Thursday, January 10, 2008

Increasing The Flock

Our first plan was developed in order to help protect the mental health of those close to us, who, without the benefit of a biblical worldview would not handle such wonderful news well. It was also protection for myself in particular, for, fending off the 6.4 billion questions that would ensue following such an announcement, would not be the easiest task, especially in my condition.

However, we are realizing that it does not actually fall within our realm of responsibility to protect full grown adults from their own faulty logic or misplaced priorities, hence, we have relegated Plan One to File Thirteen. Plan Two involves repeating ad nauseum (should the need arise) the profound statement, "I don't know... we'll see."

All of this is to say that we are keeping the good news under our collective hats no longer, and we are thrilled to announce that YHWH as seen fit to bless us with another child. When the children were appraised of the development, the boys literally jumped up and down screaming in delight, and the girls beamed and glowed happily. Doodle wanted to know if the baby could sleep with her, and the boys demanded that it be a boy. "It's about time", they asserted.

While the family as a whole could not be more thrilled, I personally can picture myself a bit more chipper after the morning-noon-and-night sickness has abated. This too shall pass, eh?

As an aside, and to hopefully fend off the inevitable questions that will indeed come regarding our future plans and Israel, I can say this: No plans have changed. We are still in Step One, which is to sell our home and farm. Step Two will involve moving somewhere (No, we are not sure where) that we can buy a house with cash and fit it with basic solar power. Step Three will be to complete our financial preparations for moving to Israel. It is only an outline, but YHWH often doesn't reveal the specifics until just the moment when they need to be known. It works better for me that way. Then I only have to concern myself with the very next step ~ which right now would be to go take some ginger tincture to soothe this nausea.

Meanwhile, we hope you will rejoice with us! If you cannot, your silence would be greatly appreciated. (Warm smile and batting eyelashes here.)


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Psalm 107:41-43



41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
and increased their families like flocks.


42 The upright see and rejoice,
but all the wicked shut their mouths.


43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
and consider the great love of YHWH.




 


37 comments:

  1. Praise Yeshua! You'll be in my prayers. Hopefully the nausea will pass quickly.
    Blessings to you and your growing flock!
    ~Kelli~

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  2. Congratulations!!!!! You are so very blessed! Wishing you many more. :)

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  3. From a blog-lurker who checks your blog every day... CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!! I'm so happy for you! :)

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  4. That is absolutly the most precious news I have heard today.
    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

    Will you all be living permantly in Isreal?

    I wish there were more people like you all around here.

    Blessings to your and your family,
    Melanie

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  5. Mazel Tov, my friend. :) I am thrilled for you and your family. He sure trusts you and Mr Visionary to see fit to bless you with another little one. If you are faithful with little...

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  6. Congratulations to you, Julie, and to your entire family! What a blessing!

    "Meanwhile, we hope you will rejoice with us! If you cannot, your silence would be greatly appreciated."

    Well said. :) I think I'll borrow this for next time. We already have the same problem and we only have 3 children!

    May the "morning" sickness pass quickly!

    ~Anna

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  7. From another daily lurker (albeit a new one) a hearty congratulations and prayers that blessings will rain down on your family! I thought "Our family is growing by two feet" was adorable!

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  8. Thanks, Everyone! I wasn't expecting such a sweet response. I forget that not everyone is like those certain ones in Real Life.

    Melanie~ This is my first opportunity to use the standard answer!!!! "I don't know...We'll see." (giggle)

    Actually it depends upon several factors...Israeli immigration policy, financial backing for our work there, etc.

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  9. Congratulations on your growing family. I'm sorry to hear that some around you may not rejoice with you. Blessings to you and your family. Ann'Re

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  10. Oh, Julie!!! Hugs and Congratulations. I'm so thrilled for you and your family. When is the new arrival expected?

    Ahava,
    Beth

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  11. How wonderful!!!!!!

    It is not envy, because I would not want to take this joy away from you, but I sure wish I were on the same path! I guess it's just old-fashioned baby fever!

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  12. CONGRATULATIONS!!!
    I am so excited for you. When are you due?

    I am finally past the nausea part here....and glad of it. I feel like myself again and that is good.

    Best wishes and prayers for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

    love,
    Annette

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  13. Congrats Julie-
    What wonderful news! We are thrilled for you and your family. I'm always sick during my pregnancies, but during my last pregnancy, my midwife had me take alfalfa (I found it in a capsule form) and it REALLY helped a lot. It may be worth a shot! I still take it now (it helps with lactation also :)...so my little 6 month old still getting the benefits.
    Be blessed!

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  14. Oh, Amy~

    Thanks! I am taking a tincture with Nettles, Alfalfa, Yellow Dock, and dandelion (leaves & roots) several times a day.

    But...

    I'm willing to try it. I might see if I can get some capsules of alfalfa by itself, so I'm not taking too much tincture.

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  15. Praising YHWH with you and although I believe the time has passed for us to have anymore of our own (our youngest just turned 4) I am going to admit that I am envious of your condition! (not the nausea part-just the baby!) :-)
    I will be praying that the morning, noon, and night sickness passes quickly for you.
    Shalom,
    Michelle

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  16. Julie Bird...

    Woo Hoo!!! You are blessed among women... to be able to participate with YHWH in the weaving of a miracle...a new saint. I rejoice with you as He wonderously forms new babe inside of you!!!

    Love You!

    Carla Lynne

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  17. Congrats...
    Just when I thought I was catching up! ;)

    I pray you get the rest and strength you need during this time.

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  18. Congratulations from a reader who just found you last week, but has enjoyed your site very much! Remember those who aren't rejoicing with you think credit is something you apply for and babies are something to limit.

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  19. YAY! What wonderful news! Hooray for babies! I'm very excited for you =)

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  20. Ohh, I'm "sighing" with you Julie..."It's not a contest"...I'm praying for others eyes to be opened the truth too.
    Praying you are feeling well today, all day :)
    Amy

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  21. see, i would have said it because i'm a big mouth like that. oh, dear! *that certain church* only grows in this way, too, so it is a membership drive if you ask me...maybe they think more you have the chances increase that one of them may be *chosen*...ok, i will behave now.

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  22. I wanted to say Hi to Crystal Hatley if that's okay, Julie.

    Hi Crystal! I haven't heard from you in awhile. You were on one of my y-hoo groups, I can't remember which of them (I've been on 3). I'm so glad to "see" you here. How are you and your family?

    You can email if you like at:
    mainemom6@yahoo.com

    Blessings,
    Beth

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  23. Ape~

    I'm so glad we don't see each other in real life any more than we do. We'd get in waaayyy too much trouble.


    Thanks everyone for your encouragement and blessings. It really does help. A lot.

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  24. *smiles, smiles, smiles* I just LOVE knowing a secret before everyone else (OK, almost everyone)!
    So can I tell my mom now?????
    Love you always,
    E

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  25. Mmmm. I have been praying for you, friend! I asked YHWH to make this a little bit easier for you (the nausea.)

    I'm so thrilled for your family, though.

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  26. How wonderful to hear!

    I am so happy for you!

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  27. Oh! I am so happy to read of your good news! Congratulations to you and your entire family!

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  28. Julie, I was over here getting caught up on the Church Study and came across this post. Praise the Lord! You are so blessed. Take it from someone whol would love to be in your shoes. I don't care what the naysayers have to say. God is good.
    Bless you and your family,
    Trixi

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  29. May He be glorified!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    If I lived close by, I would bring you a pot of hot tea, do a few loads of laundry and put a soup in the crockpot!

    I am truly happy for the addition of two more feet into your home.

    Most sincerely,
    Mrs. Klause

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  30. Pray for me. I want another baby so much. We've had eight pregnancies that resulted in only two babies (7 year old Julia born when I was 32 and 3 year old Emma, born when I was 37). My husband is discouraged and thinking we're old (both 40) but I believe He has promised to double our family. Thank you for your prayers.

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  31. Well, I haven't been out in blogdom much lately so I'm a little late here... but what a wonderful surprise! I am so happy for you and will be praying for you~ shalom and stamina~ in Ha Shem.

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  32. Hi Julie,
    Not sure if you remember me, but I stumbled onto your blog and have been reading it as time allows. I just wanted to say congratulations! I'll be praying for you. You are a great encouragement to me.

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  33. Shea~ Of course I remember, although I am a bit surprised. I didn't think anyone from that place would hang out here. Cool, though.

    Thanks for praying, Girlie!

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  34. We don't go to "that place" anymore. :) Still praying for you and your family! Hope all is well.

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