The NorMel House

Sometimes people frustrate you. Respond with patience. Sometimes people are harsh. Respond with gentleness. Sometimes people can hurt you. Respond with love. Sometimes people let you down. Bear with them in humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Be like Jesus. #behumble #begentle #bepatient #love #Eph42 #ChildofGod

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4‭-‬7 ESV This doesn't mean you have to be happy all the time; it doesn't mean you have to like everything you're going through, but it does mean that in all things you rejoice in the Creator who made you. If we look at Romans 8 verse 28 we know that no matter what God will turn all things to the good of those who love Him. When you feel like you're at your wit's end just remember there is good that will come from this, and you don't always have to be strong, let God be your strength. Find your joy in God and no day will be too dark.

I haven't had the gift of words lately. Seems that grief can rip the words right out of your mind and leave you seeking answers to questions but not knowing what those questions are. I can't explain the way I feel or why this seems to have knocked me down so hard when I knew it was coming. I thought I was prepared. I'm starting to learn that you can never be prepared for the loss of a child. "I know you hear me, I know you see me Lord. Your plans are for me, goodness you have in store, so Thy will be done..." The words so beautifully sung by Hilary Scott so often ring through my mind. May, by God's Grace, I find my way to holding on to this truth.

God, in His wisdom, called home another baby Hoeksema this week. While we don't always understand God's plans we trust He knows best and will continue to guide us, even through this.  "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." Psalms 139:16 ESV Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we mourn the loss of our little one. Melynda and Norm The NorMel House

7... 7 pregnancies... 6 babies in Heaven, and 1 I'm not sure of. Its been a rough go for the last while. When you think you don't want children anymore, but at the same time get choked up over things you don't expect anymore. Got to the point where I was convinced I was pregnant, and over 9 days took 3 pregnancy tests that all said negative... But I knew that couldn't be right so I called the fertility clinic and they said to come in for bloodwork... So I went in, and tried not to think about the phone call I'd get later in the day. I ran errands, I did some shopping and eventually ran out of things to do and started for home. And then the speakers in the car rang, just as I pulled in my driveway. Probably a good thing as I had a meltdown when she spoke. "I have the results from your bloodwork and it is positive but the number is pretty low. Its only at 28. We want you to come back in two days to repeat it and we'll monitor you for a bit." I bawle...

A snippet of one of the books my hubby and I are reading together before bed. I have to admit tonight's chapter is something I wish all couples would read before getting married. There's a lot in here I have always believed, a lot I need reminding of, and even things I'd never realized or considered. We're reading through a book by Dr James Dobson called "Love for a lifetime: Building a marriage that will go the distance." Our current chapter has pearls of wisdom I think could prevent a lot of marital issues and I can't help but want to dwell on it for a bit. I think I'll have to do some studying. I highly recommend reading this book if you are intending to get, or are married. For now I plan to close my eyes. Have a blessed Sunday tomorrow! The NorMel House

Reading:      1Samuel 18:1-4, 23:15-18           After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return to his father’s house. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.           While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph , he learned that Saul had come out to take his life. And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel , and I will be a second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” The two of them made a covenant before the Lord.  ...