Monday, June 16, 2014

Baby Joy

Remembering our son Elisha Job's birth a year ago on June 9th, 2014 . . .

A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.

John 16:21




After the rush of the good news . . .


The days of waiting, heavy--


Heavy with child, heavy with wonder, heavy with anticipation and fears and hope and trust.






And the last days, so full of joy and expectancy, so full--

Until the hour comes, the bubble bursts, the swollen stomach contracts to release its tiny passenger into the world, and the womb empties itself in blood and sweat and pain--






And then joy.


The woman forgets her long months of aching muscles, tired back, swollen feet.


She holds a precious baby in her arms and sings the lullabies of the Savior to its heart, and she rejoices.


Rejoices as the baby sleeps against her warm skin, drinking in the delightful newness and freshness of the newborn, soft and clean and real.





She laughs and the long months are forgotten. The time of waiting.


Her hour completed, she holds her reward, and breathes the melody of love.





You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on EarthInspire Me MondayThe Modest MomWhat Joy is Mine, SDG Gathering, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, Motivate and Rejuvenate MondaysSo Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every SeasonA Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, Testimony TuesdayTell His StoryA Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Women With Intention WednesdaysMessy Marriage, The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Theology ThursdaysChildren Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Thought Provoking ThursdayEvery Day JesusCount My Blessings, Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul SurvivalGood Morning MondaysThe Weekend BrewBlessing Counters Link PartyThe HomeAcre HopMommy Moments Link UpGrace and Truth LinkupFaith Filled FridaySaturday Soiree Blog PartyTell It To Me TuesdaysSHINE Blog Hop, Faith and  Fellowship Blog HopMotivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-UpA Little R&R WednesdaysTGI Saturdays Blog HopTotally Terrific Tuesday

28 comments:

  1. I love this! You beautifully captured the journey of pregnancy and birth.

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  2. Very sweet! Visiting from #unite.

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  3. Replies
    1. Thank you, Emily; he is such a blessing to me!

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  4. How Cute! Happy Birthday to Elisha.
    Many Blessings to you

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  5. So beautiful, the amazing gift of motherhood. I had my only at 40 years old, what a blessing!!

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    1. Kathy, it truly is! That is such a precious gift that the Lord gave you! God bless you!

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  6. It is amazing to go back & reminisce about the gift of motherhood. I am usually moved to tears when I see pictures of my now adult children as babies. It went way to quick for me :) I loved every minute & am grateful to have a good relationship with them & their spouses. God has so blessed us! Enjoy Elisha's birthday!

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    1. Yes; Joanne! I can understand that in some small way--the days pass by so quickly--they grow up so fast--your words reminded me to treasure these days and these gifts from God; thank you . . . the Lord bless you!

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  7. what a beautiful precious little baby! <3

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  8. Oh how sweet and adorable! Congratulations and many blessings on you and your darling. I LOVED the pictures ... babies are SO precious. You and your daughter are so beautiful. By the way, one of my dearest friends name is Joy! It is a wonderful name:) I pray your daughter will be as joyful and as sweet like my friend is ... I'm sure she'll be:) Thank you so much for sharing. ~Sarah visiting from Radical Femininity

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    1. Sarah, I'm so glad that you stopped by! These pictures are actually from when my son, Elisha, was born! (but I do also have a daughter!) I think that the way that I titled this post is confusing! :-)--I was trying to convey the joy that the Lord gives in giving birth to a baby, but it could also definitely be taken that I named my baby "Joy." At any rate, your words were so kind and encouraging . . . I pray that the Lord will bless you in every way.

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  9. This just made the idea of becoming a Mom someday a little *more* exciting! Thanks #ThoughtProvokingThursday neighbor! Blessings to you and yours!

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    1. Bethany; yes; being a Mom is such a great, great blessing! I am glad that you were my neighbor; God bless you!

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    2. Beautiful. Your blog made me smile this morning. Someday I'll probably be a Grandma and I'll get to enjoy that!

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    3. Thank you, Debbie; I'm glad that you enjoyed the post! God bless you!

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    1. Caroline, being a Mother has blessed me and tested me in so many ways. It is such a beautiful gift and teaches me to cling to the Lord for the strength and grace that I need to raise my little ones in the love and fear of Him.

      May God bless you, Caroline!

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  11. I enjoyed reading this as I am in the heavy stage and looking forward to the little ones to arrive when God decides it is time.

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    1. Suanna, I'm glad that you enjoyed this post! May the Lord make all things beautiful in His time for you as you wait for His timing; God bless you!

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  12. Beautiful! It makes me so excited for when my my husband and I have little ones and get to experience all of this. Thanks for sharing your journey!

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    1. You're welcome, Lauren! They are truly a blessing from the Lord and the Lord has used this in my life to strengthen my relationship with Him . . . children make you realize how much you have to rely on Him for wisdom in raising them!

      God bless you, Lauren!

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  13. Oh Rebekah, what a precious, precious post. I was reading your most current post and got distracted by this one {{smiles}} What a special gift from the Lord. Your photos brought a smile to my face, dear friend.

    And speaking of your current post, I thoroughly enjoyed it and was greatly touched by the words that you shared.

    Also, I wanted to let you know that the books arrived and I am very excited to get started on the series. I have been meaning to email you, but my little one has been sick and I am just now recovering from the bug so I have fallen behind in my letter writing {forgive me}.

    Have a most blessed and joyous week. Hugs!

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  14. Stephanie, thank you for your sweet words . . . I'm so glad that you enjoyed reading this post. This was such a precious time in my life.

    I'm so glad that the books arrived! I hope that you enjoy them!! :-)

    I'm sorry that you and your little one were sick! I'm glad that you are starting to feel better now!

    The Lord bless you, Stephanie--I hope that you have a blessed week as well!!

    Much love,
    Rebekah

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