Anticipation

I feel like the word of the day lately for me is "anticipation".  When will the baby come?  Where will we all be when I go into labor?  How will we all get to the hospital?  Where will my parents need to meet us?  How fast (or SLOW) will everything go?  Will it be daytime or nighttime?  All of these questions and uncertainties lead to so much....ANTICIPATION :)

I will not lie, there is also anxiousness, a little anxiety, a lot of excitement, and many other emotions mixed in there as well.  It has become more difficult to be patient especially when 1.5 weeks ago the doctor is telling you that based on how things are progressing she will probably come early....and then next thing you know you've been working another week!

I have also found that I had great confidence about giving birth naturally/unmedicated the first time around, while this time I have more anxiety about it.  Sometimes ignorance really can be bliss.  However, I have been able to be a little more prepared this time knowing more of what to expect.  My poor husband listening to me talk about essential oils, birthing balls and using music to try to relax this time.

Again, more anticipation.

So last night I decided I need to slow down and lean on the Lord.  His wisdom is, of course, greater than mine could ever be.  I found great strength and comfort in these scriptures:

Isaiah 12:2 - I will trust in the Lord and NOT BE AFRAID.  The Lord, the Lord is MY STRENGTH and my song.

Phil 4:13 - I can do EVERYTHING through Him who gives me STRENGTH

Col 1:29 - To this end I will labor, struggling with all His energy, which so POWERFULLY works in me.

Ps. 29:11 - The Lord gives STRENGTH to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.

Isaiah 41:10 - So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Col 1:11 - Be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great ENDURANCE and PATIENCE and JOYFULLY giving thanks to the Father.

Habb 3:19 - The Sovereign Lord is my source of STRENGTH.  He gives me the agility of a deer; he enables me to negotiate the rugged terrain.

Is. 40:29 - He gives POWER to the faint, and to Him who has no might, he INCREASES STRENGTH.

Ps. 37:7 - Be still before the Lord and wait PATIENTLY for Him.

John 16:21 - A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her JOY that a child is born into the world.

Is. 41:13 - For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear; I will HELP you."

I thank God for the encouragement of His word.  I know that whenever the time comes my God will be patient with me, strengthen me, hold me and love me.  Yes, every time I feel a pain or cramp I am still having moments of anticipation, but I am trusting in God and in His timing.