...since I have sat down and put my thoughts together. As I begin writing, I have a two entries in my notebook that I jotted down and want to share (even though I haven't posted since January, I have thought about keeping track and taking notes):
December 14, 2012
Today many miles away from Charleston, South Carolina, over 27 people are dead - more than 20 of them were children. Precious kindergarteners. In class. Someone came in and shot them along with their teacher. I don't know all of the details because I get so angry watching any of the coverage. First of all, why are they interviewing children? Why did this happen? So many other questions run through my mind. One thing remains true and gives me peace and comfort; God is in control, God gives me this sense of peace beyond all understanding and this wasn't a surprise to Him.
Also on this day, the wildest thing happen. We found out that we will be expecting a child of our own!! I cried. I laughed. I prayed. We prayed. We prayed that this precious child would lead numerous people to Christ. We prayed for finances. We prayed for health.
Excited about the journey. Praying for those families in Connecticut who lost their precious babies. Praying for our baby.
January 4, 2013
Today is the first of many posts like this. I just know how God works. I know how faithful and merciful He is. We went to the doctor to see about this cold I have been fighting since Monday. We spent time with my CRNP, Mrs. Lynn, who was more excited than I was! Her enthusiasm made me feel so joyous and actually better for once. I have been so sick for the past four weeks that it has been hard to be thrilled about the baby! To back track, we went to Mrs. Lynn on November 3rd to talk about getting off my medication and letting God be in control of the perfect time! So when we came in a little more than two months later, she was so encouraging and happy!
After confirming the inevitable (I can’t take anything for this cold and just need to wait it out), we went to check out. I was prepared to pay the $35 co-pay. The receptionist said that I actually had a credit on my account. I was blown away. I have always paid my co-pay at the time of service and also paid the balance that is sent to me after the Medi-Share discount.
My point is, this was CLEARLY the work of our Almighty God. I pray and beg that the Lord continues to show up in this way. We knew this baby is from the Lord and we know that He will provide every need.
....Aaaaand now to more recent news!!!
Over the past year (maybe I'm exaggerating, but it feels like it), my car has been doing this thing where it won't start - yet everything leading up to the engine starting works - radio, lights, car unlocks, etc. After a few hours and sometimes a few days of being parked at different places, it decides to start! It's very frustrating because it now is considered (in my book) unreliable. Well our sweet baby will be here in August and Eli's truck isn't meant for infant car seats in the back, so I knew we had to figure out what was going on with the not so trusty Equinox. Of course this story wouldn't start out without mentioning a tow (or two). We first had it towed from my sisters in Park Circle to Firestone where I go for regular maintenance. I proceeded to enjoy the beach with my friend Tam and expected to get a call later that day. They finally called and said it was the ignition switch and the part would be in the next day. They told me the price and said they would call when finished. Fast forward a few hours. Another call from Firestone starts out by saying, "how would you like four new tires?" Yes. Please. They had damaged two of the tires and agreed to replace all four for free. He will provide every need.
The next day they called and apologized. The ignition switch was not the issue and that I would have to take it to the dealership to see exactly what the problem was. I get there to sign the paper work and see the $800+ at a zero balance and felt beyond blessed. He will provide every need.So, tow number two sent us to the Chevy dealership where two days later they said that it was loose wiring and we just had to pay for labor to solve the issue. Loose wires and new tires, emergency fund (thanks, Dave Ramsey) to the rescue, we are back in business baby!!! This was CLEARLY the work of our Almighty God.
Did I say baby??? Update on that as well.
Some of you know Eli and I wanted to wait to find out if our baby was a boy or a girl on the day of the birth. Well, I caved in during the ultra sound and found out we are having a BOY!!!!!! We are real excited and things are going well with the pregnancy. After being sick --- cold, stomach bug, etc. --- for a few weeks, I have been feeling great. As of today, we are 30 weeks along.
Things are going well. God is good and so faithful. My last day of teaching was on May 24th. I cleaned out my classroom and handed in the keys. It was a great two years and I am now thankful for the time I will be able to spend being a wife and mom. Eli and I still feel called to move to Wake Forest, NC at the end of this year for Eli to work on his masters of divinity at Southeastern Seminary.
I have spent the last few months off facebook and trying to be more intentional with keeping our church fb account up to date, as well as not spending mindless time "surfing" fb!! I have been active on twitter, so all you twitter fans follow me @julielbyrd !!
As I close out this blog, I hang on to HIS promises and encourage you to do the same. Hebrews 13:5 tells us to be content and that He will never leave you nor forsake you.
I think this was at 20 weeks? I can't remember now!!
This was five weeks ago.
xoxo,
pt byrd
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