Michael shared Nehemiah 9 with me yesterday which basically goes through the rebellious history of the Israelites. Michael made the comment that God was so abundantly patient and gracious with Israel that the exile in itself was an act of grace. He made the point that God exiled Israel as punishment, but intended to restore them in the long run.
"But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them." Nehemiah 9:17b
Neither does God forsake us. During seasons of difficulty, complacency in spending time with the Lord can creep in. Over the past few weeks I have been overwhelmingly stressed out to where I go to sleep at night and wake up with a small amount of energy that quickly is zapped as I head into the day. I was hoping and praying for a better time this week, but too this week proved to be very difficult with the vast amount of work I had to take care of. I literally walked around my property with the thought in my head that my water could break at any moment because of all the movement and stress I am under.
I was so happy to have my leasing agent work yesterday as I gained some energy from being around another person. We were able to accomplish a ton! It really helped me with my "nesting" feeling that I have had over the last two weeks. We were able to plan the pool party for next Saturday, approve applications, send out all notices, email residents, and so much more. It was a much better day. However, when we got home, I received a call from my Mom that our little yorki, Mattie had been attacked by a neighbor’s dog in the back yard. At first they thought her jaw was completely gone as it was fully covered in blood. While Mattie is still at the emergency vet this morning waiting to have surgery, we think the dog just ripped off the skin, some tissue, and her teeth. Mattie means a ton to my family...she is the last dog alive from my childhood as we have put two other dogs (old weenie dogs) to sleep this year. Mattie is more like my parents child than a dog and I know they are devastated over this right now. We are praying for recovery and that she will not need to be put to sleep.
With that said, I spent most of the night waking up several times (pregnant potty breaks) and thinking that every time I would find myself in labor. In part this excited me (we are 35 1/2 weeks pregnant and survival and health outside would be totally good now), but at the same time I have my shower this weekend and I will be picking up a friend from the airport this morning who is staying with us through Monday. I do not know what we would do if Ainsly decided to make her appearance today. Michael asked me to try and make it a week from this Monday...that's my goal anyways. By then, the pool party at work will be over, I will have met with the lady who is covering me for maternity leave, and Ainsly's stuff will be here and ready to go. I am so excited about Ainy, as Ady calls her. I am ready to see her sweet face, learn her personality more, and see how Ady acts with her. What a true blessing it is to have two little girls!! Our God is gracious and loving. He never brings us through seasons we are unable to bare...He is my strength! And who knows, maybe the heavy stress is a way of answering my prayers for an early birth.
Father, thank you for your loving kindness and for caring for me when I rely on myself for strength. You are faithful always and in you I will place my trust on a daily basis.
Love you,
