January 4 - Lydia's BirthdayI want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust you, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective-through the Light of My universal Presence-fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to Me.PSALM 63:2; ISAIAH 40:10-11; PSALM 139:7-10
This in an excerpt from the devotional I've been reading daily since January 1st. It's written as if Jesus is talking to you, having an intimate conversation with you - and Monday morning when I read about responding to everything by saying, "I trust You Jesus" I had no idea how many times that day I would be saying it! The devotional is "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young. I'll be sharing a few more of these with you in the future, because it's been incredible how God is speaking to my heart during these critical days for Angela and Lydia.
It's been difficult for me to share how serious the situation really is, because you're the blogosphere... and in serious situations it's such a strange thing to not know who I am really writing to and who is here reading. For days I have been struggling to know how intimate and personal I should be in such a public forum? It's not a "congratulations!" type of situation yet... I don't blame people for responding that way on facebook because I hadn't figured out a good way to share the severity of Angela's situation without jeopardizing her, or saying too much before she's out of the woods. Lydia being delivered early was the only way to save my sister Angela. You can google HELLP syndrome and Preeclampsia for more info.
The last few days have been some of the scariest our family has ever dealt with. I shared with you today because Angela is doing so much better and will continue to recover, continue to heal, and continue being more worried about Lydia than she is about herself. She is an incredible mother and she and John have a long road ahead with Lydia in the NICU for many many weeks.
Please keep praying for Lydia, for Angela, for the doctors who are caring for both of them, for John as he courageously supports his wife and his new baby girl, for my parents - who are trying to help everyone.
We are hopeful, we are thankful, we are waiting with anticipation to see all that God has in store for little, tiny, precious Lydia Dawn.
16 comments:
This picture of Lydia holding tightly to her father's finger is remarkable. I'm so glad she has a daddy to hold on to....and I'm so glad we have a Father to reach for! Grab on to God! He has already reached out to you. Be encouraged. God cares.
Thanks for the update Amber. I am so thankful this occurred at 31 weeks and not much earlier, but it must be tough to watch your sister go through something so scary... and thank God for modern medicine. I'll pray that your sister continues to improve and that Lydia grows bigger and stronger every day!!!
Daniel and I are praying for Angela and Lydia. I know this time is very difficult and I thank you for sharing the situation on here. They have such amazing family there to support them and that is a blessing.
Holding you guys so closely in prayer. I Love you and your family more than words can say.
Thank you so much updating us, Amber. I've been thinking about the three of them nonstop. I understand not knowing how or what to share on your blog, but I appreciate you taking the time to write this post so much.
I can't imagine what they (and you!) are going through right now, but I'm hopeful that Angela will heal and Lydia will continue to grow stronger each day. If there's anything I can do, please let me know -
I found your blog through your dad's. I attended GCC when my family lived in Granger 3 years ago and I love keeping up through your dad.
I happened to click on your name on his site.
I am praying for you, for your parents, for your sister and your little niece. I hope you might find some comfort in knowing that you have an army of anonymous readers praying for your family.
You don't know us, but know that we are enjoying your life story and keeping your family in our prayers.
Amber,
I feel like I am part of the blogosphere but I have been so encouraged and inspired by your writing. I was around 2 months pregnant when I found your blog via Summit's and it was so great watching you prepare and welcome Ruby into the world. We lost our son at 3 months and it's been such a crazy journey back towards faith and healing but I am speechless by your devotion to God and His hand upon you and your family. Know that you are reaching so many out there and that there are people praying for Angela and Lydia that have never even met her.
Amber~
I have been praying for Angela, John and little Lydia since I found out that she was born! The picture of Lydia holding John's finger is pricless! At least she knows that she is not alone! May your entire family feel God's presence around you at this time...it must have been really scary for you all. Thanks for sharing your heart Amber. God is Good! judy dillon
That was my guess of what was going on...such a scary journey, but you are right in the trust you have in Jesus! Praise Him for modern medicine and miracles...that is what is taking place for you and your family right now!
Proverbs 18:10 (New Living Translation)
10 The name of the Lord is a strong fortress;
the godly run to him and are safe.
God's blessing, peace, and comfort!
Amy
Goshen, IN
jlwalw@ligtel.com
Amber,
You may not remember me, but I went to GCC and was in a small group with Angela in high school and went to Guatemala with her as well. Your friend, Jon Ornee, also lived with my family during his time at GCC. I read your blog yesterday as well as your dad's and even though I didn't know exactly what had happened, my heart was breaking for Angela, Lydia and your entire family. I just gave birth to my first child 7 weeks ago and I can't imagine having to deal with any complications like that. They have been in my prayers constantly and I trust that God will bring them both through this stronger than ever. If it comforts you at all, I have a friend that delivered her son at 31 weeks and he has grown into a very healthy, happy 5 year old. My family and I will continue to pray for Angela and the baby.
Amber,
I am praying for your sister and her family. Your news touched my heart as my daughter was born earlier this year at 32 1/2 weeks and we spend a month in the NICU. It is a scary place to be! I will be praying for Lydia for each challenge she faces before she can come home and for God's provision and comfort for her parents.
Amber!
I want to thank you for the update on John Ang and precious Lydia! I want you to know that I'm praying hard for everyone in this situation, I love that you put it in God's hands... i'm joining you in that action! God is in control and He knows what's best for us all in everysituation... I love you and your family. God is good! God is love!
I am praying for your family constantly and love you all so so much. Your faith is incredible.
Amber please know we are with you and feel your fear and are on bended knee for your whole family. All day long you are not far from thoughts. Thank you for sharing. i love you and your family!
Praying for Ang, Lydia, John and your family in the ATL my friend.
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