Gateway Birth Services
The Birth Plan is written and signed...
The nursery blankets are stacked neatly...
Friends and family on the call list are poised and ready...
Last week was the final childbirth education class...
Physically, mentally, emotionally ..... everything is ready! Or is it???
What about the spiritual aspects of birth?
Is there a need for God in the delivery room?
Why and how do our spiritual beliefs be a part of this monumental time?
What would God have to offer at a baby's birth?
Why should parents invite God into the delivery room?
He will feed His flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in His arms, holding them close to His heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
Isaiah 40:11 (New Living Translation)
----- God wants to be there.
He is interested in all the details of your life.
You and your baby are important to God.
He wants to hold you close and be near to you at such a monumental time.
----- God has something to offer, that no one else can offer.
No mom should go through birth alone.
She can be supported with encouragement, love and comfort by her husband, her friends, her family, her midwife, OBGYN, nurses
through spoken words, tender touch, medicinal care, etc.
As wonderful as this support is, it is only effective to a degree.
These people are using external means to produce an internal effect.
Because God had the unique ablility to directly connect with our spirits,
He uses internal means that creates an external effect!
The best part is that He doesn't come empty handed.
God's presence comes with so much to offer moms, dads, babies, care providers, everyone involved.
Imagine having these at your disposal:
Joy, Strength, Peace, Hope, Confidence, Patience, Wisdom, Guidance and so on...
You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need,
His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (The Message Translation)
----- Including God from the beginning, lays a foundation for successful parenting.
All of the benefits and many more do not run out at the time of birth.
God wants to make Himself available to you every day of your life through every circumstance.
He is the one who can be right beside you during the late night feedings. He is the one wanting to give wisdom when you just can't figure out why your child is crying.
God is the biggest asset you have!
How do we invite God to our birth?
Very much the same way we invite God into our lives...it's not complicated. Here are 4 simple avenues in which you can include God in your birth, make them personal to you and your unique situation:
Click on the words, or scroll down.
Believe
The Word
Worship
Prayer
Believe
All other tools hinge on this one.
Why go any further if you aren’t even sure God is there?
Do you know God is real?
And further than that, if you know He is real,
do you know He desires to have a personal relationship with you?
Where does your belief about God stand?
Either there is a God, or there isn’t. Are you believing the lie He doesn’t exist?
Deep within everyone’s heart is a longing for something greater than themselves,
a greater design and purpose. We don’t want to be an accident of cosmic gases.
We want to believe, but often we hold on to the lie despite the wooing and softening of our heart.
Maybe you think you are too good for God? Or, maybe you think you are not good enough for God?
Either way, we all need a Savior.
No one is so good that they can truly be the master and controller of their ultimate destiny.
And likewise, no one is so bad that God would turn His back on you without giving you a way of escape.
"Everyone who looks up to Him, trusting and expectant, will gain a real life, eternal life.
This is how much God loved the world; He gave His Son, His one and only Son
And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him,
anyone can have a whole and lasting life.
God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending His Son merely to point an accusing finger,
telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again.
Anyone who trusts in Him is acquitted;
anyone who refuses to trust Him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it.
And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe
in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to Him.
This is the crisis we’re in:
God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness.
They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God.
Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion,
hates God-light and won’t come near it, fearing a painful exposure.
But anyone working and living in truth and reality
welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is." (John 3:14-21 MSG)
Move from that place of unbelief to belief.
Allow yourself the right, despite what your brain tells you, to turn towards God instead of away from Him.
You may not understand it, you may not have all the answers as to who this Jesus is
and what He did for you, this will come. The first step is to believe.
Your journey with God doesn’t begin in your head, it begins in your heart!
Take a step right now and tell God how you feel. If you have never done this before follow this simple example:
God, I need you. I recognize I am nothing without You.
I believe You are there, and I can sense You are knocking on the door of my heart.
I want to let you in. I may not know exactly how to do this,
but I trust You are bigger than me, and You will show me how.
Help me to know Your Son Jesus, and to understand the depth of what He did for me.
I give You access in my life. I look to you.
Thank you, God.
If this is the first time you have said this, or your hundredth time, I would like to know. Please contact me and let me pray for you. And if you are not connected with a local church, I would love to talk with you about how to find one.
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THE WORD
A second step in inviting God to your birth is to utilize the best tangible tool you have available.
The Bible is not some book that you read once, and then put on the shelf, or that you bring out only for Sunday School lessons. It is practical and applicable every day of our lives. Even though the text is centuries old, the truths it holds can and will touch, guide, inspire, challenge, equip, teach, protect and comfort us today.
This book represents God’s heartbeat to us as His people. This is why it is referred to as being alive. As we read, we make all that God is and does available to us. There is no better time to do this than at the birth of our children.
If you are well versed, or opening it for the first time, here are some practical ways to approach the Bible:
1. Use a Topical Index
In this section you will find specific topics of the Bible and where to find corresponding scriptures. Some Bibles have these in front or back sections. Otherwise, if yours doesn’t, you can purchase them separate or find one online. My favorite reference site is www.biblegateway.com.
These indexes are good to use when you are curious about a certain topic, "What does the Bible say about..." or you are struggling with something specific, but you don’t know exactly where to look for it in the Bible.
Here an example of STRENGTH taken from the Topical Index of the Open Bible.
From:
a. Kinds of strength:
Physical ..........................Proverbs 20:29
Constitutional .................Psalm 90:10
Hereditary .......................Genesis 49:3
Angelic ............................Psalm 103:20
Military ...........................Daniel 2:37
Spiritual ..........................Psalm 138:3
Supernatural ..................Judges 16:5, 6, 19
Divine ..............................Isaiah 63:1
b. Dissipation of strength by:
Iniquity ........................Psalm 31:10
Hunger .........................1 Samuel 28:20, 22
Looseness .....................Proverbs 31:3
Age ...............................Psalm 71:9
Visions .........................Daniel 10:8, 16, 17
c. Increase of strength:
God .................................Isaiah 41:10
Christ ............................2 Timothy 4:17
Spirit .............................Ephesians 3:16
Brothers ........................Luke 22:32
By:
Wisdom .........................Ecclesiastes 7:19
Waiting on the Lord ......Isaiah 40:31
Lord’s grace ..................2 Corinthians 12:9
2. "Promises" Books
Another simple tool to use to apply God’s word can be found at a local Dollar Store (or other similar retailer). They are those little "promise" gift books that contain scriptures broken up into specific categories. They are similar to the topical index, however with these the general intent is to encourage the reader. These books tend to be short and very portable, the perfect size for a Doula’s bag or pack one in your suitcase for the hospital.
Here is a link to The Bible Promise Book sold by Amazon for an example. Notice all the different varieties: Promises for Every Day for Mothers, Promises for Men, etc.
3. Read Psalms
If after looking through an index type material, and you are still unsure of where to go...right in the middle of the Bible is the greatest treasure of strength, hope, love, etc. in the book of Psalms. This book was written by a man named David, and he was a King of Israel. His life story is packed full of inspiration, entire books and college courses are devoted to him. Guaranteed you will find something here that will touch you.
A few favorite chapters are 18, 23, 30, 40, 62, 63, 91, 119, 121, 127, 139 and the list could go on.
4. Join a Bible Study
A great way to have a better understanding of God’s word and how to apply it to your life is through in-depth Bible Studies. If you are not part of a local church...yet again this is another reason to find one. Some studies will be general in nature, hitting on a variety of topics, where others may be very specific. Some may be question and answer type following a supplemental book, and others may be group discussion with a facilitator.
There are Bible Studies specifically for women as well. Beth Moore has a tremendous ministry and many women have seen their lives and knowledge of God’s Word absolutely transformed. Check out her website at Living Proof Ministries to see if there is a group meeting near you or find out how to take her studies online.
5. Ask for a "Theme Verse"
At certain times throughout a believer’s life, there will be "themes" to what God is showing to you or working in you heart. I have found strength in asking for a singular verse that generally sums up where I am at. This helps especially when I need to retrieve the verse at a moment’s notice. These are the verses I type out an place on my refrigerator or bathroom mirror. I memorize them and repeat them often to myself. For example:
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work! (2 Corinthians 9:8)
His divine power has given to us all thinks that pertain to life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)
My God shall supply all you need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)
6. Read the word out loud.
Once you find scriptures that resonate with your spirit, and address your individual needs, type them out. Post them up. Make them readily available. Get them in a format where any one could read them to you at a moments notice.
Share them with your Careproviders. When you discuss comfort measures for labor, along with your favorite scents of massage oil, tell them the scriptures you are holding on to. God’s Word is a tool, and should be used as such!
Another place where the Word especially comes to your rescue is in the event of unexpected circumstances. If complications arise and you will have to deviate from your desired birth plan, reading scripture is a powerful way to refocus both mom and dad, helping you to remember that God is above ALL things and very present in times of trouble and that he hasn't given you a spirit of fear.
WORSHIP 
Follow this line of thinking:
God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3)
In His presence is fullness of joy. (Psalm 16:11)
The joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:10)
During labor a mom, and dad, can use as much strength as she can get.
Worship is a perfect and easy way to offer that strength.
When we sing songs, the word and melody work together to get our attention off ourselves and on to God.
Prepare a playlist of your favorite Praise and Worship songs!
Paying close attention to meaning.
Burn these songs onto a CD or put them on an MP3 player or laptop computer,
being sure to put them into your birth bag. Again it doesn’t have to be complicated!
Let’s practice...Sing with me...
"Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong.
I am weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so."
Do you feel better already? This was a simple children’s song.
There are all kinds of songs about strength, peace, love, etc.
You can even get instrumental (without words) versions of many of the popular worship songs.
Songs can be upbeat or slow. I would suggest grouping each of these separately, maybe even on separate CDs. There are times in labor when a mom might not want the distraction of louder, faster music.
Other times, faster songs played loudly can give a mom an extra burst of energy in a slow labor.
Keep this CD for after the baby is born. Worship music is also an incredible way to soothe a fussy baby or calm an exasperated mom.
I could list out hundreds of Praise and Worship songs that I love to use for labor and birth.
I did want to share a couple with you though. You can click on this link to listen, or go to www.songtouch.com or your favorite MP3 store to buy your own copy.
"Through Christ"
words by Donna Lasit, Maranatha!/City Bible Church, Generation Unleashed Live Worship, 2007
"Still"
words and music by Reuben Morgan, Hillsong Music, Hope, 2003
"You are My Strength"
words and music by Reuben Morgan, Hillsong Music, Savior King, 2007
PRAYER
There are whole classes and books offered on the topic of prayer. I am going to stick to a very simple definition ...
Prayer is connecting with God.
Have you ever been sitting across the table with someone telling them a story and they begin to give you a "glazed over" look. She is hearing your words. She might give her input ever so often, but you just know you are not connecting with her. After this conversation, you feel clouded and confused, even to the point of rejected and alone
The opposite of this type of conversation is the kind when you are sharing and the person is tracking with you, so much so she could finish your thoughts before you do. You walk away from these conversations refreshed and energized by knowing you got your point across and it was received with joy and anticipation for the next conversation.
If you have ever made this type of "deep connection" with God before, you’ll know praying is more than just saying the right words and communicating every need. It’s about knowing that you are known...having satisfaction and walking away feeling more alive.
If you have never connected with God on that one on one level and are desiring a more "intimate" connection, I would love to pray with you personally for God to reveal His true heart of love to you in a way you won’t be able to deny! Email Me!
There are various ways people communicate their needs to God. Do what it takes to make that connection.
Here are some examples of different types of prayers:
1. Praying Scripture
The concept here is taking a passage of scripture which applies to your situation, and making it your heart's cry to God. The Pregnancy Scriptures utilize this type of prayer. This is especially powerful when you personalize it.
Take Psalm 91:1-4 for example:
Thank you Lord that I live in the Your shelter, Most High.
I will find rest in Your shadow, Almighty.
This I declare about You, Lord:
"You alone are my refuge, my place of safety;
You are my God, and I trust You."
I believe You will rescue me from every trap
and protect me from deadly disease.
You will cover me with Your feathers.
You will shelter me with his wings.
Your faithful promises are my armor and protection.
God LOVES it when we take Him at His word. Two of my favorite books on praying scriptures are Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, by Jodie Berndt and Praying God's Word Day by Day, by Beth Moore.
2. "Classic Prayers"
These are those "famous" prayers passed down from generation to generation. I especially like The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr for labor and birth.
God, grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed;
the courage to change that which can be changed,
and the wisdom to know the one from the other, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
3. Liturgical Prayers
These are offered by various denominations (typically found in a hymnal or song book) that apply to specific seasons, events and topics.
4. Pouring Out Your Heart
This is where you just simply say it like it is. Talk with Him as you would talk to a friend.
If you are scared, tell Him. If you are filled with awe and wonder, tell Him. If you lack wisdom, ask Him for it. And don’t forget the one-liners: "Help!"
5. Agreement Prayers
Our pastor calls this "Two-Pray". By surrounding yourself with others people who love to pray, you increase the power attached to your prayers.
Ask these people to make a commitment to pray for you. Share a link to this website. Give them any specifics you have need of. If you have any scriptures you want to pray, let them know these as well. Create a prayer phone chain, for when you go into labor. Here are some suggestions:
Family
Friends
Small Group
A Pregnancy Prayer Group
You Careprovider, Midwife, Doula
Your Church Pastors and Leaders
A SPECIAL NOTE TO CAREPROVIDERS:
Don’t neglect your needs for prayer also! Have people praying for you. Especially ones who know specific challenges related to birth.
I also want to challenge you to never underestimate the power your prayers have for your clients. They are body, soul and spirit. Their spiritual needs during this process are of great value to God. Ask! Again, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Take the Psalm 91 scripture (or another one like it), and print it out, and put it in their chart for easy reference.
If you have taken some of these simple tools, and used them with success,
please use the Contact Form and tell me your story!
