YOU ARE INVITED...
to a
WORDS OF WISDOM
BLOG BABY SHOWER
for my daughter
ALYSSA
I've mentioned numerous times before about my teen daughter Alyssa who is ready to give birth any day to Amiyah Elizabeth. You all have been such a source of love and encouragement as our family is traveling a road we never thought we'd be going down. It has been quite the journey and I thank God for every step of it.
I've mentioned numerous times before about my teen daughter Alyssa who is ready to give birth any day to Amiyah Elizabeth. You all have been such a source of love and encouragement as our family is traveling a road we never thought we'd be going down. It has been quite the journey and I thank God for every step of it.
Yesterday Alyssa was blessed at her 3rd baby shower. Her girlfriends had given her one before Easter and I was floored when all her girls from 4th grade to now showed up WITH their moms! Then our church loved on her and gave her a beautiful one last week! Then yesterday afternoon I teared up so much looking at all the women who came to show their support at the one my Mom and sister Michelle gave her. During introductions, my friend Charlene said, "Alyssa, I just want to thank you for choosing life for your baby."
Yes, we thank you sweet Jesus.
As I sat there I thanked God for all of the women surrounding my daughter who chose to love her instead of cast a stone.
Women of all walks of life in one room.
Women who have no idea of each other's testimonies...
Single ladies whose hearts ache to have a baby of their own.
A single mom of one was looking for love and eventually found it in Jesus.
Women who aborted the life within them and yet has let God take their shame as He holds their baby in heaven for them.
A social worker who has no children of her own, yet has many abused children who she prays over and loves all in the name of Jesus.
A foster mom whose heart still overflows with love & trust for Jesus even after having to return a baby she had in her home for 2 years to her biological loveless mom.
A 78 year old who got teary eyed with joy as she introduced herself as the soon to be "Great Great Grandma."
A young 18 year old holding her 6 week old baby girl who told Alyssa
"I can't imagine going through this with anyone else".
Women who have experienced the loss of a baby through miscarriage.
A widow missing her husband and being Jesus to others in the midst of her heart ache.
Women who almost walked out on their families for a meaningless affair only to be led back to the cross and letting their past be used for His glory.
A young lady abused as a child, drugged out as a young adult and looking for love from anyone...10 miscarriages and a necessary hysterectomy...if only she'd reach out and touch the hem of His garment how fulfilled she'd find herself.
A woman who has left her husband and kids to live with her boyfriend in belief that the grass will be greener and has only found weeds on the other side.
A soon to be Grandma who has much reason for God to say forget her...stands in complete awe of God's presence in so many different hearts.
Many broken women...many restored women...
some believers in Jesus~many not...
all under one roof.
All to show their love and support to one young girl.
Mistakes~FORGIVENESS
Loss~NEW LIFE
Consequences~TESTIMONY
Regret~GRACE
Pain~HEALING
Shame~LOVE
WOMEN OF GOD
As I looked around the room I thought of you all and wished you could be there. Then God brought the idea of a Blog Baby Shower so I could include you after all.
So please leave a comment for Alyssa straight from your heart to hers.
Share anything you want...verses, advice, just anything God lays on your heart.
Then after Baby Girl is born I will print each comment off and put them in a book and give them to her from you.
Every time she has read a comment to or about her in past posts, it just moves her.
She is a normal teenager so scared about what lies ahead and yet determined to do her best and be her best for the sweetness growing inside of her.
Last night while we were laying down in her bed and she was experiencing some very uncomfortable contractions, I teared up when I asked her if she was scared.
"Yes, but I can't wait to see her."
Me too.
"True prayer is when God's heart is expressed through your words."
~Jennifer Kennedy Dean~
Express away my sweet friends.
Love,
Lelia
P.S. Join me today for the YES to GOD Tuesday Blog Bible Study...
chapter 2!
*I'm sorry, I wanted to have this posted by now, but will have it up for sure by this afternoon! Thank you for your patience!
20 comments:
Lord, please reign Your incredible blessings down upon this entire family. Especially Alyssa and her baby, along with Gene & his surgery. In the MIGHTY name of Jesus. Amen.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Alyssa,
Congratulations on the birth of Amiyah! May God bless you both.
Being a parent is the journey of a lifetime. There are so many joyous days ahead of you, but there are also days that are difficult on the journey. During both of those times cling to God's Word when He says:
Psalms 139:13-17
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
God has blessed you with such an incredible family full of love! Amiyah is a blessed little baby girl to have been placed by God with a mommy and a family that will love her and teach her about the love of Christ.
I pray that God pours out many more blessings on you and your precious baby, Alyssa.
God Bless!
~Amy~
Dear sweet Alyssa-I don't feel right now that I have any words of wisdom...my baby is 14 and right now we are butting heads. That precious little baby can't see it my way, I can't see it her way...hence the thought that no matter how much we might love each other, there are times we fall short with each other. We are not perfect in our relationships but the one who will never disappoint you will always be your God. For His special reason He choose you to be the mother of this little girl-YOU! What a blessing to be chosen for this childs life. What an honor He has bestowed on YOU! You will love her, that will come naturally. You will be there for her no matter what (like your sweet mother has been there for you) and there may be times you may even feel like a failure as her mother, but if you keep connected with God-live in and through Him and demonstrate His love to that sweet little girl He is gifting you with, you will succeed. That's what I am banking on. I have been a witness to it in my own life with my own mother.
The greatest gift you can give this little girl is the gift of knowing God and of being a women who follows God. What did Jesus mother say when she was told she was going to bear the Savior-"I am the Lords servant, may it be to me as God has willed". You are God's servant-He has willed this little girl to be your daughter! Cherish and love her and continue to honor God with His plan for your life!! You are so blessed my child!!
I am praying for you, for your delivery and for this sweet baby girl (and your mother of course!!).
In His Graces~Pamela
Darling Alyssa,
Something in my heart just jumped in me the first time I ever visited your mom's blog! See I share some things with you, I was a young mom, scared to death.
I can still remember laying in my mom's bed when I first started having contractions, she was so excited. She had a stream of people coming in and out of the house. I don't remember but she may have been like your mom, with the giggles. I just remember, thinking all kinds of thoughts. But like you more than anything I just wanted to see that little baby.
After she was born, and I was in the hospital all by myself, with little Meghan. I knew deep in my heart that I wanted her life to be different than mine. I had a whole heap of sin by then. I didn't even know it but that little bundle would be what drove me straight to Jesus!
She is now 15, and the joy she has brought me is unmeasureable! This little girl of yours can be the fuel that I pray will drive you to let Jesus be the light of your life! Together the two of you will have a message of hope and victory!
I'll be praying for you and I can't wait to see a picture of you both!
Jenny
Alyssa,
You are already "ahead" of the game called life because you have truly experienced grace. Grace not only from our heavenly father but also from his people. Being able to give your child grace when they make mistakes is the greatest gift you can give them. You have a wonderful, caring & loving family to walk by your side. But most importantly you have your heavenly father right with you as well as little Amiyah. God's blessing on you as you face motherhood.
In Christ,
Kim from PA
Dear Alyssa,
I have no wonderful words of wisdom, just heartfelt wishes that the birth of your precious daughter Amiyah will be a true revelation of the goodness of God. May His peace and love surround her and guide her tiny feet in his direction.
Luanne
Lelia,
I have read about your daughter and the new baby in past posts, but today's post caused tears to stream down my face. I think it's the part about grace. I love that your family, your church & your friends....including all of the blogging sisters, are so full of grace and so supportive. My dad has always said in different situations we would encounter in the life of ministry....."It's only by the grace of God that isn't me." Praise God for him always reminding me of that growing up when I might have thought about being judgemental! It's what being a Christian is all about.....loving deeply and showing mercy & grace.
I'm so happy you have had such great showers. They are so much fun!
Alyssa, I would say my advice is first of all to teach your daughter that God is the most important person in your life and that you rely on His promises in His Word to get you through any and all situations. Take her to church and continue to assemble with other believers. The support & encouragement is huge.
Second, just love, love, love on her. I don't think a child can feel too much love.
When my daughter graduated from high school she had to give a speech and it brought me to tears. It was one of those very proud moments & one that made me think of God's grace...but she thanked her daddy and me for living what we "taught." We were so far from being perfect parents and we made so many mistakes along the way, but she caught what we taught by our daily lives. She said we didn't say one thing and do another and that gave her security & stability.
Also, respect is so important. My husband always showed me respect and I did him also. We didn't aways agree, but the respect was there. That also gives children peace and security when respect is in the household.
In my house when I was growing up, we could always voice our thoughts and questions, but done with respect.
I am so proud of you and can't wait to see pictures of you and your sweet baby girl.
May God bless your home and fill the days with much joy!
Love,
Valerie
First off I love that name! Amiyah! how beautiful!
What a blessing to have so many women of God (of all ages) come to show their love and support! God is good!
To Alyssa:
You're about to enter into the "club". Motherhood will change just about everything in your life. All of your relationships will be different now. You will not be a kid anymore. You will have a little one depending on you to love and care for them. As you are tried and challenged and loved by this precious new life you will gradually have a much greater appreciation for your own mother (and father) and all that they have done for you. And hopefully you will have a little insight into God and His love for you as well. He is our true Father and He loves us sooo much. Even out of our greatest mistakes He will give us our greatest blessings. I pray that you will have a safe labor and delivery and you and your sweet baby girl will treasure the time you have together.
Amen!
Alyssa,
This is the beginning of the greatest adventure you will ever undertake. It may be filled with challenges and frustrations, but don't be afraid. Every adventure is.
You are recieving the most valuable gift of life. You are entrusted with a helpless child. You will be filled with a sense of awe by your own ability to meet another human beings needs so completely.
My OB/Gyn said this is the only experience in life where we get to partner with God in creating life. You get to help bring a new life into the world. Isn't that exciting?
But you won't be alone in caring for that sweet little girl. Motherhood is an opportunity to rely on God's strength regulalry. You'll need it and He'll come through.
Looking forward to seeing your little blessing.
Words of Wisdom baby shower
Alyssa, love on that little one, pray over her, and dedicate her to God in your heart, in your words, and in your thoughts.
When our children are little we talk to them about God, but when our children are grown, we talk to God about our children.
Blessings in abundance!
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Oh dear sweet, Alyssa. I just became a mother myself...as a matter of fact, this Friday will be exactly 7 months into my journey of motherhood. I am 33 years old. I could not even imagine having a little one at your age, though your youth will serve you good when your precious little Amiyah Elizabeth wakes you up every couple of hours to be fed. Oh, how I wish youth would have been on my side for that one! :) You are brave and strong to have made this choice; you chose the hard road...but this road will also bring you much joy and happiness! Girl, let me just say...you ROCK!
I can tell you this--nothing anyone is telling you about what motherhood is about can prepare you for what motherhood will be to you. I listened intently to women who graciously shared their stories with me. Some advice I took, other advice I ignored. You will be your best judge of character for what to listen to and what not to. You see, no one is you...and your baby is not their baby. So when you bring Amiyah home, you will begin a world that is uniquely your own. Enjoy every minute of it!
Girl, you are on the adventure of a lifetime! Having a baby is one of the most amazing experiences you will ever partake in--God has richly blessed women in this department!
You are a treasure. And God has knitted a treasure in your womb. Oh, what a wonderful, beautiful moment when you and your daughter get to look each other in the eye for the first time. It is a moment between my daughter and I that I will never forget. You are blessed; and you will be a blessing! Don't forget that!
Prayers and Blessings!
Rebecca
Alyssa,
You are about to learn more than you ever could imagine. Motherhood is an education like none other and it never ends!!! In a way it's like our relationship with God, if you think you have arrived and got it all figured out, you will be humbled!
There are no words to explain what it feels like to be a mom and there is nothing else that will compare to the love you will have for that baby!
Also, you will not only look at your baby with new eyes you will see your mom with new eyes as well, because you will understand her in a completely new way.
Enjoy every precious moment, they go by way to quickly!
I hope I can meet you and your daughter someday. I have really enjoyed getting to know your mom and it has been fun keeping up with what's happening in your world!
I am praying for you as you near the end of the pregnancy adventure and embark on the parenting adventure!! You will do great!
Love, Kelley Kizer
(mom of 7 in Kansas)
ps. I've done it both ways, GET THE EPIDURAL!! lol
For Lelia, I stumbled across your blog last night and have been thinking/praying for you guys since! I am honored to call you a "siesta" (in Beth Moore speak!) in the faith. I am in awe at how your faith has hit the pavement and is walking on toward exemplifying His name. I love how grace has reigned in your home.
For Alyssa, may you be as Hannah, rooted in God truth and founded in praise...I pray this will be a time of love and awe as you move forward in God's plan for your life. I believe our Father smiles over you as your family does.
And I ask Christ that your daughter, Amiyah, may live her every moment for His renown. May nothing and no one take His place in her life. May He be honored as holy all her days.
I am excited for you! :) I hope you remain encouraged...I remember what is was like for my best friend when she found out she was pregnant a few years ago...out of wedlock. Let me tell you, she remained faithful, and her son is the pride and joy of her life. What a wonder he is, as I know your daughter will be.
Grace abounds. Grace abounds.
In Christ,
Kristen
Dearest Alyssa,
It was through your mom's post I read about YOU, that I came to love her and now you and your entire family!
I'm just so excited about this precious GIFT of LIFE you God is about to lend to you.
♥I pray your labor and delivery will be uneventful, and I'll amen what Kelly said, go with the epidural!! (Now I did give birth to 3 of my five natural childbirth)
♥I pray you will feel and understand God's amazing love for you as you will feel this for your precious baby daughter.
♥ I pray God will give you wisdom on how to care for your daughter, and all the joy that goes along with motherhood.
♥ I pray you will love and appreciate YOUR mom more then you ever had before, and your friendship will grow stronger each day.
And finally I pray little Amiyah Elizabeth will grow up to be a godly young woman just like you, and she will love and serve the Lord all the days of her life!
Blessings to you during this exciting time!!
...Can't wait to read all about your birth experience and finally get see your daughter!!
Lots of love,
Susan
Alyssa,
I would like to bless you with a legacy (something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past) of righteousness.
From what I have gleaned from your Mom, she possesses a passion for God and life, desire for truth, honesty, compassion, courage, and a gift for 'words' that encourage others. You could probably add on many more. That is the legacy that she is passing on to you. A life committed to God and His life in her.
May you grow in intimacy with God and may the footprints that you leave behind be shaped in His righteousness.
My verse for you is from God:
"Alyssa, I will never leave you nor forsake you."
Be blessed.
~Love, Sita~
Alyssa,
May the Lord bless you mightily in this child, your firstborn. May she have good health, much happiness, and always listen to her mommy! (and grandmommy!) but most of all, may she be rooted and established in love and faith. May she walk with and listen to the voice of the Lord all the days of her life. She will change your life, and all that you thought mattered is about to change drastically. Bless you, Dear One.
Oh, you are so blessed to have so many wonderful people supporting you!!! God has been faithful to you!!! I can't wait to see what he has in store for both MOM and BABY...and grandma!!!!
Dear Alyssa,
You have been entrusted with one of God's precious little ones and it is not a responsibility to be taken lightly - but also know that He gives ALL the wisdom that we need... if we only ask Him!!!
One of the things I love to do for a baby is to make a plaque with the meaning of their name and choose a verse that reflects that - because she will hear her name every day of her life and it can be a wonderful reminder of who she is!
Amiyah means "Beloved"
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19
Many Blessings,
Rachel
Allyssa, when my first child was born, it was as if the world went from black and white to color! Children change your perspective on almost everything; if your spiritual eyes are open and your ears are attentive, you just grow every day right along with your little one. Listen for God's voice speaking to you as move throuh your days as a mommy. Just wait until you experience this unconditional love that is about to explode your understanding of love... it's like a small taste of God's big love for all of us--Unbelievable! Blessings on you and your daughter.
Sweet Alyssa, I am praying today for your baby, for your health, for your delivery, and for your life ahead. I am trusting that God will bless you and keep you and cause His face to shine down upon you.
Sweet days are ahead. Challening days are ahead as well. But God promises to give us sure footing no matter the road we travel if we call upon Him. He promises to give us the wisdom we need to meet our challenges if we will ask Him for it. And He promises to be our comfort and our strength during the journey. It is my words-of-wisdom-wish for you and your sweet child to always call upon Him, for I know that then you will find everything you will need. In Jesus' Name I pray for you.
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