"God's Plan for My 2013"... IS A SHOCKER

...So as I said in my last blog, it's not January 1st....

                                                         it IS, however, March 10th....

And as for "MY 2013 Plan".....well, I need to update my plan of action...
because of course God hadn't clued me in on the big picture until recently

                                                          ...or rather, better said, "His ways are not my ways."

(If you haven't done so as of yet, NOW would be a good time to read my last blog that Prequaled this one!)

















.....The details of the 6 focus areas for 2013 were in MY original planning efforts...
Cancel those details and insert: 

unpredictability, a little panicking, a few tears, a lot of shuffling/grasping for straws, a bundle of confusion, a plethora of trust, and plenty of adjusting and anxious excitement.










This picture says it all....

...and if you are still searching the picture trying to find the 6th person, you will need an ultrasound for that.

(disclaimer: to excuse what you may assume is my husband's angry, hopeless look of desperation less than enthusiastic "smile," he did not know we were pregnant in that moment/neither did I, and his face is merely reflecting the fact that he isn't a fan of random snow sports. You will be happy to know that he is a fan of having a 4th child....I mean, what other choice is there?!)



In the midst of all of this excitement, I would like to first acknowledge the many friends and family who have struggled with or are currently struggling with infertility issues and infant loss. After my initial selfish thoughts of how my life would change, a quick realization of the many people longing for such a moment brought me back to the blessing and miraculousness in conception and pregnancy, and gave me perspective. Those who are able to celebrate and support pregnant friends while carrying their own grief (magnified by the unfairness of it all) are amazing examples of grace in my life! 




Of course, the shock for many others of you may still be setting in for different reasons....
So to answer your Questions:

1. No, we weren't trying.
2. Yes, we thought we were done at 3 children.
3. Yes, we are in competition with the Capuanos and the Scallys for the most kids (...and with the Gibalas for my parents to win the title for the most grandkids...this baby bringing the count to 11).
4. Yes, I blame Maria and Leandra for praying for another Robinson baby!
5. Yes, we gave away all of my maternity clothes and baby stuff assuming we were done.
6. No, we are not moving into a house that we couldn't possibly afford bigger house.
7. Macey and Justus are, of course, excited and both want a sister...praying for the baby every night before bed.
8. Theo, of course, is confused and has no idea what's happening ...but after my "brilliant" explanation to him, now thinks that my nephew, "Baby Bryson," is in my stomach.
8. I am feeling fine so far.
9. Our original shock has faded to pure thankfulness and excitement (....but don't get me wrong, it took a good 24 hours or so).
10. I know this is my 4th, but I would still like to find out if we are having a boy or a girl.




As for "My 2013 Plans"...there will need to be a little adjusting...

1. Eating Healthier
Needless to say, I am going to LOSE the weight-loss competition severely
....and admittedly, I spent my first 2 weeks after the positive pregnancy test, eating everything I have avoided for the past 2 months.

...But I would like to attempt to get back on track and continue to honor the nature of this goal for the next 8 months and beyond...by eating more nutritiously and releasing my emotional attachments to food (minus any cravings the baby has...I wouldn't want to deprive him/her!)


2. Being Motivated/Finish what I Start
So much for a 5K....or can pregnant women do these things?? Is it possible to run a 5K in the 2nd trimester?
...Would it be socially acceptable for a pregnant woman to maybe walk a 5k? Do I care?
Unless my midwife says otherwise, I am going to attempt to finish...whether running or walking!

AT the same time...Maybe, just maybe, God is teaching me that this process is less about "finishing" and more about giving over the control of MY plans. I do think that finishing is an important quality that God has laid on my heart to give more credence to.....but I am finding that even more important than that is giving God control to guide the process and lead me out of my comfort zones (#3) when I would really like to have the say and the choice in what the process looks like.

As for the pregnancy, I have no choice but to finish what I started there....so, Well played, God. Well played!


3.Stretching Myself and My Comfort Zone
Well the stretching and lack of comfort is inevitable...in more ways than 1!


4. Investing in My Man
He deserves my time and attention now more than ever...and who says we can't take what those magazines call a "babymoon" (though I really hate that term!).

There is HUGE importance in putting my love for my husband at the top of the list, before even loving my kids....and showing my children the stability and solidarity in loving their father actively is an unbelievable positive value for them to observe.


5. Minimizing/Simplifying
We surely need to do some simplifying to make room for baby 4 in our sweet, little, 3-bedroom, city home. Plus, by baby number 4 you realize you don't need nearly the amount of stuff you had for baby number 1....hence, this little one is already helping me with perspective.


6. Taking Time for Me
Making "Time for Me" really does include intentionality and remembering that I am a better me for my family when I know who I am, which becomes clearer in my moments where I can think and process....hence: crafting, Bible Study, getting out with friends, etc.
(and the same for my hardworking husband...hence: basketball, men's group, sports, etc.)

 Not to mention, a whole new world of crafting opportunities is opening up! ....Sewing baby blankets, crocheting baby hats, decorating a tiny corner in our home for a little baby space...! (looks like a new pinterest board is in my near future)




So an official number 7 wasn't on my original 2013 plan...but it was an underlying theme...
7. Believing God
Now more than ever is a time I would like to take to meditate on the Lord in true "Be still and know that He is God" fashion.

I briefly referenced Beth Moore's study, "Believing God," in the previous blog...and if you've done this particular study, then you already know how encouraging and challenging it is in expanding your faith and motivating you to a more in-depth study of God's word.

He had been preparing me for "such a time as this."

I have been working on realizing the depth of each of the 5 principles within the study:
-God is who He says He is.
-God can do what He says He can do.
-I am who God says I am.
-I can do all things through Christ.
-God's word is alive and active in me.

With the help of some great discussion, I came to realize that I was limiting God in my life.

I am relieved that in the midst of this "surprise" in my life (as well as some other things going on with friends at the same moment) my faith continues to grow...and yet God hasn't changed AT ALL.
He is as strong and able and omniscient and loving and merciful and present today as he was weeks ago....months ago....decades ago....
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The God who walks with me everyday is the same God who calmed the seas and raised the dead.
I am finally starting to realize the depth of who He is...and who I am in Him. I really hope I am done putting Him in a box and asking Him to live up to my expectations....because honestly, my expectations  are a drop in the bucket of His "potential."





So that wraps up my "Plan" ...which is actually more of a "Let's take things one day at a time and see where God is taking us" effort rather than an actual plan.

Plus....I trust God's plan much more!

Jeremiah 29:11

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

Who doesn't love a baby reveal dinner of baby corn, baby carrots, baby shrimp, & baby back ribs in true "Full House" Becky and Jesse fashion?! ...not Paul's family; they loved it!