It has come to my realization that this blog's main focus needs some updating...
Please stick around for the changes. I know I have not been blogging very much lately and that is one of the drawbacks to be a very busy wife, mom, and soon-to-be full time student in the middle of a family transition out of the military. :) It is a crazy road and praise the Lord, is should be over soon! :D
I want to re-evaluate the mission behind this blog and add resources for families experiencing sensitive birth situations. While it is important to keep the basic structure of the blog: Seeking God in Pregnancy, I want to add some special places for families to go under various circumstances.
Pregnancy loss will be something added here. Scriptures and uplifting words.
Birth Trauma will be another area of interest for this blog.
Families in adoptive situations will eventually be able to come here and find Scriptures and community.
Please lift this transition up in prayer with me! :D
These new things should all be in place by spring time next year and ready to go!
<3
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
"What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." KJV
Ok first let me say that I like the KJV version of this Scripture the best because in verse 19 we have Paul (the presumed author) saying WHAT?? Like... WHAT you don't know this??
I just think it's funny... :)
Anyway now that I have set the tone on a serious note... Let's talk about how this Scripture applies to us in pregnancy, labor and birth. I am sure as women, we have heard this before. This fact that our bodies are not our own and we need to be taking care of them so that they are working correctly. So that we live healthy and longer. So that we are glorifying the Lord with each day that we exist inside them. These bodies are temples for our God to dwell inside and we must make them a Holy place for him to dwell.
The issue is... there are so many temptations out there for us to fall victim too if we let ourselves and cause our bodies to be an unclean place. My thoughts are... you can't change your entire self in a day. But as long as you are working at becoming a temple and progressively getting better then your body is a welcome place for the Holy Spirit because praying over your body and taking care of it definitely means you care about Him being there.
Pregnancy is a different story though because now we have two bodies inside one that need to be taken care of. One of the most beautiful things about childbirth IMO is the fact that we get to be a vessel for God's creation of new humans... new souls that will impact the world. God has plans for them and they include us and how we take care of ourselves.
If we are neglectful of the temple our body is meant to be... then we are not in right standing to be a positive part of God's plan for this little human he is making inside our bodies. Does that make sense? :) If I were sitting in front of you we could discuss this but typing concepts like this can be a challenge sometimes. :)
We must not only treat our bodies as the Temples for our Living God that they are, but we must also treat them as Holy Homes for our little children while the Lord is growing them inside us. We must be in prayer over ourselves and our babies. We must eat well. Take care of our bodies with sleep and rest. Also exercising that is appropriate. All these things and more... whatever you are feeling convicted of doing... we must do for the simple fact that our bodies are not our own... and even more so are they not during childbirth. It all belongs to God. :)
Ok first let me say that I like the KJV version of this Scripture the best because in verse 19 we have Paul (the presumed author) saying WHAT?? Like... WHAT you don't know this??
I just think it's funny... :)
Anyway now that I have set the tone on a serious note... Let's talk about how this Scripture applies to us in pregnancy, labor and birth. I am sure as women, we have heard this before. This fact that our bodies are not our own and we need to be taking care of them so that they are working correctly. So that we live healthy and longer. So that we are glorifying the Lord with each day that we exist inside them. These bodies are temples for our God to dwell inside and we must make them a Holy place for him to dwell.
The issue is... there are so many temptations out there for us to fall victim too if we let ourselves and cause our bodies to be an unclean place. My thoughts are... you can't change your entire self in a day. But as long as you are working at becoming a temple and progressively getting better then your body is a welcome place for the Holy Spirit because praying over your body and taking care of it definitely means you care about Him being there.
Pregnancy is a different story though because now we have two bodies inside one that need to be taken care of. One of the most beautiful things about childbirth IMO is the fact that we get to be a vessel for God's creation of new humans... new souls that will impact the world. God has plans for them and they include us and how we take care of ourselves.
If we are neglectful of the temple our body is meant to be... then we are not in right standing to be a positive part of God's plan for this little human he is making inside our bodies. Does that make sense? :) If I were sitting in front of you we could discuss this but typing concepts like this can be a challenge sometimes. :)
We must not only treat our bodies as the Temples for our Living God that they are, but we must also treat them as Holy Homes for our little children while the Lord is growing them inside us. We must be in prayer over ourselves and our babies. We must eat well. Take care of our bodies with sleep and rest. Also exercising that is appropriate. All these things and more... whatever you are feeling convicted of doing... we must do for the simple fact that our bodies are not our own... and even more so are they not during childbirth. It all belongs to God. :)
Praying for Your Spouse in Childbirth
"You husbands must honor your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." 1 Peter 3:7 NLT
Your God knows that you and your husband belong on the same page during this journey and expressing your understanding for that to Him and praying for your husband can make all the difference! Praying Scripture over your husband like the one above is great! Recognize that all change comes from God Alone and that by pouring your heart out to God about what you feel are your husband's short-comings on this pregnancy journey will open your eyes to the changes God can make in your husband.
At first read, this Scripture may not seem relevant to you on your pregnancy journey since it is speaking to our husbands. But let me bring this to you... wives can gain as much from this Scripture as husbands and prayer is key to being on the same page during your childbirth journey.
This Scripture says two things of great importance for wives. One: "but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life" That's right... it takes TWO to tango. Two: "You husbands must honor your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together." It is in God's plan for your husband to honor you and treat you with care... treating you with understanding for what you are going through!
As wives... we sometimes get busy with ourselves and our needs and we may not see that our husbands have a need in this journey too! To be a part of it. God says we are equals in this journey and it is up to us too to recognize this! Praying for your husband every day can increase the bond between the two of you. Letting God know what you need of your spouse will get better results then when you tell your husband yourself? Why? Because God is the changer of hearts... not us.
"I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stoney, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart." Ezekiel 36:26 NLT
I will say it again... God it the changer of hearts! Not us!
Your God knows that you and your husband belong on the same page during this journey and expressing your understanding for that to Him and praying for your husband can make all the difference! Praying Scripture over your husband like the one above is great! Recognize that all change comes from God Alone and that by pouring your heart out to God about what you feel are your husband's short-comings on this pregnancy journey will open your eyes to the changes God can make in your husband. *I remember* when I was pregnant this last time, my husband CONSTANTLY nagged me about toast crumbs on the counter. See... I ate toast like 5 or 6 times a day! It was a way to keep my belly full and stop the nausea. It was important for me... I was so angry with him for not being concerned about WHY I was eating the toast... that I yelled at him over and over and told him to just get over it! Things like that... petty things... can seem HUGE to us when we are pregnant and emotional. They can cause a very big rift between us and our husbands if we let them. And God Alone has the power to even change little things like that for the two of you... you only need ask.
How do you pray over your husband during pregnancy?
*MY* Favorite Christian Song and Why it's Good for Childbirth!
I absolutely love... "It is Well with My Soul" right now. It is all I can think of and sing throughout my day. It depicts my relationship with Christ and how I need him in my life... also what I am thankful for.
If you notice on the bottom of this blog the words are written... There is a book we are focused on right now on this blog called, "Christ Centered Childbirth" and the author of this book, Kelly J Townsend has in the back of her text a request to worship this song together. It is beautiful to me... and what brought me into loving this song so much.
I watch the show on TV called Parenthood. I feel like there are some really good Christian themes in this show and also an overall understanding of a variety of family issues today.
Last night's episode featured a version of this beautiful song. An acoustic verson. And I finally tracked it down! I would like to share it with you!
This song can be used throughout pregnancy to calm and sooth... and just connect with God! It can be used in labor for the same thing... It truly is so beautiful! I hope you will listen to it! :)
The hymn is an oldie but awesome goodie!
What is your favorite Christian song? Have you or could you use it in labor?
If you notice on the bottom of this blog the words are written... There is a book we are focused on right now on this blog called, "Christ Centered Childbirth" and the author of this book, Kelly J Townsend has in the back of her text a request to worship this song together. It is beautiful to me... and what brought me into loving this song so much.
I watch the show on TV called Parenthood. I feel like there are some really good Christian themes in this show and also an overall understanding of a variety of family issues today.
Last night's episode featured a version of this beautiful song. An acoustic verson. And I finally tracked it down! I would like to share it with you!
This song can be used throughout pregnancy to calm and sooth... and just connect with God! It can be used in labor for the same thing... It truly is so beautiful! I hope you will listen to it! :)
The hymn is an oldie but awesome goodie!
What is your favorite Christian song? Have you or could you use it in labor?
This topic was given to my by the great community my blog belongs to... Faithful Bloggers! Would you like to join up with us? I'm sure we would be blessed to have you!
Walking Through "Christ Centered Childbirth": Renew Your Mind
Blog Highlight: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:2 TNIV
If you have a copy of Christ Centered Childbirth, please read the corresponding chapter: The Natural Childbirth Tool Box.
This weeks' study is so good. And truly the essence of why I practice and promote Christian Childbirth to all people. There are so many temptations and lies surrounding birth right now to sway us in the wrong direction. There are also so many people being used by satan to make you feel things like fear and worry. To make you feel anything other than joy and trust is a direct attack against the pregnancy and birth journey the Lord has for you.
I will post the questions she has in this week's chapter in hopes that you will reflect on them and write the answers to them on a notebook paper. This is how we grow and one of the way we hear from God. By meditation on good Bible Studies and learning the truth.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:8 KJV
List things about birth that are true: (whatsoever things are true)
List some birthing myths:
Being honest, I feel this way about birth: (whatsoever things are honest)
List ways your care provider can be honest:
List ways he/she may be dishonest:
What are your rights as a birthing mother?: (whatsoever things are just)
What should be expected from you as a birthing mothers?:
Describe pure birth: (whatsoever things are pure)
What could cause your birth to be less than pure?:
What are the most lovely things about birth?: (whatsoever things are lovely)
List things about birth that may be difficult but are still lovely:
Describe a positive birth story someone told you: (whatsoever things are of good report)
What are the virtues of birth (example-pateince): (if there be any virtue)
If you were to praise a woman on her birth experience, what kinds of things would you praiser her for?: (and if there be any praise)
Think on these...
After you have taken the time to work through these questions... you may discover some of God's truth behind pregnancy and birth. I hope that through this exercise you have gathered faith in yourself and God's plan for your birth journey. :)
Please remember to worship before or after this post with the song found at the bottom of the blog! :)
Add your name to the prayer list
Walking Through "Christ Centered Childbirth": Search Our Heart
Assigned Scripture: Psalm 139
Blog Highlight: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb." Psalm 139-13 TNIV
If you have a copy of the book Christ Centered Childbirth than you know that the entry for this week's Bible study is short but the reflection is where you time will be spent.
After you have read Psalm 139 there is a worksheet that she has asked us to complete. I have found this worksheet so in tune with the application of Love that Jesus calls us to during pregnancy and birth that I am going to make a page for it, credit her, and link to it at the bottom of this blog so that you can always have easy access to it should you need to complete it again at any point during any of your pregnancies.
Our pregnancies are an expression of love for another and our love for God. We sacrifice our own bodies and sometime own own physical health for the wellbeing and creation of another human. One that we will inherit to raise and guide in the Lord. We are given this gift because we are capable of it. Never forget that. Never let the strife of your pregnancy or your situation mean anything more that the power that has been placed inside you by God. Allow Him entrance into your heart during this time in your life... in every part of your lives. :)
Blog Highlight: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me in my mother's womb." Psalm 139-13 TNIV
If you have a copy of the book Christ Centered Childbirth than you know that the entry for this week's Bible study is short but the reflection is where you time will be spent.
After you have read Psalm 139 there is a worksheet that she has asked us to complete. I have found this worksheet so in tune with the application of Love that Jesus calls us to during pregnancy and birth that I am going to make a page for it, credit her, and link to it at the bottom of this blog so that you can always have easy access to it should you need to complete it again at any point during any of your pregnancies.
Please remember to worship before or after this post with the song found at the bottom of the blog! :)
Add your name to the prayer list
Add your name to the prayer list
Walking Through "Christ Centered Childbirth": Reflecting His Love
Assigned Scripture: Leviticus 23
Blog Highlight: "The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies." Leviticus 23:1-2
If you have a copy of Christ Centered Childbirth, please read the corresponding chapter which is chapter 5.
The feasts that God gave to Moses and how they relate to childbirth:
PLEASE read this stuff and comment here! I want to know what you think! Watch the above movie on how this was discovered and talk about it with me!
Here are the discussion questions from this weeks Bible Study:
Please remember to worship before or after this post with the song found at the bottom of the blog! :)
Add your name to the prayer list
Blog Highlight: "The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the LORD, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies." Leviticus 23:1-2
If you have a copy of Christ Centered Childbirth, please read the corresponding chapter which is chapter 5.
The feasts that God gave to Moses and how they relate to childbirth:
- Passover-The Egg
- Unleavened Bread-Fertilization of the Egg
- First Fruits- Implantation of Pregnancy
- Pentecost-New Creation (when we become new life)
- Trumpets-Hearing (when our sense develops)
- Atonement-Blood (when we develop and live from blood)
- Tabernacles-Lungs (when our lungs develop and begin to be used in utero)
- Chanuka-BIRTH!
PLEASE read this stuff and comment here! I want to know what you think! Watch the above movie on how this was discovered and talk about it with me!
Here are the discussion questions from this weeks Bible Study:
- How to the feats of Israel Point to pregnancy?
- What might the significance ofd these correlations be to us and the baby?
- What are we going to do with this new information?
- What are some other things in nature that point to Jesus Christ?
Please remember to worship before or after this post with the song found at the bottom of the blog! :)
Add your name to the prayer list
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