Thursday, October 22, 2009

Teachability, Patience, and Humility

As an opinionated and vocal woman, why does it surprise me that everyone has their own opinion to share, especially when you’re pregnant?  Over the past few weeks I’ve realized that everyone knows exactly what pregnant women should or shouldn’t eat, how they should exercise, what techniques will be best for labor, how to nurse, and even what toys we should or shouldn’t allow our baby to play with.  Funny enough, few people have the same opinion and everyone seems to contradict one another.  Whether the advice comes from a doctor, a friend without children, a friend with 5 children, a popular book, or another pregnant woman, I am still thankful for the variety of advice I am getting.  I appreciate that my family, friends, and doctors care enough about me to share what has worked for them and others they know.

So now, after expressing my gratitude, I also ask for your prayers.   As Josh and I prepare for our little one, we will be making many decisions that will affect our family in a variety of ways.  Pray that we will continue to be teachable and listen to the advice and wisdom that so many want to share with us.  Josh and I have been praying that the Lord will give us discernment. Everyone’s circumstances are different, but the Lord knows our every need so we pray that He will help us to make decisions that are best for our family.  Secondly, I ask that you pray for us to have patience.  With so many people asking us to consider a way that worked for them, it can be difficult to respectfully disagree with someone or explain that we would prefer not to take that specific route.  I hope the Lord will continue to allow Josh and I to express our thankfulness in how an individual is demonstrating their love for us.  Finally, please pray for us to have humility.  It is difficult to not become prideful or defensive about things we have already made decisions about when others clearly disagree.  Since I was a young girl I have always helped care for infants, toddlers, and young children. The majority of my friends already have children so I think it is safe to say that I am not naive about babies and children; however, pray that I will continue to realize I always have more to learn.

Proverbs 11:2  When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Colossians 3:12  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Mercy at 12 Weeks

This week I have seen abundant mercy and grace poured out on me from the Lord.  Monday morning I started bleeding very heavily, which is not a good sign for a woman who is 12 weeks pregnant.  Thankfully, Josh happened to have the day off of work and so we immediately went to the doctor.  I wasn't having any cramping and I wasn't nauseated so I was somewhat optimistic.  As we sat in silence during the 35-minute drive to the doctor, the Lord brought many of his promises to my mind.  I was so blessed by these reminders of the Truth that I believe in.  Some scriptures included:

James 1:2-3  Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Colossians 3:15-17  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.   Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him

2 Corinthians 12:9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me

Psalm 121:1-2  I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from?  My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Deut 31:8  The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

When we arrived at the doctor, they preformed an ultrasound...Praise the Lord, the baby looked good.  He/She was kicking like crazy and the heartbeat was really strong.  The doctors were concerned however because they were not able to identify the cause of the bleeding. In addition, they were concerned with the fact that I have a negative blood type (or no Rh Factor) and Josh has a positive blood type (presence of a Rh factor).  From what they told me, this can be very dangerous for a pregnant woman.  This combination (me being negative and Josh being positive) most likely results in a child who is Rh positive. Although the baby’s blood system and mine are separate, there are times when the blood from the baby can enter into my system or vice versa. This can cause my body to create antibodies against the Rh factor, thus treating an Rh positive baby like an intruder.   Long story short, my body’s immune system would attack the baby as if it were an infection causing my body to break down the red blood cells of the baby.  Results from this include anemia, other illnesses, brain damage, and possibly even death.

Basically what the doctors ended up doing was giving me an injection of RhIg (also known as Rhogam). This will help me by suppressing my ability to react to the Rh positive red cells. This means that my body will not be able to fight off any infections for awhile, but it will protect the baby a little better.  I will need to get this shot every 10 weeks and again immediately after the delivery of the baby.  

I can see so much grace in this, and I am so thankful both the baby and I are fine.  I think it’s amazing that the Lord has given doctors wisdom to know these types of things.  Please continue praying for mercy in this area. Pray that the Lord will protect the baby and me from getting sick since my body will not be able to fight off any infections. Most importantly, pray that I remember that it is the Lord who gives and takes away (Job 1:21) and that I will continue to glorify Him no matter what His will for my life is.