As a child, I rarely had lofty goals of being a doctor, an astronaut, or a teacher. My dream was to be a mother. When my husband and I married nearly eight years ago, I assumed that bearing a child would be easy, painless, and quick. But perhaps the most challenging season of waiting has been experiencing years of infertility. Our expectations and our culture’s pressures quickly changed our perspective on the loneliness, pain, and fear that waiting for a child brings. We watch couples around us become pregnant, raise their children, and continue moving on with life. And though we praise the Lord for keeping us from bitterness, envy, and jealousy, we cannot help but feel the negative … [Read more...]
Don’t Confuse Moving On with Giving Up
One area I battle with infertility is discerning whether or not I have moved on or given up in our pursuit for a baby. Truthfully, the only times I really wrestle with these thoughts are when others bring it to my attention. Currently, I can say with confidence that I am in a season of true godly contentment. Through God's ongoing work in me, I have relinquished my fears and control over having a child -- and oh. my. goodness. is it ever freeing! I pray he never takes it away. However, in my experience, I'm noticing that others in my life perceive my moving on as giving up. Everyone has a standard to what lengths one must take to "try" before "moving on." And this can be confusing and … [Read more...]
Six Ways Jesus Faced Opposition
I opened God’s Word with a heavy heart, feeling the burden of opposition. A friend had recently attacked my character due to a difference of ethical beliefs. Stunned and hurt by this, I quickly recognized my unpreparedness in facing this attack. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit prompted me to seek the Lord and the truth of his Word. I opened my Bible and was led to Hebrews 12:3, which answered my prayer for relief: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Six Ways Jesus Faced Opposition Jesus, the Man of Sorrows, experienced opposition far worse than my situation. But in his eyes, it’s not relevant, for all who call on his … [Read more...]
Things Every Doodle Tribe Needs
Anyone who owns a Goldendoodle (and other Doodles) knows that there's a loyal tribe of the Doodle-obsessed. I am one of those people. In case you don't know what a Goldendoodle is (gasp!), here are a few facts. They are a mixture of a Poodle and Golden Retriever. Labradoodles, though similar, are Poodle/Labrador mixes. There are also Bernedoodles (Bernese Mountain/Poodle) and Aussiedoodles (Australian Shepherd/Poodle). They began to enter the scene in the 1990's and were bred for their light/non-shedding coats, making them more allergy-friendly. Their sizes range from mini (15-30 lbs.) to medium (30-45 lbs.) to standard (45+ lbs.), and their colors range from white to black. Doodles are … [Read more...]