Christian ladies TTC, we can encourage one another.

[HisGrace]

HisGrace, thank you so much for taking the time to read and respond to me. Your post really hit home with me about looking at pregnant women as if they are carrying my baby. I was never quite able to put my emotions into words and that hit the nail right on the head. Thank you. As I told GodsGrace, I am feeling so much better today. I am taking my hubby out for a nice dinner tonight. No baby talk, no stress, just him and I enjoying each other's company and celebrating our wonderful marriage...Just because! you are a blessing to everyone here and I am very thankful for your words. God bless you!

A night out sounds like a great idea. Have fun.

 

[stevens2010]

Hi ladies, hope you're all well.

I've been spending a lot of time in worship while browsing Youtube videos, I love spending a few hours a day doing this in complete seclusion as DH is at work. Things feel strange recently... I feel like God is really changing things and I'm not sure where things stand cos it feels like everything is going through a big shift in my life. Strange, exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time! I don't know what God is doing but I'm happy to be a part of it.

I'm CD16 of round 5, I feel a bit wary as I've told a select few people close to me that I felt ROUND 5 on my heart before even starting round 4 and now I'm in the middle of round 5, I'm getting a bit anxious, hoping and praying this will be the month we get to see beautiful pink lines. If it's not this round, I'm going to feel a bit silly but it'll be ok cos God isn't finished. He will be glorified no matter what. Amen!

 

[Mummy_2_One]

Hi ladies, hope you're all well.

I've been spending a lot of time in worship while browsing Youtube videos, I love spending a few hours a day doing this in complete seclusion as DH is at work. Things feel strange recently... I feel like God is really changing things and I'm not sure where things stand cos it feels like everything is going through a big shift in my life. Strange, exciting and nerve wracking all at the same time! I don't know what God is doing but I'm happy to be a part of it.

I'm CD16 of round 5, I feel a bit wary as I've told a select few people close to me that I felt ROUND 5 on my heart before even starting round 4 and now I'm in the middle of round 5, I'm getting a bit anxious, hoping and praying this will be the month we get to see beautiful pink lines. If it's not this round, I'm going to feel a bit silly but it'll be ok cos God isn't finished. He will be glorified no matter what. Amen!

I'm praying your round 5 is an amazing one, no matter the outcome of that preg test at the end of it

 

[Mummy_2_One]

Ladies - I'm struggling at the moment with something the lady from those youtube videos yesterday said about infertility, and I think particularly about miscarriage. She quoted Exodus 23:26 where it says "None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days" and made it sound as though MC was only 'allowed' due to our lack of faith.

Could God have taken my babies from me because I didn't have enough faith to keep them here? Or because at the onset of my bleeding I "didn't believe" He could save me from losing my pregnancies? Because that's just not the truth as far as I am concerned. Why would she say something like that...?

I liked and resonated with much of what she said, but not that

Has anyone heard anything similar before?

 

[PrincessBree]

Ladies - I'm struggling at the moment with something the lady from those youtube videos yesterday said about infertility, and I think particularly about miscarriage. She quoted Exodus 23:26 where it says "None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days" and made it sound as though MC was only 'allowed' due to our lack of faith.

Could God have taken my babies from me because I didn't have enough faith to keep them here? Or because at the onset of my bleeding I "didn't believe" He could save me from losing my pregnancies? Because that's just not the truth as far as I am concerned. Why would she say something like that...?

I liked and resonated with much of what she said, but not that

Has anyone heard anything similar before?

Hi Hun!!I was moved when I saw your response to this video which was posted.I have watched a few of this ladies videos and I agree that her teachings are a blessing and I agree with most of what has been said.However I do know what you mean when people can make you feel as though your faith has failed you, and this is the reason for miscarriage.I want to tell you something which has helped me tremendously in loosing my baby.And that is that no matter how great our faith (which only needs to be size of mustard seed) in God any healing,any miracle,any transformation,has to be the divine will of God.He is sovereign.And whatever takes place is not because of what we have done or how much we have believed,but is merely because it is His will.

So then if it His will for our dear babies to go to Heaven straight away then ok.If it is His will to bless us after 10 years of ttc then it is His will.We cannot make anything happen.

Miscarriage happens-even to the most committed,faith filled child of God.And also to the unbelievers who don't believe in the love of our Lord.

The long and short of it is we must allow God to be God and realise that His will and plan for us is GOOD and not EVIL xx

He does not blame us for miscarriage,nor does He blame us for lack of faith because overall He is the one who has the power to cause one to live or to die.

When we let go of the mindset that we had anything to do with the passing of our dear babies and realise that God gives and takes away and He is sovereign.Nothing we could of done better or worse,then we walk into freedom and in the fullness of His love and receive peace in our hearts.

Yes we pray the scriptures in faith believing. But ultimately we pray the scriptures asking that if this scripture is His will for us right now,then let it be so.And if not give us the strength to accept whatever He has for us.

Lots of hugs for you hun and for all the ladies who have experienced loss yesterday,last year or 10 years ago.

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."Matthew 6:10

 

[Godsjewel]

Ladies - I'm struggling at the moment with something the lady from those youtube videos yesterday said about infertility, and I think particularly about miscarriage. She quoted Exodus 23:26 where it says "None shall miscarry or be barren in your land; I will fulfill the number of your days" and made it sound as though MC was only 'allowed' due to our lack of faith.

Could God have taken my babies from me because I didn't have enough faith to keep them here? Or because at the onset of my bleeding I "didn't believe" He could save me from losing my pregnancies? Because that's just not the truth as far as I am concerned. Why would she say something like that...?

I liked and resonated with much of what she said, but not that

Has anyone heard anything similar before?

Hi Hun!!I was moved when I saw your response to this video which was posted.I have watched a few of this ladies videos and I agree that her teachings are a blessing and I agree with most of what has been said.However I do know what you mean when people can make you feel as though your faith has failed you, and this is the reason for miscarriage.I want to tell you something which has helped me tremendously in loosing my baby.And that is that no matter how great our faith (which only needs to be size of mustard seed) in God any healing,any miracle,any transformation,has to be the divine will of God.He is sovereign.And whatever takes place is not because of what we have done or how much we have believed,but is merely because it is His will.

So then if it His will for our dear babies to go to Heaven straight away then ok.If it is His will to bless us after 10 years of ttc then it is His will.We cannot make anything happen.

Miscarriage happens-even to the most committed,faith filled child of God.And also to the unbelievers who don't believe in the love of our Lord.

The long and short of it is we must allow God to be God and realise that His will and plan for us is GOOD and not EVIL xx

He does not blame us for miscarriage,nor does He blame us for lack of faith because overall He is the one who has the One who has the power to cause one to live or to die.

When we let go of the mindset that we had anything to do with the passing of our dear babies and realise that God gives and takes away and He is sovereign.Nothing we could of done better or worse,then we walk into freedom and in the fullness of His love and receive peace in our hearts.

Yes we pray the scriptures in faith believing. But ultimately we pray the scriptures asking that if this scripture is His will for us right now,then let it be so.And if not give us the strength to accept whatever His for us is.

Lots of hugs for you hun and for all the ladies who have experienced loss yesterday,last year or 10 years ago.

"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."Matthew 6:10

Perfectly said Bree!

 

[Godsjewel]

Hi precious women of God!!!

Happy Friday! Can you believe we are already going into October next month...I'm in amazement at how fast the time is going by. When I was picking up some meds from the pharmacy awhile back, the Pharmacist told me that the older you get, the faster time goes by....isn't that the truth

Anyone have any special plans this weekend? I will be getting my house in order for some family that will be staying with us. Tomorrow is my husbands aunt's memorial service, we will be having a celebration of her life and I'm so happy to know that she was a mighty woman of God here on earth and now is in the loving arms of Jesus.

Love you all dearly and pray that God touches you in a special way today.

Here is today's devotional...

Delivery From Hogan

Alright, while we are still in wait mode I thought I would share something from the other day...

Right now I am going through a study called Surviving Infertility. It is really good and I highly suggest it to anyone dealing with Infertility. Last week one of the studies for the day was called Anger Infertility Fire Starters. Part of the study involved me writing down what insensitive comments or actions people have said or done to make me angry. Towards the end of the study I was instructed to take that piece of paper, ball it up and throw it as part of a visual/kinesthetic way to let go of them and give them to God. So with tears streaming down my face I tore out the paper, balled it up, mentally pictured myself letting them go and giving them up to God. I threw it. And then it happened, like the brilliant service dog Hogan is, he immediately leapt up, retrieved the rolled up ball of paper and proudly delivered it back to me. There he was in front of me, proudly holding the paper in his mouth wagging his tail (his entire backside for those of you that have dogs, you know what I mean) and patiently waiting for me to take back that rolled up piece of paper. I immediately started laughing out loud. How ironic! I took the rolled up paper and threw it in the garbage still chuckling to myself.

Later that day when I was explaining to my sister what had occurred, I realized something. That moment when I finally released those emotions and thoughts to the Lord and let them go it was hard, but so good to do. Yet, within seconds, Hogan physically brought them back to me. How ironic because that is what happens in life. We make a decision to "let go and let God" only to grab onto them again (sometimes not even noticing at first) whether it is minutes or days later. It is during those times where I need to remember to again lay them back at the Lord's feet and let them go. And the beauty of the Lord? He delights in us when we come to Him, even if it is to lay the same thing at His feet again. Because with His help, His Word, and His guidance, He does help us permanently let them go. It just may take time.

-Christine

 

[Mummy_2_One]

Thank you Bree and Sarah. I agree with what you've said, but just took her opposing view to heart, so thank you for saying what I knew in my heart already about our God.

I know God has a plan for my story as far as my MCs are concerned, and about the infertility that was mine before conceiving my DD xx

 

[me222]

Thank you Bree and Sarah. I agree with what you've said, but just took her opposing view to heart, so thank you for saying what I knew in my heart already about our God.

I know God has a plan for my story as far as my MCs are concerned, and about the infertility that was mine before conceiving my DD xx

Hi Mummy 2 One. Yeah, I am not too fond of that woman's teaching. I bought her book (along with many other fertility books) at an op shop sale a few months ago. She does convey the message that if you have so much faith and pray the prayers she has written out and believe them - that you'll not miscarry, you'll bear children and you won't get morning sickness, etc. This book put me off and I'd rather just commit myself to Jesus and trust Him. Sure, we can pray for what's on our heart and cast our anxieties upon God...but He doesn't always do what we want and what we may even think is His will.
Please don't be discouraged by that woman's teaching. Be encouraged that God has a plan for you and it is unfolding each day for His glory. We will suffer on this earth- but one day we will be with Jesus forever.
God has recently reminded me not to lean on my own understanding, but to trust in Him with my all (prov 3:5-6).

My news: well, got blood test results and all fine (iron, and fertility levels) - except thyroid levels. I have an underactive thyroid..a level of 6 when it should be 4..I think that's what the doctor said. Anyway, I'll be getting another blood test in a couple of weeks so they can find out more about this. Been reading up on this and found out that chronic stress can cause an underactive thyroid. And - I guess the dr had my thyroid levels checked as it relates to fertility. My dh still hasn't been tested as we got to ring up another local pathology and see if they test sperm (since the other didn't) and then the dr will write up a referral. It's a shame he didn't know and wants us to ring. Oh well, I need to rejoice that progress is being made - even if it is slow - and to try and look up natural ways to get my thyroid levels normal. I don't want to turn to drugs. I'm more into natural therapies. From what I've read gentle exercise helps (e.g. yoga). And I need to lower my stress (hard when I work such long hours).

Anyway, enough of me. How's everyone's weekend going? What are you all up to?
Praying for you all.

 

[BRK06]

Hey there everybody! I haven't had much time to get on and post, but I've been checking in and keeping you all in prayer!

I wanted to share something that someone shared with me when I had my miscarriage. We may not have been able to know our babies here on Earth, but our Father used us for something far greater: We became their Mothers, and gave them a chance at eternity! Because they were conceived in our wombs, their little souls came into being and were taken straight to our Father. They are waiting with Jesus for us to join them in Heaven one day, and then we get to spend forever with them! What an awesome thing to be chosen for, isnt it?? This helped me find peace with my baby going so soon... this coming week marks one year that Jesus took my sweet angel.

 

[stevens2010]

Hi ladies.

I have had a pretty emotional morning, was shopping for a birthday card for my mum and I chose one but when I continued reading the message inside it said something along the lines of "and now that I have become a mother, I realise I learnt from the best" etc etc and I just broke into tears and rushed into choosing another card and leaving. I bought some pregnancy tests, ready for the 2ww, came home and went on to my Bible app on my iphone to read my daily verse and was faced with the following:

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.

I think God is trying to get into my heart, into the broken parts that are aching for a child. I seem to have constant reminders every day of His unfailing love and faithfulness to me no matter what I'm going through. I thank Him for that and I love Him so much for never giving up on me, even when I forget Him and I shift my focus from Him to my struggles. My battles are not my own but the Lord's!

Just going to leave you with one of my favourite songs, it's a song I have been replaying recently and I've loved worshipping to God, singing along to it. I always feel uplifted after hearing it and I can play it again and again.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeIGan5YD9Q

I pray that it will bless all of you ladies, and leave you feeling reminded of God's love for you and that you will be uplifted in spirit.

 

[me222]

Hugs to you, Stevens2010! I'm sorry that card hurt so much. It's crazy how things like that can just really hurt, hey?
May God continue to comfort and guide you. He has a plan for you. It's wonderful how you turned to God when you were upset- that you poured out your heart to Him.

God is so very faithful.

 

[No Doubt]

Stevens I'm sorry that yesterday was a bit tough for you, but you are about this battle being the Lords.

If I may ladies...last night at church my pastor preached from Zechariah 1:8 where it talks about the myrtle trees growing in the valley. He said that initially he thought that this verse was touching on how even low places where you wouldn't think anything found bloom or flourish, that God can make it happen. After studying he learned that myrtle actually prefer the valley. They don't grown in places high up like on mountain tops.

Pastor said that after studying he realized that your valleys in life are necessary are and that sometimes you should prefer to be there because of how you will grow and flourish while in that valley. I know it sounds weird...who wants to be in a low place right? But he said that regardless of whether you are on a mountain or in a valley your praise, your worship, etc. should not change.

He then continued to say that even though sometimes you should prefer to be in the valley because of the growth you can achieve that yes it can be painful, but to remember that when there is pain joy follows. He said the more pain you have to endure while in that necessary valley, the more joy there is to follow. He said you should almost get excited about the pain because that is nothing more than a precursor of the joy that is to come.

I have to admit, I didn't understand this verse when I initially heard it, but after thinking about my infertility struggle and the different phases of anger and pain I went through and when I finally got to the realization that I had never been through anything so deep that had built me and my faith in so many ways, then finally got to the point where I appreciated my struggle and thanked God for it for what it was doing to me and in me, I thought this made perfect sense. And to know that "trouble don't last always" and "joy comes in the morning"...it all makes sense and falls into place.

I hope this hope will be encouragement to you ladies to know that pain is just a precursor to the joy that will follow your struggle and in the mean time allow yourself to flourish in this valley. I know I didn't do as nice of as my pastor did last night, but I pray this blesses you as it blessed me.

 

[Dynamicmae]

stevens i'm sorry that yesterday was a bit tough for you, but you are about this battle being the lords.

If i may ladies...last night at church my pastor preached from zechariah 1:8 where it talks about the myrtle trees growing in the valley. He said that initially he thought that this verse was touching on how even low places where you wouldn't think anything found bloom or flourish, that god can make it happen. After studying he learned that myrtle actually prefer the valley. They don't grown in places high up like on mountain tops.

Pastor said that after studying he realized that your valleys in life are necessary are and that sometimes you should prefer to be there because of how you will grow and flourish while in that valley. I know it sounds weird...who wants to be in a low place right? But he said that regardless of whether you are on a mountain or in a valley your praise, your worship, etc. Should not change.

He then continued to say that even though sometimes you should prefer to be in the valley because of the growth you can achieve that yes it can be painful, but to remember that when there is pain joy follows. He said the more pain you have to endure while in that necessary valley, the more joy there is to follow. He said you should almost get excited about the pain because that is nothing more than a precursor of the joy that is to come.

I have to admit, i didn't understand this verse when i initially heard it, but after thinking about my infertility struggle and the different phases of anger and pain i went through and when i finally got to the realization that i had never been through anything so deep that had built me and my faith in so many ways, then finally got to the point where i appreciated my struggle and thanked god for it for what it was doing to me and in me, i thought this made perfect sense. And to know that "trouble don't last always" and "joy comes in the morning"...it all makes sense and falls into place.

I hope this hope will be encouragement to you ladies to know that pain is just a precursor to the joy that will follow your struggle and in the mean time allow yourself to flourish in this valley. I know i didn't do as nice of as my pastor did last night, but i pray this blesses you as it blessed me.

love this!!!!!

 

[DBZ34]

Stevens I'm sorry that yesterday was a bit tough for you, but you are about this battle being the Lords.

If I may ladies...last night at church my pastor preached from Zechariah 1:8 where it talks about the myrtle trees growing in the valley. He said that initially he thought that this verse was touching on how even low places where you wouldn't think anything found bloom or flourish, that God can make it happen. After studying he learned that myrtle actually prefer the valley. They don't grown in places high up like on mountain tops.

Pastor said that after studying he realized that your valleys in life are necessary are and that sometimes you should prefer to be there because of how you will grow and flourish while in that valley. I know it sounds weird...who wants to be in a low place right? But he said that regardless of whether you are on a mountain or in a valley your praise, your worship, etc. should not change.

He then continued to say that even though sometimes you should prefer to be in the valley because of the growth you can achieve that yes it can be painful, but to remember that when there is pain joy follows. He said the more pain you have to endure while in that necessary valley, the more joy there is to follow. He said you should almost get excited about the pain because that is nothing more than a precursor of the joy that is to come.

I have to admit, I didn't understand this verse when I initially heard it, but after thinking about my infertility struggle and the different phases of anger and pain I went through and when I finally got to the realization that I had never been through anything so deep that had built me and my faith in so many ways, then finally got to the point where I appreciated my struggle and thanked God for it for what it was doing to me and in me, I thought this made perfect sense. And to know that "trouble don't last always" and "joy comes in the morning"...it all makes sense and falls into place.

I hope this hope will be encouragement to you ladies to know that pain is just a precursor to the joy that will follow your struggle and in the mean time allow yourself to flourish in this valley. I know I didn't do as nice of as my pastor did last night, but I pray this blesses you as it blessed me.

Thank you for this, No Doubt. And congratulations on your BFP!

 

[No Doubt]

Thanks DBZ!

 

[Godsjewel]

Thanks DBZ!

Wow!!! That's wonderful news congrats to you and a happy healthy 9 months ahead .

 

[HisGrace]

Congrats NoDoubt!

 

[No Doubt]

Thanks ladies!

 

[Godsjewel]

Encourage One Another

Therefore encourage one another and build up one another...
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.
Philippians 4:13-14

The story is not an unusual one by any means. The dreaded, seemingly eternal two-week wait was finally coming to an end. The results would make themselves known one way or another. Within the course of the next 24 hours, the celebration of a lifetime would begin, or the wait would continue. It really is amazing how so much emotion pivots on whether or not two tiny little cells have joined together.

For whatever reason, I decided to try to distract myself by going to mall while I waited to see if this month’s procedures had been successful. Big mistake. Big! Why don’t they have fliers at the fertility clinic listing all the places that pregnant women congregate? Malls would have to be at the top of the list. It was while I was at the mall that my period and my tears started again. I must have looked like the competitive shoppers you see at Christmas time, pushing and shoving people out of my way as I ran like an NFL running back to the refuge of my car. I collapsed into the drivers’ seat, laid my head on my steering wheel and wept for the child that was not to be. Within a few seconds a heard a timid knocking on my window.

“Are you okay?”

I looked up to see a kind woman peering into my vehicle with the most compassionate look on her face. I can only imagine what she must have thought! Believe it or not, I had always been extremely private about my very personal struggle with infertility and did not want anyone to know what was going on. However, this was one moment that I truly needed someone to talk to. Perhaps the anonymity of a stranger’s care was just what I needed! I decided to take a chance.

I rolled down my window and uncharacteristically began to tell her how I had been trying to conceive for a year and a half and had not been able. I told her I had just started a period and was so upset. I was weeping profusely and when I paused to catch my breath, an unbelievable thing happened! I looked at her and saw all the tension drain from her face. She was suddenly so relieved. “Oh honey! Is that all? Just relax! It’ll happen!” And with that, she slung her purse over her arm and went on her way to find her bargains in the mall, content she had done her good deed for the day.

Infertility is too hard to handle on your own. God never intended for you to walk through life by yourself, so He gave us each other. However, in situations such as infertility, you need people who understand the specific hurt your heart carries. Such support can be found in a good support group.

Have you joined a support group? It can be hard to walk through the doors of a group the first time, but if you’ve never tried one, I encourage you to do so. If there is a Christian based group in your area you should be able to approach issues of prayer and faith as they relate to infertility. You need people around you who understand your struggle! The woman who wanted to help me that day really did want to help me. She just didn’t understand how devastating an empty womb was to me that day. Don’t deny yourself the support that comes from people who have walked the same road you are on.

-Beth Forbus

Even though we can't all meet in the physical, I believe that God is using us to help each other out in this thread and I thank Him for it.