He dries every tear that falls

It's Worship Wednesday, and man do I need it. I need to worship EVERY day!

This week I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to share Rita Springer's This Blood. It's been a heck of a week, I'll be real. A LOT of emotions this week as my family is facing a horrible situation. A lot of pain and desperation and heartbreak. And as I've been interceding for a situation and just crying out to the Lord and asking a lot of "why" questions, these lyrics keep standing out to me: "He dries every tear that falls."

Your tears are not forgotten. They are all collected by a loving Father. And even when we turn our backs on Him, betray Him, forget Him, don't trust Him (whatever it is)... He is still good. He is still faithful. He still loves us and would give anything, even His son, to bring us close to Him.

Another thing about this song that rocked me this week is the power of the blood! It heals the sick, it finds the lonely, it frees those who are bound!! And that same blood has the power to free the heaviest, thickest, and most tightly bound chains.

So as you worship with us this week, give your burdens over to Him. Cry a few tears if you need to (Lord knows I've cried enough for all of us this week). Worship the Lord and let Him take your chains and your pain and whatever is keeping you bound.

Music video by Rita Springer performing This Blood. (C) 2014 Integrity Music http://vevo.ly/7YmMxx

Lyrics:

There is a blood
That cost a life
That paid my way
Death its price
When it flowed
Down from the cross
My sins were gone
My sins forgot

There is a grave
That tried to hide
This precious blood
That gave me life
In Three Days
He breathed again
And rose to stand in my defense

So I come to tell you He's alive
To tell you that He dries every tear that falls
So I come to tell you that He saves
To shout and to proclaim that He's coming back for you
This Life, This Price, This Blood, This One

There is a Blood
That sights the blind
That Heals the sick
The lonely finds
It has the Power
To free the bound
As chains they fall
Upon the ground

So pour it out and
To cleanse my soul
And let its crimson Glory flow
Because it lives
To make me whole
I owe my life
I owe my soul

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A new program that will greatly impact lives!

Long before we started I Am Fruitful, I would pray for ladies who told me they were having trouble getting pregnant. I'd take a gift when I heard of a miscarriage. I would meet for lunch to help ease a nervous friend's mind about IUI. I would send a text and ask how it's going. It was one friend at a time. And although our ministry has grown, my heart remains the same. I deeply desire to support you on this journey to grow your family. 

We have so many requests for support and prayer, and my personal capacity to pray has reached its cap.

Enter our new Prayer Team!!  

We're so blessed to have a team of people ready and willing to come alongside you in prayer. 

 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God--it is dynamic and can have tremendous power].”

‭‭JAMES‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭AMP‬‬

Many issues can arise while dealing with delayed fertility or the loss of a baby- financial strain, marriage issues, health problems, emotional stress, procedures and tests, adoption processes. The list goes on! 

Let us know how we can support you! 

Submit your prayer need http://www.iamfruitful.org/prayerrequests

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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Lord, send someone else!

 “But Moses again pleaded, 'Lord, please! Send anyone else.'” Exodus‬ ‭4:13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Oh my! So much to think on here!! How often do we wish God would call, appoint, or send someone else?? How often do we wish He would give us a different battle to fight, a different dream to fulfill, a different group of people to lead. How often do we tell God that someone else could do this better??

I know I've been there. The first time I did a live video I was terrified. I still get nervous, thinking I'm not qualified. What if I get it wrong? What if I mess up? What if they don't respond? What if xyz doesn't happen? 

And I remember very clearly wishing I didn't have to go through our battle with infertility. Why us? I thought, "I'm not strong enough or brave enough." And so often I wondered how much longer I could handle it. 

Well I want to encourage you that if God has asked something of you, He knows you can do it! He will equip you to do it and to get through this season!! He will send people to help you!! So change your attitude to "Send me!! Use ME!! Change what needs to be changed!!"

Because if you don't... He might just find somebody else...  

My friends- you have great purpose! You are stronger than you think!! God is faithful and He has great plans for you!! Don't be afraid of them. 

Do what you LOVE! Love what you do!

It's our ministry's anniversary week, so I'm naturally reflective of this last year.    There have been so many ups, and there have been a few downs. There have been days of crazy excitement as God has downloaded ideas, helped us process plans, laid foundations, and opened doors.

I remember the first donation. I remember vividly the first time I went live on Periscope- complete and utter terror. I remember all the friends who cheered me on and supported me... and continue to! I remember the first Instagram post and thinking, "Is anyone even going to see this?"

There were days I almost quit. There were so many of those days. Days where I was made aware of yet another miscarriage. Days where I let the sad stories get the best of me. Days where I didn't think I was doing a good job and didn't feel qualified. Days where I allowed others opinions to creep in and impact my spirit. Days where I didn't know how we were going to pay for things. I was terrified when we began this ministry. What if I said the wrong thing? What if I failed? What would happen to my heart?

But let me tell you... There were mostly days where I couldn't even wrap my mind around how blessed I am in this season of ministry. The excitement of starting something so impactful has been amazing. I experience so much joy every single time I get a message from one of you saying, "I haven't told anyone yet, but I'm pregnant and HAD to tell you!" I'm so humbled and honored when I'm told that this community has helped you through the most difficult time of your life and that you've grown in the midst of it because ofthe support  you've received. 

Most of the days this past year, my jaw was to my chest because I was in awe of the unexpected things God was doing- The healings, the miracles, the pregnancies, the restore marriages, the freedom! Jaw dropping stuff.  

Occassionally I want to quit. It's hard work! This takes so much time and effort and resources... and a spirit that HAS to remain filled up!  

But friends... I'm doing what I love and I absolutely LOVE what I do. I love this growing community. I love this area of the human heart, this overwhelming desire to become parents, and I love encouraging you in this season!  What we thought would be simply "fueling up hope" in couples who are trying to conceive has turned into so much more. 

Thank you for coming alongside us as we continue to seek the Lord on how to best support you! If the Lord is asking you to do something, if He's stirring your heart for someone... do what He's asking you! Will it be hard? Probably. Will you need help? Yes. Will you want to quit? Most likely. But if you do what He asks you to do in life, you end up getting the opportunity to do what you love and you will absolutely love what you do. That's the amazing thing about God. He can mold and change our hearts to fit his. He can shape our desires to match what He wants us to have. And it's always better than what we plan for ourselves. 

Happy 1 Year Anniversary I Am Fruitful!! More celebrating to come!  

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Free NIAW Graphics!

Hi friends!! If you know me, you know that my husband and I Struggled to conceive all our kiddos (2 on earth and 3 in Heaven). Infertility hits home with me because we spent so many years "in the thick of it." From labels to diagnoses to miscarriage... It was a HARD journey.  

National Infertility Awareness Week is April 24-30 this year, and to help bring awareness to infertility, we've created these free graphics for you to use on social media! Just save, then upload to Instagram or wherever you hangout!

I have one reservation about this whole NIAW. I feel like we could easily get bogged down by the word "infertility." But I want to encourage you that just because you don't have a child yet, does not mean you are infertile yet! We serve a miracle-working God! If you know me by now, you know what's coming next- confess life over your situation and say "I am fruitful." God told us to "be fruitful and multiply!" He desires for us to make babies and grow our families and serve Him through it all!

You'll notice that a couple of the graphics actually say "I am fruitful." This is for ladies who have had children and also for those who have not! This is a confession, a change in perspective, a decision about who you are. Feel free to use #iamfruitful in your post.  Let's support each other, encourage each other, and raise awareness together!

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I is for "Infertility" the word

"Words kill, words give life. They're either poison or fruit- you choose." Proverbs 18:21

What are you confessing over your life, situation, family, and fertility? Are your words killing or giving life?? Are they poison or fruit??

Do you call yourself "infertile?" Do you say you are dealing with "infertility?" If so, how often? A lot of us have a stock answer ready for everyone who asks us when we want to have kids, why we don't have kids, Why there's not a sibling yet, etc. It's easy to say "I'm infertile" or "We're dealing with infertility." I want to challenge you to reconsider your vocabulary. Watch the video below for some tips and suggestions for how to change what you say! Feel free to skip ahead to about 2.5min to avoid intros, etc.

Continue saying "I am fruitful!"

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.

D is for Doubt

When I was in the middle of my fertility crisis, there were days I thought I could conquer the world... days I knew FOR SURE that we would get pregnant. Then, there were days that I felt doubt creep in...days I heard the enemy speaking through my thoughts, "I might never get pregnant," "what if I'm never a mom," "there's something wrong with me."

Well my husband and I decided one day to stop asking for our promises in a half-hearted, doubtful way, and to begin claiming the promises of God instead! We began thanking God in advance for the things we didn't see, and man, was that powerful. Please watch the 5 minute clip below for the original video.

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's a great time to begin thanking the Lord for the things you don't see happening yet, for the things you're trusting God for, for the baby you're hoping for. And, of course, fill your mind with truth and not lies by reading the word of God and tossing negative thoughts as far away as you can. Our thoughts are SO powerful, and can affect your health, emotions, and fertility!!

“When we implant God’s word into our minds through our thinking, we fill our brains with the powerful environmental influence of God’s love, which directly impacts our mental and physical health in a positive direction. Talk about a sound mind!”

— Dr. Caroline Leaf

Anytime doubt begins to creep in, anytime you begin thinking, "what if God doesn't do what He said He would," or "God is good but probably won't pull through for me," remind yourself who God is.

God is faithful. God is Holy. God is your Redeemer. God is merciful. God is your refuge and rock. He's your shield and your strength. God is your help. The Bible says He fights our battles for us. God is the one who comforts you. He's righteous. He's full of compassion. God is GOOD, and He will be good in your situation and your life. Don't doubt who He is or that He will be who He is in YOUR life and YOUR situation.

Say "I am Fruitful!!"