Happy 5 Months!

This little boy is growing so fast! I know I say that everyday, but he just is! He is developing his own little personality-- he flirts with all females and will definitely tell you in his own little jabber when he is not happy. It is not a cry of irritability, but a moaning and groaning of words that you know he must understand, and we think we are glad we don't!

He is bringing us so much joy-everyday God uses him to speak joy into our lives. This mama's heart has been filled to overflowing with gratitude the past few days. I couldn't help but think back to one year ago yesterday when an ultrasound report threw us into a scary place. It has been something that I couldn't even really talk about to very many.

I was given a diagnosis for my developing baby that I would not accept. I felt helpless at the time but never hopeless. I knew God was faithful and would never leave me no matter what the outcome. Jay and I trusted God's word-His promises and prayed like never before. Some think the ultrasound was done too early, others that the first diagnosis was incorrect, but no matter what the actual case was, God showed Himself faithful to us. After two weeks of not knowing if we would have a healthy child or if the child would live at all, a specialist reviewed and re-reviewed my ultrasounds. Looking very puzzled, he told us he saw a healthy baby growing and developing the way he should be at that time. We didn't know whether to shout out loud our Hallelujahs while dancing a jig, hug his neck, or hug each other. I can say we did a little of it all but just not all at once!

I apologize to those family members and friends that I have not been able to share this story with. It was probably one of the most trying times I have been through, but now one of the most rewarding. There were those who knew about it during that time and we appreciated all the prayers and words of encouragement.

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

I have found that there is not joy in the trial itself, but after you have walked through it--only then can you see the joy God can bring from the pain.

Psalm 126:5 "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy."

My heart hurts for those who are now walking through trials of their own. I only pray you know He is walking with you and there is Joy on the other side.

Thank you, Lord, for our little miracle man!