(A favorite post from my archives)
I went mushroom hunting the other day.
As I was putting on my boots, I imagined great success in gathering them all up and frying them with a touch of butter & salt in the skillet.
A few days ago we went with a group of our neighbors and scoured a huge woods in the the hopes of bringing home dinner. As everyone started inching themselves along, I found myself alone and out of view of the others. I started talking with God about the mushrooms...sounds goofy I know, but why not.
I was asking Him to highlight them to me so that I may be able to spot one. Sure enough almost as soon as the thought left my mind, I spotted a big spike with a nice yellow stalk..standing so tall and proud. You get so excited when you find one, maybe its because there are tons of foliage all around and so very few mushrooms. Its like finding gold in a pit of mud, he just stood out & appeared so valuable. I was hesitate to tell anyone I found any, for they all swarm so quickly in hopes that its a good patch.
I picked him up and carefully put him in my plastic sack, wanting him to stay nice and safe so I could show him off later. As I went to wander off in search of more, I heard a challenge in my mind to stay put and ask God again to highlight another. I didn't see the harm in it so again I asked the Lord, please show me another for I don't know where they could be.
Sure enough another spike stood tall!
This time I thought that if I stood on the spot that He just showed me, and looked around, waiting... that maybe I could spot another. One led to another led to another to another and soon I had large amount of mushrooms. All along I was in conversation with God about how much it pleases me to find one in the midst of this forest community.
As I stooped to pick up a beautiful spike barely peeking out from underneath some leaves, I heard the verse...."Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." I listened as God showed me that life is very much like the "game" I was playing with Him in the woods. Each choice is like a mushroom, if I ask Him which way to go, and listen..and sometimes wait...He Will show me the next step. Each time I stand where He places me, He will highlight the way for the next spot.
Sometimes as I found one, I would see another just a bit off...and He would tell me, pick the one I showed you first then gather the next one. Pick them in the order I show you. He would tell me how important it was to take my eyes off the 2nd one until the first one was safely in the bag. I could see how vital it was to pay close attention to the step I was on and to take care of that task first before looking ahead to what was waiting for me. Once I was so excited about what I saw in the distance that I left the first one and practically tripped over my feet for the 2nd & 3rd one to find out that they wasn't mushrooms at all, they were merely leaves mocking what I was looking for. It caused me to fail the step I was supposed to be on..only to be deceived into grabbing for something that was not what it seemed.
My last spot of the day had me waiting for quite a while for the next "pick"
I kept asking, please highlight it to me...and I would wait. I saw some downed logs nearby and thought that it looked like the perfect area for molds to grow so I tromped over there knowing the small voice in my mind said to remain where I was. Ignoring my instinct, I rushed over and searched rapidly for a quick peek. After several minutes and no avail, I remembered a lesson I have learned many times before and that is "If you don't know where God wants you to be, go to the last place He put you...and wait." I humbly walked back seeking for the exact spot I found my last pick...as I knew I couldn't find it & that the sun was going down, I decided to call it quits.
As we walked out of the woods I was thankful for what I just learned.
The next morning I went to the Dr. and was told our baby's chromosome testing had came back. She was a healthy girl...but we would never know her this side of heaven.
Heavy information...my mind fluttered of images that played out inside my head.
What our lives could of looked like...
What she would have looked like...
What her voice would of sounded like...
How happy Ilana would of been to have a baby sister...
How even more empty the nursery is, now that I know she is a girl...
The burden is so hard to bear. I cried to God...what should I do, how can I stop this from happening again..why is my body rejecting my own children???
I stood on that spot of questions and waited, and because of the teachings from the day before, I know that it's best for me to remain here til He highlights my next "pick".
Where should I go Lord...What should we do...We are waiting on You.
You can find me linked-up on these fabulous blogs!
http://www.intentionallypursuing.com/2015/05/intentional-tuesday-linkup-week-18/
http://fdeanhackett.com
http://cornerstoneconfessions.com
http://hollybarrett.org/2015/05/testimony-tuesday-bethany-boring.html
http://timewarpwife.com
http://purposefulfaith.com/
http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/search/label/Linky%20Party
http://raisinghomemakers.com/
http://teachingwhatisgood.com/earnestly-seek-you/
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2015/05/a-return-to-loveliness-85.html
http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2015/05/268th-inspire-me-tuesdday.html#more
http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/
http://womenwithintention.com
http://www.w2wministries.org/
http://jenniferdukeslee.com/tellhisstory-a-love-letter-for-a-second-born-child/
http://www.paintedteacup.com
http://www.givinguponperfect.com/tag/works-for-me-wednesday/
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com
http://raisinghomemakers.com
http://www.ducksnarow.com
http://tsuzanneeller.com
http://3dlessons4life.com/
http://creativekkids.com
http://www.domesblissity.blogspot.com/
http://ichoosejoy.org/
http://saving4six.com
http://www.treasuretromp.com
You can find me linked-up on these fabulous blogs!
http://www.intentionallypursuing.com/2015/05/intentional-tuesday-linkup-week-18/
http://fdeanhackett.com
http://cornerstoneconfessions.com
http://hollybarrett.org/2015/05/testimony-tuesday-bethany-boring.html
http://timewarpwife.com
http://purposefulfaith.com/
http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/search/label/Linky%20Party
http://raisinghomemakers.com/
http://teachingwhatisgood.com/earnestly-seek-you/
http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2015/05/a-return-to-loveliness-85.html
http://www.marthasfavorites.com/
http://www.astrollthrulife.net/2015/05/268th-inspire-me-tuesdday.html#more
http://www.hopestudios.blogspot.com/
http://womenwithintention.com
http://www.w2wministries.org/
http://jenniferdukeslee.com/tellhisstory-a-love-letter-for-a-second-born-child/
http://www.paintedteacup.com
http://www.givinguponperfect.com/tag/works-for-me-wednesday/
http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com
http://raisinghomemakers.com
http://www.ducksnarow.com
http://tsuzanneeller.com
http://3dlessons4life.com/
http://creativekkids.com
http://www.domesblissity.blogspot.com/
http://ichoosejoy.org/
http://saving4six.com
http://www.treasuretromp.com
beautiful Amy. I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful lesson for all of us!!! My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family!!!
ReplyDeleteHugs!!!
He will continue to be a light unto your path Amy, and He alone can fill that deepest pain and void you are experiencing…..i love you and continue to life you and Chad to the throne
ReplyDeleteIve had a miscarriage at 8 weeks, I know what it feels like for everything to be fine and great and then for the next minute it to be filled with anger. I found out through a ultrasound that there was no heartbeat. I was devestated, and felt such loss and disbelief. How could I have a pregnancy one week, and lose it just as quick. I was sent home because at that point I didnt even want to talk about a DandC. It felt even worse being at home, my heart was breaking each minute. I did go on to have a beautiful son, and am now attempting to go thru IVF but im always thinking about having another miscarriage. Your very brave to talk about your experiences and your struggles!
ReplyDeleteDo you suppose Amy, that God is looking for a 'special' soul for your baby, and unless or until he finds the right one, he will not give your baby an inferior one just to be done with it, so you must wait... just a thought.
ReplyDelete"If you don't know where God wants you to be, go to the last place He put you...and wait." great advice. It's so hard to wait , but if we trust him he is sure to show us the way. By the way, I have never seen the mushrooms in the picture before. You can eat them?
ReplyDeleteYou sure can!! and...they are so yummy! Thank you for reading and commenting :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes we don't know why we go through difficult situations. But God remains faithful through storms and difficulties. This is my testimony has I've recently came out of almost a year of depression. I didn't know it at the time, but looking back I can recognize God's hand of protection and guidance. He is good. He is faithful. He will surely guide you and lavish love on you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing this. Visiting you over from #TestimonyTuesday.
My dear Amy, what a touching post.... your words brought tears to my eyes. You are quite the testimony as you lean upon Jesus and trust in His ways. Thank you so much for joining us at Roses of Inspiration. Hugs and blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI love that you highlighted not only a lesson in His perfect timing, but that your heart was able to receive it in your grieving. I'm sure I will remember it (and to say a prayer for you) next time I am out foraging.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
So beautifully said. I have this tendency to rush on ahead when I think He's revealed something good... instead of waiting for His definitive direction tailored for me in that moment. He keeps teaching me to wait... and your post today is another reminder for me, going straight to the heart.
ReplyDeleteGod's bigger than big blessings on your and your family, Amy! Visiting from the #RaRaLinkup
:(. I'm so sorry for your loss, Amy. I love the wisdom of your words--if you get off track, go back to the last place and wait.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post. Thank you so much for opening your heart. God has sent you on a grand hunt and I pray you find his beauty in the most astounding way. I am visting you today from the #RaRalinkup and Jennifer Duke Lee's site today.
ReplyDeleteOh dear...I'm so sorry. I thought I was reading about mushrooms & prayer until I got to the end. This is such a burden...I will say a quick prayer for you this morning.
ReplyDeleteI don't know your story, but I will be looking around your blog more this morning...
Amy, my heart breaks for your sadness. ((hugs)) Your words point to Him and I pray God's comfort will surround you and that He will show you the path forward. "Each time I stand where He places me, He will highlight the way for the next spot." - beautiful words. Thank you, Amy, for sharing your heart at #IntentionalTuesday on Intentionally Pursuing.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. Thank you for opening up and sharing your journey with others who are also experiencing loss. You are in my thoughts. I hope to see you again next week at the Link-It To Me Link Up party!
ReplyDeleteSuch strength in your words, Amy, even while your heart aches. That you can still see Him, go searching for His promises, and speak His truth with such clarity is a testament to His power at work in your life. Might He be your portion of comfort and in His perfect time, joy. Blessed to meet you through the #raralinkup.
ReplyDeleteAmy, your words are linked with such strength and beauty in the midst of trial. Your run to God is encouraging and brings strength, hope, and help. If we lived side-by-side, I'd have a big 'ole hug for you and maybe, just maybe, we'd eat a few mushrooms, too. (It's a big deal where I live as well, although I've yet to try it.) I will set your name at the throne of God. #livefreeThursday
ReplyDeleteAmy, thank you for pulling up this post and sharing it today with Thought-Provoking Thursday. It touched me deepty and reminded me of the beauty of walking by faith. Much love to you and you continue to lean into Him and pray and wait.
ReplyDeleteI lost a baby at 14 weeks, it was sad but I rejoice that someday I will meet that baby and I did not have to suffer with seeing bad choices or other heartbreaks in that life which is kept in heaven for me.
ReplyDelete