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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Finding Joy in my weakness

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I was thinking today about my day yesterday and how much I was blessed by over 100 written prayers, over 75 emails and what I am sure was and still is, thousands of silent prayers around the globe. It is amazing what a little extra prayer support can do. I am renewed and I am waiting on the Lord.   

I spent much of today glued to Little Ivy. Talking to her, reading to her, singing to her, putting lotion on her, combing her hair and getting all those tangles out of the back of her head. I also took a 2 hour walk in to Brookline and through some parks. It was food for my soul just out in the fresh air, me and God. I walk to the hospital in the morning and home at night and since Ivy has been sleeping, I have been taking walks every afternoon. But todays walk was special. I wandered off and walked farther than I had ever felt comfortable, and yet I was very comfortable. 
As I was walking I was repeating over and over  2 Corinthians 12:9  My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness. 

When we are weak and suffering and in need (me yesterday) Gods power is there. In fact, his strength finds it's full scope in our weakness. Today, I can see clearly, it was a gift from God to be in that weak state. 
It's so easy to find our own coping mechanisms without even realizing it. 
I read a book recently that had a quote from an old pastor. It said, It takes our weakness to become aware of our need for His strength. And it is our weakness that shows His strength in us! 

Therefore, when we are weak, we are really strong and mighty and powerful because God's strength is revealed in us. 
Wow, how humbling that yesterday was actually what I needed.

All that I am able to handle and endure is because of Him. All because of His grace and never shaken love! He is the powerful one, He is the Mighty one, and while this journey endures, His grace endures as well! 

Many comment on my strength through all of this. My strength is God's rival. It covers His work. But my weakness is his servant, it allows His power to shine through!!!

Love and Joy from Mary and Sleepy in Boston! (Yes, She is still sleeping) 

Answers to comments
 Ivy does not have any kind of patch. 
I have played many videos of her sisters talking to her, she does not respond yet.
Yes, the drugs she is overdosed on is Adivan and Versed. She will not be able to get them in a drip any more. 
No I do not believe her first surgery was in vain. It brought her to the next part of her journey. Gods plan is never in vain, He loves his children more than we do. Remember when Paul begged Jesus to take away the thorn and the pain. But the Lord did not take away the thorn.
He gave paul grace for the pain. And He gave Paul the reason the thorn would remain. For my power is made perfect in weakness. Jesus has a higher purpose for our lives than we can ever imagine. He wants us to have a power filled existence. Even a tiny girl like Ivy can be used in might big ways by the one who created her for His purpose. And they say Ivy is lucky, Oh they have no idea how special this child is!


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23 comments:

Wendy in OH said...

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and give you PEACE.

Diane said...

He is strong in our weakness!!! Praying for you and sweet Ivy Joy!

Holly said...

Continue to pray nonstop for Little miss Ivy Joy, you and your family!!

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and sweet little Ivy non-stop in Cary, NC.

Jamie Lynn said...

Clearly you have touched many people with your story. You have the love only a mother can give and a strength that only the Lord can bless a mother of a sick child with. Ivy Joy is lucky to have you in her life, she is blessed. We lift her (and you) up in our prayers daily for our hearts ache with you. No one will ever know what it is like to be in your shoes. Our situations, even as heart moms, are all different. Enjoy your walks through Boston and vacinity, it is beautiful and it is a great place to think. I hope that Ivy Joy will be able to enjoy the outdoors soon. Prayers are being sent from Western, MA.

The Harlicka Family said...

Mary,
You can count on Team Ivy to continue praying for Ivy, her mama and her family!! It is truly amazing to know that like myself, we have all fallen in love with and been touched so deeply by a little girl we've never even met! Not to mention I am truly in awe of your strength and total faith, it is truly inspiring! :). Prayers for a good nights rest for Ivy & you!!
Kendall

sierrasmom said...

Beautiful words today...praying here in NY!
Kathie

DiJo said...

Sweet Emme Jade went to sleep with clasped hands and this precious prayer...

"Dear God, Please wake up Ivy!" Amen :)

So thankful you are taking care of you and getting alone time with God, and fresh air and exercise. So proud of you for casting your cares on Him while taking care of you!!!!

Can't wait to see what blessings tomorrow brings!

Love,
Diana

Heather N said...

Still praying for you from Wisconsin and still hoping to soon see a pic of wide-awake sweet Ivy.

my3 kids said...

Such a great post Mary. We continue to pray over here in Canada . We can't wait to hear what tomorrow brings. Praying for a peaceful night for both you and Ivy. (Hugs) Janice xoxo

Georgea's Mommy said...

Praying for sweet, beautiful Ivy tonight from S CA. Have had you all heavy on my heart all day. Thankful you got out for a longer-than-normal walk & breathed some fresh air in. Praying for God's protection, for his hand on you Mary to continue to provide you with HIS strength, and praying for the joyful wake up that you are awaiting. Love you.

rose said...

My family and I continue to pray for you and precious Ivy Joy. You are an inspiration with your faith. Love and God's blessings to you.

Fannie said...

Very glad to hear that!!! Can't wait til she is ready to wake up and spend time with her mommy! I continue praying for that sweet little girl and her Mommy! May she be ready to wake up soon and continue her road to healing. I know her mommy misses her very much. Praying that you will continue to feel God's presence and know that he is always there with you.

Love & Prayers from NYC!

Lisa said...

Love to hear that you are in such a good place, Mary:) So glad that you are feeling God's divine embrace. I had quoted a church sign in my book that said, "Thank God not only for the roses, but also for the thorns." It is so true. Those are the times when God holds us the closest. BTW, there are some amazing old churches in Boston if you happen to walk by any! Wishing you a peace filled day:)

Paige said...

Ok so you made me cry again! I am so thankful for the strength God is giving you, long walks, clear head, and the deep breath of fresh air you desperately needed. You are so right in knowing Ivy' s previous surgery was not in vain, if that were true where was our God you were praying for your girl? Of course He was right by Ivy' s side. Would it not be wonderful to understand his ways and get why he allows and takes us on many paths? But He does not let us know those ways. Our job is to trust that he knows best as difficult as that can be. I am so proud of your perserverence and clinging to our God. Praying for you and that special little mermaid!!

Dardi said...

I just came across this verse & thought of you:

“I would have despaired unless I had believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord, be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14


Anonymous said...

Thank you ,Mary, for this about Our Great God and his Power of Faith!! Blessings for you all ,praying,Cathy in illinois!!

Kristy said...

Mary, we are continuing to pray!!! This is the verse The Lord gave me to seek comfort in this morning... I know this is your confidence. And how I so wish he would give us an occasional peek into the future to see how he will use these hard things. Until then I know he will continue to be the source of your strength and peace! Love you!!
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8, 9

Maggie said...

Praying mightily for Ivy Joy!

Anonymous said...

Prayers from Phoenix! Wake up sweet Ivy!

3 Peanuts said...

Your faith and reliance on God IS so inspiring. I have had people tell me personally that your faith has given them more faith. God is using you and Ivy in big ways. We are praying for you and sweet Ivy here. lots of love,
Kim

jennifer said...

Your faith is contagious and life-giving! Lots of prayers going up here in Louisiana for you and your sweet girl!!

I just heard that Sleeping Beauty woke up!!! WHOO HOO!!! Thank you Jesus!!!

Catherine said...

Praying for all of you. Lifting Ivy Joy before the Great Physician.

 
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