He has been SO kind to the Hawthornes, giving them the gift of life in a baby girl (Rebekah Gillian-Mei Hawthorne) just born this morning! The anticipation of waiting, wondering each night if maybe baby will be delivered tonight. She's been so active in her mummy's tummy that I thought maybe baby could be a boy, though deep inside I was praying, asking God to grant them a baby girl, then realising that I should just thank Him for giving them a healthy child whether boy or girl. But, I am content with whatever the Lord gives, truly content and very thankful to Him.
Her brothers were also excited, got them presents to congratulate them - Joshua being the older brother of 2, and Reuben becoming a big brother for the first time. It's so wonderful that they're brothers of a little sister!! During lunchbreak (between church and bible study), couldn't help it but as I tried to find lunch for myself, I ended up chancing upon charity shops opened on Sun, and found really nice girlie clothes for Rebekah. =) After bible study, went straight to hospital because doctor still wasn't there to discharge Helen, to accompany boys back home. She has jaundice, so mum & child staying in hospital tonight. Need to pray for speedy recovery for both mum & child.
I am SO happy for them! I've learnt so much from them (some theories were confirmed, some had to be re-learned) about pregnancy, delivery of child, bringing up children and now, how to care for the little one and how amazing it is how the child's body grows/reacts. Random fact: Did you know the initial poos by baby for the first week looks like black liquid tar? Also that the layer of skin round her is not washed off? It's rubbed into her skin cos it's natural moisturiser?
Lots to learn and rely on the Lord for his breath of life breathed into Rebekah.
Matt Redman's song sung at church this morn put a smile on my face just thinking about all that the Lord has blessed me with in the past year, especially my host family which includes being able to experience the joy of a newborn child:
Jesus Christ, I think upon your sacrifice
you became nothing, poured out to death.
Many times I've wondered at your gift of life,
and I'm in that place once again,
I'm in that place once again.
And once again I look upon
the cross where you died.
I'm humbled by your mercy
and I'm broken inside.
Once again I thank you,
once again I pour out my life
Now you are exalted to the highest place,
King of the heavens,
where one day I'll bow
but for now I marvel at this saving grace,
and I'm full of praise once again,
I'm full of praise once again.
And once again I look upon
the cross where you died.
I'm humbled by your mercy
and I'm broken inside.
Once again I thank you,
once again I pour out my life.
Prayer point: that Rebekah one day comes to personally accepting the Lord Jesus as her parents have and will teach her about the Lord Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 22:6
"Train up a child in the way he should go;
even when he is old he will not depart from it."
Ephesians 6:4
"Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
And like Timothy learning from his grandma & mum, Rebekah will learn from her parents in the same way...and all through faith/believing in Christ Jesus! That Rebekah's heart will one day believe and with her mouth she confesses and is saved!
2 Timothy 3:14
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it
15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. "
yesterday, we (2nd years and full-timers) spent praying from 1.30pm - 4.30pm with a tea break in-between. 6 people went up to share their prayer points on summer plans, short term plans and long term plans. After that in groups of 6 we prayed for those 6. Next 6 went up to share and we pray for them, until all 50-60 persons have shared. It was amazing! Exhausted and SO dependent on our great God in all that we do! Thankfulness to him and awareness of our weaknesses and how the devil can use it to steer us away and bring us down! Yet, God's work to bring all under Christ will continue, all to be made Christ-like. Such an assurance.
