The River Church Community

I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Holiday weekend.  Rod and I were so glad to be able to come home from LP Children's Hospital on Saturday night and give Hannah Jane more time to grow bigger and stronger in my tummy.  We just posted a couple new pictures here that our dear friend and photographer, Sharon Hoffman gifted to us with Hannah growing bigger and bigger by the minute.

Her BIG day is drawing closer and closer and we can't wait to share her first picture outside my tummy here with you or for when we return from Duke and bring her to see you, her church family too.  We continue to be so blessed and encouraged by all of you Angel Helpers.  We give thanks for each and every one of you!

Hannah's caesarean birth is scheduled for Monday, September 15th at 10 AM.  But, if I continue to dilate and labor progresses, she will make her debut before then and we'll be sure to let you know. 

Tomorrow we have another non-stress test and a follow-up with my High Risk OB, Dr. Druzin.  Then, on Wednesday, another ultrasound with Dr. Barth.  And, of course that will give our team of docs time to talk with an update on Thursday for this week's plan.

We loved seeing so many of you at the Open House on Tuesday last week and if Hannah will wait a bit longer, we'll be having another one next week.  We'll be sure not to schedule it on a Tuesday again, we are so appreciative of those of you who had a very full day first and then an evening with plans visiting us and then going to Intercessory Prayer too.  :)

Rod and I continue to be blessed with Christian therapy sessions with a wonderful therapist, Dr. Don Phillips.  Last week on Tuesday after a very powerful session that Rod and I had with him, I had a big "melt down" and went to probably the darkest place I have been to in a long time.  It lasted for several hours until late afternoon and by the grace of God and Rod's love, prayers and support, I eventually felt God reach into my dark, lonely place and lift me up.  I still feel shaky at times, but am keeping my eyes on the Lord.  There is no way that I could make it through without His mercy, grace and hope.

That day as I was praying in this time of seemingly isolation, I was reminded of a song entitled, "Blessed Be Your Name"

In particular, these lyrics spoke right to my spirit and perhaps, you, too can be encouraged by them:

When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Here is a link to this song; I hope you can click on it or paste it in your browser and be inspired and encouraged as I was:

http://www.imeem.com/popmusic10/music/dfqGRcmp/tree63_blessed_be_your_name/

I hope that you each are continuing to feel God's love and light surround you and envelop you.  Rod and I are so very encouraged and loved by your abundant outpourings of love.  God is indeed blessing me, teaching me, growing me and surrounding me with His love through each of you; thank you!

Love and Blessings,
Shannon