Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.
When Chris and I decided that we would like to proceed in growing our family, I "planned" a window of time in which I felt most comfortable. He was more enthusiastic about getting started in parenthood, while I was more hesitant, so I was actually ok if it didn't happen in this first window...my original "plan" had another year or so to go before becoming parents. Well, (in hindsight, praise God) we were able to start this journey quite soon into this potential window. -- Not exactly according to "planned"
We were thrilled! God had been so faithful in allowing us to begin our journey. Even though, it was not in my original plan, I knew there was a reason it happened when it did. Thus, I could not have been more excited. After the first couple of weeks, we received some interesting test results, so they called us in for an ultrasound. My mom jokingly introduced the idea of twins into the scenario, but of course, that was not in my "plan." However, sure enough! When we went in for the ultrasound, not one, but TWO little ones made their debut on-screen appearance. -- Again, not exactly according to "planned"
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
Wow! Doubly blessed! Chris and I were speechless. I immediately went into panic mode, as all I could think about was whether or not we could adequately parent, provide for, and nurture TWO children. God quickly reassured me through prayer and precious friends, that He was their provider, AND that He would equip us. At this point, several things had not gone as "planned," but I was finding myself more and more excited inspite of the unexpected detours. As the weeks progressed and anticipation for the long awaited gender reveal grew, I was asked many times what I thought. Well, of course, I thought this was planned, too. Without a doubt, a boy and a girl. Even two boys will do...but, two girls...I don't think I can handle that. The day of the ultrasound came...two little ladies. At this point, I thought, "My, God has such a sense of humor. What's he doing with all of my great plans?"
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Ok, so two girls. It's going to be a challenge, but God has great plans for this little family. Chris was in for some "trouble" with me, two girls, and our female Labrador, Ruthie. This is going to be fun! The weeks progressed, and we continued to prepare for our precious little girls' arrival. We entered the busiest season of our year. Chris started a new job in September, so he was getting the hang of new hours, new co-workers, and a new job description. For me, it was a season of teaching, coaching, sponsoring, and coordinating. Time was passing so quickly that it seemed like the girls would be here before we knew it...
On Tuesday, December 16, 2014, after a few days of some interesting things happening within my body (nothing seems too unusual during pregnancy, I have come to learn), I decided to leave school early and have the doctor check me and the little ones out...because I had eleven weeks of teaching, coaching, planning, preparing, etc. left to do, and I did not "plan" on any more interruptions. Well, so much for that plan! Apparently, my water had broken several days before, and the solution: bed rest...IN THE HOSPITAL...for the next few WEEKS until my sweet little ladies decided to make an appearance...an estimated five weeks later, as there were no signs of contractions, premature labor, etc. As the day wore on and still no sign of the ladies, I sent everyone home. After all, there was no need for my family to hang out in hospital for weeks in waiting -- Gosh, where went my plan??
Several events transpired over the next few hours, and before I knew it, I was being whisked away to the operating room...no family or friends within an hour travel time, and those little ladies were coming. Born 3 lbs 2 oz and 3 lbs 1 oz via emergency Cesarean section, Sara Katherine Jordan and Charlotte Anne Jordan burst into our lives about eleven weeks early. Since that day, Sara Kate and Charleigh Anne, as we have so affectionately named them, have been spending their days in the NICU at St. Vincent's. -- SO NOT IN MY PLAN!
Through it all, I have learned so much. The main point that I am highlighting in this oh so wordy post is this:
We can make plans all that we want. We can plan out each and every detail of every aspect of our lives. We can drive ourselves crazy when things go even the least bit awry. However, the fact of the matter is, there is a greater plan. A plan that we have no part in planning. That's the plan of our Creator. He has a plan so delicately and intricately devised for each and every one of us that we cannot even begin to fathom. He knows EVERYTHING what has been, what is now, and what is to come...things we will never know and for which we would never have planned. Thus, our plans are flawed (even when we don't even realize it), while His plans are perfect.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
This is a lesson that I am learning through this experience...however hard that it is being learned. Only God knew what was going to happen within those remaining eleven weeks. As much as I have racked my brain with the "what ifs" and "whys," I have no idea. Everything was going smoothly and heading toward a 38-40 week delivery, but God knew better. So, now I know, God's plan for our family has taken a detour from my plan, but now I also know, that He is in control, and we can rest in His plans for us, for they are perfect.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.
Isaiah 46:3(b)-4 ...you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried you since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Thank you for joining our journey,
Stephanie
Proverbs 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Ok, so two girls. It's going to be a challenge, but God has great plans for this little family. Chris was in for some "trouble" with me, two girls, and our female Labrador, Ruthie. This is going to be fun! The weeks progressed, and we continued to prepare for our precious little girls' arrival. We entered the busiest season of our year. Chris started a new job in September, so he was getting the hang of new hours, new co-workers, and a new job description. For me, it was a season of teaching, coaching, sponsoring, and coordinating. Time was passing so quickly that it seemed like the girls would be here before we knew it...
On Tuesday, December 16, 2014, after a few days of some interesting things happening within my body (nothing seems too unusual during pregnancy, I have come to learn), I decided to leave school early and have the doctor check me and the little ones out...because I had eleven weeks of teaching, coaching, planning, preparing, etc. left to do, and I did not "plan" on any more interruptions. Well, so much for that plan! Apparently, my water had broken several days before, and the solution: bed rest...IN THE HOSPITAL...for the next few WEEKS until my sweet little ladies decided to make an appearance...an estimated five weeks later, as there were no signs of contractions, premature labor, etc. As the day wore on and still no sign of the ladies, I sent everyone home. After all, there was no need for my family to hang out in hospital for weeks in waiting -- Gosh, where went my plan??
Several events transpired over the next few hours, and before I knew it, I was being whisked away to the operating room...no family or friends within an hour travel time, and those little ladies were coming. Born 3 lbs 2 oz and 3 lbs 1 oz via emergency Cesarean section, Sara Katherine Jordan and Charlotte Anne Jordan burst into our lives about eleven weeks early. Since that day, Sara Kate and Charleigh Anne, as we have so affectionately named them, have been spending their days in the NICU at St. Vincent's. -- SO NOT IN MY PLAN!
Through it all, I have learned so much. The main point that I am highlighting in this oh so wordy post is this:
We can make plans all that we want. We can plan out each and every detail of every aspect of our lives. We can drive ourselves crazy when things go even the least bit awry. However, the fact of the matter is, there is a greater plan. A plan that we have no part in planning. That's the plan of our Creator. He has a plan so delicately and intricately devised for each and every one of us that we cannot even begin to fathom. He knows EVERYTHING what has been, what is now, and what is to come...things we will never know and for which we would never have planned. Thus, our plans are flawed (even when we don't even realize it), while His plans are perfect.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans that I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."
This is a lesson that I am learning through this experience...however hard that it is being learned. Only God knew what was going to happen within those remaining eleven weeks. As much as I have racked my brain with the "what ifs" and "whys," I have no idea. Everything was going smoothly and heading toward a 38-40 week delivery, but God knew better. So, now I know, God's plan for our family has taken a detour from my plan, but now I also know, that He is in control, and we can rest in His plans for us, for they are perfect.
Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Psalm 71:6 From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb. I will ever praise you.
Isaiah 46:3(b)-4 ...you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried you since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Thank you for joining our journey,
Stephanie
