Forever Feminine!

Earlier this morning I met with my obstetrician for a check up on me and my sweet, little Baby Girl and it went really well, better than I expected... which is always a good thing! My doctor put me on bed again, a week ago, at my last visit, because even though I had a cervical procedure done in early December to help prevent my cervix from opening any more prematurely than it had, still, we discovered last week that it had funneled quite a bit, and so... to ensure me having the safest remainder of my pregnancy journey possible, as well as a hopefully, full term delivery of my daughter... best rest is a must! It has worked out great since we could see in the ultra-sound that my cervix has managed to stay exactly the same! Praise God! She did tell me that I can still get out and about, as long as I use a wheel chair and so I'm very happy about that!

Seeing just little glimpses of my precious daughter again, in today's ultra-sound was enough to touch my heart with the greatest amount of Hope, Grace and Love! Although, it was just the regular ultra-sound and not the 3-D one that we get to see when I go to my specialist, nevertheless,this time, unlike other times, I was able to see my daughter's beautiful eyes opening right at me, as they have in previous ultra-sounds... and it even looked as if she gave me a gentle, grace-filled smile... which was truly amazing and got me so excited! What an amazing blessing and gift to be able to see your growing Baby in your womb, before she is born! Thank you, God, for these precious gifts I get to receive when I go to my doctor's visits! I appreciate them so very much... and they make my pregnancy journey which can at times feel so long, seem not as long... giving me the perseverance and Hope I need to make it to my due date! :)

Every day, I am continuing to get ready and prepare myself, my heart, my family and home for the grand arrival of my sweet and precious daughter! And with my pregnancy being high risk... I know that at this point, I really could go into labor at any time, and so, it's really important that I be as prepared as possible! :)

Aside from all the obvious, routine necessities I need to help welcome my new, little daughter home from the hospital, such as her car seat, clothes, bottles, formula, and so on, I have also wanted to get myself prepared as well. I wanted a new, special pair of comfortable and feminine, pretty pajamas to wear in the hospital after I give birth to her, as well as some comfortable, pretty, modest, though feminine new clothes for me to wear, (so I am not stuck having to still wear my maternity clothes!). Giving birth is no small matter! It's quite huge, actually, monumental, to say the least and it marks a brand new, beautiful era and chapter in my life... and having some pretty new clothes to wear, I believe is also important in helping me to celebrate this new time in my life... and, "This New Me!" :)

So a few days ago, since I was on bed rest, and couldn't get out to go shopping for some new clothes, I searched on line for what I was hoping to find, and felt would fit how I am feeling about myself these days and my style. I was very surprised to find some beautifully feminine, modest, though very pretty, flowery, flowing blouses at the national store, "Forever 21!" I actually haven't shopped at that store in years, and I had no idea that they had the kind of styles that I like to wear, so needless to say, I was presently surprised by what I received in the mail today and view it as a special gift to myself to help celebrate my life life when my new daughter is born! :)

As a Christian, I believe that fashion is very important, to woman especially, as we strive each day to live out our faith and put our very best face and foot in our daily walk with God and Jesus. I believe that fashion is so important for Christian women especially, because whether we like it or not, we are most likely first and for most judged by others by our outer appearance, often times, before a word ever leaves our lips. This is just how it is in our society... and so we naturally want our outer appearance; how we wear our hair and make-up and the clothes we wear to match our true inner beauty, and hopefully accentuate it... (and not take away from it!). Besides that, our bodies are truly temples of the Holy Spirit... yes, the living Presence of God dwells within us and so, we want to represent Him well, in our own, unique way... letting others see how we express our spirituality and Love for Him through the fashion statement we are making. Whether we intend to or not, we are always making a fashion statement, so why not put some thought and creativity and our true personality into what we wear! We, as woman of God, are like His beautiful, blooming flowers, His bright shining stars. So let's bloom and shine for Him... so all who see us will know we belong to Him and Love Him! :)

Mama Is A Butterfly!

As beloved children and beautiful creations of God.... we are continually going through a transformation process, as God continues to purify us, re-shape and re-mold us, and re-create us a new each day, closer and closer into the beautiful image and likeness of Himself!

Everyday we are growing and changing on our own, by the things we thinks, say, do and experience... and I believe God takes all of that which is within us, daily, and re-shapes, forms and molds us... continually into an even better, more Christ-centered person than we were the day before. I believe we are continually in a process of transformation... as God takes always within us... (that which has died and no longer suites us... and blesses us and graces us with new, life-giving attributes and gifts that will truly help us to become all we're created to be in Christ... and all that we are meant to be in Heaven).

I think butterflies are very beautiful and a perfect image that represents the life of a person who has truly been given new and eternal Life in Christ! For when God gives us the gift of new and everlasting Life... the former, passes away... becomes obsolete... and we are created anew, so beautiful and glorious... we shine with all God's Glory and Light... and His very Life dwells within us and even gives us wings to fly, and reach and make real the most beautiful dreams He's placed in our hearts!

Children say some of the most beautiful, prophetic things at times, yet in the simplest of ways! My daughter Audrey did just that last night, as she lay in her crib, trying to drift off to sleep. I was sitting in the room with her, with the lights turned off, but a nightlight on, and the door slightly opened and she says, sweetly, out of the blue.."Mama is a butterfly! That's what my ears heard her say, though, my heart heard her say, (for some reason),"Mama will soon become a butterfly!"

I was very taken aback by what she had just said... it seemed to come out of nowhere, yet, actually, on a deeper level... it was right in line with what we had been talking about a little bit earlier. We were talking about her being a, "Big sister," and about her little Baby Sister, continuing to grow in Mama's belly and how soon, she is a going to be born and be home with us. A lot, for a little one, who is 23 months old today to take in, but she most certainly does, and she really understands!

When I think about my daughter's comment in light of what we were talking about shotly before... it makes sense that God would inspire her with a comment so simple and yet so profound as to say, "Mama is a butterfly," (even though, her comment more to me like, "Mama will soon become a buterfly!"

I truly believe that we are always growing and changing in our Christian life each and every day, and when a woman is with child and preparing to give birth, truly there are endless changes happening in her body, heart, mind and soul that are paramount... and are very powerful! In many ways, a pregnant women is like a little, (or not so little :), caterpillar, preparing to soon be a butterfly. When I woman becomes pregnant, and is blessed by God with the most amazing gift of a precious child, her very own child, and God's child, within her womb.... her life is forever changed, for the very best! As she continues to grow and her child with her... she continues to shed her former life, (who she was before she became pregnant), and be transformed continually by God's Love, Grace, Light, Joy, Peace, Hope and many other special gifts from Heaven above! And when she finally gives birth... I truly believe from my own experience that, much of who she used to be, passes away and she is born anew and given new Life with her n beautiful child! This was my blessed experience with my precious daughter, Audrey and I believe will also be my experiences with my new daughter.

Of course, I don't believe that we ever really loose who we are completely, the innate beautiful person that God's created us to be... though, like roses and trees are pruned by their gardeners, so that new and more beautiful leaves, blossoms and branches can grow... whatever is not working for us in our lives and bringing us closer to God, God takes away, so that new and even more beautiful Life can grow and bloom within us!

So, as I continue along in my pregnancy journey... of Faith, Hope, & Love and I wonder in awe of the mystery of God's Love and the mystery and awe of my precious daughter... I wait, wonder and contemplate who she will be and also who I will soon become as her mother, for, after giving birth to her, I will no longer be the exact same person as I am today.... but will truly be transformed by God's Grace and Love... into a new woman of God, a new mother and a new creation in Christ! May my life and the lives of my precious daughters continue to bring God all the Glory He so deserves! May His Life and Love be seen in us always! Amen!

The Sweetest Music To My Ears

There are many things that I especially love to hear that lately, I have been wanting to share and write about, as I consider them to be the sweetest music to my ears! So what are they? Well, let's see... they are as follows...

1. The Holy Names of God, Jesus and our Blessed Mother Mary... spoken by my daughter, or another child especially, though, really, spoken by anyone with the sound of genuine Love and reverence for them in their voice!

2. My precious daughter Audrey's voice! Especially when she calls me, so lovingly, "Mama, Mom, Mommy!" (ever since she began to call me by name, these have by far become my new 3 favorite words!).

3. My daughter, Audrey's infectious, contagious, sweet laughter! :)

4. Any setting of the Alleluia being sung at Mass... (especially on Easter Sunday, after having to obtain from singing it for 4o days in the desert, during Lent!).

5. Birds singing ever so sweetly outside my window early in the morning.

6. The sound of little children talking, laughing and playing together... (even when us grown ups can't understand what hey are really talking about!).

7. The sound of wind chimes blowing in the wind. I absolutely LOVE this... the way it sounds, and also because I always remember the saying... "When we hear wind chimes it means angels are near by!" :) I've now taught that to Audrey and now when we hear the music of wind chimes together, we are always reminded that our Guardian Angels are with us! :)

8. Soft and lovely piano music that seems to gently come into the atmosphere from seemingly nowhere, like when you are strolling through the mall and suddenly someone is siting there playing a grand piano, or someone drives by in their car with their windows open and you hear this most beautiful music. Certain pieces of classical music make me feel the same way! What a nice surprise!

9. My awesome mother's voice... especially when she compliments me and tells me what an amazing mother and woman I am! Thanks, Mom... it always makes me feel great to hear that! :)

10. Hearing my father laugh at all the funny and wonderful things my daughter does. He loves her so much, and is such an amazing Grandfather!

11. My brother Jeff's voice! I always love hearing from him!

12. The up-beatness in my sister-in-law Heidi's voice! It's always filled with lots of Hope and Love! :)

13. When they ring the bells at Mass during the consecration! Beautiful!!!

14. Hearing people talk about God, Jesus, our Blessed Mother and Heaven in a real and genuine way!

15. Hearing people of all ages declare boldly their Love for God and Jesus and our Blessed Mother and our Church.

16. How could I have not put this sooner?!? A newborn baby's sweet Baby talk! I loved Audrey's.. and am so excited to hear my new daughter's beautiful, sweet Baby sounds!

17. The happy voices of my grandparents when I talk to them, long distance, all the way from sunny Florida on the phone! They are so sweet and Loving... so filled with JOY!!!

18. For that matter, the voices of all my family! I Love them very much and Love to hear from them!

19. The voices of friends.

20. Bells ringing, especially Church bells!

21. Christmas music at any time of the year! Especially Audrey, as she continues to sing, now well into February, "Jingle Bells," and "Go Tell It On The Mountain." (She's such a Christmas girl!!!! She LOVES Christmas, and I believe, it's by far, her most favorite holiday!).

22. Witnessing my daughter, Audrey, try something new for the very first time, and accomplish something all on her won, and proudly say, out loud... "I Did It!" With just about the most enthusiasm and umpth and excitement I've ever heard!!! :)

23. When I tell my daughter, Audrey I Love her... she says back to me... 'I Uv You!" :) So incredibly cute! :)

24. The sound of a choir singing one of my songs I've composed. I've had this privilege on a few rare occasions and it's just amazing! Can somebody say, "goosebumps!" :)

25. Hearing the background music to a song I've composed, once it's been recorded and is ready for me to lay down the vocal! Love this!!!

And the list will go on and on, though, my daughter, Audrey is waking up from her nap... so I must take a break from this for now!

More to follow... :)

26. When my daughter, Audrey spots a rainbow... how she always says, "Look, Mama... a rainbow! A sign of God's Love!" :) So precious and true!!! "Out of the mouth of babes."

27. Encouraging words!

28. People speaking words of Love to one another.

29. The sound of rain gently falling upon the earth.

More to follow, I am sure! :)

30. People speaking words of Peace to one another!

As She Moves About Gracefully In My Womb

I have to say that one of the most exciting, glorious and Grace-filled experiences I've ever had as a woman, (aside from giving birth), has got to be for me, feeling my precious, little Baby move ever so gracefully within my very womb, both for the first time and every single time after that! It's the most amazing feeling to feel your precious Little One, (your blessing from God), move about in your womb, fluttering around... letting you know she or he is really there inside of you... and very much already a beautiful, sweet, growing little person who Loves you and is just as much a part of you and God as you are of them! Truly amazing!!! :)

Just as amazing, is the continuation of these Grace-filled, divine movements from your Precious One, as you continue to progress in your pregnancy journey. There's nothing more reassuring to a pregnant mother, to let her know that her growing Baby is healthy and well, as she or he continues to grow safely in her womb, (aside from maybe seeing her Baby in an ultra sound). It's always so reassuring to me to feel my daughter move about within my womb, and we are told by our doctors that this movement and the frequency of it are the signs of a healthy Baby! Praise God!!!

Something special that I innately began doing while I was pregnant with Audrey, (without anybody telling me to), was rubbing, lovingly my womb, and sending her loving, warm, positive thoughts, prayers and energy. If you would have seen me then while I was pregnant with her, and even now, pregnant with my second daughter... my hands were then and still now are always placed somewhere upon my ever-growing belly... as I pray for my growing daughter, continuing to ask God to bless and protect her in endless ways... and most of all letting her know how much I Love her and God also! :)

Recently, I have been asking my daughter, Audrey, if she wants to feel her Baby sister moving in my womb and she has said, "Yes," and puts her hand on my womb to feel her move, as she says, "Hello, Baby Sister!" It's so sweet and I believe makes stronger and more tender the beautiful, loving relationship that already exists between them and I know will continue to grow and grow and become more blessed by God their whole lives through!

Ahh! I'm just filled with so much Love, Joy, Grace, Hope and excitement about all the blessings God has given me, especially with my new daughter, due to be born soon. Of course, our lives are going to change in every way... AND, for the best... and that's what make it all the more exciting! I am so excited to finally meet her face to face and hold her in my loving arms and tell her, looking into her beautiful, innocent, pure eyes how very much I Love her, as does God! I am so excited also to introduce her to my family, friends and the world and there are so many new firsts to look forward to. Yet, as I said with Audrey... as excited as I am, I am in no hurry for her to be born. I want her to continue to grow safely in my womb until she is absolutely ready to be born! God has given me a great deal of patience, (Thank You, God! :), and so, of course, I don't mind a bit waiting until then!

For now, I will just continue to prepare myself, family and life for her sweet arrival, and continue to enjoy each and every Grace-filled movement she makes! My heart is full of prayers and so much Love for her... and I thank God endlessly for the true miracle, blessing and Gift and wonder of her!!! :)

With special thoughts and prayers for all pregnant mothers and their precious, growing Babies in their wombs, I am forever keeping Vigil! May their journeys of pregnancy be ones of true blessings, God's Love and His endless Grace and abundant Hope! Amen.

With Endless Hope In My Heart

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the LORD." (Psalm 31:24)

My heart is filled with an endless amount of Hope and I thank God, ever so much, for this most blessed gift He's given me. I am sure He knew I would need it... (and a lot of it! ). Hope is such an essential gift from God and I just couldn't imagine my life without it and don't even know where I'd be. I'm just so incredibly thankful for this awesome gift and I pray that God will bless all the hearts of His children with more HOPE... because we all need it to survive and surely, it will bring us all closer to God and fill our hearts with more gratitude for His graciousness towards us! :)

I am especially filled with a great amount of Hope for my future... as I ever cling to, now more than ever, that most beautiful promise God promised me many years ago... "For I know well that plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord... plans to give you a future full of Hope!" (Jeremiah 29:11). Ahh... this beautiful Sacred Scripture verse is still sweet music to my ears and blesses my heart in the most wonderful and exciting way! :) God's Word is alive and gives lives to my body and soul!!!

On this Sunday, I will be 30 weeks into my pregnancy journey! Although, I have bed asked to be on bed rest again, by my doctor, the Good News is... (and there is always Good News), that I am allowed to still be out and about, though, I need to use a wheel chair, which is fine by me. Having the chance to get out yesterday with my daughter, Audrey and my mom for a Valentine's tea and then later for dinner was a real treat and blessing. It really helped to make the celebration of Valentine's day that much more special and fun! And I still have my Baby shower to look forward to next month as well as Audrey's 2nd birthday! And of course... the glorious celebration of Easter Sunday!!!!

With God in our hearts and the gift of Hope He gives us... there's always so much to look forward to! I am really starting to prepare and get ready for my precious daughter in my womb's birth. My birth with Audrey was absolutely amazing. I was in labor for only about 2 hours and I gave birth to her completely natural. I can only hope and pray that my birth with my second daughter will be just as wonderful and Grace-filled. That's what I'm praying for!

Once again, I thank God, endlessly for the precious gift of Hope He's graciously filled my heart with and pray that He will fill the hearts of all of His children with endless Hope. May Hope overflow from all of our hearts and into our world. Where there is despair... Lord... let us bring and be HOPE to all! Amen!

Praying your day is blessed and Hope-filled in ever way! :)

My Heart's True Valentine!

On this special Valentine's Day... I humbly offer my heart to God in return, for all the gifts and blessings of His Love and Grace, Joy and Peace He's given me! I come into His holy presence of Love and kneel down before Him as He sits on His Heavenly throne... I lift up my eyes and hands and heart to Him... and I sing Him a sweet Love song, from my heart of gratitude, for always being my God, for never letting me down and always staying true to all His promises and for giving me the precious gift of His true Love, His endless Grace and eternal Salvation! God is truly amazing and I Love Him with everything that I am and always will! Thank you, God for Loving and blessing me! Amen! You are my heart's True Valentine!!! :)