Is God's Timing Always Perfect?

Never pray for patience is what I've always heard. Why? Because we are by nature an impatient society. Have you ever noticed how long the microwave takes to reheat food when you're hungry? I am convinced that a microwave minute is way longer than an actual minute. Instant potatoes, instant rice, instant pudding, instant oatmeal, - we want God to answer our prayers as fast as we can whip up a quick meal. But God doesn't work that way.

As I was reading, in John 11 I noticed something I had never noticed before. I noticed a chapter full of grief and sorrow of a very loved brother and friend. Each person in the chapter had a different reaction to Lazerus' death. Now I can't belittle Martha's grief, because I've never grieved for a lost loved one other than my grandpa. Martha gets a lot of grief from us because she is not the best reactor to situations. She's human. And probably the most like us. Which is why we learn so much of what not to do from her.

So let's take a quick look at everyone's reactions.

First up, Jesus:

Mary & Martha sent news to Jesus that his dear friend Lazerus was sick. Upon receiving the news, he said that his sickness would not be unto death but for the glory of God. Then it says he stayed in the town he was for another two days. He didn't rush to his side to heal him, but he waited. He waited because He knew God had bigger plans.

Next to the plate, Martha:

Martha runs to meet Jesus as he arrives to town. She is so caught up in her grief, I imagine her blubbering as she speaks to Jesus. She tells him that if he had but been there, her brother wouldn't have died! Jesus calmly tells her that her brother will rise again. But she doesn't hear his words of comfort. She retorts, well I know he'll rise again in the last days. Then Christ asks her if she believes in who Christ is. Of course, she says.

Mary:

Mary sat still in the house while Martha ran to meet Jesus. When they arrived, she says the same thing Martha said that if Christ had been there her brother wouldn't have died. But she fell down at his feet in a mode of worship as she spoke. I personally believe, she said this not out of anger or hurt but that she truly believed that Christ could have healed her brother if He had chose to. She was sorrowful like her sister, but she had a peace in her heart that passed all understanding.

When Jesus saw them all weeping he was moved with grief in his heart and asked to see where he lay. Then Jesus wept (or swept if you run the two words together). The Jews saw his compassion and love for Lazerus as they watched him weep over his friend. As he asked for the stone to be rolled away, Martha tries to stop him. She questions his method. But Lord he has been dead for four days and by now he stinky. (Oh, Martha, Martha! What would Jesus do without you reminding him of the obvious--don't you just love people like that?! It's hard sometimes to just close your lips and trust God.) Again Jesus lovingly reminds her that if she would simply believe she would see the glory of God. (I'm sure Martha is scratching her head by now trying to understand his deep words.) 

Jesus begins to speak to God. Here's the whole application, the purpose of Lazerus' death. Don't miss it.

"...Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me." (v.41,42)

God had a purpose all along, so that others may believe that Jesus was the Son of God. In verse 45, it says many believed, but verse 46 says but some went there ways and didn't believe. Isn't it amazing that Christ could raise someone from the dead and some who witness it could walk away not believing that this man was the Son of God? But are we not like the some that went there ways when we don't trust God in the midst of a circumstance? Are we not just like Martha when we read the Scriptures of God's promises to take care of His children, yet we question God's timing or methods. Sure we "believe in God" but do you really believe when all seems hopeless? It is at these times are faith is tested. How much do we actually believe God. Is your problem too big for God to handle? 

Maybe just maybe God is waiting to provide your need in His time so that He can get the honor and glory from it. Are we not more thankful when we realize that it is not of ourselves that we get through trials but of God alone? May I encourage you my friend, there is no one that cares for you like Jesus. He promises to provide your every need. He even wants to give you more than you need but you must trust Him before He can bless you abundantly. Don't hold back the blessing of God by a lack of faith. Trust the One who can never let you down. Cast all your cares at His feet and leave it there. (1 Peter 5:7)

Is God's Timing Always Perfect?

Yes it is. It may not be our timing but it is always perfect. God knows your how "stinky" your situation is just trust Him. He allows us to go through trials, pain and sufferings for a greater purpose. Sometimes we may not always know the "why", and that's where trust comes in.

What to Do During the "Waiting" Period?

Find peace like Mary did and worship God. And look for ways to encourage others around you. Don't be like a Martha (sorry Martha) and be miserable.

Get your eyes off of your situation and on Christ and on others. Look for ways to encourage and be a blessing to those around you. Then you will have a joy and a peace like no other. :) 

A merry heart doth good like a medicine! Proverbs 17:22

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength: Isaiah 26:3,4

Can Guys and Girls Be Just Friends?

This question was asked on Facebook and I was surprised at the answers written. Many seemed to think yes, they can be just friends. But if they were married then their relationship would have to change. So I wanted to check the scripture and see what God's Word has to say on the subject.

James and I "Just Friends" 

Let's start with the basics. The definition of a friend from Websters Dictionary.

Friend:

1. One attached to another by affection or esteem; an acquaintance 

2. One that is not hostile; a favored companion

3. A Quaker  

Now let's look at the Bible's definition of a friend:

1. John 15:13 - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
           A friend will lay down his life for his friends. Jesus was the ultimate example of a true friend. 

2. Proverbs 27:17 - Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.
          A friend will help grow you towards righteousness, towards Christ. 

3. Proverbs 17:17 - A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
          A friend will love always. Unconditional Love

I'm going to do this in two parts: 1. The purpose of a friend and friendship 2. And the results/purpose of guy/girl relationships

What is the purpose of a friendship? Well as defined earlier it should draw you closer to the Lord. Friendship should be pure. I looked up Bible verses on friendship and couldn't find any that were between a male and female. The only relationships I found of those of opposite genders were those that resulted in marriage. The purpose of their "friendship" or relationship was marriage. One of the greatest examples of friendship in the Bible, aside from Jesus Christ, was that between David and Jonathan. But that's two men so that doesn't help our discussion.  And I couldn't find any scripture where Jesus had close female friends either...

According to Scientific American, two careful studies of opposite-sex-friendships "suggest that men and women have vastly different views of what it means to be ‘just friends’—and that these differing views have the potential to lead to trouble."(1) 

"Although women seem to be genuine in their belief that opposite-sex friendships are platonic, men seem unable to turn off their desire for something more.”(1)

If a secular study shows that it can be "trouble" should not we as Christians take a more careful approach in our friendships with the opposite genders? What is the purpose of pursuing male/female friendships? To help draw them towards Christ or towards the marriage altar? 

A Personal Perspective:

A good friend of mine once told me, "It is impossible for guys and girls to be just friends. Believe me."
I thought he was crazy. I was only in sixth of seventh grade at the time, but I thought, yeah right what does he know. But years of failed "friendships" that usually turned into relationships, I realized he was right. Guys and girls can't be just friends. Sooner or later one or both would have feelings of affection or attraction toward the other.

Why did I think he was wrong? Because I wanted him to be wrong. If I looked at myself honestly, I would have to admit that I enjoyed the attention a guy would give me. It made me feel secure and special. Why? Because someone found worth in me. I would in turn invest a part of my heart and emotions into that guy friend. I would trust them and we shared a closeness that then turned into an attraction towards one another. I should have filled that desire of a relationship with a closer walk with God.

"Can guys and girls be just friends?" I think of the things friends do together. Hang out, talk on the phone, text, communicate- they get to know each other and care for one another. Friends are a special gift from the Lord and should be chosen wisely. We use the term "friend" so loosely these days. But the kind of "friend" we are discussing is that of a close friend. Not a casual friend that you hang out with on occasion  in groups. The question here is can a guy and girl hang out alone together, text, call, develop a closeness without it ever turning into something more.

In Conclusion:

If you're single, Can you be just friends with a guy one on one?

I personally believe, no, not without it developing into more. And even if it never does turn into a relationship, that doesn't mean there isn't or wasn't an attraction from one or both parties at one time or another. Would it not be better to invest in good solid friendships that can last long past your marriage, meaning with someone of the same gender? Trust me coming from someone who has been there and done that, it just doesn't work. Why not save your heart and emotions completely and fully for your future spouse? You future spouse deserves all of you. Wouldn't you want the same from them? Build towards a life with no regrets. Go to the marriage altar not just physically pure but emotionally pure.

If I could do it all over again, I would surround myself with good godly female friendships. Which is exactly what I did the year I met my husband. If you invest in a lot of relationships of the opposite gender, you are making a pattern for yourself that will be hard to break when you're married. I wish James was the only man I had shared my feelings with and dated. I wish he was my first true male friend. And James wishes the same for me.

For those of us who are married, Can guys and girls be just friends? I don't personally believe so. Like I said earlier, my idea of a friendship is hanging out one on one and texting/calling one another. So absolutely not! That is setting you and your marriage up for trouble. Why would we risk our marriage just because we want to be friends with a person of the opposite gender.

Does this mean we aren't friendly? Not at all. There are lots of male friends I have in relationship with my husband. Would I specifically call them if I had a question, no, I would call his wife. James and I made it clear before we were married, that we would take extra caution in this area. We would never be alone with someone of the opposite gender, never ride in a car alone, etc. Why? Because we value our marriage. We don't want Satan to have an open window for temptation. Does this mean I don't trust my husband or he doesn't trust me? Not at all. It's called boundaries. And we choose to set high boundaries when it comes to our marriage.

Please don't misunderstand me. You can still be friendly towards those of the opposite gender but hanging out one on one, I believe is wrong. You can still pray for one another and be a scriptural friend. You can even hang out in mixed groups if you like. You may have others of the opposite gender that you consider a friend, which is great. As long as it's within the boundaries of a biblical friend, you will be fine.

So what about you? What boundaries do you set for yourself and your marriage? I'm not a scholar on the subject but this is what I believe on the matter. I understand there are cases that this may not apply and you could be the exception. It's between you and the Lord ultimately. Please, don't find any offense in what the Lord has convicted me about and shown me from the scripture. If this offends you, then I apologize. My hope is that this post will shed light on the matter and maybe help a someone take a deeper look at their motives to their friendships. As iron sharpenth iron so a man sharpeneth the counsel of his friend. May we all be better friends one to another. 

The Greatest Gift!

The verdict from the Judge came.

The courtroom was silent, as the Judge spoke.

Guilty. 

My heart sank into my chest and panic overcame me as my body began to shake with fear. What was I going to do now? I knew I was guilty and had to pay for my crimes. But somehow I thought, it wouldn't turn out this way. I thought I could get out of it. I thought I had time to undo all the bad I had done. I wanted to change, really I did. But I couldn't erase the things that I had done. 

The police began to escort me out the door. Death was  my punishment.

I knew people died young and old but never thought I would one day die. Not like this. 

I pleaded with the Judge, "Please, another way! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to let it get this far. I can work off my wrong doings and do good things in place of them. Can't I fix what I've done?" 

My plea fell on deaf ears. The verdict was final. 

Then from the back of the courtroom came a voice. A man came forward.

"I will take her place." 

The Judge halted in his steps and looked back at the man. "Her sentence is death, are you sure?"

"Yes, I will take her place."

Before I could stop him, my chains were set free, and this innocent man was taken in my place. How could he? How could the Judge agree to this? Tears streamed from my eyes, as guilt flooded my every being. I deserved to die. I committed the crimes not him. How could he pay such a high price in my place?

That man was my Father.

Why would a Father sacrifice his own life for his daughter? Unconditional love. 
What parent in their right mind wouldn't do anything to save their own child?

      *********************

As simple as this made up story is to understand- why is it that people today make the story of Jesus coming, his life, burial and resurrection so complicated to accept and believe? Why do we reject such simple truth.

Although this story was made up, it's a very real picture of our sin and the price that we owe-eternal separation from God, an eternity in hell. There will come a day when we will stand before God and give an account of our life.

Hebrews 9:27 - And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

We are all guilty of our sin. There is none righteous no not one. 

But God sent his son, Jesus to this earth for one purpose, to redeem us.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Just like in my story- Jesus, took our place. He tasted death so we don't have to spend an eternity separated from God. On our own it's impossible to erase our sins. No good deed will undo what sin we have already committed. Hell was made for Satan and his angels, but God can not let sin enter into Heaven because Heaven is a perfect place.  

Matthew 25:41 - Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Hope in the Cross of Calvary:

Romans 8:1 - [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Bible says in John 3, that God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on Christ is not condemned but he that believeth not is condemned already.

If you've never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, then you fall into the condemned already category. Death- eternal separation from God- is your punishment. But God doesn't want you to die and spend an eternity separated from Him.

God sent his son, Jesus, born of a virgin, to this earth to save us. That's why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate the birth of Christ because it is a reminder of God's ultimate sacrifice to us- His Son. Jesus willingly left Heaven to be born of a virgin, to be made human, a helpless baby, to die in our place. If that isn't Love then I don't know what is.

What is it that keeps a person from accepting Christ as their Lord and Savior? I believe whole heartedly, that it's pride. Thinking that they don't "need" Jesus because they can make it on their own- pride. 
 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.  We must humble ourselves as little children.
Thinking they have time and can do it later- stupidity.  We aren't promised tomorrow. Our life is but a vapor that is here for a little while and then vanisheth away (James 4:14). Think about it. Eternity-is endless time. Our 80 years that we have on this earth compared to even 1,000 years is just a tiny drop in the bucket. Time is precious. Don't wait to make this decision.

Will you accept God's gift of salvation this Christmas? And no matter where you are in the world, you can celebrate Christmas for it's real meaning.

If you want to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior please read on to the verses I have attached below. There's nothing magical about it- it's a simple step of faith and putting your trust in God's hands.
I'm so thankful someone told me about Christ and salvation. It is the single most important decision a person can make. I feel so unworthy that Jesus would take my place on the cross of Calvary. I deserved death not him. But I am justified by the blood of Jesus. Won't you put your faith in Christ today?

To all of you, I wish you a very
Merry Christmas!

Each year my heart is burdened for one or two people God has placed in my life and for their salvation. It is my prayer that just one soul might come to know Him this Christmas season. What a great gift that would be! Don't forget to share God's love to all those around you during the hustle and bustle of Christmas!

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;- Romans 3:23

1. We are all sinners.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. I John 1:8
I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am [he], ye shall die in your sins. John 8:24

2. We need a Savior. 
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12 

3. Christ paid the penalty for our sin. 
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God: Ephesians 2:8

4. We must confess our sins. 
 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9

5. Simply accept God's gift of salvation. Put your faith in the One who loves you the most. Give your life to Christ. I promise you won't regret it. 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Pray to God and ask Him into your heart. 
If you've never prayed or don't do it often-it's simple. Just talk to God like you would a friend but maybe a little more respectful ;). Tell him from your heart that you accept his free gift of salvation. That you are putting your trust in Him completely and fully.  Confess your sins that you have committed. 
God will forgive you of all your sins, past, present and future. Salvation is a one time gift and decision. God promises his eternal gift of salvation to all who believe. 

If you've just accepted Christ as your Savior, I beg of you to let me know through email or a comment. I would love to rejoice with you and pray for you. jnapranger@yahoo.com is my email address. Isn't God good?! Merry Christmas!! 

Russia- My Journey Thus Far

Moving half way across the world to a country you have only visited once for a short period of time can be a little scary.

However, the Lord truly gave me an excitement to move to Russia. I can't explain it, but knowing that this is exactly where God wants us was the most comforting thought.

The first few days everything was so exciting and new. It was fun!

But then reality settled in.

I started to feel so overwhelmed by everything...

Allow me to explain.

Here are some things I don't take for granted anymore.

Talking to family. Saturday, I wanted to call my sister and family, but couldn't because it was the middle of the night. It was hard to not be able to call them when I wanted to.

Running is one of my favorite things. It's relaxing to get out and go for a run. And I can't just lace up my shoes and go outside to run. I have to put on ten layers of clothes because it's cold. I have to dodge mud (which hasn't been too successful.)  I can't feel my face or hands at times. It's just rough! And this is just the beginning of winter here... 

Then of course there's the language barrier. I can't just run to the store and buy groceries.

I can't drive to the nearest Starbucks and get my favorite iced tall americano with one pump of classic and extra caramel drizzle. (Which by the way is in Moscow 5,000 miles away. Someone told me the distance from LA, California to NYC is closer than Moscow to Krasnoyarsk.) My Starbucks app can locate the nearest Starbucks but when I try pulling it up is says location unknown. Go figure!

And just when I've hit the bottom, Pandora and Netflix don't work in Russia.

Insert sad face. :( 

All of this piled over the last 10 days and just hit me on Sunday.

I couldn't talk with the sweet girls who were playing with my hair and kissing my arm. I couldn't join in the conversation with the adults, so I went in the next room to try and be alone and feel sorry for myself for just a minute and pray. 

Then walked in this sweet little bubbly 3 year old blonde girl, Angelina. She came in and sat down right next to me and started talking. Of course, I couldn't understand her and just smiled. She probably wondered why I wasn't talking back to her. She was the only kid there at the time ( the others were coming later) so she was probably bored sitting at the adult table too. After not being able to find any toys for her to play with, I found the balloons that I had used for Jacob's party. So I blew up a balloon and we played! We laughed and played and her spirits along with mine were lifted!

Insert happy face. :)  

The next hour was the teen and children's church service and she sat down right next to me and wrapped her arm around mine and another little girl, Veka, did the same on my other arm. Angelina told me not to worry that she would teach me Russian. It was like the Lord telling me, that everything was going to be okay and He was going to take care of me. I read in Matthew 6 this morning about "taking no thought of your life but seek ye first the kingdom of God." In other words, Don't worry, God will take care of you! And I sure needed that reminder. 

Matthew 6:33,34

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these thing shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."

What a blessing it was that the Lord used Angelina to lift my spirits right when I needed it. And then to again encourage me in my Bible reading this morning. It is so important that I am daily in the Word. I can't do this alone nor am I suppose to! I'm so thankful the Lord has called us here and that He promises to never leave us nor forsake us. 

I truly appreciate the prayers as we adjust to our new home here in Russia! I know it's Satan that wants to discourage me and get my focus off of God and the reason we are here! Please pray that we can find a tutor for me so I can learn the language! 

          Isaiah 26:3,4

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust though in the LORD forever; for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Stay tuned for more post about life here in Russia! This is just the beginning!  

My two little friends! Angelina is on the left and Veka on the right.  These girls just love on me and it melts my heart! They are so sweet! 

Together Tomorrow

As some of you know, our family has had to say goodbye to a very special little boy, Gabriel Michael Pranger. The world was blessed on June 10, 2012, with his arrival. And early on June 29, 2013, the Lord saw fit to call him home to heaven.

Lately, I have been reading a lot about the promises of God.

Promise "ground for hope, expectation, or the assurance often specified of eventual success." or "A declaration or assurance that one will do a particular thing or that guarantees that a particular thing will happen."

II Kings 8:56 "...there hath no failed one word of all his good promise." 

 The Bible is often called God's Word, in other words it can also be called "God's Promise". God always keeps His word, He can not lie. Simply, what He says, He will do. I'm so thankful that God keeps his promises. It's from His Word, His book of Promises, we find hope and strength in our daily needs. Our family has definitely experienced God's grace and strength in a mighty way this past week. We have clung to many of His promises this week, that have given us hope and peace. 

Gabriel was born with a genetic disorder called Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia. (NKH) is an inherited condition in which the body is unable to breakdown and process some of the building blocks of protein (amino acids). Gabriel and his daddy, Amos Pranger, went to Cincinnati Children's Hospital in hopes to find out some answers as to why he would go a few seconds without breathing. His sister, Annabeth, also has the same genetic disorder, and it wasn't uncommon for them to make trips to the hospital. We had all thought, this was just going to be another trip to the hospital and then he would be back home. 

The doctors concluded Gabriel was having small seizures but they couldn't find out what was causing them. By Saturday, the had him stabilized and he seemed to be doing better. However, over the next 48 hours his little body took a drastic turn for the worst. 

His brain activity had gone down to almost nothing, and he wasn't able to breath on his own. When we heard the news of his sudden decline, we began to pray even harder for his healing. We knew God could heal our little Gabriel if He choose to. 

Tuesday came, and I was praying so hard for our little nephew. His mommy, Liberty Pranger, was on her way to be with her son. He was making some improvements, but not much to make a difference in his fragile condition. The doctors were clueless as to why he was declining so quickly. They could only assume one of the seizures had lasted longer than a few seconds and caused the brain damage. 

By Thursday, his kidneys and liver were shutting down. We were losing our little Gabriel. My in-loves, Jim & Laura Pranger, were on a flight back from Hungary in hopes to see Gabriel before God called him home. Their plane was scheduled to land on Friday. (Unfortunately, a bad storm kept my in-loves from making it on time to see him.) 

Friday came, and we were told if we could, to make our way to Cincinnati to see Gabriel one last time. James and I immediately packed up the car and headed to Cincinnati. I had hopes to take some family pictures for them and to capture little Gabriel's last few moments. 

We pulled into the hospital, and went up to Gabriel's room. There were many friends and family gathered around and nurses in the room. One of the nurses was making "sweet memories" with Gabriel and his three sisters, Annabeth, Deborah, and Breanna. They made some hand prints, and molds of Gabriel's hands and feet. And she was finishing up by taking some photos of the family all together. I was right behind her with my camera. When the nurses all left, the kids were a little restless, so we agreed to take more photos in the morning. I went about taking candid photos of everyone with Gabriel. 

His oldest sister, Annabeth

Breanna, Jacob and Deborah

I got to have some time with Gabriel, kissing his sweet face, holding his hand and talking to him. James came over and was playing with his ear, as he loved on him. Later that night, I went back in the room with Liberty and her sister, Bethany. Everyone else was now gone or in the waiting room. I wanted some photos of Jacob and Gabriel, like the ones we had taken back in December when they first met. I'm so thankful I did, because the opportunity to take more photos in the morning never came. 

As we left that night, I said good night to Gabriel and kissed his sweet face. I told him Grandma and Grandpa were on their way to see him, and to hang in there. 

That was the last time we saw our sweet Gabriel. A phone call later that night told us Gabriel had gone home to be with Jesus. 

My heart felt relief and peace when I heard he had gone home to heaven. Relief in knowing he was no longer suffering, his body was now made whole. Peace in knowing that we would see him again in heaven.

When Gabriel took a turn for the worst, the Lord flooded my heart with promises from God's Word. With those promises I found hope, peace, and strength.

One of the verses God gave me on Tuesday was from Isaiah 40: 29, 31

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. 

In our darkest of days, we don't have to have strength- God will be our strength. I know this has been true for Liberty and Amos as they said their goodbye's to their son this week. How can someone go through a trial so hard? With God, that's how. 

"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is the victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

But thanks be to God!! (this gets me excited) which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 15:55,57

Death has no victory over God's children! Death is merely a stepping stone to heaven for all those who have put their faith and trust in God. God has given us the victory over death through Jesus Christ. How?

"But God commendeth his love toward us, that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Jesus Christ paid the penalty of death for our sins so we can spend an eternity in heaven. 

"...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." John 10:10
"Every good gift and perfect gift, is from above..." James 1:17a

Our Gabriel was truly a special and perfect gift from the Lord. He is now experiencing life more abundantly with Jesus Christ. He has whole and perfect body now and is leaping on the streets of gold. Sure our hearts still hurt from losing him here on earth. "...weeping may endure for a moment, but joy comes in the morning." Psalms 30:5b 

We rejoice in knowing that we will see our Gabriel again in heaven. We will get to spend an eternity with him which far outweighs any time here on earth. Gabriel along with his mommy and daddy would want nothing more than for his death to bring about life more abundantly. If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, won't you make sure of that today? Gabriel's short life is a testimony, that we are not always promised tomorrow. Death may come at any moment. Are you ready for eternity?  

We would love to share how you can know for sure that heaven is your home. Please feel free to email me or message me. 

Lastly, this is my favorite promise. 

"...one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." 2Peter 3:8

It's because of this promise, that we can say to Gabriel, We sure do miss and love you but we will see you tomorrow. 

Together Tomorrow. 

Here is a post I wrote about when little Gabriel was first born. May it be a blessing to you. 
http://simplysiberia.blogspot.com/2012/06/uphill-battle.html

Gabriel when he was just a couple weeks old. 

Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Safe in the arms of Jesus...

A year ago today, James and I lost our first baby. I wasn't very far along, so we kept the loss pretty private and to those close friends and family who knew we were expecting. The Lord has laid it on my heart to write a little about it and share my experience.

Miscarriage is very common and happens to a lot of women. They say one in every three pregnancies ends in miscarriage. I was surprised to learn of how common it was after I had miscarried. My miscarriage was between the 5th-6th week and I can only imagine how much harder it would be to lose a baby later in pregnancy. I can't offer any words of wisdom regarding how to go through the loss of a baby; but I can share with you how the Lord brought me through it and share what I learned. I must admit I am a little nervous writing this because it is so personal. However, I hope and pray my post can be a blessing and an encouragement to you.

We were shocked to find out we were expecting a baby and he or she was due in May. It only took what seemed like a moment to go from shocked to super excited. The instant love a mother feels for her baby is unexplainable. And James and I were both so excited to become parents! I had already begun thinking of who the baby would look like, would it be a boy or girl? Would he have daddy's ears or mommy's nose? I couldn't help but smile as I day dreamed about the little life growing inside of me.

Around the end of the fifth week I noticed some spotting. I was determined to not be an overly worried pregnant woman, so I thought it was probably okay. I had read that that was normal and could be implantation bleeding. The next day, I asked my doctor in our church and he calmed my nerves by telling me that it was probably implantation bleeding and to not worry! But the bleeding continued throughout the week. I had come to accept that I was probably losing the baby. I waited until our scheduled doctors appointment on Friday to find out for sure. I still had such high hopes that just maybe everything would be okay with the baby.

As the nurse did the ultrasound, she didn't say anything and was very quiet. This time she didn't print out a photo of our little sack baby and give it to me. Instead she told us to wait in a specific room and the doctor would be in soon. It wasn't a room where we went last time but more of a private sitting room area. I thought this couldn't be good. James and I just sat in silence not wanting to say what was on our minds. I still clung to a little bit of hope that baby was okay. Then reality hit when the doctor confirmed my worst fear, that we had lost our baby.

It was so exciting to tell our friends and family that we were expecting. And it was one of the hardest things to tell them we had lost the baby. I have to admit, I questioned why. Why would the Lord surprise us with this baby and then take the baby home. I had such hope and faith that it was going to be okay. I prayed for my baby to be healthy and safe. Why would the Lord allow us to go through this loss?

To be honest, I don't know why bad things happen or why tragedies come into our lives. I do believe the Lord allows His children to go through difficult times, so we can only look to the God of hope and peace for our strength. As a result, we grow closer to Christ and learn He truly is all we need.

The Lord gave me this verse the day we lost our baby. "...the Lord gave; and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21 "Blessed be the name of the Lord" kept playing over and over in my head. God is good when times are easy and God is still good when times are hard. Everything good comes from the Lord. He is the giver of life eternal and life physical. Who was I to question my Lord and Savior? He alone knows what is best for my life and I needed to trust Him at this uncertain time.

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. " Isaiah 26:3,4

The Lord gave me these verses that I clung to. In the Lord, I could have peace and everlasting strength. This was the first time I experienced God's grace in a mighty way. He gave me a peace that passeth understanding. And I had to just keep my mind focused on God and His promises. I am so thankful for a loving heavenly Father who promises to always carry us through the storms of life.

To those of you who have gone through a miscarriage, it's okay to be sad and to mourn. I was surprised at the times when I thought I was "okay" that I began to cry and be sad. I remember going to Walmart and tearing up as I passed the baby section. Or months later it would just hit me out of nowhere as I was driving. At these moments, I simply prayed for God's strength and comfort. I couldn't turn to my husband for comfort because he didn't know what I was going through. He could pray with me and be sympathetic but he couldn't take the hurt away. I am so thankful he was by my side each step of the way. But God alone knew my heartache and He alone could give me the comfort and strength I needed. May I encourage you to find your comfort and strength in Christ.

And now a year later, I feel so blessed to be 33 weeks and four days pregnant. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful pregnancy and a healthy baby. Having gone through the loss of a baby, I believe I am even more thankful for this little life growing inside of me. How can I complain when I feel a little sick or tired?! I am thankful for the sickness and fatigue because it means theres a baby on his way! I can't wait to hold him in my arms and see his sweet face and cover it with kisses! I think it's so special the Lord would bless us with this baby. I am so undeserving of such a gift. " Blessed be the name of the Lord!"