Growing Gratitude

When I first started blogging (although I can be so sporadic that you can hardly call what I do blogging), I wrote about Psalm 113:9. This verse to me is like a sweet and sour dish. I know the sour and almost bitter side of it all too well - "the barren women", but God graciously answered the cry of my heart allowing me to taste the sweet side of this dish - to be a mother AND to also be able to stay at home with Charis. Deep down even while I was pregnant with Charis (which is the Greek word for "grace" - "undeserved mercy") I wondered if I would ever have this undeserved mercy again. Fifteen weeks ago today, I began to suspect it. The next day to Joshua's and my complete joy, we found out we were expecting again. I am almost 20 weeks, and it is hitting me that with the busyness of a toddler and a summer full of family, work and fund raising that it hasn't soaked in that we are going to have another child. Maybe that is why I stare at my ever growing baby bump as if it shouldn't be there. I want to treasure this pregnancy more than I have so far and soak in the little movements in my womb. As I anticipate this new precious face, I realize that God is answering every part of that verse that I prayed: "He settles the barren women in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the LORD." Please join with me and praise the Giver of Life.

19 Weeks