Some Specific Prayer Requests

As we approach Ian's due date, I have a few specific prayer requests that I wanted to share with you. Again, so many of you have expressed a desire to help in any way you can, offering your prayers as the only thing you have to give.

Before I continue and share my requests, I want to expound on that last point a little further. Why do we do that? Why do we treat prayer as the least we can offer? I'm not out to condemn any of you here; honestly, I'm questioning myself most of all. It's taken my being on this side of things to understand better how valuable is prayer, to learn what it really means to covet the prayers of fellow Christians. Right now I can't imagine ever saying again, "I'll be praying, but let me know if there's anything more I can do," as if prayer is your consolation prize.  Wanting to help in other ways is good; wanting to help in anyway possible is better; but shouldn't we always value entreaty to Almighty God on behalf of someone else as best?

Okay, I think I'm back to the topic at hand. I hope that little side note challenged you a bit without making you feel unappreciated. Without further ado, my requests:

1) That Daniel and I would have wisdom in forming and carrying out our priorities over these next few weeks. There is a lot to be done--a lot that could be done, a lot that should be done, and a lot that must be done. We find ourselves getting pulled into trying to do them all, and there simply isn't the time. We need God's wisdom to categorize these tasks rightly and His strength to get them done and well and at the right time.

2) That God would orchestrate all the moving pieces to His glory and our good and that we would recognize this and not try to force our way. There are so many things that must come together perfectly for my ideal situation to occur--meaning that both our families and my best friend can be here to meet Ian and then also to be here for whatever service we will have. While most of Daniel's family is within driving distance, my closest family is coming from across the country, and my brother is coming from across the world where's he's currently deployed.  My best friend is also coming from across the country. There are questions of when people should get here, when they realistically can, where they'll stay, how long they can stay, etc. And all of this hinges on something that is going to be completely out of our control--when I actually go into labor. Yes, I know there are options to control that, but my doctor and I have discussed it and think it best to let "nature" take its course, unless an unforeseen complication arises. I need to be able to hold loosely to these plans we are making while holding tightly to God's sovereign grace.

I'm pretty sure I had a third request, but I can't seem to remember what it was. I suppose you can pray for that too... :)

Thank you for being there. Thank you for your prayers. Thank you for not being afraid to journey with us. You all continue to show me the love of God, Ian as well. I tell him of you when we chat (well, when I chat to him). If wriggles are gratitude, you are well-appreciated.