The Christmas Card Exchange CHANGED HER LIFE!!

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Lauren, here! I'm so excited to share this email testimony with you (I asked permission to share)! This is an AMAZING story of God's goodness. He sees us and what we need, and He is FAITHFUL! Now grab a tissue...

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Photo Credit: Sabraw Photography

Hi Lauren!

My name is Courtney Kelly and I was a part of the 2017 Christmas Card Exchange. I learned about it from the I Am Fruitful Instastories. I didn't know that it would change my life when I swiped up for more information. 

I learned about I Am Fruitful from the blog post, Wait Until He's Late. I started following I Am Fruitful on Instagram. I signed up and then prayed for my Christmas Card Exchange partner, not knowing who she would be but fully confident that God knew.

On October 26th, 2013, I vowed to my husband to love him "in sickness and in health," and it has come in that order. We have dealt with a miscarriage right before he started chemotherapy for stage 3 colon cancer. Infertility was something we knew COULD happen but didn't think it would. After 12 rounds of chemotherapy, infertility was added to the list. We did two failed rounds of IVF in the fall of 2016. 

Mark Batterson says that, "God shows up and God shows off." God REALLY showed off with Jamie. On November 30th, my life changed. I tried to find her on social media, but couldn't, so I hoped Jamie was a girl (Haha!) and sent her a card and my favorite devotional. On December 8th, she sent me an email, and a friendship was born. 

I'm not sure I can get through this part without crying, so please stay with me! I had to wait 29 years to meet my husband. I had to wait 33 years to meet the friend that my heart has always always always wanted. I used to pray to have a friend that I had a lot in common with but I stopped praying because I hadn't met her. I didn’t think she existed. I wanted a friend I could laugh and cry with, a friend that would understand me and my love for Jesus (and share it with me!) and a friend that would be there – really be there – and understand me. And I would do the same for her! Only God could've orchestrated this friendship because even our differences are compatible. Jamie is the same as me AND totally different than me. God really showed off!

I'm writing this email to thank you. Thank you for hosting the Christmas Card Exchange. Thank you for prayerfully considering the matches. Thank you for this incredible blessing. My hope and my prayer is that you are blessed abundantly. I pray that God shows up and He shows off... for you! Thank you, Lauren, from the bottom of my heart.

Love,

Courtney Kelly 

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Joy Comes in the Morning: Coloring Through Infant Loss & Miscarriage

$12.99

If you have experienced a miscarriage, still birth, or infant loss- this coloring book is for you!  It also makes a thoughtful gift for a friend going through the devastating loss of a baby. 

This collection of designs forms a beautiful and therapeutic tool for grieving. It provides a creative way to express your grief while meditating on the Word of God and filling your mind with truth.

It is a beautiful collection of over 25 inspiring pages designed by artists from Alaska to Hawaii, from East Coast to West! The pages include a variety of styles, ink drawings, and digital creations. Many of the artists have experienced miscarriage or infant loss, and on the back of each page they share encouragement for the grieving heart.

*Also available on Amazon Prime!

30 Days of Thankfulness IN THE WAIT!

A Photo-A-Day Challenge

It's NOVEMBER! And that means leaves and pumpkin and cold weather and most of all a stirring of thankfulness is in the air! But sometimes it's hard to be (and feel) thankful when we're waiting on something. Maybe you're waiting to become pregnant, waiting on a job situation to change, waiting on your healing, waiting on that thing that you have no control over but to pray. While we're waiting, we can still be thankful! It may feel like a big sacrifice, and it may be hard, but we can still be thankful!! And look what this amazing scripture shows us about sacrificing thanksgiving to God:

Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.

Psalms 50:14-16 (NLT)

It tells us that after we make thankfulness a sacrifice to God, THEN we call on him when we're in trouble and He'll rescue us!!

Simply post a photo each day on Instagram/FB and tag @i.am.fruitful #iamfruitfulchallenge)

1. Fall

2. This Scripture

3. This Food

4. Love

5. Book

6. Quiet Time

7. Cycle Day

8. My Home

9. This Guy

10. Cozy

11. Friends

12. Marriage

13. Hoping for

14. A tradition

15. Finances

16. This gives me hope

17. Drink/Mug

18. Emotional healing

19. Worship

20. Someone else miracle

21. Doctor

22. Job

23. Family

24. Leftovers

25. Hobbies

26. Spot in my home

27. Something I made

28. A trip

29. Something God has done

30. Expectation

Psalms 116:17 (The Message) "I’m ready to offer the thanksgiving sacrifice and pray in the name of God."

I'm ready, are you!?

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Share and do this with your friends! Pin so you can do it with us next year!

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Going through infertility or loss? Share this with your family...

I'm so excited to introduce you to my amazing mom, Pam Grosse. I'm so thankful to her for sharing her heart during National Infertility Awareness Week. If you're going through infertility or loss and your family just doesn't seem to understand... send this to them. It's a great way to get a conversation started! Chances are they WANT to be there for you, they just may not know how!! And most likely, they don't have any idea how you feel or how hard this is!! I'll be following up this post soon with a list of ways to support family members going through delayed fertility.

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Written by: Pam Grosse

I have never experienced the excruciating loss of an infant or child, or had a miscarriage, or spent years of waiting, hoping, and praying that I would become pregnant.  Nor have I dealt with the stress that can manifest in a marriage when any of these things have occurred.  But, I am the mother of someone who has endured several miscarriages, has spent hours in doctors’ offices, waited and waited and waited for months to conceive only to receive disappointing news, and probably cried buckets of tears.  Sadly, most young women or couples in that position feel very alone and frustrated – and many get depressed.  What is even sadder is that the people around them don’t even know how that person is feeling.  Not even family.  Not even Mom.  That is why I am so thrilled to see I Am Fruitful reaching so many lives and helping so many to heal and have hope.

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Lauren & Pam

When my daughter, Lauren Bourne, and her husband, Billy, started I Am Fruitful I was so happy to know that even though they had already had one baby and another would soon be on the way, they wanted to reach out to couples like themselves who were going through similar situations.  There just wasn’t much out there for them when they were going through a tough time, so before they even received their first miracle, God began speaking to them to begin their ministry to women and couples who were going through similar situations or even worse.

As Lauren’s ministry began taking shape I began to realize just how much my daughter hadn’t been able to share with me and how much pain she and Billy had experienced.  Even though Lauren and Billy have a solid marriage with God at the center, they suffered heartache that people who are not in their situation will ever understand.  I thought that because I had such a great son-in-law, he would be there for Lauren and she would be there for him, and I just needed to let them be alone.  Time would heal their wounds. Besides, her dad and I lived 4 ½ hours away, so I would just pray and trust God to answer.  Sadly, they felt very alone with little support.  They were experiencing deep pain and hopelessness and very few people knew what they were going through or how to help.  I believe that most family members or friends who have never gone through a long season of waiting to get pregnant, suffered miscarriage, or even worse – the loss of an infant, will ever fully comprehend what someone going through any of those events truly feels.

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Fast forward to two precious gifts (my grandchildren) from God and a ministry that is reaching out to couples who are hurting – just like Lauren and Billy were hurting.  And it all comes down to them surrendering their hearts completely to their heavenly Father, believing that His word to us is true, that His ways and thoughts are much higher than ours, and His plans for His children are  great – to give them a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).  Now, there is a wonderful place to connect with others who are trying to conceive or have suffered an immeasurable loss – a safe place where they can share from the depths of their heart and find resources to help in such a difficult season of grief or waiting.

I now have a much greater understanding of what my children went through with delayed fertility and multiple miscarriages, and I feel honored to be part of the prayer team at I Am Fruitful.  We are here to be a voice to God on behalf of those who are unable to express theirs or for those who need someone to stand with them for their dreams and desires to be met.

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“You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!  ”

— John 14:13-14 (NLT)

My heart goes out to every person who writes in, and although I am not connecting with them on a personal basis, I am interceding on their behalf, thanking our faithful heavenly Father for hearing every prayer and for bringing every answer.  I have already heard many happy stories of what God has done in so many lives, and I want to encourage anyone reading this who is going through a difficult time to press into God and let Him take your burden and pain in exchange for His peace, joy, and healing.  

No matter where you are right now, God knows it, He sees it, and He is there to comfort you, strengthen you, and give you hope – even in the midst of what may be a very dark time.  Joy truly does come in the morning, because the Lord’s mercies are new every morning – and He will never leave you alone.  EXPECT His faithfulness in your life!

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.  
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— Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)

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Lauren, here! Can I just tell you how amazing this woman is?? This woman I get to call Mom. The one who drives over 4 hours to babysit. The one who always reminds me it's okay to be a little feisty. The one who has encouraged me over the decades to pursue my dreams. 

She may have downplayed her involvement during our waiting season. She and my dad may not have understood, but they were CONSTANTLY encouraging me, sending me emails, shooting me texts with scripture, calling, asking how I was, reminding me that God is bigger. I'm so grateful to have a supportive and Christ-centered family, and I say we need to make Mom's writing a regular thing around here!

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Check out OUR IDEAS for raising awareness and getting involved during National Infertility Awareness Week! It's not too late!

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A Podcast Interview about Miscarriage, Grief, and Faith

I'm so honored to have been interviewed on the Holistic Fertility and Wellness Podcast with Stephanie Risinger. In this interview I share our personal story of loss and our struggle to conceive. We also discuss grief, faith, and I share valuable suggestions for how to support couples experiencing miscarriage.

Click HERE to listen and be encouraged! You are not alone.

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Huckins

When Your Stork Gets Delayed

We took our kids to see the new Storks movie. I've honestly been waiting anxiously to see it since I first saw the preview.  Major spoiler alerts in this post (I know, I know... it's not the latest Star Wars or Bourne movie... it's just a kids movie... and it's animated. I should calm down... I know)! But still- spoiler alerts.

My husband will be the first to tell you that when I get into a show or movie, I REALLY get into it. Like, if you overheard me discussing the movie, you'd think Jen Aniston and I were besties. Yeah, I call her Jen.

So yes, it's animated. But I really got into this one.

I'm a grown woman. And I wouldn't consider myself overly emotional. But Lord have mercy, this grown woman cried during an animated film about storks. Not tears running into my popcorn crying, but my five year old looked over at me wondering what was up.

Well I'll tell you. This movie hit home with me for so many reasons!  

First- doesn't the stork idea sound so amazing? You send a letter for a child and the storks produce the perfect baby for your family and deliver it in no time, to your doorstep. No waiting. No tears. No childbirth. No failed ivf's. No infertility. Just a baby and a bird on your doorstep. 

An infertile couple's dream.

The storyline was centered around an 18 year old girl who lives with the storks because she had never been delivered to her family. Now she's grown and accidentally turns on the baby-producing machine that's been shut down for so many years. She screws up, makes a baby, and now she and a stork have to deliver it to the boy who ordered a sibling. 

This boy was in serious need of affection. He had workaholic parents with horrible priorities and he just wanted someone to love him. Someone to play with. So he ordered a baby.  

By sending a letter.

For all those who have gone through infertility on ANY level... Absolute dream.

Well what got me were how many obstacles the girl and the stork faced trying to get that sweet, pink-haired baby girl to her family. It should have been an easy delivery. They had the address and transportation.

Then a broken wing. Then a plain crash. Then a wolf attack. And it was one thing after another. Well that hit home. 

Thats how it felt when we were trying to conceive. One thing after another. Failed iui. Then a miscarriage. Then months of nothing. Bad reports. And the list goes on. It felt like the enemy did everything in his power to stop our children from joining our family. Some days I lost faith and thought it would never happen. It was one of the most challenging things I've ever faced. 

Back to spoilers. They began to show the storyline of the little boy and his family. The change that took place in their hearts as they waited for their baby. They began spending time together, re-prioritizing, allowing change to happen in their ralationships and in their hearts. And I thought- if that baby had been dropped off at their door right away, their family could have fallen apart. WOULD have fallen apart! They would NOT have been ready.

And I know- this isn't Les Miserables. It's an animated movie about storks. I'm not trying to win a movie critic award.

But it really got to me! How many of us want the stork to deliver the baby right away, when God has so many things He'd like to work in our hearts and families. He may or may not be causing the delay. Every situation is different. But why not use that time to build our dream families in our hearts. Become the best wives we can. Love fearlessly. Grow our relationships and capacity for love. Work on the deep stuff, get emotionally healthy so that when that delivery does come... our families are ready for it!!  Cue "We are the champions!" 

I grew so much during my struggle to conceive, during my miscarriages, during my marriage struggles, during each failed fertility procedure or negative test. I was in a place of complete reliance on the Lord and I deeply desired to change in any area the Lord wanted me to. That's when breakthrough happens, my friends!

And so as amazing as it sounds to send a letter and receive a delivery...  

I want to challenge you to open your hearts and your families to change. Please hear me... I am NOT saying that you're not getting pregnant because there's something wrong with you or you're being punished or you've got a long list of things to change. I don't believe that! What I AM saying is don't allow this time to go by without ALLOWING God to do a work in your heart.  You'll be even more ready when you're "stork" arrives!

  “[Gabriel] stood before me and said, ‘Daniel, I have come to make things plain to you. You had no sooner started your prayer when the answer was given. And now I’m here to deliver the answer to you. You are much loved...” Daniel‬ ‭9:22-23‬ ‭MSG‬‬

God sent an angel with Daniel's answer the first day he prayed, but did you know it took 21 days to arrive because there were forces not of this world that were delaying the angel!!  Daniel's personal stork, in this context. 

 “Relax, Daniel,’ he continued, ‘don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks.” Daniel‬ ‭10:12-13 ‭MSG‬‬

Answers get delayed. Storks in movies get delayed. Actual angels even get delayed. But we serve a God of redemption!! And He restores much more than what was lost! Whether it be time, life, hope, finances! He redeems it!

So have hope. Continue believing and praying and allowing God to work in your life. Praise Him BEFORE your stork arrives. Because He's already received your letter. He's already packaged up your delivery... sometimes it just gets delayed and arrives differently than we expected it to. It's what you do in the meantime that will change the course of your family and your legacy. 

Please Pin or Share if this encouraged you in your waiting!

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6 Tips to Overcome Fear

We've been going through a series on our live streams about overcoming fear. You can check those videos out HERE! Today, I want to share some of the things the Lord has been showing me lately as I've been going to Him in prayer and researching for this series! If you sneak a scroll... don't freak out! It's long, I know. But it's long because I've included whole CHAPTERS from His Word! Feel free to use this in your quiet time the next few days and meditate on these scriptures!

1. Delight in His Word

This is seriously an amazing chapter to meditate on if you’re dealing with what ifs or maybe having a difficult time aligning your heart with God’s. I love this chapter so much that I've included it below for you in 2 versions!

Psalm 112 (NLT)

Praise the Lord!

How joyful are those who fear the Lord
    and delight in obeying his commands.
2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
    an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
    and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
    They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
    and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
    Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
    they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
    and can face their foes triumphantly.
9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
    Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
    They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
    They will grind their teeth in anger;
    they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.

Psalm 112 (ESV)

[a] Praise the Lord!

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
    who greatly delights in his commandments!
2 His offspring will be mighty in the land;
    the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in his house,
    and his righteousness endures forever.
4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright;
    he is gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with the man who deals generously and lends;
    who conducts his affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved;
    he will be remembered forever.
7 He is not afraid of bad news;
    his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is steady; he will not be afraid,
    until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.
9 He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
    his righteousness endures forever;
    his horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked man sees it and is angry;
    he gnashes his teeth and melts away;
    the desire of the wicked will perish!

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2. Seek wisdom & understanding

Really no need for me to explain this one. Read below to understand!

Proverbs 3 The Message (MSG)

Don’t Assume You Know It All

3 1-2 Good friend, don’t forget all I’ve taught you;
    take to heart my commands.
They’ll help you live a long, long time,
    a long life lived full and well.

3-4 Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
    Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
    in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
    Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
    your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
    give him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
    your wine vats will brim over.
But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline;
    don’t sulk under his loving correction.
It’s the child he loves that God corrects;
    a father’s delight is behind all this.

The Very Tree of Life

13-18 You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom,
    when you make friends with Madame Insight.
She’s worth far more than money in the bank;
    her friendship is better than a big salary.
Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth;
    nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.
With one hand she gives long life,
    with the other she confers recognition.
Her manner is beautiful,
    her life wonderfully complete.
She’s the very Tree of Life to those who embrace her.
    Hold her tight—and be blessed!

19-20 With Lady Wisdom, God formed Earth;
    with Madame Insight, he raised Heaven.
They knew when to signal rivers and springs to the surface,
    and dew to descend from the night skies.

Never Walk Away

21-26 Dear friend, guard Clear Thinking and Common Sense with your life;
    don’t for a minute lose sight of them.
They’ll keep your soul alive and well,
    they’ll keep you fit and attractive.
You’ll travel safely,
    you’ll neither tire nor trip.
You’ll take afternoon naps without a worry,
    you’ll enjoy a good night’s sleep.
No need to panic over alarms or surprises,
    or predictions that doomsday’s just around the corner,
Because God will be right there with you;
    he’ll keep you safe and sound.

27-29 Never walk away from someone who deserves help;
    your hand is God’s hand for that person.
Don’t tell your neighbor “Maybe some other time”
    or “Try me tomorrow”
    when the money’s right there in your pocket.
Don’t figure ways of taking advantage of your neighbor
    when he’s sitting there trusting and unsuspecting.

30-32 Don’t walk around with a chip on your shoulder,
    always spoiling for a fight.
Don’t try to be like those who shoulder their way through life.
    Why be a bully?
“Why not?” you say. Because God can’t stand twisted souls.
    It’s the straightforward who get his respect.

33-35 God’s curse blights the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the home of the righteous.
He gives proud skeptics a cold shoulder,
    but if you’re down on your luck, he’s right there to help.
Wise living gets rewarded with honor;
    stupid living gets the booby prize.

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3. Declare your Strength

Bill Johnson says, “Our deliverance begins when we are no longer impressed with the size of our problem. Declare your strength and watch it become a reality. Some people are only a declaration away from victory! He put His Word in your mouth- declare it!”

Another thing I've learned from good 'ole Bill is this- “strength becomes a reality when it’s declared!”

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4. Fix your Eyes

I was so blessed to be invited to a worship conference (Presence 2016) in Austin this past weekend. Kim Walker-Smith shared such a personal story about her struggle with fear. She was basically crippled with fear while she was pregnant with her second child. Right before she became pregnant, her good friend's baby died of a horrible disease. Then, near the end of her pregnancy, another friend delivered a stillborn baby. She found herself screaming at night and completely paralyzed by the fear that something was wrong or something would happen to her precious child. Quoting scripture didn’t seem to help, praying didn’t seem to remove the fear (can anyone relate here?). But she knew she had to deal with it because she didn’t want to deliver a baby with this hanging over her head.

Then she FIXED HER EYES ON GOD.  She said, “When you fix your eyes on God, your issues don’t go away, but they don’t have control over you anymore." She also reminded us that our eyes and ears are so important if we are to be carriers of His presence and stay in alignment with Him.

One of the best things I took away from her message was this- “To be filled up means there is a constant pouring in so there is a constant pouring out.”

Put on blinders, and fix your eyes on Jesus, my friends.

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5. Serve Someone

I’m a big believer in planting seeds in the area you need a harvest. There’s always someone worse off than you. Do you need a financial breakthrough? Sow whatever you can to someone worse off. I mean- true story- last night I got a call from a friend which resulted in me pouring through my pantry, fridge, and freezer to give to a mom who literally did not have any food and couldn’t feed her kids. Always someone worse off.

Is it time to stop relying on other peoples generosity and begin cultivating a generous spirit in your own family? Finances will turn around for you. If you want a baby… pray for your friend who can’t conceive. Happily send her a note letting her know you’re praying for her. Need healing? Pray for someone else who’s believing for healing.

Point being- serve someone else.

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6. Praise God

Yep, even in the fear. Even in the storm. Praise Him. Thank Him.

Thank Him for what He's already done for you. Thank Him for what He's doing and for what He's going to do. And Praise Him for who He is!

Psalm 50:14-15 New Living Translation (NLT)

14 Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God,
    and keep the vows you made to the Most High.
15 Then call on me when you are in trouble,
    and I will rescue you,
    and you will give me glory.”

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9 Sermons to help overcome Fear

Last week I shared 10 awesome scriptures that will help you combat fear, and you can check out that list HERE. This week, we've got 9 of our favorite sermons on fear. These sermons range from Steven Furtick to Joyce Meyer and Priscilla Shirer, and so many other amazing men and women of God. We hope this helps, and we're so proud of you for proactively fighting whatever fear you're struggling with!

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Bill Johnson- Love Versus Fear

T.D. Jakes- My Heart Attacks

Joyce Meyer- Overcoming Fear with Faith

Steven Furtick- Brave the Waves

Charles Stanley- Victory over Fear

Steven LeBlanc-  Breaking the Snare of Fear (Fear of Man)

Lisa Bevere- Freedom from Fear

Priscilla Shirer- Gateway's First Conference

Jimmy Evans- I Changed My Mind About Fear

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God is so good! He hasn’t run out of miracles!!

So many of you have become dads since we began this ministry! Happy Father’s Day to you!! And for those still waiting… we continue to pray for you!

Today we remember and are grateful to those who have served and given their lives. And to every family who has lost a loved one, we honor you and pray for you!

I know this weekend can be so hard for thousands of future mamas. You’ve been waiting and waiting and things don’t necessarily look good in the natural. I encourage you to stop scrolling this weekend. Get off social if it doesn’t bring you joy. Enjoy the loved ones around you and focus on who God says you are and what He says about you. Take a peak into the kingdom realm and what He is doing! You are strong and you will get through this. For those mammas who have lost babies. I am praying for you! That this weekend would be another step in your healing process!!

If you need encouragement today that God still does miracles, go read Psalms 111 (I love the Passion Translation). Every miracle demonstrates his eternal perfection. His miracles leave people astonished. His word proves trustworthy and true! You may be going through a battle with infertility, but we serve a God who still does miracles!! #iamfruitful #nationalinfertilityawarenessweek

This week of #nationalinfertilityawarenessweek can be so challenging for many! Instead of tapping into what people have to say, into raising awareness for an issue, into sad stories and advice etc… I encourage you to TAP INTO HIS FAITHFULNESS! That’s what Sarah did, and the same God who was faithful to her will be faithful to you. I encourage you to spend more time this week in His presence than in the presence of Insta. I promise you’ll be better off at the end of the week!! Who’s with me? #iamfruitful

Like every year, we seek to draw attention to our Healer, to the One who provides, to our problem-solver and Shepherd. Infertility is hard, we don’t deny it! But who is grateful for the hope we have that the world doesn’t?? I can’t imagine going through my fertility journey without the Father!!! #iamfruitful

Don’t stop believing that He will do what He said!!! #iamfruitful

TTC Exchange

Hi friends! I want to share something that's on my heart for future mommas around this time of year. Mother's Day can be HARD for the future mommy. I remember this very well. It's a day you're reminded of what you are not, of what you don't have, of what you desire so desperately. You see more photos of moms with babies, pregnancy photos, pregnancy announcements, and the list goes on. It's hard. Many ladies who haven't had kids yet can feel forgotten, left out, and heartbroken. It can be a very isolating time, if you allow it to.

“So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.”

— 1 Thess 5:11 (The Message Version)

We've put together a fun way that future mommy's can support and encourage each other as Mother's Day approaches! This Trying to Conceive (TTC) Exchange is for future mommy's (although I'm excited to tell you that we will be doing an exchange soon that will include secondary infertility as well)!  

We are setting out to build community, to support and encourage couples who are struggling to conceive, and to create an atmosphere for miracles! I highly encourage you to participate in this project and to share it with your friends who desire to be moms! You will not only be encouraged, remembered, and cared for, but you will also support someone else and possibly make a new friend in this difficult journey! For this exchange you will mail one card and receive one card!

Details for the FREE TTC Mother's Day Card Exchange:

1. Sign up for the TTC Exchange HERE by April 14! (you will receive an email soon with a partner match)
2. Send a card (in the mail) to your assigned exchange partner
3. When you receive a card from your partner, post a photo to Instagram with the hashtag #iamfruitfulexchange

To sign up for this fun exchange, click HERE! We are capping this exchange at 100 ladies!

We believe this will not only encourage future moms, but also bring awareness to infertility! Feel free to download and use the photo below to share with your friends!

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Freebies

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Dillons

Pitter and Glink Perspective & a Freebie!

We are working so hard on a beautiful and inspiring adult coloring book for infant loss and miscarriage. We've put together a team of artists from across the nation to give grieving parents a tool for healing and meditating on God's truth.

I am so excited to give you a glimpse of the talent on our artist team for the this project. Bethany over at Pitter and Glink is one of our artists, and she has some serious God-given ability. I mean- does your Bible look like this??!

There's a link to a few free coloring pages below. Everyone thank Bethany!! Plus, check out her original instagram post for a great perspective on our fertility.

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Bethany's Original Instagram Post HERE

"As someone who has struggled with infertility for years, I always pay close attention to parts of the Bible where God blesses infertile women with children. I know their pain because I've felt it myself. One of the recent @shereadstruthGenesis Devotions was about God blessing Sarah, an old woman who had already gone through menopause, with a child. When the messenger of God told Abraham that Sarah would bear a child, she laughed. I get that. It was a laugh like, "That is the craziest thing I've ever heard! Me? An old lady? Have a child?" I feel like it was one of those cynical, joyless laughs. When your heart has known the disappointment of not being pregnant month after month after month, it's easy to become cynical that there could ever be a different outcome. But the messenger of the Lord said, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" And I feel like this was said in that do-you-seriously-think-the-God-who-created-the-universe-can't-perform-this-miracle kind of voice. It's just that simple, y'all. Nothing is too hard for God. But the hard part for us is when He doesn't do that hard thing we've been praying for Him to do. It makes us doubt. It makes us angry. Sometimes it breaks our hearts. But He knows best. He sees the big picture, and He has a plan. We won't always get what we want when we want it. Christianity doesn't work that we. We get what we NEED exactly when we need it. And there will be tough times and there may even be what we view as unanswered prayers. This is earth after all, not heaven. But God is faithful through it all. He's on our side rooting for us like a loving father, and He's working things out for our good. Maybe not our good as in what we think is good and best, but His good, which is ALWAYS best." - Bethany

Check out Bethany's free coloring pages and printables HERE!

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LATELY ON INSTAGRAM

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5 Scriptures to Combat Fear of Miscarriage

5 Scriptures to Combat Fear of Miscarriage

Fear of miscarriage is a very real issue. We try for so long to get pregnant, then we finally, finally get that BFP!! And for a very brief moment we're over the moon, on cloud 9, and we're happier than EVER.

Then fear sets in. Fear that we will lose the baby, the connection, the life, the future. But that fear is from the enemy, and you will have to do something about it if you want to enjoy your pregnancy. Pregnancy is a beautiful thing. It's a complete miracle in itself, and it CAN be enjoyed!! They say pregnant women have a "glow" about them. I have to say that I've never seen a fearful pregnant woman with a glow. The ones at peace have the glow!

So here are 5 scriptures to help you fight that fear and step into a season of peaceful pregnancy!

Philippians 4:6-7 MSG
Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Isaiah 43:2-4 MSG
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you:
all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in!
That’s how much you mean to me!
That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
trade the creation just for you.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 MSG
Just as you’ll never understand
the mystery of life forming in a pregnant woman,
So you’ll never understand
the mystery at work in all that God does.

Psalm 139:13-18 AMP
For You formed my innermost parts;
You knit me [together] in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks and praise to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was being formed in secret,
And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were appointed for me,
When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I could count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You.

Ps 91:12 NLT
If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

More scriptures in this post about miscarriage!

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Read the Huckins story below to hear about their loss and Lindsay's major light bulb moment that just might change your perspective on the family God wants to give you.

Huckins

Have you ever considered sharing your testimony? It's a powerful thing and we would love to read yours, then share it for others to be encouraged and filled with hope! Click below to learn more!

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Connect with us on INSTAGRAM @i.am.fruitful for daily encouragement!

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M is for Miscarriage

Back in the fall when I first started Periscope, I did a Fertility A-Z series. When we got to M is for Miscarriage, I shared a little about our own 3 losses. In the first few minutes I share statistics to bring awareness and also explain some of the different types of miscarriages, in case you are not familiar! 

Skip ahead to 7 minutes if you want to get to my story.

If you have experienced a miscarriage, you will be so ridiculously encouraged by something my dad sent me (skip ahead to the 21 minute mark). Ya'll, it's really good.

I also share a list of scriptures that brought me comfort during our time of grief, and I've listed them for you below! Check back soon, because I'll be posting a list of 5 scriptures to combat fear of miscarriage!

• Psalm 23
• Psalm 25
• Deut 20:3-4
• Psalm 9:9-10
• Isaiah 43:18-19

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Find us on INSTAGRAM @i.am.fruitful to receive daily encouragement!

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L is for Loss

So many people stay quiet about loss and miscarriage. We want you to know that you're not alone, that we know it's hard, and that you CAN and WILL get through this.

I remember it felt like the breath got knocked out of me when the (not so friendly) tech told me there was only one heartbeat. There were supposed to be two. Twins. Two boys to be exact. And now there was one. And my heart stopped. It was devastating. That was the first of 3 miscarriages, and I keep my story short because I'm writing this for you, not me. This is to help you through your time of loss and tears, and to help you navigate through it.

Here are a few tips (from a girl who's lost 3 precious babies) on how to get through a miscarriage. It's not all-inclusive. But these ideas may help set you in the right direction. There's light at the end of the tunnel, I promise you. Watch the video for the full content.

TIPS TO GET THROUGH MISCARRIAGE

1. Allow yourself to grieve. Miscarriage is downplayed so much in our culture. It's no wonder since we're living in a time and a place where we discard life like kitchen trash. But because loss of life is so completely downplayed by most of the world, we can feel ashamed for grieving (since, after all, "it's no big deal"). It IS a big deal. Grieve. And don't be ashamed. If you're grieving the loss of an infant, my heart breaks for you. Don't rush your grief or put a time frame on it.
2. Get help if you need it! There's NO shame in this! In fact, I commend you, dear friend!
3. Let this struggle bring you closer to your spouse. Communicate! Tell them what you need, specifically.
4. Receive support from friends and family. When they offer, say yes.
5. Don't lose hope in God or your promise!! God is good, and He is faithful!

“Blessed is she who believed that He would fulfill His promise to her.”

— Luke 1:45

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K is for Know

I'm continuing to (slowly but surely) post up my Fertility A-Z Series from Periscope in the fall. Today, we're on K is for Know! I felt the Lord put 3 "knows" on my heart to discuss, so watch the video to hear what He put on my heart.

1. No one KNOWS how I feel.
2. How do I KNOW I'll get pregnant?
3. Do you KNOW God? Are you seeking to know who He is and who He is in your situation?

Christmas Prayer for the Future Mommy

My heart has been so burdened for future mommy's. I've been seeing so much pain and obvious heartache all over social media, and I feel led to pray for the mother that so deeply desires a child. The woman who is a mommy in her heart, but hasn't held her child yet. I can so vividly recall the same emotions that you are no doubt feeling if you're struggling to conceive- jealousy, confusion, joy, sadness, fear, doubt, anger (this list goes on...and on...).   If you are struggling with infertility or loss, I am praying this prayer for you. I hope you can read this like I've sent you a personal message. Because I have. You are so important. God sees you. He hears you. He has great things in store for you, and He will pull through for you!

“May He make you extremely fruitful!”

— Lauren Bourne

Lord, I thank you so much for this precious woman who so deeply desires to conceive. God you have given her that desire and I ask that you would not be slow in fulfilling your promise to her. God, show her your compassion and wrap her in your arms this holiday season. Catch every tear that falls, and then comfort her in a tangible way. As she sees pictures of families with babies, pregnancy announcements, stockings hung up in a row, and Santa pictures from the mall... as she feels that twinge of longing over and over, would you please give her a peace that surpasses all understanding. Would you show her how to protect her heart and her mind. Give her the tools she needs to not just trudge through this season , but to enjoy this time. Give her something to cling to- a word, a vision, a hope, a picture of her future. Make it clear to her that it's you.

Lord, you have not given this sweeet woman a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. Would you replace her fears with your perfect love. Please show her how to throw that fear, worry, and anxiety right out the window. Show her and put the right people in her life to lift her up and encourage her. When she feels like her hormones, moods, and emotions are out of control- please help her to manage them and give her grace when she can't. If she gets another negative pregnancy result, would you be with her on that day, comfort her, and then give her more hope than she has seen before. Show her husband how to support her as well.

God, as this journey to motherhood has no doubt affected her marriage, would you please raise up her husband as the head of their home. Show him how he can love her and support her and encourage her in ways that show your love for us. Mold him into the leader that you have called him to be. Shape him into the strong man of God that you have placed as the leader of their growing family. Any confusion that has come in, I ask that you would take it away and replace it with peace, clarity, and a sincere understanding. Give them both a renewed sense of longing for each other, a deeply replenished desire, a rekindled romance built on your truth and love. Place mentors and Godly men in her husband's life and then give him ears to hear and a willingness to learn.

Lord, I ask that you would remind this precious woman of the things you've already done for her, and give her the hope she needs to press on. I pray that any thought that is from the enemy would be thrown out and that you would give her the strength to hold every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Any diagnosis she has received- show her what you have to say about it. Make yourself evident as her healer. Lord, if she is struggling with anger, even anger towards you, would you work gently in her heart and reveal to her where you were during the toughest moments. Those moments she was on her knees in tears, those moments she was curled up in a ball crying, those moments she was yelling, and those moments she felt nothing at all. Where were you, Lord? Please show her as she seeks you for answers.  God, I thank you that where any type of confidence has been lost, that you would restore self-esteem, hope, and a complete trust in you. God, if she has had to go through miscarriage or loss of any kind, would you please show her specifically how to pursue healing for her heart, soul, and body. As you put the pieces of her heart together, I pray that her relationship with you and with her husband would be strengthened in the process. I thank you for full and complete emotional healing. Would you show her friends and family how to lift her up and comfort her, how to support her in ways that heal and not make things worse. Give them wisdom about when and how to support her, give them fresh ideas along with the willingness to carry them out.

God, I praise your name. You are so good. You are faithful and I believe you will be faithful in this woman's life. You are jealous, and you desire a deep and intimate relationship with her. Show her what that looks like as she pursues you. I believe you will work gently within her heart and heal the broken pieces, restore lost time, and provide hope for her family's future.

God, make yourself so clear to her. Reveal yourself to her in mighty ways- ways that give her hope for tomorrow, ways that bring her peace, ways that draw her to your side, ways that inspire her desire for more of you. God, would you lavish your favor on her life. Open up doors for her, pour out blessings on her, and bring her into a brighter and more fulfilling season. Prepare her heart for the miracle that you want to perform in her life, in her marriage, in her fertility, and in her family. Lord, I declare that her victory is on the horizon and that anything that is trying to come against that victory will be stopped immediately. Shelter her from the enemy. Give her the best of care, get her out of any trouble, and as she makes YOU her refuge- evil won't be able to get near her. Send your angels to guard and protect her everywhere she goes so they'll catch her anytime she stumbles and keep her from falling. Show her if there is something she needs to address or change, and make it evident what she should do. Lord, show her how to fight, remind her what it looks like to put on the full armor of God, and teach her how to use that armor well! God, you are faithful, you're reliable, you're trustworthy, and you're ever true to your promise!! Show her that she can depend on you, that you are much stronger than anything that she has faced, is facing, or will ever face. Show her how to clothe herself with strength and dignity, how to laugh without fear of her future. Bring her into the victorious and joyful future that you desire for her.

Lord, Your word says, "Blessed is she who believed that He would fulfill His promises to her." So God, please bless her as she believes in you, in your word, in your promises for her future. I pray that you would give her what her heart desires and accomplish all her plans. Transform her barren places into a fertile Eden and make her extremely fruitful!

In Jesus' Mighty Name, Amen!

Jenni's Fertility Boost Smoothie

First of all, YUM! Secondly, yum AND it boosts my fertility?? Count me in.

I have to say thank you to Dr. Jenni Blossom over at BlossomToBeFit for sharing this amazing recipe. If you are intimidated by these ingredients (admittedly, as I was), I highly encourage you to stick with us and give it a try! Go to your local health food store and don't be afraid to ask where things are! That's what I did, and I found everything I needed. It's delicious and can aid in conception!

This is Jennifer Blossom's photo.

Here is a link to Jenni's recipe! And please watch the video from this afternoon!

Jenni generously broke down the fertility health benefits for you below! I want to encourage you to go to the original recipe to see the measurements and amounts for ingredients...

• Frozen Mixed Berries: Excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and prove to be an anti-inflammatory, which helps in creating an optimal environment for the egg.
• Bee Pollen (*do not consume if you have a bee allergy): Helps to boost the immune system, packed full of vitamins + minerals, and helps to enhance conception.
• Frozen Bananas: Packed full of vitamin C, B6, potassium, fiber, folate, and other high nutritional components; helping with hormone regulation and conception.
• Spinach: Zinc, folate acid, iron, antioxidants, and powerful nutrition, helping to support the woman's body AND reproductive system!
• Almond Butter: An excellent choice for omega-3 fatty acids! Almond butter is a "good fat" and helps with brain development (and your baby's!)  and helps to balance out the body.
• Ground Flax: Another excellent source of omega-3s! Great for balancing the body and hormones, along with brain development (for you and your baby!)
• Green Powder (spirulina, chlorella, wheat grass): A power source of energy, vitamins and minerals to help strengthen and enhance your body.
• Almond, Coconut, or Hemp Milk (depending on how creamy you want your smoothie!): An excellent substitute for dairy, and packed full of powerful nutrition!
• Click here for the recipe and to see the last ingredient that is high in antioxidants, vitamins, increases libido, and enhances the reproductive system!

Enjoy your Fertility Smoothie once a day!!

J is for Joy

Continuing our Fertility A-Z Series! Check out this short video! You can skip ahead to about 2 and 1/2 minutes to skip intros.

We're talking about choosing joy, what that looks like, and that it's OKAY to be sad! It's ok to be happy for them and sad for you. Just because you're sad for a day, doesn't mean you're not choosing joy in your season. But what does choosing joy look like?

Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Believe Despite: A Story of Hope, Loss, & Extreme Faith

I sat down the other day with an amazing woman, Elisa Rumbo, who bravely shared her story with me. She struggled through 15 years of infertility, PCOS, 9 miscarriages, the devastating loss of her infant daughter, and yet she believed despite. She believed that the Lord would make her a mother!

If you are struggling with infertility or loss, you HAVE to hear her story. Her perspective is so wise, unique, and encouraging. She will, without a doubt, re-ignite your faith, remind you who our God is, and provide that extra jolt of hope you need to make it through the next hurdle in your own journey.