Tis So Sweet

Since I'm not working as a midwife right now, I have felt that I have nothing to write about. But this morning I read an article from Newsweek that I wanted to share
http://www.newsweek.com/id/113700 And since Staci's still here this morning before returning to college, I recruited her expertise to hopefully link to the article, so that others interested may see it. It discusses how childbirth options are becoming a mainstream issue these days, thanks to the Ricki Lake film and The Big Push for Midwives project. I'm so glad to see that women are getting the message that this is a huge decision, with some important things to consider before trusting a care provider with the responsibility of being their advocate during such a vulnerable time of life.

I am (mostly) enjoying my time of waiting. I'm learning some important truths about myself. I'm reading God's word daily to counteract all of my fleshly thoughts and fears. I know that this next job isn't going to be "just a job" and that God has a wonderful plan. I know that I can't see it, but he can. I know I can't execute it, but he can. In the past, I have been in a rush to get to work and have maybe taken jobs (or even created them) out of my fears. Sadly, my resume reflects that. But I am thankful that God has sent a friend into my life in the past year who He has used to speak truth through. He has used her to tell me to expect something GREAT! Don't be afraid to ask, seek, knock on the doors of opportunities that look great. It might mean a move, and that is scary to both Jerry and me. Our kids, mom and stepdad, and grandkids live here. And yet, if that is part of God's wonderful plan, it isn't something to be afraid of. All things (even a move) work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. I want to be called according to his purpose. I don't want to rush ahead of Him OR drag my heels. In the past, I think I chose jobs before he directed me to them. This time, it's been the opposite. I've even been tempted to give up being a midwife rather than facing being called out to something big and scary. (And wonderful) Thankfully, through my hours I've had to reflect and pray and talk with others willing to listen, I've realized that this is definitely NOT God's plan for me. He called me to be a midwife and to do anything else would be wrong, because he hasn't released me from that call. To do anything else would be running away from the things that I am afraid of right now: A move and all of the unknowns that entails, the hospital environment that I have rejected for the last 10 years, the lack of "skills" unique to that environment that I haven't kept current, the fear that nobody will want me because of that so maybe all of the time I'm spending applying for jobs will result in rejection. after rejection. ouch. I really DON'T do rejection well. But, "the voice of truth tells me a different story. The voice of truth says 'do not be afraid' The voice of truth says 'This is for my glory' Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth." Wow, what a great song that is, huh? The voice of truth tells me

I will restore the years that have been wasted
I will never leave you or forsake you
Do not be afraid, God is with you
All things work together for your good
I love you and I have chosen you
I accept you; accept yourself

Like the old hymn from my childhood, "Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word, just to rest upon His promise, Just to know "Thus saith the Lord."