Kerry Hasenbalg

So Ready - But Waiting on God!

"Love is patient."  I Cor. 13:1

My heart is ready for this little girl's arrival.  My house, my kids, my husband and my body it seems are also quite ready for her arrival.  We've actually gotten ready twice to head to the hospital - yep, one hour with contractions five-six minutes apart.....and then on both occasions the contractions tapered off and Scott and I went to sleep.  Apparently, this is what's called Prelabor.   

Anyhow,these last few years and specifically this pre-labor business have caused me to consider the verse, "Love is patient" differently than I have in the past,  particularly as it pertains to my relationship with God. If I love God, am I not called to be patient with Him and the timing of when He chooses to fulfill His plans for me?  I also already love this little girl in my womb, and if it is not yet her time to come forth from the womb, is it not important that true love take over and choose patience?  It is my responsibility to confess my fear and impatience to the Lord and to then choose to trust and believe in the waiting.  Help me Lord to do this. 

The other day someone said, "Oh, I know how hard it can be to wait nine months to hold your baby."  But what came to my mind was the fact that I have actually been pregnant almost 100 weeks without coming home with a baby to hold.  (with the loss of Isabella in 2008 and then two consecutive miscarriages after Isabella and just before this pregnancy). Now I know how elephants must feel having to be pregnant for almost two years before being able to love on their new young.  

Yet, in it all I must admit that I do sense God!  I have sensed His presence in every bit of the waiting, pain, hope and joy!  He has never ever left me alone in any of this - NEVER! What comforting truth God spoke when He said, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age."  Matthew 28:20. 

So, Lord, Thanks!  Thank you even in the waiting!  Thank you even in the pain and loss.  I do boldly ask you Lord to bring this little girl forth from my womb healthy and whole, in your time.  Thank you for the access to your throne of grace through the blood of your son Jesus!  And Lord, for those who are even now suffering through the pain of loss, whether it be the loss of a parent, sibling, child or friend, minister to them clearly your comforting presence and the truth of the resurrection.  

My Funny Girl

Seeing as I have been really crampy of late and am not able to do as much this week as I was able to do with Maya last week,  she and I have been talking about the many signs that lead up to labor.   Anyhow, I stopped in her room where she was playing to rest for a bit and let her know things are still moving along towards her baby sister’s arrival. 

I began, “Maya, I just lost my mucus plug…”

To which she quickly responded,

“Oh Momma, quick, let’s bow our heads and fold our hands, and pray - so you can find it!”

 

More Wedding Photos

My sister-in-law Jenn and her son Jacob, the ringbearer 

My older brother Bobby, AKA the best man, and his son Jacob, AKA the ringbearer 

My husband and daughter, AKA the flowergirl

My mom and dad (mother and father of the groom)

Bride and Groom leaving church heading to reception

The bride's father is a florist!

     Notice the tent poles: they are covered by real trees!  The theme was sticks and crystals and colors were brown and pink.  It was amazing!  The dinner was served like a Brazilian steakhouse.  And we danced all night - even me at 36.5 weeks prego....I danced a good bit.  

 I love that my brother Tom and Heather really enjoy one another! 

 

  

Tommy and Heather Wed

   

A Day of Praise

I suppose there is something a little wrong with reading a devotional like one might read a horoscope, but sometimes I find myself doing something akin to just that; and this coming Saturday happens to be one of those dates.  My younger brother, Tommy, is getting married this Saturday, June 19th, and in preparation for the big day I thought it would be interesting to see what my "red" devotional had to say for him on his wedding day.     

As I began to read, I just couldn't believe my eyes....It began, "You are held in the Hand that holds the world.  You are kept by the Power that rules the universe...."

Ever since my older brother, Bobby, became a juvenile diabetic at age 7 and my younger brother, Tommy, was diagnosed with a rare form of juvenile macular degeneration of his eyes ( A.K.A. Stargardt's disease), my mother has earnestly sought the Lord for His promises regarding her two beloved sons.  She has testified many times of how God has comforted her from the scriptures in regards to each of their health conditions.  God has given her very specific scriptures for each of her children; and depending on which child she is fretting over at the time she will quote God's promises as comfort about that one.  

For my little brother Tommy, both regarding his spiritual walk and his genetic eye condition, God gave my mom the promise early on found in 2Timothy 1:12, which reads, "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day." 

Yes, Tommy is "being kept by the Power that rules the universe," just as the devotional excerpt begins.  

And considering both Tommy's eye condition and the fact that just about every major circumstance in his life is about to change (getting marrying and moving), the rest of the devotional reading is just as apropos.  It goes on by saying, "None can pluck you from My hand.' It is not your feelings that keep you.  It is not even your faith - for I know that waxes and wanes quickly under differing circumstances.  No, it is My hand that holds you, My child, and protects you when you are least aware of it. When your eyes are open and you are able to see this reality, give thanks and offer praise.  When you cannot see or feel the reality, still give thanks and praise.  This is an act of faith with which I am pleased. And by the exercise of your faith, it will grown stronger and steadier."

So, tomorrow we all head up to Eagle's Mere for the big day:  Tommy and Heather's wedding!  BTW, Heather is terrific!  Not that I had a vote in Tommy's choice, I give my soon-to-be new sister-in-law two thumbs up!  

As for me in the wedding festivities, I am in fact planning to walk down the aisle  - Well, Waddle down the aisle at least, at 36 weeks pregnant.

Lord, thank you for this baby in my womb and sustainer her to this day. I ask that you continue to keep her in the palm of your mighty hand. Bless my little brother and his new bride. We praise you and thank you for all your many blessings and mercies – You are most worthy of our praise!