I have so many memories of my boys and Christmas!  One of my most favorites with Eric was the year he was 3 and wanted Melvin the Bird.  Oh my!  I made sure it was the last present he unwrapped.  He was sooooo excited!  He looks at the camera and says “I got Melvin the Bird! Let’s open it, Mommy, okay?”  We had so much fun.  And then there was the year when Brent was 4 and he wanted a power wheels big dump truck.  We would go to WalMart and pray over the box!  Funny thing, I didn’t have the money to buy it, so I taught Brent the importance of giving that year and the week before Christmas, I got an unexpected check in the mail and the truck went on sale!  His face on Christmas morning was priceless!  We always decorated their little trees together, made cookies together, made up dances to Christmas songs, watched Christmas shows and had oh such fun!  I loved their Christmas programs and going to grandma’s house and the joy on Christmas morning.

Before we opened gifts, the first thing we always do is sing Happy Birthday to Jesus.  And on Christmas Eve, my dad would always read the Christmas story to the grandkids and they would act out the scene…Eric was Joseph, Kirsten, my niece, was Mary and Brent was a shepherd.  But there is a way to have Santa Claus and Jesus and not betray the true meaning.

Read the following excerpt from an article by Dr. Stephen L. Swisher – http://www.kcm.org/sites/kcm.org/files/mag_201012_0.pdf

Because of his gentleness, compas­sion and love, and the fact that he always carried a bag filled with candy and gifts whenever he ventured out in public, scores of children followed him around. Due to Nicholas’ status with local citizens, Roman officials often sought his advice in matters of state. The influence he gained allowed him to work for the underprivileged and powerless, and in so doing he rose to the position of cardinal.

Yet what ultimately made him a legend was his love of children. As he grew older, he used more and more of his funds to purchase gifts for children. Giving toys or candy to little ones, Nicholas told stories of Jesus and the gift He had given through His death on the cross and subsequent res­urrection. Then Nicholas would add, “Jesus loves little children, and He loves you.” Through these gifts, many began to under­stand the full measure of their salvation. Nicholas’ acts of service were so great that when he died, others picked up where he left off. Over time, the legend of Nicholas of Myra grew, and hundreds of churches were named after him.

I learned of the REAL St. Nicholas when my boys were about 4 and 7 years old.  I was thrilled!  Thrilled that  I could incorporate the REAL meaning of Christmas, yet let them have fun with Santa!  Here is what I did:  We sat down and I told them I wanted to tell them about the REAL Santa Claus.  I told how he was born to missionary parents and that he loved Jesus with all his heart.  How he saved  a young woman from being sold into slavery for her father’s debts by “waiting until night and throwing a bag of gold into an open window” , which actually enabled the family to live for an entire year.  That to celebrate Jesus’ birthday, since we couldn’t give a gift to Jesus, we would give gifts to each other because Jesus loved us that much.  I said then he died.  (Brent, wide eyed said he did???)  I said yes.  And now when we see Santa Claus at the mall, it is a reminder of the man who loved Jesus and wants us to celebrate His birthday by giving gifts to each other – to remind us that the greatest gift was Jesus Himself. 

I then said – as for Rudolph and the North Pole and elves, etc., that is all cartoon fun stuff and we can play and have fun with that!  They loved it!  This way, I kept the meaning of Christmas true in their hearts and didn’t have to fabricate a thing. 

We still went to the mall and sat on Santa’s lap and watched Rudolph and all the fun stuff kids like to do – it was ok because we walked in truth.

Isn’t it like the enemy, to take the real St. Nicholas, and pervert the story, water it down and shove it into history books until “men” attribute the miracles he performed in Jesus’ Name to myths.  The man who gave his life, to serve others in Jesus’ name, even raising the dead, has been watered down to a fat jolly man who flies through the air – something that when a child is older, will never believe and wonder – what else did you tell me that wasn’t true…..I’ve never seen Jesus either and He’s going to come back in the sky one day?  Sure mom.

Truth. Truth brings peace.  Truth brings understanding.  I love Christmas and I love very reason we have Christmas – to celebrate the birth of our saviour.  At our home, Santa bows his knee to Jesus – it was the way he lived his life, and it is how he would want his memory to be honored.

So, Merry Christmas!  Enjoy your children!  Take them to see Santa Claus and tell them what Santa represents to us – a reminder that it is Jesus’ Birthday and we give gifts to each other in HIS honor.  What a mighty God we serve!  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace and good will toward men!

Parenting is like preaching the Gospel, your message cannot change, but your methods must.  I am learning as my children are now young men, that I am going further and further into a support role and less active, and that is okay!  Afterall, you raise your children to be the best they can be, give them a good foundation on the Word of God, and then you must let them fly! 

After spending the weekend in Nashville, moving Brent into his first apartment, I couldn’t help remember the little guy who was always my sidekick as a little boy.  We had such a great time, laughing, playing and working hard.  I am very proud of the young man he has become, living on his own, buying his own groceries – and yes he cooks!  He makes best chili ever! Doing his own laundry, going to church on his own, finding a great church that will challenge him and not pet sin, mentoring younger people, etc.  Wow.  What a guy.  Not to mention he had lost over 50 pounds and has a strict work out regimine that he is dedicated to.

Then of course, Eric is busy with his first post-college job.  Having the time of his life, traveling the country, negotiating deals, meeting people, staying politically active and working toward his future goals.  I love hearing about his adventures, the different churches he attends, and I am so thankful that he knows the Truth and has a solid foundation as well.  He doesn’t even need me to move him anywhere this year.  I am so proud of his determination, his passion for God and for people, his love of life, I encourage his dreams and love that he stays accountable to the mentors that God has placed in his life.  What a guy.

I have come to learn that it is ok to let go.  Not easy, but ok.  If you raise your children in the way they should go, when they are old, they will not depart.  (old means having hair on the chin) Prov. 22:6.  I have a promise.  But I also have 2 wonderful, handsome, creative, honorable, sons who have character and who value a relationship with Jesus.  What more could a mother ask for?

God has given me 2 “God nods” in the last few months.  One with each of my boys.  With them being 8 hours away, it can be overwhelming at times if I look at the world around me.  Especially at times when I find myself in a difference of opinion with one of them.  I no longer have the final say.  However, I always pray for them each day and I always ask the Lord that whatever He gives me at church- their home church – through our pastor, that somehow they would receive it too.  Last Sunday, I had the lead on a song in worship.  After worship, a man came to me and told me that God showed him a vision of me – that I was like a bird when I was singing and I was gathering hearts under my wings so they could be healed – protecting them actually.  I said – have you seen my profile pic lately on fb?  He said no.   I said do you know that Eric gave me the nickname Mother Bird several years ago?  No again.  I thought that was neat.  But wait – God wasn’t done……I go over to get my phone to pull up this picture and show the man and I saw that I had a text from Eric.  It was a picture and said – look at the picture the preacher is using for his sermon today…….Mind you he was in Colorado – and I looked and it was the same picture as my profile pic!!!!!  At the same time God was using John to tell me his vision, Eric said he felt compelled to send me the picture.  GOD NOD. (see attached picture)

# 2 – A few months back, I was at lunch and worshiping God in my car.  The song – The Lord is With You Mighty Warrior came on.  I said – Lord, I am going to not just sing this, but I am going to declare this over my boys.  This was one of Brent’s favorite songs.  So I sang and declared and inserted their names as I went.  This was 1pm.  2 hours later, I checked fb and Brent’s status said simply “The Lord is With You Mighty Warrior” and it had been changed 2 hours before!  WOW!  At the same time I was declaring that, he changed his status.  Tell me God doesn’t know how to reach our children???????

I have also learned something else.  People make mistakes.  Kids are included in that people word!  LOL I mean, Imade mistakes – we all did and still do!  But that is how we learn.  You cannot prevent that.  You can share your experiences from your life, but ultimately, it is their decision.    Sometimes moms are afraid to let go because they are afraid they will no longer be needed.  I mean, when Brent left for college last year, I mourned motherhood. – I no longer was needed on a daily basis to perform in the mothering role after 22 years.  That was tough!  But I have learned, that they still need me.  And if I let them go and bless them to live their lives, they will still call and we still talk and we keep our relationship close.  By me stepping back, our times together and our conversations become more meaningful and grow each day.  This would never have happened had I “stayed in their business 24/7”.

So be encouraged today – wherever you are in your motherhood journey.  If you child is small – soak up every minute!!!!!!  Teens – they need you more than ever – they just won’t admit it!  haha.  If you have a son – take him out for ice cream – out to dinner and let him share his heart.  Tell him how proud you are of him and that he can do anything!  If you have a daughter – Dad would be the best one to do this – but if you are a single mom – do the same thing.  LISTEN and let them share whatever they are willing to share and don’t hop on the judgment wagon.  Sometimes they just want to share with a “safe” person while they work it out on their own.

I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. 1 Sam 1:27

My boys – oh they will always be my “babies” but I am extremely proud to call them men and thankful that they have shown me that as I let go, we are still forever connected.

Mark 4 26: And he said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed upon the ground, 27: and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he knows not how. 28: The earth produces of itself, first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. 29: But when the grain is ripe, at once he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30: And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31: It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; 32: yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.”

Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (KJV)

In Genesis – God SPOKE let there be light and light was, He spoke everything first! Jesus framed the world with His words – How are you framing your world?

Proverbs 18:19 – The power of life and death are in the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Power means – HAND, wrists, axle, strength, a sign, time and repetition and support.
( we create with our hands!)

Seeds produce after their own kind. This is true for plants, animals and human beings. It is also true of God’s seed, we were born again of incorruptible seed, the Word of God.

Words are seeds. Most important are the Words of God for they are the seeds of His will and purpose. Just as natural seeds have within themselves the power to reproduce, so the Word of God has power within itself to produce the will of God.

Every promise of God has the power within itself to produce its fulfillment. Every command of God has within it the power to accomplish the command.

Seeds not sown are words unspoken, prayers not prayed, decrees undeclared.

So what are you planting- your garden is your life. Each row contains a different plant. Row of marriage, row of children, row of health, row of finances, row of time with God, row of work, row of outside relationships, etc.

Deut. 30: 19 – I have set before life and death – now choose life so that you and your offspring may live! Your harvest will nourish others!!!!!!!

Find Scriptures that address the row in your garden that needs work. For example –

Life? – Life more abundantly – John 10:10b
Health – by His stripes I am healed – Is. 53:5
Kids – Train up a child in the way Prov. 22:6- or the seed of the righteous shall be delivered (Prov. 11:21)
Marriage – my husband loves me as Christ loves the church and I respect him, You have destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility and made us one. – Ephesians 2:14 and 5:22
Finances – My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. Phil. 4:19
Life outside – when a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies be at peace with him. Prov. 16:7 and 16:3

So what’s in your garden? – What are you planting with your words? How are you framing YOUR world?

EVERY word is a seed. EVERY act is a seed. Sow kindness – reap kindness

Genesis 8:22 – as long as earth remains there will be seedtime and harvest

Once you plant – do you go out in 2 days or even 30 and dig it up? – NO! that would be foolish – however you begin to speak good words about your situation – sow good things – something happens you don’t like or that is contrary to what you planted and you say – “oh it’s never going to happen” – you just dug up your seed!!!!!!

Do you know there are some plants that you plant now and they do not mature til the following year? (timing is the Lord’s)

Are you guilty of digging up your seed?

How can you did up your seed? – Speaking negative or the opposite of what you want to reap. Remember – all seeds produce harvest – whether good or bad.

What about stones? Are they good for gardens? Keep your gardens free from the stones of offense.

Weeds? Anger, jealousy, envy, unforgiveness, plain sin, wrong attitudes, GOSSIP = SQUASH

Pesticide? =Refusing offense! FAITH – your faith is the substance of what you are believing for and the evidence that it exists!

Malachi 2:3 says that when we continually offer praise that is not our best – that God will prevent our harvest!

Water? Water it with the WORD!!!!!! (where does rain come from ? the earth – as water evaporates, it collects in heavens and when the timing is right, it comes down. Same with praise)

Sun? SONSHINE! Declare, decree, walk in faith

Plant FLOWERS! – words of kindness – words that edify.

Correction ? weed killer. Some of us need to pray for crop failures.

Taking care of a garden is work. We must put down weed barriers – or actively weed. Birds of the air (prince of the air) will drop seeds of weeds – (what you hear, see, etc.) That’s not the only thing birds drop! Enemies will sow weeds on purpose – the devil – wild animals will come and eat your harvest – (fence of protection) kill, steal and destroy……

Put an electrical fence called the Holy Ghost around your garden! Pray in Tongues!!!!

So I ask you WHAT’S IN YOUR GARDEN?????

April 29, 1992 I was blessed with my second son, Brent Matthew Deems.  He was 2 months early and every “whit” whole.  He was a happy baby and loved music, especially worship music.  18 months before I was even pregnant a man, whom I’d never met, asked if he could pray with me about children – I said I have a child, he said I was to have a second child, and it would be a special child…..I was also told that there was “praise on his lips even now, that he would one day stand before men and minister and all who heard him would be blessed”.  Then when he came early the Lord led me to Psalm 8:2 – out of the mouths of babes and infants you have ordained strenghth (praise) that you might still the enemy and the avenger.  God said to me that day – “Brent Matthew has enough praise right now to combat anything Satan throws his way”.  He was born at 32 weeks and weight almost 5 pounds!  Every WHIT whole!

When he was a baby, he would always lift his hands and praise – when I sang or when worship music was on.  He loved to sing and dance in the living room with me!  :)  I’d say – Brent Matthew – you are so cute!  One day he said ” I know!  hahahaha  Loved my baby.  What a blessing.

As he and Eric got a little older – say 5 and 8 – Eric began to accompany his dad to officiate ball games and Brent and I would spend a lot of time toghether. I’d say – “It’s just you and me again, bubby”.  At 5, he had his tonsils removed.  We came home from the hospital on a Friday evening and as I was fastening his seat belt – in a little raspy voice I heard – ” Hey mom, it’s just you and me again”.  :)  I loved that age – he came home from kindergarten at noon and I would wait for him to get off the bus and we would eat lunch and watch Little Bear together and Looney Toons.  We loved Looney Toons! (and still do!)  Somewhere in this era on a Friday, again, it was Valentine’s day.  I had a banquet to attend at church for couples but Randy was at a basketball game.  So Brently went with me.  We dressed alike and had our picture taken.  A few months later, Brent was still referring to me as his valentine – and it has stuck ever since. 

Brent and I have always shared a love of music.  We love the “hard stuff” lol – P.O.D. is our favorite – we love cranking it up and going down the road!!!!  We love to listen to the  guitar riffs and especially Drum parts!  When he was 12, my drummer (at church) developed tendonitis and Brent was taking drum lessons.  We threw him in there and OH MY!  The anointing on him to WAR on the drums!  LOVE IT!  I have such great memories of playing with him and Eric.  I have no doubt he will break many chains with the drum sticks in his hands!

On June 2, 2008, he was coming home from school and was hit by a semi. ( see previous blog of 4/27/11) I declared the prophetic words over his life and God was faithful.  2 months later, he was marching on the ball field – leading his award winning drumline to state championship.  (2 rods and 8 screws intact) What determination!  And what a gift.  Brent means upright and Matthew means gift of God!

We went to see the Transiberian Orchestra and have declared to never eat at TAco  Bell again!  We went to John Mayer concert and declared – the boy is sick!  Talk about an anointing!  He just doesn’t realize he’s supposed to be using it for God’s glory!  Great memories!  Then last summer, when I took him to college……wow.  Letting him out of the car, looking into his eyes, telling him I love him and leaving him 8 hours away……just about killed me.  He had become my sidekick – I loved going to his band competitions, he always sat with me in church, going to lunch, texting during school, etc.  I love that boy.

He is home for summer break and soon I will be moving him into his first apartment.  I will be thrilled to help him, but I will cry all the way through the airport once again and come home to an empty bedroom (and clean – haha) and thus begins another year.  Earlier this year, I was praying for him and his brother and the song “The Lord is With You Mighty Warrior” came on.  One of his favorites.  I said – Lord, I am not just going to sing this, but to declare it over my boys.  That was at 1pm.  2 hours later, I check facebook and see that Brent had changed his status 2 hours earlier – the exact time I was declaring that over him (and Eric) Brent changed his status to “The Lord is With You Mighty Warrior”.  Nothing more, nothing less!!!!  OH MY!  Tell me God doesn’t hear our prayers???????

One of our favorite “games” when he was probably 10- 12 started like this – I said – you are the apple of my eye and the puddin’ in my pie!  He laughed.  The next day I said – you are the chocolate in my chips!  So he said – you are the pencil to my lead and the mayonnaise on my bread!  LOL – He used to love mayo!  From then on we would find unique ways of stating that…. mac to my cheese, ice to my cream….. etc.  So from the noodle neclaces when he was little, to the 2 dozen roses he sent me for mother’s day – I cherish every memory and time spent with that child of mine.  As we said when he was little – How much do you love me?  (And he would throw his arms way out -and the little book Guess how much I love you? )-  I love you, baby to the moon ……AND back my forever Valentine!

Today, I am missing my oldest son, Eric.  Even as I write this, I can feel emotions welling up inside.  (sigh) What a love story!  I fell in love the moment I laid eyes on him!  Always the little man, I jokingly say he came out 40, and most people that know him agree!

I’ve always “dated” my boys – always.  How else do you teach your son how to look for a wife and how to treat a lady?  I remember dressing up and taking him to Olive Garden, when he was about 4.  He called it kindergarden!  But he grew up so fast!

When he was 15, I had a dream that it was time to take him to college.  I cried so hard in my dream, that I woke myself up!  I remember telling that to my pastor and he replied “you still have 3 years to go”.  That was almost 8 years ago.  When he did leave in 2007, It felt like part of my heart had been ripped out of my chest!  I hugged Brent alot!  LOL (more on him next blog- he was my “valentine”) But in March of 2008, it had been over 2 months since I had seen him and I needed to see him badly.  I flew to Nashville and he made dinner reservations at the most wonderful place with live music, sitting on the balcony.  (smile) I did that often while he was in school.  Another favorite came in 2009.  It was Tuesday evening and I get a call – Hey mom – why don’t you come to Nashville and see Elton John with me this weekend?  I have an extra ticket. – Really?  (as I quietly race into the computer and pull up flights) I don’t know – are you sure?  He says – I can’t think of anyone else I would rather go with.  (melting heart)  Wow, Eric – I don’t know if I can get a flight that soon.  He says what about flight #1234?  I said – THAT’S THE ONE I AM LOOKING AT!  He says – I even have a free flight you can have – then you can ride home with me and keep me company.  (8 hours in car?  SURE)  We had a GREAT time.  We laughed, we cried, we sang, we danced.  Wonderful memory.  Then 2010, I fly to Nashville to help him move into his first apartment and we see James Taylor in concert.  What a beautiful evening.  Again, we laughed, we cried, we had a great time.  We got his apartment together and go and tour million dollar homes and dream and release faith.  We argue with our driver, “Lutz” (shhhh) and then it’s time for me to come home.  I sob all through the airport. 

Then there is the time in 2006 we go to Cinci to see Transiberian Orchestra, only to come home and sing a duet at the Smoot.  We were mistaken for a “couple” for the second time in 2 years.  He said – well I look much older, mom.  I said – get it right, I look so much YOUNGER!  haha 

2011 – my baby graduates from college with 2 degrees, with honors, and many awards.  He overcame adversity and the naysayers.  He is living part of his dream in DC  and today, I am missing him again.   So I find our song and send it to him.  The song, that in 2004 – before his first prom and in 2005 we danced to – Have I told You lately, that I love you – yes yes. 

So today, I am missing my boy, I am missing the little guy who drove me nuts in the grocery store, who always talked out of turn in school, who always dressed up every Sunday, who always had questions and had to know why and how, who has always loved government and politics,who was my most wonderful pianist for 7 years, who shares my humor, and fills my heart – with gladness, actually.  I am his biggest fan and his toughest critic.  I love him forever and I will like him for always…… What a privilege it is to be his mother and I am so thankful for the blessing of his life to me.  What a joy to know that I can share prayers with him and how we have so many times grabbed hands, prayed and agreed only to see the very thing we agreed upon come to pass.  That, is a priviledge!

I cannot wait to see all the dreams in his heart come to pass.  Wow.  I will stand and say, Look what the Lord has done, and I will bless the Lord for His faithfulness beyond all things. 

Still to come…… a trip for us to NYC, (ever since Home Alone) , a road trip with many Diners and oh yes, an inauguration. :)

Multi-colored roses arrived on Friday.  Beautiful garden planter on Saturday.  Wonderful facebook posts and a call on Sunday.  The tears have flowed!  So I guess my heart must be full of tears because when it comes to my boys – they bump my heart and I cry!

Even though my boys were not physically with me on Sunday, I know their hearts were.  Just as part of my heart has lived in Nashville since August of 2007 and will continue for awhile.

It doesn’t take much for tears to start…..a simple I love you, seeing a mom with a little boy out and about – a compliment, a Mark Harris song, Toy Story, pictures from years before and noodle necklaces….. :)

Always and forever I will cherish my boys and being their mom.  Thank You Father for choosing me to be their mom.  As I used to tell Brent when he was little……If God lined up all the little boys in the world and told me this one keeps his room clean, and this one won’t talk back and this one is perfect, etc. I would still search until I found you.  :)

Sunday is Mother’s Day.  I have been very blessed to have been raised by a wonderful Christian mother and I had 2 Christian grandmothers.  What a heritage!  And after learning, recently, about relatives on both sides, I honestly thanked the Lord that I came through the right grandparent’s line.  One move to the right or left and my life would have been very different and who know’s where I would be or what I would be doing!

My greatest joy in life has been raising my 2 sons, Eric and Brent.  When they were little and I was at home with them – it was the best times of my life.  The summers ’93 and ’94 were especially nice as we spent many days at the park, eating packed lunches and playing on the playground.  Of course, there was McDonald’s too! All the tee ball games and little league and riding the bikes, b b guns, power wheels, Rescue 911, The Dukes of Hazzard, and Looney Toons!  Great times and greater memories.

Both my boys have grown into wonderful young men, full of life, humor, wisdom, integrity, character, morals, determination and they love Jesus.  How could I ever ask for more?

So this Mother’s Day – I dedicate it to the wonderful boys who gave me the chance of a lifetime – being a mom!

Cell  phones. Email. Texting. Twitter. Facebook. Skype and more!  These things have been a lifesaver for me as a mom.  I remember the summer before Eric turned 16 – he wanted a cell phone.  We got him one and then the following year, Brent got one at age 14.  It was a great way to stay in touch with them while they were out with their friends, especially once they got their licenses! 

Now that they are out of the house, it has been especially nice to keep in touch.  I love reading about what they are doing daily, enjoy texting them little notes of have a great day – or I love you and skype was especially great when Eric was in London!

So it makes me appreciate technology all the more.  I am very thankful that it wasn’t like it was in my day with only letters and pay phones.  It’s hard enough to get young people to send an email let alone actually write a letter!

I love my boys.  I love staying in touch with them.  I don’t believe that will ever change.  ;)

Today is a sad day.  We had to put our little dog, PJ Rooney down.  We got her in 1998 when she was 6 weeks old and she scared the life out of Buster – who was her half brother and 4 years older! 

She was so cute and very loving.  Could jump a mile high when we were eating popcorn!  LOL

Would pretend to have to go pee just to get a biscuit.

After Buster died, the groomer couldn’t get her coat even, so they shaved her!  Oh my!  But she turned out so cute and her coat never grew back.  Here is a pic:

Today was very hard.  Apparently sometime between Friday late night and Saturday afternoon she suffered a stroke.  We had no choice, but to put her to rest.

:(

Christmas 2010

19 years ago on April 28, I was babysitting 3 little boys, Levi and  Chase  who were 2 1/2, Brandon, 3 1/2, my niece Kirsten who was 1 and I had Eric 3 1/2!  Wow!  Needless to say, my hands were full.  I was 32 weeks pregnant and my back started hurting.  It was a Monday, and the Friday before I had been in the hospital with “pre-term” labor and sent home to take pills every 4 hours to stop it.  This wasn’t new to me because I had to do the same with Eric, but this time the pills didn’t work.  I called the doctor and they told me to come to the ER and be checked.  So, I waited for Randy to come home from work, called my cousin to come and stay with the kids and off we went.  We were hungry, so we went through the McDonald’s drive thru.  Once I got there and into a room, the nurse came in to check me and her eyes about popped out of her head.  Within 30 minutes I was on a helicopter on my way to Ohio State Hospital.  I was dilated 4 cm and 85% effaced!  WOW!  So I prayed.  I pulled out my pocket Bible and plunked it open to Psalm 8:2 (never read it before) and it said – Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, thou hast ordained praise (strength) that thou might still the enemy and the avenger.   – I said – God – give it to me straight!  I heard this still small voice say this “Brent Matthew has enough praise on his lips even now to combat anything the enemy throws his way”.  At that moment, the peace of God covered me and I was set to go.

After a very long night, (contractions didn’t stop, doctors told me ALL the Horrible things that could happen if my child was born at this stage and after projectile vomiting of McDonald’s french fries in a freezing cold room) they had given me all the medication allowed.  I said – let me have this baby, he will be fine.  And 2 hours later, Brent Matthew was born, 18 1/4″ long, 4 pounds and 15.75 ounces and he was “every whit whole”.  (a month earlier, as I went for prayer at church for my aunt – a lady in the church began to pray for my baby.  She looked me in the eye and said “this baby will be every whit whole, do you understand me?  Every whit whole!)

Brent only needed to learn how to suck a bottle because his sucking reflexes had not come in yet.  What a blessing and what a miracle.  As we sat by his crib in NICU, all I could think about was that the little babies in there were fighting for their lives because their mother’s wanted them and across town somewhere, little babies were being killed because their mothers did not. 

The following weekend, Mother’s Day weekend, I was able to bring Brent home and by the time he went for his first check up, he was 7 pounds!  The doctor said – “I do not consider him premature!”.  Of course he didn’t.

Neither did I.