Christian ladies TTC, we can encourage one another.

[uwa_amanda]

Hey Ladies!

I haven't posted much lately anywhere so I thought I'd check in with you all. Still up in the air about what we want to do. I am fighting with myself as to whether or not I want to go through the emotional rollercoaster that is LTTTC. I am trying so hard to put it in God's hands, but sometimes it seems like I come across something that reminds me of what we've been through. I found a doctor in Birmingham that is certified in reproductive endocrinology. I have yet to call his office though...I just found his information today. I have a strong suspicion that I have PCOS based on the list of symptoms and things that I do have. I'm going to have a conversation with my husband tonight or tomorrow and see how he feels about going through all the testing, poking, prodding, etc. Y'all pray for me!

 

[Godsjewel]

Hey Ladies!

I haven't posted much lately anywhere so I thought I'd check in with you all. Still up in the air about what we want to do. I am fighting with myself as to whether or not I want to go through the emotional rollercoaster that is LTTTC. I am trying so hard to put it in God's hands, but sometimes it seems like I come across something that reminds me of what we've been through. I found a doctor in Birmingham that is certified in reproductive endocrinology. I have yet to call his office though...I just found his information today. I have a strong suspicion that I have PCOS based on the list of symptoms and things that I do have. I'm going to have a conversation with my husband tonight or tomorrow and see how he feels about going through all the testing, poking, prodding, etc. Y'all pray for me!

Will do hun! I pray God's peace be upon you to know which direction you should go.

 

[Godsjewel]

My Motherhood Marathon

I actually remember my first race as a kid. I picked the shortest race—the 100 yard dash. Even though I ran as fast as my little legs could carry me—I came in dead last. But I didn’t give up. Every time track season came around, I would sign up again for the 100-yard dash, but even after considerable training, I lost every race. I don’t remember when it happened, but somewhere along the way, my track coach encouraged me to sign up to run the mile—and I did. And much to my surprise, I discovered that I had the natural stamina for long distance running—and I actually started winning some races. I still yearned to be a sprinter, but I eventually began to take pleasure in long distance running. In fact, I liked it so much that I kept running all the way through high school.

Before I knew, it was time to sign up for the next big event in my life—the race to motherhood—and just like when I was a kid, I wanted to get to the finish line as quickly as possible. But no matter how hard I tried or what I did—my closest friends and even my younger sister were all able to crossover the finish line of motherhood far ahead of me. Little did I know that my Heavenly Coach was training me for the “motherhood marathon”.

Hot, sweaty and panting, I would cry out to my Coach, “Why is everyone else’s race so short? Why do I have to run a marathon? All I want is to see the finish line and cross it. I am so tired and weary.” My Coach would listen to my constant complaining and then encourage me with all the things His Father said like:

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 41:28-31)

For years, in agony and tears, I continued to train for my marathon—and my faithful Coach was always there. He would even return after days when I would run away from Him and ignore His words of wisdom. I don’t remember the exact day when it happened, but one day, instead of ignoring the words of my Coach, I started to listen to Him. Before I knew it, my toilsome training regimen started to become more tolerable. In fact, one day I even asked my Coach to run with me—He always offered to run with me, but I repeatedly told Him that I would prefer to do it alone. On the days that He ran with me, I realized that I would run and not grow weary. And somehow all those wise words that He had spoken to me all these years started to make more sense.

My Coach and I started to run together every morning. He took me on courses that I had not run before—and together we went up steep mountain-sides that I would have never attempted on my own. As we ran, we sometimes talked non-stop and sometimes we just ran side-by-side in silence as I tried to apply some of the training techniques He had taught me. Soon, I was waking up earlier and I was running longer than I had ever run in my entire life. Every day I was learning more and more from my Coach about the purpose of my seemingly endless training for my marathon.

One day my Coach took me on a new trail. It was a crisp fall morning and the leaves were turning colors. We saw so many miraculous sights along the way—and then I saw a something that I had been longing to see for years. Just as the morning sun was beginning to rise—I saw the finish line. I took my Coach’s hand—and in that instant, I had the ability to run faster than I have ever run before. I was sprinting. It was an amazing feeling—I was soaring on eagle’s wings. And in that moment, I remembered an important life lesson that my Coach had taught me, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
I will never forget the glorious moment when I crossed over the finish line—and I was bestowed with the gold medal of motherhood. It was surreal. I rejoiced in this beautiful victory and at the same time I felt completely unworthy to receive this honor. I gazed at my Coach’s face with tears of joy in my eyes and the deepest gratitude in my heart—and all I could whisper was something He had once told me, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

I am still running with my Coach. And no matter where you are in your own race—I hope you will never forget these words from our loving and faithful Heavenly Coach from Hebrews 12:1-3, which says:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

--By Christy Nueman

 

[Dynamicmae]

My Motherhood Marathon

I actually remember my first race as a kid. I picked the shortest race—the 100 yard dash. Even though I ran as fast as my little legs could carry me—I came in dead last. But I didn’t give up. Every time track season came around, I would sign up again for the 100-yard dash, but even after considerable training, I lost every race. I don’t remember when it happened, but somewhere along the way, my track coach encouraged me to sign up to run the mile—and I did. And much to my surprise, I discovered that I had the natural stamina for long distance running—and I actually started winning some races. I still yearned to be a sprinter, but I eventually began to take pleasure in long distance running. In fact, I liked it so much that I kept running all the way through high school.

Before I knew, it was time to sign up for the next big event in my life—the race to motherhood—and just like when I was a kid, I wanted to get to the finish line as quickly as possible. But no matter how hard I tried or what I did—my closest friends and even my younger sister were all able to crossover the finish line of motherhood far ahead of me. Little did I know that my Heavenly Coach was training me for the “motherhood marathon”.

Hot, sweaty and panting, I would cry out to my Coach, “Why is everyone else’s race so short? Why do I have to run a marathon? All I want is to see the finish line and cross it. I am so tired and weary.” My Coach would listen to my constant complaining and then encourage me with all the things His Father said like:

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 41:28-31)

For years, in agony and tears, I continued to train for my marathon—and my faithful Coach was always there. He would even return after days when I would run away from Him and ignore His words of wisdom. I don’t remember the exact day when it happened, but one day, instead of ignoring the words of my Coach, I started to listen to Him. Before I knew it, my toilsome training regimen started to become more tolerable. In fact, one day I even asked my Coach to run with me—He always offered to run with me, but I repeatedly told Him that I would prefer to do it alone. On the days that He ran with me, I realized that I would run and not grow weary. And somehow all those wise words that He had spoken to me all these years started to make more sense.

My Coach and I started to run together every morning. He took me on courses that I had not run before—and together we went up steep mountain-sides that I would have never attempted on my own. As we ran, we sometimes talked non-stop and sometimes we just ran side-by-side in silence as I tried to apply some of the training techniques He had taught me. Soon, I was waking up earlier and I was running longer than I had ever run in my entire life. Every day I was learning more and more from my Coach about the purpose of my seemingly endless training for my marathon.

One day my Coach took me on a new trail. It was a crisp fall morning and the leaves were turning colors. We saw so many miraculous sights along the way—and then I saw a something that I had been longing to see for years. Just as the morning sun was beginning to rise—I saw the finish line. I took my Coach’s hand—and in that instant, I had the ability to run faster than I have ever run before. I was sprinting. It was an amazing feeling—I was soaring on eagle’s wings. And in that moment, I remembered an important life lesson that my Coach had taught me, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
I will never forget the glorious moment when I crossed over the finish line—and I was bestowed with the gold medal of motherhood. It was surreal. I rejoiced in this beautiful victory and at the same time I felt completely unworthy to receive this honor. I gazed at my Coach’s face with tears of joy in my eyes and the deepest gratitude in my heart—and all I could whisper was something He had once told me, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

I am still running with my Coach. And no matter where you are in your own race—I hope you will never forget these words from our loving and faithful Heavenly Coach from Hebrews 12:1-3, which says:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

--By Christy Nueman

WOW

 

[me222]

Amanda, praying for you. For guidance and for a child for you and your husband.

How is everyone? things seem quiet here at the moment?

 

[Godsjewel]

A God of Paradoxes

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...
Genesis 50:20


Infertility can be such a confusing time of your life. Nothing is turning out the way you planned. It can seem like God is doing everything just the exact opposite of the way you are praying. What does it all mean? Satan will try to convince you that God has abandoned you. He’ll try his slimy best to persuade you that God doesn’t even remember that you exist. Do confusing times mean that God has forgotten you and simply doesn’t work for your good? Does it mean He doesn’t care? Nothing could be further from the truth.

Have you ever thought about what a God of paradoxes we serve? He can take a great hurt in your heart to bring great comfort. Only He knows how to take an excruciating sorrow and replace it with outlandish joy. Have you ever considered that God knows how to take the devastation you feel from your infertility, and use it to show you how much He really, truly loves you? Let’s examine the track record of our God of Paradoxes:

God used a virgin girl to be the mother of the Messiah.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22

God uses your weakness to show you His strength.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

God uses foolishness to display His wisdom.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
1 Corinthians 1:27

God used the death of His Child to give you life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

God used the guilty to showcase His forgiveness.
"Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" ...
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
John 8:4-5, 11

God used an infertile couple to populate the world.
No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you...As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.
Genesis 17:5-6,15-16

God takes Satan’s best efforts to destroy you, and uses them for your good.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good..
Genesis 50:20

-Beth Forbus

 

[Godsjewel]

Amanda, praying for you. For guidance and for a child for you and your husband.

How is everyone? things seem quiet here at the moment?

I'm doing good! I'm enjoying the change of weather and really looking forward to the holidays

 

[Godsjewel]

I just love that my name is in the scripture and praying that what He did for Sarah, He will also do for me...hopefully not in my old age


God’s Perfect Timing

Then the LORD took note of Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him. Genesis 21:1-2

Is anything too difficult for the Lord? Is the creation of a child in a barren womb too hard for God? No! Is the adoption of a parentless child to the specifically predestined family too hard for God? No! Is a fulfilled, contented happy life without children too hard for God? No! Is peace for the childless couple too hard for God? No! Is God receiving glory through this difficult experience too difficult for God? No!

When Sarah heard the Lord say that she would conceive a child in her old age, she laughed and then denied it when confronted. Why? She was afraid--probably afraid that she had been caught and may have feared the consequences. We all get afraid through our infertility: afraid of the toll on our marriage, relationships with friends and family, afraid of dying a lonely old person with no children or grandchildren, afraid of missing out on the joys of pregnancy or parenting. If fear haunts you, maybe you feel a little like Sarah did. Fear rises when the end of the cycle looms, so we laugh and pretend everything is okay. “Okay, so it didn’t work this month. That’s fine. We have a trip planned anyway. I wouldn’t want to be sick over the holidays.” All the while the fear of holding your child only in your hearts and not in your arms grips you tighter and tighter.

Jump over to Genesis 21:1-2. The time had come. Sarah’s barren womb was about to spring to life! The Lord took note of Sarah as He had said and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. God gave them Isaac at the appointed time. This is such a beautiful example of God’s ultimate wisdom. He knew the absolute, exact time that Isaac needed to be conceived. Not one day early, not even one month too late.

But Sarah was 90! Wasn’t that too late? Not even one millisecond! God knew exactly what child would be conceived each and every cycle. He knew exactly when to allow conception to occur to achieve His perfect plan. Through Abraham and Isaac’s lineage came the earthly family of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Look at the people affected by Isaac! What if he had been born to Abraham and Sarah in their 20s and 30s when they probably felt he should have been? That child would not have been the same person! Everything would have been different!

Perhaps that’s what God is waiting on with you and your family. Perhaps He’s waiting on just the right time to bring just the right child into your womb. Perhaps He’s waiting for just the right adoption to go through to bring just the exact child He has planned for you to love, nurture and raise in your heritage. Perhaps He’s waiting until just the right time to give you the peace you need to know that it’s okay to stop trying. Whatever His plan, as He reveals to you what you need, you can rest in the assurance that His plans are perfect, His timing is impeccable, and His heart and love for you are unfathomable.

Taken from Baby Hunger: Biblical Encouragement for Those Struggling with Infertility by Beth Forbus (c) 2003

 

[No Doubt]

Ladies I just want to say thank you for your prayers. We had our scan today, a couple days late, but our love bug was there and perfect. I was nervous and afraid and a scripture that I read was Deut 31:1-8. I hope that it encourages you ladies as much as it did me!

 

[HisGrace]

Praise God! He is so awesome.

 

[Godsjewel]

The Best Laid Plans

The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9

Many plans are in a man’s heart,
But the counsel of the LORD will stand.
Proverbs 19:21

When you stood at an altar as an excited bride and gazed lovingly at the handsome groom at your side, what plans had you laid for your future? You had probably spent hours coordinating every minute detail of your wedding plans, down to the specific color of the napkins at the reception. The honeymoon was planned and was the perfect get-away for the perfect newlyweds. Your future couldn’t look brighter! You had the jobs you had always dreamed of, and you were moving up the career ladders just as you had planned. Everything was going just as you always knew it would. Life was unfolding beautifully, until you tried to get pregnant.

Just as you had done with everything else, you planned just when you wanted to have a baby. You knew just when you want to conceive and had no reason to believe it would happen outside of your timing. Small delays at the onset were no reason for concern, but months turned to years and your plans fell apart. What was happening? Why wouldn’t God allow you to have a baby when so many others conceive so easily? Didn’t He know you wanted a baby more than you desired your next breath? Why is it that the dream most precious to you is the one that seems most out of reach?

Infertility can cause such a crisis in your faith! It can make you feel that God has abandoned you and has nothing to do with you anymore. You may have sensed His presence in such a real way in your life, but now it seems that He is nowhere to be found. How ironic it is that just when we believe God is so far away, He is really so close and is directing our steps!

You may think the casual meeting of a new friend at church is happenstance, until you find that she too has experienced infertility. The Lord has ordered your steps toward someone who understands your struggle. Your Bible falls open to a Scripture that speaks to the hurt your heart feels when your period starts again. Happenstance? No. God’s counsel knows just the word you need to heal your wounded heart. In an unusual move, you turn on the television just in time to see an interview with a local doctor who specializes in the disease you’ve been diagnosed with. The Lord has ordered your steps toward a physician who has the expertise you need. You pray about being able to conceive, yet you feel the Lord whispering to your heart about adoption. His counsel to your heart is wise. If He had allowed you to follow the plan you had designed for your life, you would miss out on the blessings He has designed for you. He loves you enough to allow you to escape your own plans and lead you in the way He lovingly designed for you--even if that plan involves infertility.

God has a mighty plan for your life. Plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) When you come to the manifestation of the plan He has for you, I believe you’ll look with gratitude at the journey He has brought you through and you’ll feel blessed.

-Beth Forbus

 

[Dynamicmae]

Trust Him Through the Process

We often think of trusting God for things we need or want, but a true relationship of trust in God extends beyond trusting Him just to get something. We need to learn to trust Him through the process of attaining those things we desire.

There was a time in my life when I focused intensely on trusting God for things, saying, 'I want this, God,' and 'I need such-and-such, God.' He began to show me that getting all those things was not the most important issue in my life.

He wanted to teach me how to trust Him enough to walk through situations with stability and with a good attitude on a consistent basis. He needed me to learn that He may not always rescue us when we want to get out of circumstances, but He is always with us as we walk through them.

God does not always deliver us from everything when we think He should, but He is always with us. Today, instead of focusing on just the end result, realize that God is with you now. He is near to you, so trust Him to walk with you through the process.

Prayer Starter: God, I am so glad that You are with me now. I don't just trust You to give me things, but I trust You through the process of life.

Joyce Meyer.

 

[me222]

A God of Paradoxes

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good...
Genesis 50:20


Infertility can be such a confusing time of your life. Nothing is turning out the way you planned. It can seem like God is doing everything just the exact opposite of the way you are praying. What does it all mean? Satan will try to convince you that God has abandoned you. He’ll try his slimy best to persuade you that God doesn’t even remember that you exist. Do confusing times mean that God has forgotten you and simply doesn’t work for your good? Does it mean He doesn’t care? Nothing could be further from the truth.

Have you ever thought about what a God of paradoxes we serve? He can take a great hurt in your heart to bring great comfort. Only He knows how to take an excruciating sorrow and replace it with outlandish joy. Have you ever considered that God knows how to take the devastation you feel from your infertility, and use it to show you how much He really, truly loves you? Let’s examine the track record of our God of Paradoxes:

God used a virgin girl to be the mother of the Messiah.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.”
Matthew 1:22

God uses your weakness to show you His strength.
For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10

God uses foolishness to display His wisdom.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
1 Corinthians 1:27

God used the death of His Child to give you life.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
John 3:16

God used the guilty to showcase His forgiveness.
"Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" ...
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
John 8:4-5, 11

God used an infertile couple to populate the world.
No longer shall your name be called Abram, But your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you...As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.
Genesis 17:5-6,15-16

God takes Satan’s best efforts to destroy you, and uses them for your good.
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good..
Genesis 50:20

-Beth Forbus

Thanks so much for putting this up, Sarah! Last night I was questioning whether God really works for our good. Like, doesn't He work for His glory? Does that mean for our good too? Anyway, I need to be reminded that He loves me and wants what's best and He's Sovereign even in this broken world where our bodies are broken and in need of healing. He works all things together for our good. Thanks for the reminder.
I thought I was coping fine with not being able to conceive as yet- until last night when I had a melt down about it all. I got to keep bringing it to Jesus' feet. His timing is best, His guidance is best.

I've also been wondering about adoption. but, it's so hard to do in Australia. Even if my dh and I get pregnant and have a child- I'd still like to adopt. Am also thinking more about this since dh just found out his sperm count is a bit low. They'll re-test him next month to see how it's going again. I have a pelvic ultrasound next Monday..eek! Not sure whether it's internal or not..I think I shall call up and ask so I know what to expect.

Anyway, sorry for ranting. I hope you all are having a great and relaxing weekend. Praying that we all keep remembering Jesus and that He knows what's best.

 

[Godsjewel]

Trust Him Through the Process

We often think of trusting God for things we need or want, but a true relationship of trust in God extends beyond trusting Him just to get something. We need to learn to trust Him through the process of attaining those things we desire.

There was a time in my life when I focused intensely on trusting God for things, saying, 'I want this, God,' and 'I need such-and-such, God.' He began to show me that getting all those things was not the most important issue in my life.

He wanted to teach me how to trust Him enough to walk through situations with stability and with a good attitude on a consistent basis. He needed me to learn that He may not always rescue us when we want to get out of circumstances, but He is always with us as we walk through them.

God does not always deliver us from everything when we think He should, but He is always with us. Today, instead of focusing on just the end result, realize that God is with you now. He is near to you, so trust Him to walk with you through the process.

Prayer Starter: God, I am so glad that You are with me now. I don't just trust You to give me things, but I trust You through the process of life.

Joyce Meyer.

Thank you! I love Joyce Meyer

 

[tulip11]

hey
again I am out this month bcz today I am 9 dpo having spotting but strange thing is that today my temp rise again

 

[Godsjewel]

Thanks so much for putting this up, Sarah! Last night I was questioning whether God really works for our good. Like, doesn't He work for His glory? Does that mean for our good too? Anyway, I need to be reminded that He loves me and wants what's best and He's Sovereign even in this broken world where our bodies are broken and in need of healing. He works all things together for our good. Thanks for the reminder.
I thought I was coping fine with not being able to conceive as yet- until last night when I had a melt down about it all. I got to keep bringing it to Jesus' feet. His timing is best, His guidance is best.

I've also been wondering about adoption. but, it's so hard to do in Australia. Even if my dh and I get pregnant and have a child- I'd still like to adopt. Am also thinking more about this since dh just found out his sperm count is a bit low. They'll re-test him next month to see how it's going again. I have a pelvic ultrasound next Monday..eek! Not sure whether it's internal or not..I think I shall call up and ask so I know what to expect.

Anyway, sorry for ranting. I hope you all are having a great and relaxing weekend. Praying that we all keep remembering Jesus and that He knows what's best.

It's kinda crazy the things we question while going through this journey. During this time is when we really need to exercise our faith and trust in the one who can do abundantly more than we could ever think possible.

That's so awesome that you want to adopt, I know God has placed this desire in many couples hearts and I pray that when the time is right, God will bring the right child to your life

 

[Godsjewel]

...Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve;...but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
Joshua 24:15

As American citizens we are blessed with amazing gifts. Despite all her faults and failures, our land has been blessed by God’s hand, and by virtue of our citizenship, we are given a chance to voice our choice for leadership. In the coming days, we will have the duty and privilege to exercise our right to voice our choice. What a blessed and heavy responsibility placed on the shoulders of us all!

As members of the involuntary sorority of the infertile, many choices are taken away from us. The choice of when to have children and even how they are conceived is replaced with fervent prayers to Heaven that a child will even be conceived. The loss of control felt by the woman who faces the possibility of unwanted childlessness can be overwhelming! “This is not the life I wanted! This is not the dream I chose!” However, there is a choice that is never taken from you, no matter how difficult your struggle with infertility grows. You must choose who you will serve.

Infertility is so hard! It affects every aspect of your life, from the intimate life you enjoy with your spouse to your finances to your relationships with friends, family and even with God. Baby hunger can become the dictator of your emotions, your thoughts and your actions if you will allow it to. Will you choose to serve the God who loves you, who has a mighty plan for your life, or will you choose to bow to infertility’s sorrow and frustration? Choose this day to serve the Lord! Will you allow infertility to convince you that God has forgotten you and doesn’t know your name, or will you choose to serve the God who loves you so much that He says to you, “I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands”? (Isaiah 49:16) Is the weight of an empty cradle enough to crush your heart, or will you choose to cast your cares on the One who cares for you more than anyone ever, ever has? (1 Peter 5:7)

It may not be easy to always turn the hurt and frustration over to the God who has allowed you to walk this path. Perhaps that’s why Joshua told the people of Israel to choose who they would serve. It may be a conscious decision you have to make every day, but even if it is, choose to trust God to bring you through the trial of infertility. Choose to trust Him through the negative pregnancy tests. Choose to trust Him when others get pregnant while you wait. Choose to serve Him. It will be a choice you’ll never, ever regret.

Choose this day whom you will serve! Choose to serve the Lord!

-Beth Forbus

 

[Godsjewel]

Gardening Tips for the Heart
Weeds

There is a small flower bed right outside the front door of my home. I usually kill just about anything I have ever tried to grow, but miraculously, I had one plant grow taller than anything else in my flower bed. It was kind of nice to have something actually thrive. The brutal heat of summer had roasted everything that had tried to survive in my yard, but the milder temps of fall had gently coaxed this beauty out of the soil. Every time I’d pull out of my driveway, I’d notice it getting taller and taller. I didn’t even have to do anything to it! It was growing on its own. I know next to nothing about gardening of any kind, so I had to ask for some help in keeping it looking nice, and I couldn’t wait for the gardener to come. It would be cool to hear someone else brag on my nice, big plant.

The worker arrived at my house and got busy. He was digging around the edges, and really kind of looked like an overgrown kid playing in the dirt. I went inside for a moment to get something and when I came back outside, you’ll never believe what I saw. My beautiful plant was uprooted and lying on the driveway! Oh, the horror! He killed the one plant I was able to grow. I wanted him to put it back! Re-plant that bush! I can only imagine the expression on my face when I asked him why in the world he pulled up my pretty plant when it was the healthiest one in the entire flower bed? His response? “You mean that giant weed, lady?”

A weed? The “plant” I was letting grow so large in my flower bed was actually a weed? A weed that was choking the life out of the flowers that were supposed to be growing there?

What are the emotions that choke the life out of you?

Do you struggle with jealousy? No matter the specifics of your story, it seems that every woman who struggles with baby hunger relates stories of how she sees other women around her with bulging pregnant bellies and her own tears begin to flow. It’s hard to see people around you conceive easily as you remain childless. Perhaps you have a harder time dealing with anger. You’ve become angry with God because He hasn’t given you a child, or you’re angry with family and friends who don’t understand your hurt. Left unresolved, these negative emotions can grow wildly like the weed in my flower bed. You may look okay on the outside, but inwardly, the life is being choked out of you.

So what do we do with the emotional weeds growing in our hearts? Do what the gardener did. Pull them up by the roots and don’t let them grow any more! Scripture is full of “gardening tips” to help us know how to rid our hearts of destructive emotions that will destroy our hearts. This week’s devotions will focus on Gardening Tips for the Heart. We’ll learn what to do to rid the garden of our hearts of the weeds that choke the life out of us. Tomorrow we’ll find out what to do when anger has taken root. Be sure to join us!

-Beth Forbus

 

[genesismarie]

hey ladies sorry i have been such a stranger i have been super swamped with school but i wanted to come to you ladies and put in a prayer request......recently the lord spoke to me while praying about ttc he told me "pray without doubt" i have always struggled with this.worrying over something and giving it to the lord just to take it back and worry over it some more. especially when it comes to ttc. i have been trying to follow the lords instructions but then the enemy comes in and taunts me and tells me things like " you dont deserve another child, you failed with your first so you cant possibly do any better" it seems like a contant battle....i guess what im asking for is strength to follow the lords instruction and strength in faith and strength to resist the enemies lies

sorry for the rant girls but thanks for reading and the prayers in advance
-genesis marie

 

[me222]

Hi Genesis Marie, I'm praying for you that you will trust God no matter what. In Jesus, He has covered all our wrongdoings. He doesn't look at them in judgment no more when we accept Jesus as our Master and Rescuer. So, flee from the devil's accusations by using God's Word.
May Jesus be your strength and Help through this. I pray this for all of us as we all deal with our hurts in this ttc journey.
Much love to all my sisters on here. How is everyone? It seems like the thread just keeps getting quieter? Perhaps it;s because of Christmas coming up? Hope you're all doing okay.