Sunday, January 06, 2008

God's Hand

The little girls have been here a lot lately, having what they like to call "sleepovers." They've done so well with all the upheaval in their lives lately. Friday night was another sleepover, along with their brother as well.

Their M.O. is to get ready for bed, get into their little sleeping bags on the family room floor, be sure I'm on the couch right above their heads, watch a movie for a little while, then drift off to sleep, after prayers and good-nights.


This worked really well last week. Friday night not so much for Feisty. I soon realized that her sudden fear of the darkness stemmed from the fact that we'd had the Christmas lights on every night last week when they were falling asleep. In fact, I left them on all night. (BTW, if there was ever any doubt that we need a new couch, it was dispelled after this long stretch of sleeping on it!).


Feisty wanted to sleep with someone. I reminded her that Care Bear was right beside her on the floor. But she wanted to sleep "with a grown-up." I told her that there wasn't enough room on the couch for both of us. She then wanted to hold someone's hand. I reminded her that Care Bear was right beside her on the floor, and would be glad to hold her hand. Only problem - Care Bear was already asleep and facing the other direction. So I moved my body to have my head on the other end of the couch and reached down to hold her sweet little soft hand.


When I thought her breathing had reached deep sleep sounds, I carefully slipped my hand out of hers, remembered to remove Care Bear's glasses, and tried to settle down for the remainder of the night. Feisty woke up with a start and said, "Grandma, I don't have your hand any more!" I quickly clasped her hand again, and she was soon sound asleep.


I lay there awake for quite awhile after that thinking of the parallel with our lives - how much we want God to reach down and hold our hands, to help us through fear, through trauma, through trials. Many songs began to go through my head.

Hold To God's Unchanging Hand

Time is filled with swift transition
Naught of earth unmoved can stand
Build your hopes on things eternal
Hold to God's unchanging hand


Precious Lord Take My Hand

Words & Music by Thomas A. Dorsey

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.



He Leadeth Me

He leadeth me, he leadeth me,
By his own hand he leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be,
For by his hand he leadeth me.



The Touch of His Hand on Mine

Oh, the touch of His hand on mine,

Oh, the touch of His hand on mine.

There is grace and power, in the trying hour,

In the touch of His hand on mine.



And then - today's choir song:

Strong in the strength of someone else,

Trusting a hand that never has failed.

Living a life of spiritual wealth,

Strong in the strength of someone else.

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The fact that the touch of my hand could soothe little Feisty into sweet rest gave me the most wonderful feeling in my soul that God is indeed keeping us and those little babies in His hand, and will be with all of us every step of the way - as He has been since these babies were conceived, and as He will be throughout the rest of our lives.

NOTE: Kristen DID change my look from her hospital room with that laptop they provided so kindly - and her own as well. She's amazing!

29 comments:

Mimi said...

What a blessing God gives to us when he grants us Grand children...
what a wonderful feeling it had to be when(even though you were probably dead tired) little feisty felt so safe when you were holding her hand.. so of course you would not dare turn it loose until she was sound asleep!!
I am praying for Kristen, Emma, and Kate as they bring the little ones into their mothers arms tomorrow at noon.
Blessings,
Mimi

Unknown said...

What a sweet story & what a comfort you must be to them right now... I love your new look too...

Carole Burant said...

Such a very touching post, dear Dawn, I have tears in my eyes. Your hand holding hers in sleep means the world to Feisty right now. I have you all in my prayers and will be thinking of Kristen tomorrow...I know you'll update us as soon as you find out anything:-) xox

Unknown said...

I like your new blog look! Was Kristen able to change it from the hospital?

That is so sweet that Feisty found such comfort in holding your hand. I have left the Christmas lights up in the kids' room until I buy some night lights to put in there since Zach is afraid of the dark.

I hope everything goes well tomorrow with Kristen's c-section and the babies!

Linda said...

This was absolutley beautiful Dawn. I have been feeling just like that sweet, sweet little girl these days. I just want to know He is holding tightly to my hand. What a wonderful grandma you are.
I'll be praying for y'all tomorrow.

Midlife Mom said...

What a lovely post Dawn! And what a lovely comparison of our Heavenly Father holding our hand, so true, and sometimes we don't even realize it! These precious grandchildren can really teach us sometimes! In SS this morning the teacher was asking the children the question of who takes care of them, meaning God, and T spoke up and said that Grammie and Grampie take care of her! I was so touched as you can well imagine!

Will be praying for you all tomorrow and anxiouly awaiting some pictures of the girls! xoxox

Midlife Mom said...

PS LOVE your new look!

Myrna said...

I keep trying to catch up! Just can't seem to get everything read and comments made. I am praying and waiting with you for those precious little girls.

I know something of what you are going through--of course ours was not twins and not the same circumstances--every birth is very different. However, almost seven years ago we had a tiny grand born about 10 weeks early. He weighed 3 lbs 5 oz. Today he is a VERY active, sweet, creative first grader. He is our little miracle!

I pray your girls--all three of them--have a good morning tomorrow. We'll all be waiting to hear.

Prayers--

Brenda said...

Don't you love it when God uses his little ones to teach us?

Love the new look!

Praying for all your girls, especially the new arrivals.

Barb said...

What a beautiful post, Dawn. How blessed we are to have our grandchildren...and their total trust that if we're near them, everything is OK in the world.

Kristen IS amazing. And she's going to do an amazing thing tomorrow.

I know you're all excited about meeting Emma and Kate. I'll be praying for all of you, especially for Kristen and the babies, and for you because believe me, I know how you're feeling right now.

Michelle-ozark crafter said...

That is a precious post my dear. Brings tears to the eyes.

nancygrayce said...

Oh, how precious that she trusts you so much to want you to hold her hand! I wish I could reach across the country to hold my grand's hands. Praying for all to go well tomorrow....just to think, tomorrow there will be two brand new little humans that were planned before the foundation of the earth!

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Oh to always be able to comfort their fears just by holding their hands......

I know the first 3 of those songs, but I'm not familiar with the last 2.

Have great week, Dawn. Praying for Kristen and the babies....

Love and hugs,

Diane

Sue Seibert said...

A human touch can do so much to remind us of the humanity God gave in Son when he came to us as a Baby, human and divine. And His touch lets us know that He is always with us.

Happy Epiphany.

Diane@Diane's Place said...

Me again. ;o)

I forgot to tell you how much I like your new template! Love your snowmen and snowflakes. ;o)

Love and hugs, again.

Diane

Susie said...

Love your new look.
What a sweet uplifting story! Keeping you all in my prayers.
xo

Linds said...

What a wonderful reminder to you all, and the rest of us too, that He does indeed have our hands in His. It is already Monday here, and i am off to work, but please know I will be praying for Kristen Emma and Kate today. Hugs to you, my friend.

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Dawn,
What a beautiful and touching story. Our youngest daughter still sleeps with us. She will move into her own bed in her own time tho. She loves to be next to her Mommy. It is such a joy to know that we are there to comfort our children and in your case, Grandchildren. "THANK YOU" for sharing a beautiful story and also the words to the beautiful songs. I love the new look Kristen gave you. She did a great job. I will be keeping her in my prayers today as well as for Emma and Kate. I will also be lifting you and your Family as well as Care Bear and Fiesty in my prayers as well. I know things are busy with you right now, but when you have time, stop by. I have something for you on my today's post. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours.

Hugs,
Karen H.

groovyoldlady said...

:-)

Nadine said...

The power of a touch - lovely.

I do love the new winter look. Kristen is amazing. Lord continue to be with her.

AnneMarie said...

what a beautiful way to look at it!
my grandmother told me she had an uncle living with them when she was little... he would rock all of them (8 I think) to sleep each night...
we rock our kids to sleep to.. lots of snuggles, lots of hand holding..
lots of God's love!

Nancy said...

I love your new look... this technically challenged lady is so impressed!

What a sweet story and analogy... God will be holding your hand today as you welcome your twin grandbabies! Happy Birthday Twins!

My prayers continue.

Ms. Kathleen said...

Grandkids are just the greatest...What a special bond. Looking forward to picks of the two little ones! God Bless!

Chrissie said...

Thank you, so much, for those encouraging words and hymns! I'll continue in prayer for your family. God bless you!
Chrissie

nannykim said...

Good story and keep us posted!

Unknown said...

HEY GRANDMA DAWN FANS,
I'M DAWN'S NIECE. I JUST GOT WORD THAT THE BABIES ARE HERE AND DOING AS WELL AS CAN BE EXPECTED. THEY WEIGHED 2LB 15OZ AND 3LB 5OZ.

IF I HEAR MORE I WILL POST IT ON MY BLOG. CHECK THERE IF THERE IS NO UPDATE HERE OR ON KRISTEN'S BLOG.

--KAREN

Gran said...

Dawn your post is so inspiring today. It is wonderful to know that we can be comforting to our grandchildren as God is to us. Thank you so much for sharing your story and blessing my heart today...and the release of a few tears.

My prayers are with you and all of your girls.

Hugs and Love coming your way!
Angela

kpjara said...

Darling Post...and you're kidding, Kristen did this from the Hospital! She really should just do Blog beautification and stay at home for work!

Thanks for being such a huge encourager during my time away!

Chris said...

God bless. I pray all went well today.