Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Answers

In our evening prayers these months past, my husband whispered over me...

An unprolonged wait for the desires of our hearts. Dreams coming to fruition. HIS will be done.

Think you that he was praying for our house to sell, so the purchase of our next home, one in which we will send our roots deep, would be possible? Yes, dear reader. You are right. A home. But also...

Another child. And the answer?

A second heartbeat has awakened beneath my own. My womb stretches; pushing, growing, making room. My nine-week-old little one has fingers and toes that are newly separated from each other, and facial features decidedly more human than alien-like. It has nestled in the center of my body, to be safe and protected until March.

When asked, "Where is the baby, Eliana?", she pats my tummy. Or my chest, leg; whatever is nearest her little hand. The boys tug on my arm, whispering into my ear, "May we tell?" whenever we run into someone in our little town. The postal workers, grocers, librarians, and sweaty children on rusty bikes have all heard our glorious news, from the mouths of my excited children.

Kevin and I look at each other in wonder; laughter, even. We move to Utah in five days. Our house, of course, has not sold. Yet.



Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny baby growing in its mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the activity of God, who does all things.
(Ecclesiastes 11:5)


Limbs of a nine-week-old in the womb


He does all things. We still jump whenever the phone rings, and laughingly say to each other, "Yes! We'll take the offer! Whatever it is!" But as each day passes, and I pack away boxes of precious books and pictures to keep in storage while we live in an apartment, my trust in a God who does all things grows stronger.

So we look to other new beginnings; I shall outsmart this morning sickness with a steaming bowl of cream of wheat in the morning, accompanied by scoops of flax meal, wheat germ and brown sugar. I shall trump the exhaustion with a twenty-minute lie down in the afternoon, and whether I sleep or not, it will revive my weary bones and bring forth a smile for my family during the dinner hour.

Come Autumn. Blow in, Winter.

Spring shall bring new life. Wherever we are. For He does all things.

58 fellow travelers shared:

Mrs. MK said...

Oh how wonderful!!! God is so good to us all! Babies are the dearest gift!!

Prayers that the fatigue and sickness pass soon!!

Cosette said...

I am so excited for you!! Another little one for you to nuture and love...congratulations!
And your previous post right before this one...that is so exciting too! God is doing wonderful things!
And here are some extra prayers for your house to sell too :)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! This post is so beautiful.

Grafted Branch said...

Babies, babies, everywhere on your blog!

Congratulations, Elise. This is very exciting news. A baby in March, in Utah. It will be a beautiful springtime for you and yours.

And...20 minutes? *Just* 20 minutes? You are a better woman than I!

Amy... said...

Yes! I'm so thrilled for you, Elise! This is wonderful news...and the timing might seem more perfect later on:) Can't wait to "meet" the little one...

love, Amy

Liberty said...

Praise the Lord! Congratulations! I will pray that your house sells!

Karen said...

Congratulations! I remember the excitement of discovering we were expecting.

This is my first time at your blog; saw your comment today at "Raising Five". I think we have common church roots (Church of Christ).

Melissa Stover said...

congratulations dear friend! what a wonderful blessing for your family.march is a wonderful time to be born (i was!)

Audrey said...

Now I know why that donut was sounding so good - smile!

Cindee said...

Congratulations! God is so faithful. Always. In all things.

Even though we've never met, I'll miss you being in Idaho. It's been fun having a fellow blogger in the same state as me. Godspeed.

Beka said...

"Praise the Lord: ye heav'ns adore Him!" My heart overflows with joy and praise for you, dear friend! This is marvelous and so amazing; God's timing is something else, isn't it? Oh, how I am praising Him!

Praying for you always... may He shelter and protect this precious little life as it grows and give much strength and health to you, and may His perfect peace guard your heart and mind from worry and fear.

Lamentations 3:22-23
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning: Great is Thy faithfulness.

He is faithful, indeed, and my heart swells with His praise.

And thank you, thank you for everything-- I was so very touched by your last post on our behalf :-)
Much, much love to you!!

Tracy said...

Psalm 127:3-5 " Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is 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."

My heart is full to the overflowing with joy for your precious family. How wonderful it is to see God bless you with another new life to cherish!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations to you and the rest of your family, Elise!!

I admire your attitude of thankfulness and anticipation that could easily rather be this:
"We're moving soon...I have so much to do...There's so much stress...and I have to deal with morning sickness on top of all this?!?!?!"

It's all in how we view things, isn't it? With God we are given so much hope ~ so much strength!

EEEEMommy said...

Congratulations! How fun for Eliana to be a big sister! What joy that your boys share in your excitement! Praise Adonai!

Anonymous said...

Elise ~ what very special news and what a wonderful post and the way you shared it with us.

Hope all goes well with the move and selling your house. You have lots of new beginnings in store these next weeks and months. We'll look forward to being part of the journey with you.

Wendy said...

Hi Elise! Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and your family.

God is good!

Cindi said...

I have been praying daily for your house to sell. Congratulations on the new blessing. How exciting!

Staci said...

Congratulations on your new little one Elise!!!

I will pray your house sells..soon!

In Christ,

Staci

Maxine said...

Aww, Elise, how very wonderful. A precious little one for a precious mommy. How blessed this little one will be. Now two of my favorite people are expecting at about the same time. So excited and thankful for you and your husband and children!
Joyful children, sons and daughters,
Shall about thy table meet,
Olive plants, in strength and beauty,
Full of hope and promise sweet.

Laura Talbert said...

Oh, Elise--how wonderful! Praise God for His faithfulness and abundant provision!

Beverly said...

Oh Elise dear!!
I am so overwhelmed with joy. Beka and now you? What gifts from our Lord! Your quiver is filling ... and you are so blessed my friend.

Yes, He does all things. His timing is impeccable, His purpose is sure. I'm so excited. I wish I could get a plane ticket and give you a real hug, but I'll have to be content with an over the net one.

Blessings, Blessings -- everywhere!! I so can't wait until March :-)

Sarah said...

Your beautiful words give me such excitment for our next little blessing, when ever God may decide the timing is right! I'm so excited for you!
Love, Sarah

Anonymous said...

Congratulations. This is a beautiful post. I hope you've printed it out for the baby book or family Bible.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! What a blessing to have another little one in your sweet family!

Queenheroical said...

OH OH OH my heart sings for you! Congratulations Elise and Kevin and family! Such a wonderful blessing. My prayers go with you during the move etc.

I want to go sing now!

in joy, Krina

TaunaLen said...

Yes, congratulations! What wonderful news, and delivered in such a beautiful way.

~TaunaLen

Anonymous said...

A hearty congratulations to you and your family! You have such a beautiful way with words and this post is a treasure to hang onto for your new little one. Children are a treasure from the Lord. I look forward to *meeting* your little one in the spring. :0) Back to caring for my family now . . . it was nice to read this post!!!

Kendra said...

Congratulations! You are obviously such a wonderful mother, what a gift for this little child to be born into your loving home. May the Lord grant you strength and endurance during this time.

Christine said...

What a blessed child, to join your family. And how blessed you will all be as well. As always, your words dangle in the realm of perfect.

Love to you!

Anne Marie Criswell said...

Hi, I'm really close friends with Sarah from asthelordworks. My husband and I moved to UT from FL about 2 years ago. Where are you moving from? Your husband is a pastor. is that correct? Sarah said she thought that he was moving out here to pastor at a church. Which church? My husband and I are helping with a church plant in Heriman which is 30 mins south west of Salt Lake. I hope your moving plans are going well. I wanted to contact you too to let you know that my husband and I are available if you need help with moving or anything else. We are always excited when more Christians move to Salt Lake!

God Bless you and your family,
Anne Marie
acriswell7@gmail.com

Sandi said...

Congraulations! I so enjoyed your post! I am 8 weeks along myself and am too looking forward to new life in the Spring.
I hear you about the morning sickness (mine is actually afternoon sickness) and fatigue. A small price to pay for a new little soul to love and raise for His glory.
So happy for you!

rcsnickers said...

Praise God! What wonderful news. May your morning sickness be to a minimum with your move, schooling, and all that you do! Will pray for you!

Letisha

Katherine@Raising Five said...

Oh, I am so happy for you. Yes, He does all things...well!

Much love,
Katherine

Stacy said...

Oh, Elise!

I read this with a wide smile and tears welling up in my eyes, then spilling onto my cheeks.

A new little life! God is *SO* wondrously good! I am so happy for you, Kevin, and your children.

It is one thing to welcome this kind of news and it's a whole 'nother thing to long and pray for a baby and then see it as a direct (and beautiful) answer to prayer.

I sure love our God!

And I love you, too, my friend. Praying for you and your new little one, and for your house to sell, too!
~Stacy

Anonymous said...

Elise how wonderful! We rejoice with you :-). And I will pray with you both about selling your house. If it sells in this economy, it will truly be His Hand!

I have missed the world of blogging the last month or so, but have returned. It is so good to hear your good news!

Danielle

Anonymous said...

elise...

I am so happy for you, truly, deeply happy.

Congratulations and thank You, Lord.

-J said...

Wonderful news!
Rejoicing with you,
Judith

TheNormalMiddle said...

Congratulations a million times over! You are blessed indeed!

Anonymous said...

Elise,

Rejoicing with you!!! What a blest little one to be entering *such* a family. It's fun to hear about your children's excitement... I love it!

And, it's so cool that you and Beka are pregnant at the same time! An added blessing.

Beautiful announcement. Much love to you, and still praying for and expecting answers to your other requests! Soon, friend.

~Miriam

Inspiration Station said...

Will you really be in Utah in 5 days? What exciting and new adventures await you and your family. I am just thrilled for you having a new little one. We moved here when I was 7 months pregnant. After staying with family, we were finally able to sell our home in VA and move into another home a week after she was born. Doesn't seem like good timing, but with the Lord's help it all worked out. Hope your move goes well and you can endure it with your morning sickness. Thinking of you!
Mindy :)

Andi Mae said...

Congratulations, sweet friend!! What awesome news! And the way that you shared it with us is so beautiful- you made me cry :)

P.S. Thank you so much for praying for us and our move- I appreciate it so much! I am praying for you as well!

Joy @ SAH Missionary said...

Oohh, congratulations and praise God!! How blessed is this little one to be able to call you mama. Blessings on you, your family, your new life, and all your hectic happenings!
Joy

Shannon said...

Congratulations!

MammaMayMiller said...

Oh Elise!!! Wonderful news!!! Congratulations! I will be praying that the sickness eases soon...
Pregnancy is such an awesome gift and I am truly delighted for you :o)
Much love to you and all your family xx

Michelle Peacock said...

Congratulations to you and your family on the news of this new little one! God is so good! Can't wait to "watch" your pregnancy and all.

Kate said...

Congratulations Elise! Oh the stress of moving and morning sickness. I know it well.

Your words are simply breath taking. Beautiful.

Kate

Martha said...

Elise,

God is so good. Children are *SUCH* a blessing.

Rejoicing with you.

Jane

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!

~~Rachel
www.nothinggold.net

Alycia said...

Congratulations Elise!!! I am so happy I came for a visit ~ even though I am on a self-imposed blogging break. I am rejoicing with you to read of your wonderful news and the little life growing within you. Blessings to you and your family!

Sandy said...

Elise, I've been waiting for this post, from back when you first told me. Spring will be here before you know it. Enjoy every day & prayers that your house will sell SOON!
Blessings, Sandy

Andrea said...

Rejoicing with you Elise!!!!!!
What a perfect verse from Ecc.
love you
andrea

Amico Dio said...

Oh my!!! Elise... this is wonderful news! Congratulations!!

I am praying that your house will sell and that all is well with the new little one.

You are awesome girl!

Laura said...

CONGRATULATIONS, ELISE! So happy for you!!!

Shelley said...

Warmest congratulations! How very exciting. So many new things in the air for your precious family!

Love, Shelley

Anonymous said...

How wonderful, Elise...another child to bless you home...and how blessed that child is to be chosen to be raised in you home too!
Hope you are feeling well....

~Debi

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! I am so pleased with you! I'm remembering you in prayer, too, as you are settling in and have so many changes in your life. (I can relate!) :)

Much love, Elise

lori said...

what a absolutely beautiful post...praise God for his abundant blessings...and for babies tucked safely in the womb...HE is amazing, and your words glorify him...I am speechless...

ORANGEHOUSE said...

You write beautifully. I also read your entire Isms blog and caught glimpses of my own boys, now 7 and 11. Be blessed.

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