Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
Psalm 73:23
Pregnancy comes with a multitude of surprises. You ache in places you didn't know existed. You have fluctuations in energy and appetite. A miracle grows within.
I was five months pregnant when I boarded the plane for Beijing. I knew a thrilling adventure awaited me. I was determined to capture each sight, smell and sound.
The day we traveled to the Great Wall was steamy for September. It's sheer enormity daunted. To climb it in my condition would be no small feat but I was determined. In parts it was a gentle slope. In others it was a vertical staircase. By the end I questioned my choice dozens of times. Just about the time I was certain I'd make Chinese headlines from being helicoptered back down, we made it to the top.
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| Shannon, Five Months Pregnant, at the top of the Great Wall |
The child we're not sure how to parent.
The marriage stretched beyond its boundaries.
Finances so far into the red they're crimson.
Unplanned illnesses, changes, and circumstances.
Carynne (5) is quick to tell you she's been to China and climbed the Great Wall. With every stride of my legs, she kicked hers. She was with me in each uncertain step. Together we made it to the top.
When life's problems loom, I am not alone.
When life is too much for me, it's not too much for Him.
He is with me in each uncertain step. Together we will make it to the top.
What a GREAT life example Shannon! Happy climbing sister, as we both continue to reach up! -Blessings towards you, Amy
ReplyDeleteAmy, you are definitely my climbing buddy. :)
DeleteWhat a blessing! You paint the most beautiful pictures! Thank you Savior for reaching me this day through her! Amen!
ReplyDeleteAnd I had to LOL whith the "Crimson" comment! Yes Lord! I hear ya!
Thomasina, thank you so much for your sweet encouragement. I am thankful for you!!!
DeleteWhat an awesome experience that you had! And a great connection that you wrote about with steep climbs and the fact that HE is with us through it all. On of my favorites is "if He brought you to it, He will bring you though it."
ReplyDeleteOh Jen, so true. He will bring us through no matter what we're facing.
DeleteAmen! Love this :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Pamela, so thrilled to have you here at the oasis!
DeleteI love that you used your journeys through travel to express other experiences you encounter in life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Val. Thankful for your visit!
DeleteGreat encouragement!
ReplyDeleteAmber, so thankful you're here!
DeleteTerrific. Thanks for sharing this with us.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, you are so welcome. I am so honored by your visit!
DeleteAmen, sister! I'm smiling reading this post because it is always a great reminder of how much He loves us. He is the gate and we are the sheep! Thanks for the post! Tracy
ReplyDeleteHe is the gate. May we walk with Him every day.
DeleteLook how totally cute you were pregnant! :-) Absolutely glowing! So cool that both you and Carynne were able to climb the great wall of China together. We are never alone in our journey. God sees to it!
ReplyDeleteHe is so faithful. No matter how big or small the task is that He calls us to, He's with us every step of the way!
DeleteLoved this Shannon! I'm so jealous of you climbing the Great Wall! That is one thing I must do before I die.
ReplyDeleteFor sure! I say we make our bucket lists as long as possible! Makes life more fun!!
DeleteThat's quite a feat at any time, much less pregnant! I love how you eluded to being pregnant with the fullness of God in each of our circumstances! Fill us Jesus!
ReplyDeleteYes I want to be filled to the brim with Him!!!
DeleteWhat a touching and inspiring post. Just when you think you're alone, well, you're not! I know I need to keep reminding myself that... Thanks, Shannon!
ReplyDeleteNo matter how high our mountain, we aren't alone. That truth has changed my life!
DeleteSuch an amazing adventure! Love how you tied it in to HIM being with us every step of the way as we each climb our mountains. You are one of the best Shannon! Thanks for your love and inspiration! Happy Monday Sweetie!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday to you! The weeks pass quickly but we can enjoy every day with Him!
DeleteYou're a brave woman! What a fun memory.
ReplyDeleteBrave or stupid? lol!
DeleteAwww, you look lovely and pregnancy suits your most definitely :) Can't believe you did such a long trip by being 5 months pregnant, phew...that's amazing and kuddos to you.
ReplyDeleteIn hindsight I don't know what I was thinking except carpe diem! I doubt I'll ever return to China so I'm glad I did it when I had the chance...even if I was toting extra cargo! :)
DeleteWith your Never give up attitude, you will succeed in climbing every wall ahead of you. Lovely story and thank you for sharing at Tell Me a True Story. please return next week. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteWill do! I think that's a great concept for a website btw!
DeleteFirst time to drop by through " Tell me your story" and I loved reading inspirational stories and women inspired by GOd like you. Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteJoy, welcome to the oasis! I am thrilled you stopped by and pray you'll return soon for some refreshment!
DeleteShannon, I must ask. What took you to China in the first place?
ReplyDeleteWe went in 2005 to bring home our sweet daughter and hope to go back in the next couple years so she can see her homeland. Want to join us? I am certain the climb is easier with a cheerleader by your side than a hitchhiker in your belly :)
Oh yes! We should definitely plan a road trip together! :)
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