Love in Action Journey

Precious Zac, 9 months ago you were born into our waiting arms. It still seems so surreal that we were chosen to carry you for 9 months and to be able to hold you for a day. The memories of every one of those hours are a gift beyond words ever expressing. You continue to shape our hearts and lives sweet boy. Today I find myself weighing so much up. There is the sadness of missing you being in our everyday world so much, but I am also mindful of the privilege of being entrusted with your story. I don't understand it all, but a day will come when you will sit on my lap in Heaven as Father God unpacks it all for this mommy''s heart to finally see in full. For now I will hold onto the promise that God handpicked your life and every moment that you lived. We stand amazed that your story continues to touch peoples lives with God's love and tenderness. It shows me that while you may be in Heaven, you are very much alive and never separated from the love in our hearts to sha...

Family of God, if you have not been following the news, especially us here in South Africa, please, please, PLEASE stand in prayer for the Lord to send an outpouring of rain to stop the fires raging in Colorado. I've read it's the worst they have ever seen. So many thousands of families have been evacuated from their homes. Our dear friends Anthony & Adeye Salem and their 7 precious children have just been told to evacuate too. There are countless families in need! My friend Adeye is always lifting others up in prayer. Please can we pray that the Lord spare their home and the lives of all the precious people in their community being affected. Send the rain Lord and encourage those brave fire fighters who have been fighting this fire for days.  Praying!!!!! Janine

This week I keep noticing something beautiful happening around me. I told you in my last post how 2 weeks ago I woke up hearing the phrase "expect blessing" loud and clear in my mind. Since hearing that, my eyes have been open and I keep seeing how little things (small acts of kindness) actually land up speaking volumes to the ones receiving such acts of love and blessing. In the little things lies the power of love. Let me share some of the things I've seen and experienced.  Since sharing that we are expecting our precious rainbow baby, I have been overwhelmed by how caring and tender people have been towards us. Words of love and genuine joy and happiness for us have shown us how shared this little love is going to be. So many people prayed and trusted with us with all that we went through with Zac, that we realize how this little one is a gift of healing and joy to so many beyond merely his or her family. That in itself is such a tremendous healing balm to my heart....

It's been a while, I know. Sorry for the quiet, but this girl is truly going through 1st trimester pregnancy nausea and tiredness - all day, every day! All a good sign of a healthy pregnancy, but intense none the less. I am SO THANKFUL the girls have just started a 3 week holiday. Such a wonderful excuse to laze in the mornings. And oh the bliss of no homework!!! I can do a dance of joy for that!!! hee hee I am 8 weeks along and trying not to wish for that 12 week mark. I really want to soak in the joy of this precious gift of pregnancy. The Lord has dropped the phrase "expect blessing" into my heart. Instead of allowing fear to wrap around my thoughts I am choosing to "expect blessing" through each phase of this pregnancy. I still stand in awe that the Father has entrusted 4 precious children to me, even if He gets to raise one of them ;0) Being 35 and this being my 4th c-section I'm pretty sure this is my final pregnancy. So there is something special ...

A friend and I were chatting earlier this week about seeing life and emotions in colours. Certain words just seem to have appropriate matching colours Right now my colour is definitely GREEN . .. I feel 100% nauseous most of the day and yet also so peaceful , blessed and prosperous in my heart and soul. The moment Brett and I suspected this pregnancy (which happened to be very, very early ... the smell of butter frying in a pan sent me running!!!! That day we looked at each other and KNEW! It was too early to take a test, but our hearts knew beyond a shadow of a doubt. God had added to us!) Joy and peace descended upon my heart immediately. I just KNEW that God's timing and plan for our family is perfect. That truth is guarding my heart so protectively. I feel it like a beautiful green lush hedge all around us. Having so many amazing people praying and rejoicing with us just adds to this blessing!  Don't get me wrong - the enemy hasn't let up in trying to sow fear...

Since sharing my journey through my blog, I have met so many people who have been willing to share their stories with me. Everyone has a story to tell. Not all of us have the same story, but many can relate to having negotiated some hard paths along the way. I write this post today to those who feel weighed down or swallowed up in hurt or despair. I want to remind your heavy heart today that that God reaches out to you with "healing in His wings". Here is a beautiful promise for you to hold onto  ... "But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves (released) from the stall  and leap for joy ." Malachi 4:2 This is a beautiful picture to me. On those really tough days when we just do not know how to possibly make it through, God paints us a picture of Himself reaching out healing in His wings to us. Why wings you might ponde...