became available for Free late June 2017! There are 9 of us contributing to this first Book (*the second book The Voice of Many Waters came out December 2018, with 8 contributors).  Thanks You Father for sending Curtis into our lives and for his desire to be obedient to Your leading. 


                                           

'Jesus, You teach those who have ears to hear Your Voice, it is wisdom to seek first Your Kingdom and Righteousness and in the doing all things will work out for the good.' was the beginning of my prayer.

I had written a check unaware my husband has written one too. After a time of separation, we were trying to work things out with God's help; communication was obviously one of the things we were being shown we needed to work on first. I was particularly distressed my check was going to bounce because due to my driving on a bad inspection ticket, it was to pay a fine to the Police Department. I was sure I would be arrested if God did not intervene and show me what to do next.

Being a newborn in my spiritual understanding, I was trying to stand on my own two feet and I did not have a peace about borrowing money when our vehicle failed inspection.  Knowing my family was concerned that I had taken my Husband back after becoming a born again Believer, deterred me from seeking help from them. In days gone by... I had borrowed more than I cared to and I had made a decision not to do so this time; thinking that would be what God expected of me as we began this new life together in the Spirit.

Before learning the lesson of Presumption, when our sole Vehicle failed inspection, without seeking the Lord's will and wisdom on the matter, I presumed I already knew it and asked Father if he would keep me from being pulled over and stepped out with the hope and assumption he would protect me as I drove back and forth to work.  To think otherwise, filled my mind with worst case scenarios.  Like others I have met since, I presumed I had no other recourse than to drive it to work with a bad inspection ticket and take my chances ... I needed to keep my job, if I lost that, I'd loose my Apt. I needed money to make the car legal... so I assumed under the circumstances, the wisest thing to do would be to just drive it back and forth to work.  I had no problem walking everywhere else and was conscientious about this because I was given a desire that my life to be lived with integrity.  

I was surprised when I was pulled over... and sought the mind of the Lord as to why this was allowed.  His Holy Spirit convicted me of my foolishness in not asking and listening for His Guidance and will first... teaching me a valuable lesson on assumption.  He also revealed to me that His will, will vary from day to day and urged me to seek it daily and not project from my past as He taught me various lessons during my spiritual journey of faith.

I continued my prayer... repenting for not seeking His wisdom and will first, (once again, would the Spiritual Habit before formed I wondered) and sought His provision in the doing. As I listened intently I was given the gift of faith to believe that He was going to provide in an miraculous way and all I needed to do for now was to trust Him. I was told I was to trust in His love and His desire to provide without my having to turn to others first in my times of need. I was encouraged to ask for His manifested will and power before I began each day, henceforth as He reminded me, He has a plan which is unfolding, which is motivated by love and His omniscience presence, power and authority as HE raises me Spiritually in the way I am to go.  I fully expected something to happen and would not have been surprised had an Angel appeared... the faith I had received as I listened was so strong.

Instead... I received a letter from the Police Department. The Officer on my case had been dismissed due to corruption and all of his cases were being thrown out and they were returning my uncashed check.

Years later... after learning experientially, the Spirit of God desires for us to trust Him and that He has a plan which is unfolding for wondrous purposes, in the midst of oppression, I was given an Angelic Encounter.  During that Encounter... I received the understanding, the time would come when I would be sharing such testimonies as above, to encourage those who are struggling and seeking His truth and wisdom for their own lives. I understood part of His Plan for my life was for me to comfort and encourage with the comfort and wisdom He has given me, and in the doing... offer hope to those who are seeking Spiritual Truth and a intimate relationship with their Creator ... to inspire them the reach out to HIM for themselves. For those interested in such testimonies... know, it is my hope I will be inspired to share such here, in future blogs.

For now... may you be given the will to receive the fullness which is your as a child of God, with all your heart... and be an encouragement in the doing.

When I got my first bad tooth ache... I asked the Lord if it was His will to heal me of this.

Having been healed of a *Tubular Pregnacy with a Creative Miracle, I knew HE could do something similar regarding my tooth if that was part of His Spiritual Plan for my life's lessons at this time. As I sought His mind on this occasion I remembered a time I was scheduled for Surgery for a Herniated Disc. Upon seeking the mind of the Lord as to whether this was His will or not... I heard in my Spirit, 'Be obedient to the Doctor and you will not need Surgery.'

The Dr said, 'You're too inflamed for the Surgery. We will schedule it for two weeks from now. In the meantime rest, avoid all stairs and don't pick up anything heavier than a 5 pound bag of potatoes, Take this for pain and................'

I was obedient to the Lord's revealed will and the surgery was canceled. Although back problems run in our family and I had major back issues previous to this... since that day I only get occasional back aches. For such I am truly grateful!  Now, when I know of others going though situations similar to mine, I pray with compassion in hopes they too will reach out to receive of the fullness of His will for them, hopefully through an intimate relationship which imparts joy and an inner knowing which births peace.

On this occasion, as stated, I was waiting upon the Lord to show me if it was His will to heal my tooth and what my part would be if any.  Initially I received no direction. When the pain got to the point where I could no longer bare it... a strong impression of a Phone Book and the words, 'It's time to find a Dentist.' came to mind.

Before opening the Phone Book, I asked for the one of His choice and for His provision regarding the payment of the Bill, as my account was empty.  A Dentist's name leapt off the page and I called for an Appointment. I told the Dentist my concern was not just the tooth, I was in need of setting up a payment plan, if he was willing to work something out. Otherwise I would call around.  He set up the Appointment for Sunday... although I was grateful, I was stressed me out because I knew emergency rates were higher. A feeling of being overwhelmed financially began to overtake me, but I renounced it and chose to trust He would work it all out for the good ... a Revelation He made alive in My Spirit and causes me to experience as His Truth for my life.

Upon arriving at the Dentist, I tried to discuss the payment issue in advance... but was ushered back to the Dental Chair instead.

Perhaps you can imagine my awe when upon completion the Dentist said, 'I am a Christian. Any work I do on Sunday I do in the name of Lord Jesus Christ.  There will be no fee.  Consider this a gift from God.'

After being healed supernaturally of a Tubular Pregnancy... the Pastor of the Church I was visiting spoke of a healing in his own life and healings of other Pastors.  He gave Testimony of a recent time when he was taking an Eye Exam at DMV. He said he had been given the Gift of Faith to believe God was going to heal his eyes when he took his eye exam.  When it was his turn he took off his glasses and tried to read the letters.  As the woman behind the counter asked him if he could see the letters he'd respond, 'I believe I can see'.

The letters did not come into focus until this woman frustrated, finally said, 'Then read the letters!'

In his enthusiasm, this Pastor then encouraged us to step out in faith and line up near the Pulpit and allow himself or one of the Church Leaders to lay hands on us that we might receive the healing power of God, based upon New Testament Scriptures. 

My eyesight was in need of healing, so after that Sermon every time there was a healing line, I stepped out for the healing of my eyes, but nothing happened. One Person said I did not have enough faith, so I needed to envision the healing and to prove I believed by stepping out in faith and taking off my glasses and claiming it, for it to come into being.  Assuming as a Leader they knew best and remembering the Testimony of the Pastor, as a new Believer this made sense. Presuming this is what God would want, without seeking His truth of the matter for myself, I took off my glasses and stumbled around ... naming and claiming my physical healing for a period of time. Meanwhile, this Pastor continued teaching Sermons on the healing power of God and our Spiritual Authority as born again Believers. I knew God heals experientially already, so my heart bore witness to His healing power. The Revelation of claiming my Spiritual Authority through my union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. was one which was new and I embraced it with the understanding of a Spiritual Infant. When some of us did not get our healing right away, Pastor taught us to keep claiming it with positive confessions and prayers of spiritual warfare. Eventually he also taught that we must be in need of seeking God as to which sin was keeping us from getting our healing. Nothing the Pastor told me to do worked and I was beginning to become swallowed up in condemnati. I became confused.  Realizing condemnation and confusion are not fruits of the Holy Spirit, I found my self at a loss as to what to do. About that time we were told we just did not have enough faith and we needed to seek the Spirit of the Lord for more ... Fasting and deliverance was recommended.

Upon hearing this, I sensed a need to take a Sabbatical and chose to fast and pray alone at that time.  After asking for a word from the Spirit of the Lord regarding Father's mind on these matters, I waiting with a listening heart.  I prayed in tongues with a sense of expectancy, but had no preconceived expectations. Eventually I fell asleep...

I woke up hearing the words, 'Having your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace,' and realized I had lost the peace Jesus had originally imparted and was in need of having it renewed.

Next I heard, 'The Word of the Lord came unto Jeremiah. The Word of the Lord came unto Ezekiel, The Word of the Lord came unto Isaiah and Moses ... The word of the Lord did not come to you and tell you to take off your glasses and claim My healing power with Spiritual Authority. Put your glasses back on.'

I am reminded of a dream I had where as a little child I was trying to wield a Giant Sword. When I awoke from the dream I was given the impression, I needed to grow before I could pick up the Sword and use it with Authority.

When I realized I was walking in presumption, I reacted with anger.  I asked Father, 'After I asked to be led to the Church of Your choice, with the hopes the Holy Spirit would lead me into all truth, why did You allow all of that to take place?'

In response heard, 'I needed to expose the part of your Adamic nature which wants to be God, before we could move on together, enabling you to come up higher in your Spiritual Awareness. Release it to Me... as children of God you are my inheritance, you are not God. You are not to ride on another's Coat Tails nor to presume based upon another's Testimony. Seek Me and My will of the moment first. Put your trust in Me not a man or their teachings, not in your belief, or your inherent right to My power as a Child of God. Come to ME directly first. I will reveal and confirm my Truth. I will reveal My will with wondrous signs following...'

Humbled... I have sought to do so as His child who is aware I am growing in Spirit and Truth according to His plan for my life.  I understand better these days what it means to die daily to the old ways of being, perceptions and preconditioning before I was born of the Holy Spirit, that I might embrace the new life with His regenerative power and all He desires having offered such.

In the previous post 'Readers Request: A 'Death by Chocolate' Recipe, I mentioned the person who requested the Recipe was in need of prayer for cancer. I also named a new few others who are desirous of a Miracle. By way of encouragement to them and other's with a desire for a genuine Miracle; and for the benefit of those who are seeking for themselves the Truths of God, at this time I am being inspired to share a Testimony of a Miracle Healing in my own life.  This is an excerpt from my Draft Manuscript to one of my upcoming EBooks, 'Enter into Gods Rest ... A Spiritual Journey of Faith and the Heart of God'.

At the beginning of my Spiritual Journey of Faith in 1978, I began experiencing pain in my side... it was excruciating. It felt like acid burning deep within.  I went to the Doctors and was diagnosed with a Tubular Pregnancy. I was shocked to discover I was Pregnant again, even through I was on the Birth Control Pill. I was equally shocked, because I was also unaware a Woman could become Pregnant in her Fallopian Tube … The Doctor scheduled me for Surgery as soon as possible. I was afraid...


When I mentioned to someone at a Church I was led to attend as a new Believer that I was in need of Surgery and how I was afraid, they suggested that I open the New Testament and read about the healing power of Jesus.  


Before reading, I asked the Spirit of the Lord to speak to me and reveal Father's will for my life. This was a new way of being for me.... it was not until after I received the Holy Spirit through a Born Again Experience, that I became aware this was His desire for my life ... and one of the secrets to having an intimate spiritual relationship with Him. 


As I read, I was shocked to read how, in His desire to manifest Father's will for us Jesus ignored the protests of the Religious Leaders of His day and openly healed and delivered people from bondage while urging, 'only believe'. I wondered why they protested and how could they think such Miracles are from the Devil.  He would reveal such to me as I grew in Spirit and Truth, it was a necessary part of His plan... so the whole world could eventually have their eyes opened to the Truth of their need of a Messiah and the New Covenant offered through Him.


While reading I thought,


My Faith having been increased through reading Scriptures of our Creator's desire to heal and deliver us from the bondages which kept us from knowing His truth, I was moved to pour out my heart, "Heavenly Father, I have Surgery scheduled, and I am afraid. You know all the facts. You made this body… You can heal it. The Bible shows how Jesus healed people in Your Name boldly revealing Your will, urging them to have faith.  Recently, through Jesus imparting the Revelation of You and Your Holy Spirit with the gift of faith, You revealed YourSelf and gave me Your Holy Spirit so I could be empowered by Your Spirit to receive Your will for my life.  When You empowered me with the gift of the Holy Spirit, You manifested it with a gift of Prayer ... so I am going to just sit here and yield to the words of the Holy Spirit within, with the special language His Spirit prays as I do... while I wait for Your will to be done."


Since this Prayer Language comes with ease I began fully expecting to be healed... or for something to happen to reveal to me why not. I was becoming use to the Holy Spirit dropping Revelations into my Spirit via impressions, leaving me with a knowing which brought peace and joy.  I had only actually heard Father's Voice audibly at our initial encounter, so I did not expect Him to speak directly. As I prayed with the Gift of Prayer in a Tongue unknown to me, perhaps you can imagine my surprise when I began to notice a Gentle voice speaking from deep within. It was repeating, "Go off of the pill." 


I remember responding with the question... "Go off of the pill?" 


I will never forget what I heard next.  God's Spirit spoke from deep within with the words, "I am the Creator of life and Death, all that is. I desire for you to trust Me with your entire life... including your Birth Control, you no longer have need of it. You know My plan for you is good and not evil. Having surrendered your Life to Me for My purposes you know you are not the one in control. It would be foolish for you to use birth control.  IF I desire a Life to come forth... it will... if this is not my plan for your Life, it won't. All you need do is trust Me and in My purposes for you and them."


It was then His Spirit reminded me of my previous Pregnancies and the ways in which they had been conceived ... as well as their outcome. Through the eyes of hindsight, I could see, no attempt on my part had empowered me to prevent them, nor to make them happen according to my plan. I recognized as well, I had always wanted His will to be done, on some level deep. Realizing I had not really known what was best for my future ... I only thought I did ... I now understood that God simply wanted me to trust in His Loving plan. Surrendering to this awareness... I came to a place of deeper peace and joy within.  I felt secure in His unconditional love... a love He had told me on our first encounter, 'I could not earn nor destroy'.


Upon receiving His understanding, I was able to surrender to His will and receive with faith.  Once I did, the excruciating pain left immediately, never to return. 


When I went to the Doctors, upon examining me he found no sign of a Pregnancy... so I shyly revealed to him my experience. Although I knew I was healed, and was praying God would reveal Himself and His healing power to the Doctor through this event, what he said next surprised and encouraged me, "This has to be a Miracle! If I had misdiagnosed you, a Cyst or Tumor of that size upon bursting... would have sent poison throughout your body and you would be dead. I am beginning to have a lot of Women who are coming into my office who also say they have been healed after Prayer... so 'who am I' to say you all are wrong. I myself, have no other explanation."

When I was an Inn Keeper and Chef at Listening Heart Farm Bed and Breakfast... and Guests asked me to bake them something special; 'Death by Chocolate' was usually in their descriptions of what they wanted. Below is a Recipe given to me by my long time friend Randue back in the 1980's that always fit the bill. I am posting it at the request of a newer friend, Gordon. He says when he's depressed he uses Chocolate as a pick me up ... Gordon is battling with Prostate Cancer... and wants to thank anyone in advance who would say a prayer in his behalf.  If you would include Urba, Walter, Barb, Sherry and Laurie ... all those in such a battle, I know they are hoping to be cancer survivors too! Father we ask and thank You for the gift of a Miracle according to Your Will and Timing.



Randues' Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe

• 1 Box Pillsbury Plus Devils Food Cake
• 8 Ounce Cream Cheese
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tsp Vanilla
• 12 Ounce Bag Chocolate Chips

Mix Cake according to directions on box. Blend the rest of the ingredients together.  Fold in Cream Cheese Mixture. Bake 30-40 Minutes til top firm.  Cool on a cooling rack before Frosting.

Randues' Mississippi Mud Frosting

• 2 Packages Dream Whip
• 1 1/2 Cup Milk 
• 1 Pack Fudge Instant Pudding 

Mix together well.

Option: 1 cup of chopped Walnuts can be added to cake or frosting or both.

ADDED TREAT: Here is an excerpt of a Blog with another Mississippi Mud Cake Recipe, that one is made from Scratch, just discovered it while looking for an Image to post. If anyone tries it or has other's to recommend, do leave a comment.

A Muddy Cake Story.

Today, July 13^th

I discovered that today is the anniversary in 1832 of the source of the Mississippi River, for which we must all be very grateful, as otherwise we might not have Mississippi Mud Cake. Thank you Mr. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft.

Recipes are never actually invented, they evolve over time. The Mud Cake is a fairly new species which seems to have sprung off the American parental tree in the early 1970’s, along with its cousin, The Mud Pie. Its ancestors are the Brownie (a mud cake is a more sensible sized brownie, that is all) and Fudge, but there must be a few rogue genes in there too, as the early 1970’s recipes for Mud Cake also contain marshmallow.

This particular type of Mud Cake either never migrated to region Australia, or when it did, the marshmallow was removed, for all of the Aussie Mud Cakes I have met are entirely marshmallow-free (which makes them purer and better, to my mind, but you may disagree.

Every family has its black sheep, and at some time after the birth of the Mud Cake there sprang up something called Dirt Cake. I have never come across a live specimen, but in the interests of culinary history, sought out a recipe for you. It has an ingredient called ‘chocolate pudding mix’ in it, as well as broken up commercial biscuits (Oreos, which I believe are quite revered in their homeland), and I confess I could go no further. I am not sure what ‘chocolate pudding mix’ is, but I am pretty sure I wouldn’t like it, and I am very sure it has no place in a cake. Call me a purist. Call me a snob. Just don’t call me to the table and make me eat chocolate pudding made from a mix.

I would, however, be more than willing to sample this recipe....."

For the Recipe please check out this link worth mentioning The Old Foodie 

Enjoy ... Happy Baking!

UPDATE: Since creating this Blog I have been asked to post my Favorite No Bake Cookie Recipe by a Friend who tasted it while visiting our home. Plan to do so in about 3-4 blogs from now... as to do so sooner will interrupt the flow of its spiritual continuity. Thanks for your patience my Friend......

As I ponder over the memory spoken of in the Previous Blog (please read No Ordinary Miracle first),  I am reminded of the moment when God answered my prayer and Evelyn asked me to be a part of her Home Birth experience ... I was delighted to be asked and considered it an Honor; the joy which comes through the privilege of helping to bring new life forth with an awareness of the Presence of our Creator and the unfolding of His Plan for us is indescribable. Such experiences are filled with Sacred Moments that change us.  This was not my first Home Birth, nor would it be my last and it appears to have been part of the training needed for when through Father's Sovereign Plan I became a Shepherdess and assisted in the birthing of a Horse on an Easter Morning a few years later.  The uniqueness of each Birthing Process be it Human or Animal is a wonder to behold.

While Evelyn's birthing process was taking longer than most... I remember being overcome with a Knowing I needed to take a power nap in preparation for that which was to come ... only to be suddenly awakened by the words 'Death shall not have this little one.' as a sense of urgency overtook my Spirit. I discerned these words had come from the Spirit of the Lord and sensed His Anointing filling me as they sank in.

Upon walking back into Evelyn and Jim's Bedroom the Midwife immediately asked me to sit behind Evelyn, as she was completely exhausted and was in need of merging with the strength within me.   The Anointing and strength which energized and flowed through me, was surprising, as I myself was in the middle of a 40 day fast. The unexpected words which came out of my mouth in the midst of the crisis that soon followed astounded me. It was not until I reflected upon these words tonight 20 years later, that I saw Jesus and Lazarus in my Spirit... and realized before His death, Jesus spoke to the Spirit of Lazarus calling him forth from the realm of Death manifesting His Father's power over life and death (Jesus said the works that I do are of the Father's Spirit) ... and almost 2,000 years later, could it be though Evelyn, His Living Spirit within her called forth their Son, Aaron David, a name not previously considered ... up until the moment those unexpected names came out, it was their Family Tradition to begin all their children's first names with an R.

Years later, while rejoicing with our Daughter and her Hubby over the miracle conception of their first child,  through their first try, a rare event with In vitro Fertilization, I heard what I have come to recognize as the Voice of God's Spirit say, 'One Hundred and Fifty to Two Hundred Years ago they would not have lived, but due to the advancement of Medicine they will.' I wondered, what will take place?  I sensed I was to tell no one but my husband as peace filled my heart, releasing me from the anxiety which only moments before attempted to overtake me.  I am reminded today, as a Spiritual Baby I assumed something like In Vitro Fertilization would be humanity playing God...because my elders said so; but as I grew in Spirit and Truth under Father's tutelage, I was given the understanding... it is God's Spirit who is the Source of all that is, Who is the Creator of life and death and our power is limited until He increases it through our Union with His Spirit ... each Generation a little more enlightened than the last, through Christ ... the Anointing of God. I understood, without His Spirit, In Vitro Fertilization would not work.

In my Spirit that day, I also saw our Daughter's water break naturally and knew this would be significant. While in the midst of what the Doctor had determined was False Labor our Daughter was concerned she might not know for sure when she's in labor, I told her what I saw in my Spirit in an effort to assure her all will work out. She smiled politely before replying, 'Mom do you know how seldom a woman's water breaks in advance?'

What appeared to the Doctor on call to be days of False Labor due to no dilation, in reality was infection spreading to different organs within our Daughters body... to include the Placenta. Although flu like symptoms can come with False Labor, this was not discovered until after she was sent home and her water broke, revealing it was soiled due to the stress of the child within  We took her back to the Birthing Center immediately. As our Daughter's Fever rose and the heart rate of their baby got dangerously high the inner knowing and words I heard at the beginning of her Pregnancy returned to my mind. I sought to rest in their promise of a good outcome, even though the Medical Staff knew there was cause for alarm. Due to the danger involved for both the mother and baby, an emergency C Section immediately took place.  Except for the need of transfusions for our Daughter both were fine. The Doctors marveled that their Baby Girl's Apgar Test Score was a perfect 10 because 7 is the average number for a baby who is not born under duress.

As I listened with compassion to our Daughter and her Hubby recently discuss their desire for a Son and their concerns over the trials and tribulations which come through attempting In Vitro Fertilization again and remembered all of the physical and emotional pain that took place previously, once again I silently asked Father for a healing Miracle in their behalf and in behalf of others like them. They did not have the faith to do so, but I did, for I have received the miracle of healing on more than one occasion. I asked Father if it was in His plan and timing, to heal her body, to please give them a baby, the Son they desired, naturally. When my Daughter told me she thought she might be Pregnant because her next Cycle had not come, I told her of my most recent prayer and dared to hope with her. When she took an at Home Pregnancy Test, later that day we marveled and rejoiced when it said she was Pregnant. Her Hubby was especially relieved when we found out a few days later it was definitely not a Tubular Pregnancy. Initially she had been told although she had a 3% chance of conceiving in her one good Ovary, more than likely it would be a Tubular Pregnancy, if the disease she had did not flush out the fertilized egg before it had the opportunity to attach itself to the wall of her uterus.

Shortly after... her Hubby's Dad said he had an unusual dream.  He never dreams of his Father, but the night before he had a conversation with his Dad in a realistic dream. In the dream he was telling his Father that his Son was having another child, but they were at lost for a name... to which his Father responded, 'The Baby already has the name that really matters.'  As he told us this dream over our Thanksgiving meal together, we all wondered if then meant a Son was on the way.

As I reflect and meditate upon the details of these memories ... all that has happened to us and others; the possibility of that which is to come and the Sovereign Will and Timing of God's Eternal Plan, once again I can identify with Nettie Mae in my short Short Story No Ordinary Miracle:

"She was overcome with gratitude for the gift of life she had witnessed once again. This was a sacred moment and she started to sing a song of thankfulness and adoration to her God, as was her habit, but she soon discovered, today mere words would never be enough.  They were replaced by a tear which teetered on the rim of her eye, as she understood today they had experienced no ordinary miracle."

Nettie Mae tossed her handmade shawl over the small ram horn, she used as a hook in her mud room.  Stripping down completely before entering the kitchen she tossed her blood stained garments in the basin to soak.  This was her routine since becoming an assistant to Laura, a midwife.


Unaffected by the coldness of the early hour she put wood in the cook stove and drew water from the kitchen pump, to warm for her bath. After making a pot of coffee she pulled her favorite stool closer to the warmth of the fire and sat waiting in the solitude, completely exhausted.  Vivid memories of a crisis earlier that day flashed before her....


"Thirty six hours is a long time to be in labor isn't it?" whispered Logan Howard, almost choking on his words.  "You've got to do something; my wife can't take much more!"


The room was silent except for Rosalie's moaning. A sense of powerlessness enveloped everyone as she lay there exhausted, unable to work with her contractions any longer.


Laura turned to Nettie Mae, "She's too weak. I want you to get behind Rosalie on the bed and hold her against you. You’re going to have to be her strength."


Nettie Mae moved into position placing Rosalie between her legs, her hands firmly on Rosalie's stomach, enabling her to feel the contractions.  Bringing her own body in sync with Rosalie's she whispered, "Rosie, breath with me. Relax and let your body become one with mine. We'll get through this together."


Rosalie struggling to cooperate, moaned, "Can't go on... too tired."


Nettie Mae thought of the foul weather outside as she heard Laura's cool insistence, "Work with her Rosalie."


Rosalie made a feeble attempt, for the sake of her baby. After a few more contractions, she was able to draw energy from Nettie Mae as the two women worked together as one.  Laura was relieved "Good girl Rosalie, you're doing fine." 


Laura continued to sooth her, wiping her sweaty brow, speaking more for the sake of Logan than his wife. 


It was not customary for Laura to allow men to be a part of the birthing process, even so Logan refused to leave. He knew his presence brought his wife peace.  Laura was glad she had relented this time. In all her years as a midwife, she never remembered seeing a man so helpless, being so brave.  It was inspiring to watch and she knew, it is what kept Rosalie from giving up. She saw his courage as her lifeline to God.


"Help her to lean back Nettie," directed Laura as she examined the woman more closely with the lantern. 


Struggling to repress a look of horror on her face once she saw the dangling umbilical cord ... Laura's voice could not hide her intense fear,  "We need to get her into a crouching position Nettie. We've got to get this baby out now. We have a prolapsed cord!"


Death was inevitable. Friends praying silent heartfelt prayers in the back of the room pressed in more intently daring to believe God for a miracle.


With an unnatural strength, Nettie Mae flipped the heavy woman over as if she were a lifeless rag doll.  She positioned Rosalie so her arms were draping over her shoulders enabling her to squat.  Nettie Mae felt another contraction as their stomachs met.


Swiftly, Laura's hands were inside pulling the baby out.  Rosalie slumped forward in relief... unaware of the present crisis. She moaned in anticipation begging for the removal of the placenta, as her contractions continued.  After 5 daughters... they hoped for a son.


The baby was gray, his body drained of color. He was limp… there was no evidence of life. It was explained later, that as the baby came down the birth canal, it had swallowed embryonic fluid and his head had pressed against the dangling umbilical cord while passing through, cutting off his oxygen supply.


A resolve to fight for the life of this little one, defying logic overcame Nettie Mae. It was as if she too had carried this baby. With words she'll always remember, she heard herself urging the parents to speak to the spirit of their child and to call him back from the realm of death.


"Speak to your son! Call him by name, tell him you love him. Tell him how long you have waited for a son. Tell him how much you want him to live." she persevered.


With one final plea, Rosalie unconscious of the battle with death around her, finally collapsed in complete exhaustion.


No one seemed to hear her, so Nettie Mae commanded, "Speak to your baby, urge him to choose life."


Speaking from a place of bewilderment, Logan reacted, "Good baby, sweet baby, nice baby, don't die baby!" He took his long awaited sons' tiny hands.  His words caught his wife's attention.


An unexplainable peace had come over Nettie Mae, which energized everyone as she continued urging with great faith.  It was as if God was challenging each of them through her, "Don't let death have this little one... only believe."


"Julian..." Rosalie's voice broke through, bringing with it the love she and Logan shared for their lifeless child, "our precious son."


She spoke with an unwavering calm, which soothed the atmosphere.  Upon hearing his Mother’s voice, their son responded by vomiting out the fluid he had swallowed.  Without delay, Laura cleared Julian's throat and nose and began to gently breathe into his mouth as if she were breathing in the very breath of God.  Gradually Julian started breathing on his own. Although he quietly whimpered for hours, he was going to be fine.


Nettie Mae was brought back to the present by the echo of a whistling train rushing through the hills beyond her sheep pasture. The savory aroma of coffee was calling her, but she did not move.  She longed to scrub every inch of her weary body, but something kept her seated, staring unfocused.


She was overcome with gratitude for the gift of life she had witnessed once again. This was a sacred moment and she started to sing a song of thankfulness and adoration to her God, as was her habit, but she soon discovered, today mere words would never be enough.  They were replaced by a tear which teetered on the rim of her eye, as she understood today they had experienced no ordinary miracle.




 ~ Upon seeing a statue of a naked woman described in the end of the short story, at an Art Museum in the mid 90's, I was moved by her demeanor. The tear which teetered on the rim of her left eye, told me she had a story she wanted to tell.... immediately I sensed her story brewing deep within. When I got home, the story above seemed to write itself.