God’s Grace

May 15


Indulge me while I pour out my heart. I am a Type 1 diabetic. I was diagnosed at age 12. While some of you who have known me for years know this, other sweet readers do not. It affects my life daily. I am completely dependent on insulin shots –six a day to be exact. For this very reason, my OB/GYN told me last December I needed to decide whether or not to have any more children. I already had two healthy children through two healthy pregnancies.  But in April, I turned 35. It was the cut-off. 

 

Anyone on the birth control pill after the age of 35 has a greater risk of stroke.  Any diabetic on the birth control pill after the age of 35 – well, let’s just say the doctor told me that was not an option. I needed to choose a more permanent form of birth control. For a woman, that is a big decision. My husband and I discussed it at length. In January, we decided we were happy with the two blessings we have and would call it quits. 

 

But because I try – let me emphasize try – to be obedient to God in all areas, I took it to the Lord in prayer.  While standing in the mirror putting on make-up one morning, I said a prayer something like this:

 

Lord, Alan and I have decided we are done having children. You have given us two healthy children. But if YOU want me to have another child, I will.  But it will have to come from you because I’m doing all I can to prevent that from happening. (Translation – I was on the pill.)Amen.

 

Exactly five weeks later, I found out I was pregnant.  I got God’s answer – loud and clear. To the Christian, these events are not mere coincidence. These details were the culmination of the powerful hand of Our God – the God that can do anything. While this was exciting, it was also scary. My blood sugars have to be perfect during pregnancy, or I risk hurting the baby.

 

However, since that time, my diabetic doctor has been calling me asking how I’m keeping my levels so perfect. My answer – when God plans for something, He provides all the details.

 

This past Tuesday, we had a high-level ultrasound to check for any abnormalities in the baby. It will be no surprise to you that this child is perfect.  SHE is a perfect example of God’s handiwork.  Yes, we also found out we are having a girl. 

 

We’ve been struggling with a name. We want one that honors Him. This morning during my quiet time, I was flipping through my journal. I often write down verses that God has given me during our time together and write my thoughts. I’d like to share one I found.

 

 

February 13, 2009

 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

 

Lord,

            I’m trusting in your plan. Wednesday, I found out that I’m pregnant. No surprise to you but great surprise to me. Lord, I didn’t think that was the plan, but not my will but Thine. I feel like my writing will suffer with the birth of a child. With Faith headed to Kindergarten, I thought I would be spending my time writing. It looks as if I’ll be taking care of a baby. Lord, a baby is such a blessing, and we are honored you’ve blessed us.  But we are in a little shock.

 

I know you told me to abide in you and this would be a fruitful year. I still feel that you mean that in regards to my writing – especially after reading this verse this morning. Where I think having a baby will make me weaker in the area of writing, Your power will be made perfect.

 

Lord, I commit this pregnancy to you.  Keep this baby safe and healthy. Help me to get my blood sugars under control. Please let this one come on its on and not have to be induced – but not too early. Please give us a name for this blessing. Thank you for increasing us. Continue to use me. Amen.

 

As I finished reading, tears came to my eyes. I knew we had the perfect name – Grace.  And on her wall, I will frame that verse.

 

What a mighty God we serve. Can I humbly ask for your prayers as I continue to carry the Grace God has given me?  I love you all.

 

 

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  • Kimberly May 15 at 5:05 pm

    Oh, Carol!
    What a beautiful name!
    What a beautiful post!
    What a beautiful daughter of the King you are!

    I will be praying for you and your precious Grace. 🙂 I don’t really have blog reading time right now…but when I saw the title of your post I had to read it…cause He has been speaking to me about grace all over the place!!! So glad I came by!

    Blessings, sweet Carol! You are a joy to “know.”

  • ocean mommy May 15 at 5:13 pm

    You know I’m praying. 🙂 I will never forget our conversation in the upstairs hallway of the worship center that Wednesday evening. 🙂 GRACE has quite a life ahead of her. I can’t wait to see what God does with her!

    Hugs and prayers
    steph.

  • christy rose May 15 at 9:28 pm

    Congratulations! A baby is always a blessing from God and He will provide the extra time necessary for HIS writing gift to be displayed in you!

  • Christy May 16 at 3:13 am

    I’m so sorry that I’ve been away for some time. Oh, how I’ve missed your blog. It’s always been an inspiration to me.
    I’m just amazed at how the Lord has blessed your family with this little miracle. Precious Grace. I will absolutely pray for you and sweet Grace as you continue to carry her.

    Congratulations and many continued blessings!

  • Carmen May 16 at 1:13 pm

    Well, Carol…we’ll both have a Faith and a Grace! How ’bout that?!

    What a glorious life HE’s given you!

  • Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys May 16 at 9:30 pm

    God is most definetly Blessing you. Your beautiful gift from the Lord will have the perfect name. I will keep you both in my prayers.

  • LisaShaw May 17 at 12:44 am

    I’m so blessed in your sharing and congratulations to you and your hubby on the blessing that is on the way.

    WHATEVER GOD SAYS IT WHAT WILL BE IN OUR LIVES as you can see and that’s a wonderful place for us to be.

    I pray that all goes well in all areas as I’m sure it will.

    Praise the Lord.

  • Just me~ Bobbie Jo May 17 at 3:59 am

    Oh wow!!!!! I will be lifting you and Grace and your whole family up in prayers.

  • Kristen May 17 at 5:36 am

    Oh that is beautiful! Before I even finished reading your post, just by reading the verse I knew you were going to name her Grace. I don’t actually know you but I knew by the verse that would be her name 🙂 I am so glad you choose that name, it is such a simple yet powerful name and definitely one I may want to use in some form when I have children. Congratulations!

  • Sarah May 18 at 1:46 am

    Yay, yay, yay!!! I can tell by the ultrasound that she is gorgeous already!

    So happy for you, and I think the name is just lovely!

  • Cheri May 18 at 2:33 am

    Oh Carol, I smile for you as tears come down. I just love you and think you are such a wonderful person. God has truly blessed you. He has blessed you because you are diligent to do the work he has called you to. It makes me think of the verse on your blog header.

    I am so glad you shared her name with us. I am so glad I know you. You are a force to be reckoned with and God knows it! That’s why he made you just the way you are!

    Love to you and your family, Cheri

  • Michelle May 18 at 4:03 am

    Congratulations! What a moving post. I love the picture. I will keep you and Grace in my prayers. God is great!

  • Cheryl May 18 at 12:58 pm

    Your friend in another post said it perfectly. What a beautiful daughter of the King you are! I am always so touched when I turn to your pages. Please be assured that God is using you. I couldn’t do without Him through you some days.

  • The Stokes Family May 22 at 12:20 pm

    I’m just now getting back to reading blogs (now that school is out) and this is BEAUTIFUL! Love the picture, love what you said, and absolutely CAN’T WAIT to meet little Grace!

    Love you!
    Amanda

  • MelanieNewYork Jun 6 at 5:12 am

    I am so behind in reading! This is just precious. I love the name. I have to say I am a little giddy that it is a girl. :>)

  • Chatty Kelly Jun 23 at 12:58 pm

    Thank you for directing me to this post! You're heart for the Lord is so wonderful and congratulations on your wonderful blessing, Grace.

    I know you must be nervous, thrilled, excited, scared, everything! But God's hand is so clearly in this.

    My youngest will start kindergarten in the fall too, and I am planning on taking my writing to the next level during that time, so I relate to your feelings. However, God's plans are not our plans – and his are the best.

    Congratulations again!!!!

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