Unplanned Joy

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Several months back I wrote a post about unplanned joy and the blessings I found through an unplanned pregnancy.  If there is one thing I know after 46+ years on this earth, God does not make mistakes.  I could not help but share this sweet story of hope today.  
 
If you are a regular reader you may remember in January our cousin lost her husband.  They were high school sweethearts and had spent the last 15 years building a beautiful life together and were blessed with four beautiful daughters.  I can only imagine the loss and loneliness she feels on a daily basis.  The thought of dealing with my own grief while guiding my daughters as they process theirs is just overwhelming.  
Put yourself in this spot for a moment.  Widowed at 36 years old raising a 13, 11, 3 and 1 year old. Tough card to be dealt and a total change in your plans.  Now, imagine a month after the shock of your husband’s death, finding out you are pregnant.  This is where this sweet momma found herself.  
 
The day she told me I laughed and I cried.  Our prayers shifted as we begin praying not only for her and the girls and their grief but for the health and safety of this new little baby.  This baby that will bring new life and hope and joy to their house after such a tragedy.  
 
This past Sunday the big sisters hosted a gender reveal party.  The envelope was sealed the day of the sonogram and only they knew the secret.  They did such a terrific job and for a day in their life there was joy to be found as we all gathered around to support this little family.  
Every last detail was perfect.  They decided to handle the actual reveal with confetti stuffed balloons which mom would throw darts at until she found the right one.  Super cute.  
Their sweet invitation encouraged us all to wear the color for what our guess was and I’m telling you after four girls I was definitely wearing blue!  Carly Jo was sure it was another girl and y’all she was right!  We are tickled pink to be adding another girl cousin to the mix.  
 
Thankfully this mom has been raised by a strong, compassionate, Godly woman and her faith in him is strong.  While there were so many smiles and laughs and joy over this sweet new addition, this mom went home to a house where she missed her husband.  I know that there will still be many tears for these girls but God is with them.  He has shown there is hope in tomorrow and despite our tears we can still find joy.   
 
Holly shared a link with to some wonderful bible verses for woman in need of love, reassurance and strength and you can find those here.  I know for certain this particular verse is so true of this momma’s heart.  

God is within her, she will not fall – Psalm 46:5

 Please join me in praying over this sweet family.

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