I talked to Amanda today, my friend Kathy, read all your comments, talked to my mom, dad, and Rich. Everyone is pointing me to the Lord, and saying so many encouraging things. My mom told me to make cookies for the kids and so I did. When I told my dad, “I just want to feel normal”, he said, “Well, this IS normal for you. You’re like this after you have a baby, aren’t you?” And I had to admit it was true. Rich told me that he can see a difference in me, that I still have low points but I’m also having some good times as well.
My friend Caroline stopped by with a gift for Seth and some cookies.
My Dad reminded me that every bit of good stuff coming my way is right from God. My heavenly Father is using the people in my life to help me get through this. He said that God is helping me more than I even realize. It’s true, I know. I really need to get my brain thinking positively. . . . .
I got outside as much as I could. I went on a small walk with Jacob and Caleb. We saw raccoon tracks down by the stream in the mud. We saw a robin. Jacob took pictures and Caleb enjoyed the stream, as always. I told Jacob we should name it “Caleb’s Stream”.
In the afternoon I went out with a blanket and watched David and Caleb play and make a fort.
Seth has been awake since 1:00 this afternoon. Every time I think I’ve got him to sleep, he’s wide awake again.
I just had all the kids go downstairs to play. In another hour and a half it will be their bedtime.
Please pray for Rich’s safe journey…he’s on his way to Tennessee via Chicago. Then, after his business there, he goes on to Tampa, FL. I think the majority of my sadness today stems from him leaving.
The verses you left here all made me cry buckets. I did cry a lot today. I’m tired now, but at least the tears seemed to have dried up.
Here are the two verses the Lord gave me today, as I read my Bible outside:
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee;
yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10
“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,
saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13
Well, Seth once again did not sleep….and is making those little noises that mean I can’t ignore him!
Goodbye for now~I may be back! LOL
Good to be Home 
Oh praise the Lord! I am so glad to hear that God is using the people around you to encourage you and point you towards HIM. You will continue to be in my prayers!
I’ve prayed that God gives us so much joy through you that he will bless you with joy again. He knows what you need before you ask. I know you will be feeling better soon.
Don’t you love it when your parents are right? I’m thankful this is just a season for you Shan and it will pass very soon, I’m sure! What awesome words of God to let sink in. I keep praying for you and won’t stop. I LOVE YOU!
Shanda, it sounds like you really need a good cuddling, some pampering and a few nights in a row where you sleep soundly! “The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you His peace.” Numbers 6:24-26 I pray you feel the blessing! love, Gail
Praying…”Now may the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in believing , that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Holding you up dear Shanda! Perhaps your little man will sleep more tonight with all this being up. The Lord loves you so much, as does you family! What a blessing to see your parents and siblings, and your husband and children all loving you so. HUGS and more HUGS! Jenny
I think there is great wisdom n your dad’s words. This season too will pass.Praying and loving you!
You are so blessed to have an earthly Christian father who can encourage you with his words as he has. When Ruby was so critical it was the promises of God and people praying that kept me encouraged and “up” when I hurt so much (and you were one of them!). Keep hanging on to God and your friends during this difficult time. You have a husband who loves you, six beautiful healthy children, family to encourage you and a great and mighty God who loves you more than any of us can — you will get through this!!PS — Thought you might be interested — Ruby was weighed today — 8 lbs 7 oz!!
I’m glad that God has spoken to you today through His word and through His people. I love you, and I will keep praying for you! Hang in there!
I’m glad you are feeling better, and that you have such an awesome support system. I know God will continue to hold you in His hands, and lift you up. You only have to reach out to Him. I’ll continue you pray for you, too. Love, Trish
I am glad to see this update that you are feeling better. I know how hard it is for your husband to go off when you have a baby and wish I could be closer to you. Keep doing what you need to do to get through this and don’t feel bad about it. Moms need mothering too. 🙂 Isn’t it wonderful to see the robins out again? I love seeing them and hearing their song in the early spring. I’ll be praying for you.
Your dad is so kind and tender with you, he is such a gift!
I believe God sent those little gifts outside just for you, to cheer you on your way, isn’t it a nice thought that He may have whispered in the Robins ear to go visit you? He makes all things new again.
I thought of you often and thought today was one of your busy days so I did not call, but you are so often on my mind!
much much love, JO
One moment at a time, one step at a time….HE will light your path and sustain you. xo
I will continue to pray for you. I hope since Seth was awake most of today he will sleep for you tonight. That is wonderful that you have your parents & such a wonderful support system around you.
Oh, I will be praying. I know God can and will give you just the strength you need for today. Let Him take care of tomorrow.
When I gave birth to my first son, he was due the second week in August. My Dad came out to stay with us but finally had to go home as #1 son just wouldn’t make his appearance. Since I was raised by my Dad, this visit was akin to having one’s “Mom” come out and help after the birth of a child. I cried when he left. Five weeks later my son was born, a healthy 8.6lbs. Doc changed my due date due to the size of his head in a sonogram. Guess he just had a big head. :)He was born on a Friday and by Sunday I was home. Monday morning I begged my husband not to go to work. By Tuesday, I was home alone with a newborn and a 7 yr old stepson who needed to be driven 30 minutes each way to school and back.No one in my extended family is a Christian. My Dad felt bad, but he could not afford to come back out. We were in a new home in a new town. The only reason I was able to nurse was because I read a book about it, my Dad told me my mother nursed me and I was determined. I learned how to care for him by watching mothering shows on cable tv.I was lonely, nervous at times, alone – couldn’t keep my house tidy, couldn’t put a meal on the table to save my life – had sciatica the first 6 weeks but LOVED my baby. And had a sweet 7 year old who would throw away dirty diapers for me out in the trash can.Everyone’s story is different. But we serve the same God and the day my son choked on liquid vitamins and I was on 911, I dropped to my knees on the spot and gave my son right back to God then and there. He was never in any real danger, but from that day on, even today – he is God’s child he allowed me to care for. As Elizabeth Elliot says – Just do the next thing.
I am so very thankful that the Lord does not give us more than we can handle.When we are overwhelmed…it is then that His grace is more evident. Your many friends who have comforted you would come to your doorstep they could.I know I would. So…I am asking the Lord to come instead…to cheer you and help you…to be to you all you need at this time.
Praying for you! Praising the Lord for His encouragement you have received. Just thinking about the gifts you give your children by walking and talking with them daily, by homeschooling. What a gift! No other school in the world could replace what you are blessing your children with. My heart smiles for you when I read of you baking cookies with them, walking by them, teaching them what raccoon tracks even look like… Be blessed today!! ~ Deborah
P.S. I love Isaiah 41:10, my kids learned a song to it at VBS a couple years back. I started singing it as I read what you wrote. : )
I thought of you all day yesterday and am so glad to hear you were encouraged by the end of it. Also, I thought about how silly was part of my comment (“let the kids fend for themselves”); that is not realistic! I am sorry if saying something like that only added to your frustration. ❤ HIS STRENGTH is certainly being made perfect in your weakness; He shines through you. I will continue praying for you during Rich’s absence. It is so hard for me whenever Terry goes on a business trip, and I don’t even have the responsibility you do! But it is the emotional stability of their simple presence that we miss. We are so blessed.Love,Angie
I was reading last night and I came across these verses.
Psalm 55: 16-18~As for me, I will call upon God: and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.
I especially love that last verse. There are so many people that love you and are on your side!! Think of all your prayer warriors praying for you right now!! How blessed you are!!
Praising the Lord He is continually turning our hearts toward Him …