I remember when we were considering purchasing this home four years ago. I squealed when we toured the backyard, "Aww look! A swing set! This would be perfect for the kiddos!" A baby swing, an adult swing, a horse swing, a slide, and a little treehouse with a steering wheel -- it was adorable. I visualized Matt and I pushing our giggling babies in these swings. I imagined putting them on my lap as we'd slide. I dreamed of little voices screaming, "Higher, Mommy! Push me higher!" But years passed and I enjoyed watching my nieces swing. I pushed my friends' kids in the baby swing. I attempted putting Rudy (our dog) in the swing at one point. I watched fuzzy squirrels perch atop the set, … [Read more...]
Pros and Cons of Coming Out of the Infertility Closet
Since I began openly sharing our infertility struggle with the world, I've had many women ask me whether or not they should do the same. Sister, every woman is different, and every journey is unique, so my best encouragement would be to seek the Lord above anything else and He will direct your footsteps -- because trust me, opening up about this isn't for everyone! In my experience, there have been moments where I've rejoiced, and moments where I've wanted to bang my head on a wall. When it comes to opening up about such an intimate and personal struggle, here are a few pros and cons that may result: No Longer Alone PROS: You will have the thoughts and prayers from your loved ones. … [Read more...]
Knowing When to Speak and When to be Silent
Welcome to the new millennium, when we are provided constant opportunities online to voice our opinions and slay any opposition. But what happens when our beliefs and opinions are challenged? We prepare for defense, we prepare for verbal retaliation. And when we do this, we ultimately disregard Christ’s commandment to love one another. As believers, we are put in a position to influence those around us. The power of our words can be used to build up or tear down. Ecclesiastes 3:7 tells us that there is a time to keep silent and a time to speak. But when? How? To discern the difference between knowing when to speak or be silent, we need to humbly seek the Lord through prayer, immerse … [Read more...]
Think Before You Prank: Infertility & April Fools Day
I brace myself for it every year -- the pregnancy April Fools joke. The older I get, the less I see of these in my personal circles on social media (which I am appreciative of!). However, people all over the internet still find a fake pregnancy announcement hilarious. This post isn't long because there isn't much to say except: April Fools Day shouldn't be a time to pull a fake "I'm pregnant!" scare. 1 in 8 couples (some studies suggest 1 in 6) are pooling together their savings, enduring invasive doctors' visits, injecting themselves with painful shots, and pleading with God for a miracle. Other couples have been able to announce "We're pregnant!" easily, yet suffer the tragic loss … [Read more...]