Unexpected Blessings . . .

I think that it must be common for soon to be, first-time parents to stress about, "Where it all is gonna come from?!?!?" This feeling of doubt, I have had to combat with who I know my God is and what He is capable of doing, my entire 31 years. I am blessed to be a product of a home that truly lived by faith in that VERY capable God. On a daily basis, my parents reminded me of what faith is and how we ought to live "in it." This life-lesson is one that I WILL teach my daughter. I hope to do so in the same way that my parents did, through their actions and not by words alone.

I believe that God not only wants to give us the necessities in life, but also bless us with the "I really don't need that item, but how cool would it be if we got it," type of item. I usually fight these blessings with the "are you sure?" and "really?" feelings and comments.

Since being pregnant, I have really had to "turn my receiver on." My mother uses that phrase all the time and I find it applicable to our lives more and more often these days. I have learned that the receiver is not the only one being blessed. The giver is also blessed by Him because of their obedience. To ask the "are you sure" and "really?" questions, only cheapens those blessings and I would be so bold to say that by doing so, you are not walking in faith and obedience with Him.

Today, I have been dealing with my own inner-struggles with finances, life, future and all that comes with being 33 weeks pregnant. Questions like, "Where are we going to get that money," "What kind of parent will I be" and "I barely have time to spend with my husband now, how are we going to do so when our child is born," have been swilling in my head all day long. I find that my husband has been struggling with the same questions today and we are in the middle of talking about these very questions, when a good friend pulls up. Out of his truck he brings a gift. This is not just any gift . . . you receive all kinds of wonderful items when you are expecting, but there are some that you register for and HOPE and PRAY that you are able to purchase them some day. As Michel opens his eyes, he sees this:

Our Kelty back pack!

There really was no way that we would of ever been able to purchase this. I registered for it out of faith, beliveing that this very "it is not needed but would be so cool if we had it" gift, would be given to us when the time was right. Seriously, his timing could not of been more perfect. Just as we were questioning where money was going to come from, He blesses us with a truly OUTSTANDING gift. It was almost as if I could actually here Him saying, "see if I can give you this, just you wait and see what I have up my sleeve for the next blessing."

Drum Roll Please . . .

my talented husband made this to surprise me on Mother's Day!

Yes folks, we finally "officially" named our daughter . . . Kaydance. The name was originally thought of because of the very musical influences that are on the Cleveland side of the family. I wanted a name that would honor that side, considering my dad had all girls and no one to pass the surname down to. So Kaydance, normally spelled Cadence, was thrown into the list of possible names.

There are multiple meanings for the word Kaydance.

a melodic configuration or series of chords marking the end of a phrase, section, or piece of music

Balanced, rhythmic flow

A progression of chords moving to a harmonic close, point of rest, or sense of resolution

a rhythm or rhythmic construction in verse or prose

the melodic rhythm that keeps a song moving

These are just a few of my favorite definitions . . .