Monday, February 09, 2009

God-given Moments...

I can remember the first time that I got a glimpse of God. I was standing in the hallway listening to my parents sharing the plan of salvation with my little sister. I was moved...God showed up. He revealed a bit of Himself to me. I didn't know just how grand He would become but I knew that I wanted Him in my life. I understood that He sent His Son to die for my sins so that I can live eternally with Him in Paradise. At that time, that's all I needed to know. His seed was planted...it was up to me to blossom. Just a few weeks later, my Daddy took my hand and led me into the baptistry to join my sister. He baptized us together in front of our family (trust me, my mother had the entire family there) and church family at our small yet beautiful stained-glass church.

Throughout my life, I can look back and see distinct moments where God was working in me. Moments that are God-given and life-changing. Moments where I knew that I was on His Path and He was directing my steps. In each moment, He was revealed to me piece by piece and in different ways. There have also been moments where I am far from the person He created me to be. I was running from Him and, on occasion, still do. It's only through His forgiveness and restoration that I can share my heart with you today and those moments that He has given to me so that I may see Him.

July 27, 2002...God revealed Himself as a God of Love. I stood at the altar surrounded by several hundred family and friends and promised in Jesus' name to love my husband for the rest of my life...the promise was first to God and then to Scott. I couldn't believe that I was marrying the man of my dreams...yes, the tall and handsome part was definitely there and still is, but I knew that the Lord held greatness in this man. He had placed us together for His purposes. It was God working in two people's lives who didn't have a clue where they were headed but were in love and knew that the two of them together was right. We trusted our future to Him and were ready to jump in feet first!

April 28, 2004...God revealed Himself as the Giver of Life and God of Compassion. Wyatt was a huge surprise to us...one year and two months into our marriage we learned God had a different plan for our lives that we did. He was going to make us parents. It took a couple months of fighting God on it until I finally gave in. This baby was coming whether it was my plan or not. Once trusting Him, we were thrilled! We didn't have a clue, once again, what the future held for us but we trusted Him with it. 25 hours of labor and an emergency c-section later, our 9 lb 2 oz beautiful baby boy was here! I had never felt so much for someone as I felt for him the first moment that he was placed in my arms. I laughed when he laughed, cried when he cried and haven't stopped since. God has also taught me so much about myself through Wyatt...who may have a slightly harder head than I do (at least I think so, although Scott and my Daddy may disagree). I am so blessed by him!

January 28, 2008...God revealed Himself as the God of all Peace. I was able to walk into the hospital knowing that as soon as my daughter was taken from my womb she would face my worst fears for any child. I didn't know when I would be able to hold her. I didn't know how I would bond with her. In spite of it all, God gave me complete peace in His plan. He guided my steps and gave me joy in the midst of pain. He proved it even more so on February 1st as our four day old daughter underwent the riskiest procedure performed on newborns, not to mention that it's open heart surgery, too. Our pastor asked us how we were doing that morning as her almost 10 hour operation began...we were at peace. God had given us scripture throughout my pregnancy that was plastered all over our home. We took it with us and Scott and I took turns reading each scripture aloud before her surgery. We began that morning shaking and trembling and finished with peace. His Word had provided unspeakable peace for us and it carried us through one of the hardest days of our life.

March 27, 2008...God became the God of Comfort. Holding my daughter in the emergency room at Lexington Medical Center, I rocked her, talked to her, fixed her bow and wrapped her in the hospital blanket snuggly. She was gone and had been for over an hour. The Holy Spirit was there and He filled that room with comfort. Her living grandparents held her, some for the first time, but I was certain that her grandmother in Heaven was holding her, too. The room was warm and healing and God was there. His comfort surrounded us and filled us to the brim where we didn't need anything else. He was enough...His comfort held us up and gave us strength to let go.

December 16, 2008...God is a God of Hope. This day has been sacred to my family for 13 years...it's the day that I held my mother's hand as she closed her eyes to this fallen world and woke up in Heaven finally able to worship Him at His feet. I felt differently this year. I had been there twice before and despite Scott's best efforts to keep me from further pain on this day, I still took a test. I called my doctor to make an appointment later that afternoon and on January 5, 2009 a small black and white screen gave witness to hope that only comes from God Himself.

Each and every time another piece of God's grandness is revealed, I fall more and more in love with Him...thanking Him that there is only One and that He is all I need.

Sweet family & friends, meet our 3rd Gift from Above...


70 comments:

Avery said...

YEAH!!! I'm SO happy for you! This post made me shed tears throughout it, but they really started to flow at the end! Congradulations Rebecca!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations!! I am so very excited for you, Scott & Wyatt!!!

Johanna said...

Absolutely Beautiful! God carries us through SO much in our lives! Again, Congrats on your beautiful new miracle! I can't wait to see that belly grow!

Anonymous said...

I'm crying so hard right now. I'm so happy for youtwo and for Wyatt. I will be praying for you. Let me know if you need anything.

The Simmons Family said...

I am SMILING from ear to ear!! What a wonderful post... my eyes are watering and Owen is looking at me like I'm a crazy momma! I just told Owen that his sweet angel Annabelle is preparing her brother or sister to come meet the most amazing family ever!

I am thrilled for you and secretely praying for a girl!

Andrea

Jessica said...

Congratulations! What a beautiful post with such a wonderful ending. :) This baby is certainly joining an amazing family. You all and baby #3 will be in my prayers. I can't wait to read about his/her journey!

Linda said...

Congratulations! I am thrilled for you! I admire your strength. Your post was beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Oh Rebecca!!!! So happy for you and Scott and big bro Wyatt!!! Fantastic news! This baby is so blessed to come in to your family!! Praying now and always!
Love
Rebecca

~Sara~ said...

I'm overjoyed for you all! Congratulations sweet friends.

Hugs & Prayers,

Sara

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful blessing this baby is and I can't imagine a better family to be born into! I'm so happy for you all! Can't wait to see this new little blessing! Thank you for sharing this wonderful news with us!

The Fricks said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I have been reading your site for several months now and am in awe by your strength. I found you through My Charming Kids, but kept reading when I noticed you weren't far from my hometown. Anyway, this post was absolutely amazing, and became even more exciting the closer I got to the end. My prayers are with you and your family. Once again, Congratulations. In Him, The Fricks

The Ridgway Family said...

Oh Rebecca I am so happy for you. I can not wait to hear all of the details and I hope to follow suit very soon. You will have to guide me along as I am so very nervous. Congratulations to you and I wish nothing but a wonderful, happy, healthy pregnancy for you and your little one!


Love, Keisa

Elissa said...

Congratulations, and much praise to God for carrying you, teaching you and using you in mighty ways!

Our Family said...

As always, your post made me cry. You have such a beautiful way of sharing God's love with others. You know I have been checking your site each day in order to read the big announcement. We are so happy for you, Scott, Wyatt, and Angel Annabelle. I feel so blessed that you are my friend and that we can share our journey with each other. I pray that you find peace during this pregnancy and that you are able to continue to trust in God's plan for your family. Take care of yourself and put your feet up! God bless you guys!
Bernie and Family

Angela said...

TEARS ARE FLOWING!! Oh my goodness, gracious! I audibly gasped just now and covered my mouth with my hand. WOW!! Congrats! I am so, so happy for you!

Danielle @ Living Out Loud said...

Rebecca,

You don't know me at all. I started reading about you and sweet Annabelle several months ago while praying for Princess Lindsay Dean (my friend just had a baby in Ann Arbor with a CHD and got to know the Deans). Your blog continues to draw me in... maybe it's because I see so much of myself in you (I adore girls, am a bow fanatic, love smocked dresses, and indulge in planning special birthday parties)... maybe it's because of the way in which your beautiful words touch me... maybe it's because your faith and strength has taught me a lot about myself. Whatever the reason, I continue to read your blog, often with tears, and I pray for your family often. On Annabelle's birthday, I took a special time in the day to bake with my kids and dance with them. You see, Annabelle's story and your reaction to such a terrible tragedy has inspired me to LIVE my life to the fullest. This is something I was not previously doing. Your story has taught me to enjoy each and every joy and struggle that comes with raising children... and to be thankful for every moment I have with them. So thank you for sharing your heartache and your joy. Annabelle's life is touching people far away... people you don't even know.

Today, as I read your post, I cried through most of it... your words are so beautiful. As I got to the end, I burst into tears... happy tears! It's hard to understand how I can feel so happy for someone I don't even know, but I do! I will continue to keep you and your sweet, sweet family in my prayers.. for your faith and strength has touched my own heart.

Congratulations and many prayers!

Love,
A stranger in Kansas

P.S. If it happens to be a girl, I know where to get the most adorable, fancy, special bows :)

Yasemin said...

This is one of the best posts I have ever read! I am praying for your safe delivery and getting to read about babies milestones through the years!

Julie Miles said...

Rebecca,

I'm literally in tears after reading this post! God has been so faithful to you and your family and I'm so thrilled that he has blessed you with a 3rd child! Praying that this pregnancy is uncomplicated and that Baby Butcher is safe and healthy this time around. We love y'all so much and trust and know that whatever happens (good or bad) with this new life is not a suprise to God. He is faithful!

Julie Miles

Jonathan said...

I am so excited for you guys!!! We have been praying every night and day for this new baby growing inside. Your post touched my heart today and I can relate to some of the things you wrought about. I am looking forward to following in this new journey with you and you with me as we go through this together!!!

Love,
Laura

Evie's Story said...

Dearest...so glad to hear its public! What a precious way to announce your wonderful news. You KNOW I am praying peace and assurance for each day of this pregnancy...and a strong healthy heart for your little darling! I love you so and am rejoicing with you.
(imagening Annabelle is doting on this little brother/sister in heaven even before you get to hold it!)

Miller Family said...

Wooohooo! Congratulations! I am overjoyed right now and am sooo very happy for you guys! Tears of joy...love...so many emotions! Wyatt is going to be a big brother again and will do such a great job in his role! He has had great practice. Many hugs and prayers coming your way!

Shannon said...

God is soooo GREAT! I am so happy for you all. I too have tears of joy flowing down my face. Congratulations!!!

MMS said...

YAY!!!!!! Congratulations! God is so good!

Jess said...

Congratulations! John and I are so excited for you, Scott and Wyatt! Let me know if you need anything!
Jess

Anonymous said...

Wow! Congratulations Rebecca! We are filled with joy for you, Scott, and Wyatt! We will be praying for a joyous pregnancy and can't wait to meet the third, beautiful Butcher!

Love to you all,
Abbie, Shannon, and Elijah

Kacy said...

Simply amazing! What a beautiful gift! Love you, Kerri

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS! What a beautiful story! I am so excited for all of you!
~Sandra Tracy

Sae Sae said...

Congratulations! You continue to be such an inspiration. Best wishes to you and your family!

Katie said...

CONGRATS!!! I'm so thrilled for you! Of course you've brought me to tears, again. What a beautiful blessing for your family...I'm at my parents right now and had to yell from the office, "Mom, Rebecca's pregnant!!!" Silly how I'm on a first name basis with my family about you...To the friend I've never personally met, I'm so excited for you and wish you all the very best with this pregnancy. You deserve it! Lots of love to you and many prayers as well :)
Katie

Anonymous said...

YEAH!!!! I am soo HAPPY for ya'll!!!

Loves,

Elizabeth Green

Anonymous said...

Hi...I found your website through a link from Addison Moore's caring bridge site. She has a been a buddy to my cousins baby, Hudson Skiff. Your story is so amazing and your faith has been a total inspiration to me as I have read about your beautiful little girl. I talked to my mom today and we were wondering if you take donations for your baskets and if you do what are some things that go in them. We thought we would collect some items and send them to you when we get them built up. When you get some time, let me know! May God continue to bless you as you and your family continue to bless others. Thank you.
Dana Avery
danamarie51@hotmail.com

The Mason Family said...

Oh Rebecca...I have the chills and tears in my eyes. I am so happy for you and Scott to become parents for a third time and for Wyatt to be a big brother again. I can't wait to follow this journey with you...I am so happy for you! Praying for a healthy baby...

Shannon

jan tompkins said...

This is the day that God has made, let us rejoice and be glad. How I have hoped and prayed to read or hear this wonderful news.

CONGRATULATIONS to you, Scott and
Mister Wyatt.

With love, best wishes and prayers,

Jan Tompkins

Laura said...

Congratulations!!! We are very happy for you! Love, Lee, Laura, Caleb, and Graysen.

Anonymous said...

Rebecca,
This is the first time I have ever left a comment for you. I have followed your blog ever since Susie started Lindsay's. I have shed so many tears each day, both happy and sad. Although I have been a believer since early childhood, through your blog I have become so much closer to Him due to the inspiration from you! Congratulations on your awesome gift!!!! I am so very happy for you and Scott. Thank you for including us on the newest part of your journey!

Love,
Alison Lee

Anonymous said...

Oh what great news! Thank you for sharing this blessing with us! Love you! Gretchen

The Chavis Family said...

Congratulations Rebecca!! God is an awesome God! We're so excited for you and your family. Thanks for sharing this news in such a great way. I love the ultrasound picture. ~Kim :)

Amanda-The Family News! said...

Oh Rebecca, I am SOOOOO happy for you all!!! I couldn't even read thru the post without tears. My prayers are with you each and every day.
So what's the due date???? I am just thrilled to pieces!!!

We went down to Charleston for the weekend and I thought of you along the way and while we were there - what great news to come home to!!!

Love you all!!!!!
Amnada

Dee said...

Congratulations!!!!

from one heart family to another...hugs and prayers~!

Anonymous said...

Oh my, so many tears while reading this post. What a beautiful surprise at the end. Congrats!!! Wishing you a healthy pregnancy, and beautiful baby!!! Thank you so much for sharing your deepest feelings.

Anonymous said...

Oh Rebecca, what JOY!! I am so excited for you and Scott and Wyatt!! What a beautiful post! We will continue to pray and oh WOW!
JC and Emma and Sarah are just tickled for Wyatt. Love the picture...you can already see the little nose!Blessings
Love to you all!
The Ballentines

RHONDA said...

I cannot help but catch my breath and wipe my tears as I read your blog today..I see and feel God in and through you and your words...I am so excited for you and your family! God's Grace still amazes me. Praise God for this new little life, he has entrusted to you, An Awesome Mom and Woman of God!! Hugs and Love!!
Rhonda Lyle - SC

GarretJulie said...

Congrats!!! That is so awesome. You have a gift for words. You should write a book!!!
We will be praying for you as you go through the next couple of months!!!
With much love,
~Julie Houston

GrannyApple said...

Congratulations to all of you. Please know that we will be praying along with you for this precious life that God has given you. We are so excited. I know there will be anxious moments but we know God is good. Thanks for your encouragement to us as a family. Looking forward to 2 new beautiful babies this summer.(Yours and our new grandbaby.)
Love and Prayers,
Jan Welte (Granny to Angel Lindsay "Bear" Groen)

aimee gillespie said...

Oh Rebecca, I'm so excited for you and your family. What a blessing! We'll be praying for an uneventful and healthy pregnancy.

Aimee Gillespie

The Hardy Family said...

I am super excited for all of you!! God is so good and what a blessing this precious little one will be! I'm looking forward to going through the baby phase right along with you...only 3 months apart! How fun!
Love you!
Lea

Erica May said...

That is wonderful news!! Give me a call soon!!

Love,
Erica

Anonymous said...

On my goodness! I don't know what to say, except God is so good and WOO HOO! Another beautiful baby on the way. Congrats!

Love,
Jean & Jack Brklich

Mimi said...

This is such incredible news, Rebecca and Scott! We are rejoicing with you! You are both so special to us, and we will be praying for you during these next months~ and we look forward to sharing in your joy!
Love, The Hogues

Tasha said...

Our God is and awesome God!! We are sooo excited to hear your good news. Baby #3 is coming into such a loving and Godly family. Your faith has truly been amazing and you are an inspiration to so many.

Brian, Tasha, and Brycen

Elaine said...

Oh, Rebecca...you have again brought a perfect stranger in Michigan to tears! Tears of memories of those God has called home, tears of anticipation for what I wanted to be at the end of your post, and tears of total joy to see that beautiful baby's ultrasound. God is so good!

You have been such an inspiration to us with your strength and faith, with your grace under such stress and sadness, with your acceptance of God's will in your life. We all know life isn't always fair...but it sure is easy to rail at God when it isn't. You have the uncanny ability to remind us all that even when life isn't fair, you can make it good. If anyone ever deserved a chance to be a new mom again, it is you. As I sit here sobbing, I feel so honored to "know" you, if only long distance.

We all have to promise that sometime this year, we must get you and Suzie to meet in person. Words are completely inadequate to thank you for what your friendship has meant to the Dean's and to all of us. You have given all of us such a sense of hope that only comes with the power of prayer.

GOD BLESS YOU, SCOTT, AND WYATT...AND YOUR PRECIOUS NEW BABY!!

Love, Elaine

Lindsay Dean said...

Well.....blowing snot bubbles!!! Sobbing with such joy for you both. I am so happy for you and Scott. I can barely read what I am typing because I am so HAPPY! Have I mentioned that I am happy for you? ha ha God is good and He is giving you peace with this wonderful gift from above. OK, now I HAVE to call you!!! CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love you friend~
Suzie

PS I just recieved those bows from "a stranger in Kansas" and they are INCREDIBLE. I will post a photo of Lindsay wearing one very soon!

Abbie said...

I'm so excited for you! Your post was so inspiring...and the news at the end of it was so wonderful!

Always Pretty in Pink said...

I don't know you, but I started reading your blog about a month ago. Everytime I read your blog I cry though. You sound like such an amazing mom! You have handled everything so well, and are such an inspiration. I admire your strength.

Congratulations on your new blessing-to-be!

Tommy, Erica, Addie Kate, and Andrew said...

Oh my goodness what wonderful news! Congratulations and very best wishes for a safe and healthy pregnancy! I can't wait to hear more!

Anonymous said...

I too was very teary-eyed while reading this post.... I love that God always comes at just the right time with a new blessing! Congratulations on your new addition!
Sierra Fenton a.k.a.
Montgomery's Mommy

KC said...

Rebecca!

Congratulations! I am just so happy for you all. Your posts as usual are so moving but I had to read the last part twice!!!!

The joy I feel for you is overwhelming. Bless all of you :-)

KC

Simply Complex said...

Congratulations. What a blessing.

The Andersens said...

oh. i am so so very happy for you. i cried on and off throughout the whole blog, some happy, some sad. i am constantly amazed at your strong and sweet spirit. you are an amazing woman in an amazing family. i feel so much love for you, and yet i don't even know you!
congratulations during this happy time!
Alysia Andersen
Gracey's mom

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! What a wonderful blessing this baby is. God gives us the sweetest miracles when the time is right...(I too just found out we are expecting in Aug. :))) We love you guys and think of you all often - happy belated b-day sweet angel!!! :)))
Shanlee Perrone

connie toole said...

Rebecca,

Erica told me about your good news and I am so happy for you all! I will continue to pray and hope you have a wonderful Valentines!

Love,
Connie Toole
(Emerson's nana)

All In Lexington said...

This was such a beautiful post...I was in tears from the beginning. I am just so happy for you and your family! Our God is so Good!!! Congratulations!!! Continuing to pray for you and your new little miracle!

The Gandy Family said...

Rebecca and Scott,

It is 12:20am and I am in tears. Tears of excitement and joy! I had to read it again to make sure I read what I read. I am so excited for you both! God has chosen this time for you three to experience once again his miracle of life! God has blessed your children - all three (how cool) with wonderful parents who live and show God's love and grace in their life everyday. Congratulation!

Leigh Ann Gandy

Anonymous said...

Praise God!!!!!! So happy for the 5 of you! We are expecting (another boy) again TOO! Very emotional, a leap of faith, as I'm sure you're experiencing. I tell myself everyday that Wyatt will now have a brother and sister to spend eternity with him.
Lots of love, Beth

Mimi said...

Oh my heart!! Congrats! I am so so happy for you. Yay! Yay! Yay! Loved this post. Can't wait for updates on the new little one.

Candace said...

Praise God! We are all so happy for you! What a beautiful little profile!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Butcher family! We are so excited for you!!! You are in our prayers... Love, Mike and Laurie Epting, Brian, Haley and Colin

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news! I had actually been wondering if you were ready for another miracle! One of the ladies at Chapman was asking about you just this week. I felt so proud as I shared your story with her. Love you!
Linda Green

Anonymous said...

I am overjoyed by your news!!! Congratulations to your sweet family!!!

Love, Staci Allen

Mimi said...

Oh, and we were married on the exact same day!! It was a beautiful day.