we begin to focus on each other and our measure no longer becomes the will of God, but the standard of others. It is a trap that we must determine to never be caught in.
It is great to be stirred and inspired by one another, but not to compete and compare with each other. Each of us has enough grace to run our race and no-one else's. You represent a part of the image of God, never again to be duplicated, so be the best you that you can be for His glory.
You are the only you there will ever be. God made you unique, special and one of a kind. It is so important that in Him we become the best us we could possibly be. So many spend their lives wishing they were someone else living another life in another place. The truth is, this is your one and only life and you should never squander it in the world of comparison.
Comparison is an extremely destructive thing. It leads to self depreciation, self rejection and depression. If you focus on what you are not, what you do not have, who you are not, then you devalue who God actually made you to be, and what He called you to do. We are each different and have different levels of responsibility and authority, but we are all equally valuable in the sight of God. Don't spend your life looking at others and defining yourself by what you are not, rather look to Christ and discover all that He has created you to be in Him.
We are one body composing many parts, and we need each and every part to effectively function. It is our distinction, not our sameness, that sets us apart, and this is something we should celebrate in one another. Paul teaches, "For we dare not class ourselves or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves, but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves are not wise." (1 Cor 10:12) It is unwise to compare your gifts, talents, accomplishments, ministry or call with that of someone else. We are here to please God and fulfill His purpose for our lives, not to impress people.
If we fall into the comparison trap then we lose sight of God and His purposes because we stop looking up and start looking across. Instead of focusing on God and reaching lost people, we begin to focus on each other and our measure no longer becomes the will of God, but the standard of others. It is a trap that we must determine to never be caught in.
It is great to be stirred and inspired by one another, but not to compete and compare with each other. Each of us has enough grace to run our race and no-one else's. You represent a part of the image of God, never again to be duplicated, so be the best you that you can be for His glory.
Waketime and Naptime
Notes from Babywise chapter 7
Two activities in your baby’s routine: waketime and naptime specifically with a child who is at least one week old.
One of the most common mistakes made when following a routine is to reverse the order of the last two activities- that is, putting the baby down for a nap right after his or her feeding.
You have to work on keeping your baby awake to take full feeding. (Rub her feet, stroke her face, change a diaper, talk to her, remover her sleeper, but she must eat)
Waketime activities include times when you and your baby will be together and the times when your baby will explore his or her new world alone.
Naptime:
Naps are not an option based on your baby’s wants. When naptime comes, the baby goes down. It is that simple. For optimal development, infants need daytime rest.
When settling for a nap, crying for 15-20 minutes is not going to hurt your baby physically or emotionally.
Newborn:
Newborns can sleep 16-20 hours per day, including periods of sleep between each feeding.
The sleep will come in the form of 6-8 naps (depending on daily feedings)
When your baby has been up for an appropriate duration, which maybe only a total of 45 minutes including feeding time, and shows some sings of fussiness, it is time for a nap.
Two Months:
Baby drops her nighttime feeding and begins sleeping 7-8 hours continuously.
Naps during the day should be at least 1 ½ hours long.
NOTE; it is not unusual for 2-3 month old baby to awaken around 5 or 530am and talk to themselves for up to an hour. Afterward, they usually go back to sleep for another hour or so. This quirky phase can go on for a week or a month and sometimes longer. If you start to respond each time you hear a noise from the cradle, then 5am will become your baby’s waketime- and yours too.
3-5 months
Nighttime sleep will avg 10-12 hours.
The baby will have 3 daytime naps between 1 ½ to 2 hours long.
6-16th month
Your baby will drop her late afternoon/early evening nap at around 6 months, leaving two naptimes-one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The naps are usually 1 ½ to 2hours long.
16months and older
Between 16-20 months, the morning nap is dropped. Y
Your baby should be sleeping 10-12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during one afternoon nap.
For baby to wake up Happy follow these 3 rules:
1. Mom, not baby, decides when the nap starts
2. Mom, not baby, decides when the nap en
3. If your baby wakes up crying or cranky, it’s most likely because she hasn’t had sufficient sleep. Other factors to consider are dirty diapers, a noisy neighbor, sickness coming on, or an arm or leg stuck between crib slats.
Summary:
If your baby is waking up cranky or crying he or she most likely is not getting enough sleep. Even though she may cry, your baby will probably go right back to sleep in 10 minutes for another 30-40 minutes of rest. When your baby gets enough sleep, you will notice a happy disposition; the baby will make happy sounds, letting you know it’s time to get her up.
When your baby starts to sleep through the night, people will say “you’re so lucky” or “you got an easy baby.” Neither is true. Your baby is sleeping through the night because you trained her to do so. You can take credit for your success.
Two activities in your baby’s routine: waketime and naptime specifically with a child who is at least one week old.
One of the most common mistakes made when following a routine is to reverse the order of the last two activities- that is, putting the baby down for a nap right after his or her feeding.
You have to work on keeping your baby awake to take full feeding. (Rub her feet, stroke her face, change a diaper, talk to her, remover her sleeper, but she must eat)
Waketime activities include times when you and your baby will be together and the times when your baby will explore his or her new world alone.
Naptime:
Naps are not an option based on your baby’s wants. When naptime comes, the baby goes down. It is that simple. For optimal development, infants need daytime rest.
When settling for a nap, crying for 15-20 minutes is not going to hurt your baby physically or emotionally.
Newborn:
Newborns can sleep 16-20 hours per day, including periods of sleep between each feeding.
The sleep will come in the form of 6-8 naps (depending on daily feedings)
When your baby has been up for an appropriate duration, which maybe only a total of 45 minutes including feeding time, and shows some sings of fussiness, it is time for a nap.
Two Months:
Baby drops her nighttime feeding and begins sleeping 7-8 hours continuously.
Naps during the day should be at least 1 ½ hours long.
NOTE; it is not unusual for 2-3 month old baby to awaken around 5 or 530am and talk to themselves for up to an hour. Afterward, they usually go back to sleep for another hour or so. This quirky phase can go on for a week or a month and sometimes longer. If you start to respond each time you hear a noise from the cradle, then 5am will become your baby’s waketime- and yours too.
3-5 months
Nighttime sleep will avg 10-12 hours.
The baby will have 3 daytime naps between 1 ½ to 2 hours long.
6-16th month
Your baby will drop her late afternoon/early evening nap at around 6 months, leaving two naptimes-one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The naps are usually 1 ½ to 2hours long.
16months and older
Between 16-20 months, the morning nap is dropped. Y
Your baby should be sleeping 10-12 hours at night and 2-3 hours during one afternoon nap.
For baby to wake up Happy follow these 3 rules:
1. Mom, not baby, decides when the nap starts
2. Mom, not baby, decides when the nap en
3. If your baby wakes up crying or cranky, it’s most likely because she hasn’t had sufficient sleep. Other factors to consider are dirty diapers, a noisy neighbor, sickness coming on, or an arm or leg stuck between crib slats.
If your baby is waking up cranky or crying he or she most likely is not getting enough sleep. Even though she may cry, your baby will probably go right back to sleep in 10 minutes for another 30-40 minutes of rest. When your baby gets enough sleep, you will notice a happy disposition; the baby will make happy sounds, letting you know it’s time to get her up.
When your baby starts to sleep through the night, people will say “you’re so lucky” or “you got an easy baby.” Neither is true. Your baby is sleeping through the night because you trained her to do so. You can take credit for your success.
ZzzzZzzz
I wish I could take naps or just lay down for some energy during work hours. Especially after eating around lunch time, all I want do is lay down and rest. I'm glad it stopped raining. The rain was making me even more sleepy. Sometimes when I get this tired, I wonder how and if I'm going to have enough energy for my baby and still be able to keep up with life. God help me.
February 21, 2011
Wait for it Patiently
Don’t ask God for patience; you might get pregnant. I’m joking. However, I never quite understood why so many pastors used pregnancy as an analogy for waiting on God and patience until I got pregnant myself. The first three months into it, I was already ready to quit and give up. I realized that there was not much I could do other than wait out the nine months for the baby’s delivery which gave me hope and strength for the different stages of pregnancy. I knew the promise would come and the vision of the promise is what helped me endure it all. I had to purposely watch my mouth and stop myself from complaining and instead start thanking God for such an awesome blessing. Even now, almost seven months pregnant, I want it to be already nine months. But I know if the baby came now she would be premature and so the nine months of waiting is needed and essential for a healthy baby. Likewise, in our lives there are seasons of “pregnancy” in which all we can do is wait it out patiently with a good attitude and keep our eyes on Jesus knowing that the promise will come. He is faithful to His word.
Reference below is adapted from the book Streams in the Desert, pgs 83, 84.
“Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. (Psalm 37:7)
Have you prayed and prayed, and waited and waited, and still you see no evidence of an answer?
Are you tired of seeing no movement?
Are you at the point of giving up?
Then perhaps you have not waited in the right way, which removes you from the right place- the place where the Lord can meet you.
“Wait for it patiently” Rom 8:25.
Patience eliminates worry.
Patience eliminates weeping. Why feel so sad and discouraged? He knows your needs better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to receive more glory through it.
Patience eliminates self-works.
Patience eliminates all want.
Patience eliminates all weakness. Instead of thinking of waiting as being wasted time, realize that God is preparing His resources and strengthening you as well.
Patience yields worship.
Reference below is adapted from the book Streams in the Desert, pgs 83, 84.
“Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. (Psalm 37:7)
Have you prayed and prayed, and waited and waited, and still you see no evidence of an answer?
Are you tired of seeing no movement?
Are you at the point of giving up?
Then perhaps you have not waited in the right way, which removes you from the right place- the place where the Lord can meet you.
“Wait for it patiently” Rom 8:25.
Patience eliminates worry.
Patience eliminates weeping. Why feel so sad and discouraged? He knows your needs better than you do, and His purpose in waiting is to receive more glory through it.
Patience eliminates self-works.
Patience eliminates all want.
Patience eliminates all weakness. Instead of thinking of waiting as being wasted time, realize that God is preparing His resources and strengthening you as well.
Patience yields worship.
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