When Miscarriage Shakes Our Faith (In The Everyday)

I'm so honored to have been asked by Sarah Eslinger to write for In The Everyday – a gorgeous blog run by 3 wives, mothers, and writers who have created a place that encourages women to live their lives in a way that points back to Christ and brings Him glory. I'm blessed to know Sarah personally, and she has truly inspired and motivated me in so many areas of my life and my walk with the Lord. If you haven't already, you should check them out!

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In this article, I share about asking God tough questions, protecting our identities, and praising God despite our circumstances– and how those 3 things propelled me into a deeper relationship with the Lord during my miscarriages. 

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My season of miscarriages and delayed fertility was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through.  It’s a heavy topic, but I want to start by saying that there’s nothing that cannot be revived in your life, and nothing is wasted if we allow God into those heavy places. Asking difficult questions, claiming your identity, and praising God are all crucial when going through miscarriage and infant loss, and I’m so honored to be able to share my experience with you.

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Did you know we're publishing an adult coloring book for infant loss and miscarriage? Check it out below.

Coloring Book

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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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. 

Seasons

 “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭1:3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The same day that I put out my fall decor last weekend, we went to a water park. Oh Texas and your heat!! But this time of year has me thinking a lot about seasons, their beauty, and their purpose. 

We have this tree in our front yard. It's got these gorgeous bright green leaves. On half the tree. It's a thorn in our side. We're always explaining it away to neighbors and visitors. We have done everything we can to bring that big guy back to life. I actually get excited when it starts losing its leaves in fall because then no one knows it's half-dead. I'm sure it began dying during one of our hot summers in a drought. Poor guy didn't get enough water. But it is definitely not fruitful. 

Here's what the Message version of that scripture  I shared earlier says: 

“How well God must like you— you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon, you don’t slink along Dead-End Road, you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College. Instead you thrill to GOD ’s Word, you chew on Scripture day and night. You’re a tree replanted in Eden, bearing fresh fruit every month, Never dropping a leaf, always in blossom.”

‭‭I don't know about you but I'd much rather be a tree that's always in blossom! So how do we do that? How do we BE that??

We spend time with the Holy Spirit. With living water. And He will make us bloom. He will show us, teach us, inspire us to produce fruit. You know what the verse before that says?? “But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night." (AMPC) Pick a life-giving scripture and meditate on it. Ask God questions about it, journal it, memorize it! It will produce fruit in you. You will be making good use of this wilderness and be one day closer to your promised land. 

Would you rather... ?

This all started from a silly game of "Would you rather" that we played at my ladies small group yesterday. You know, questions like "Would you rather go about your day naked or fall asleep for a year?" We really got to know each other this week. And because of that this game, I've been thinking a lot about choices.  Then this-

I'm at the gym on a machine which I don't know the name of and that I am probably doing completely wrong. All the Personal Trainers, Health Coaches, and Fitness Gurus probably want to come over and give me a lesson and set me straight. Thank Jesus that my husband didn't see this mess. But I'm trying my hardest, as precious as it all looks, to crank out a stellar workout in the short time that I have. You know... So my kids aren't acting like hungry little cave people when I go to pick them up from childcare. Yes. Kids do that. 

So I'm on this nameless contraption, out of breath, sweating in obnoxious places but feeling GOOD. You're welcome for the visual of how I feel.

I look over and see two ladies on stationary bikes going just a few mph. One was sidetracked by a little bright screen. The other was reading a book, let's just call her Romance Novel. They were going slowwwwwwww. And the Holy Spirit dropped this thought in my mind so clearly. I would rather spend 20 minutes on Nameless Contraption giving it my all and looking a fool than spend an hour going 5mph on a stationary bike.

Let me be real- Romance Novel was actually Great-Gran. She probably shouldn't be going much faster. And Distracting Screen was probably changing her world with a first class blog post. Who knows. I shouldn't judge. I hope I can still climb onto a bike when I am old enough to have great-grandchildren. 

But guys- here's what the Holy Spirit showed me next! He would rather us spend 5 minutes in His presence than an hour mindlessly reading a devo simply to check it off our lists! 

It's ALL about His presence, my friends. Quiet times are so important. They really are. I crave those hour-long chunks of precious time spent with my Savior. We need them daily! But what about those days when life gets away from you and you have a choice to either slowly trudge your feet around the pedals for a while or go hard for just a few moments. So often we choose neither and just don't do it altogether. We allow distraction and romance novels (Facebook much?) to distract us from what He has for us if we'll just show up and pursue Him with EVERYTHING we have.  

So my challenge to you? Allow God's presence to change you from the inside out DAILY. Even if it's for 5 minutes.  

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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50 Incredible Promises from the Psalms!

I am so excited to share this incredible list of 50 promises from Psalms.

These are for those who seek and fear the Lord, for those who love His Word and commit their way to Him. 

When you're struggling with infertility, emotions can get the best of you. I truthfully set out to make a tiny list to share on one of my videos to encourage and bring hope. (You can join us live HERE if you turn on your notifications) Well, I got started and the list grew and grew. Then, I thought, ok, I'll stop at 30. I ended up including 20 more chapters! I could have finished all 150 Psalms, but I work during naptime- so there's that. I hope you will cling to these promises and really chew on this scripture!

Here's a not-so-short list of things to expect from our amazing Father:

• 1:3 you will produce fruit in the right season
• 1:3 you will always be in blossom 
• 1:3 in all you do you will prosper
• 3:3 God will lift your head
• 3:5 rest
• 4:1 relief when in distress
• 4:3 He hears when you call
• 4:8 peace when you sleep and safety
• 5:12 blessings and favor
• 9:9-10 a safe house, a sanctuary during bad times
• 10:17 He hears your desires
• 10:17 a strengthened heart
• 14:7 restored fortune (God will turn life around for you)
• 16:6 a beautiful inheritance
• 16:8 you will not be shaken
• 16:11 fullness of joy, pleasures forevermore
• 18:1 strength
• 18:2 God is your rescuing knight
• 18:17 rescued from your strong enemy
• 18:18 support
• 18:18 light in your darkness
• 18:30 a shield
• 18:32 you are equipped with strength
• 21:2 your hearts desire
• 21:3 rich blessings
• 23:2 lush meadows, still waters
• 23:3 restored soul (mind, will, and emotions)
• 23:6 goodness and mercy
• 23:6 dwelling with God
• 25:13 your soul will abide in well-being (settle down in a promising place)
• 25:13 your kids will have a great inheritance 
• 28:7 you will be helped
• 30:2 healing
• 30:5 a lifetime of favor
• 30:5 joy comes in the morning
• 30:11 mourning turned into dancing
• 32:7 a place to hide and preserve you from trouble
• 34:4 answers
• 34:4 delivered from your fears
• 34:10 you will not lack any good thing
• 37:4 desires of your heart
• 37:5 God will act for you
• 37:23 if you stumble or fall, you won't be down for long
• 37:37 there is a future for the man of peace
• 40:2 God will pull you out of the pit of the ditch, then put you on solid rock so you won't slip
• 41:3 restored to full health when we're sick
• 46:1 a very present help in trouble
• 46:5 you will not be moved
• 47:4 a chosen heritage
• 50:23 salvation
  

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1 Amazing Thing That Happens When We Overcome Fear

I hope you have seen a breakthrough in your life as we've gone through this short series on fear! You can catch all the videos HERE! And, of course, if you missed any of the posts, check them out here:

I'm so stinking excited to share what I've recently learned about victory over fear. This is from the Bill Johnson sermon from the post 9 Sermons to Help Overcome Fear, where he teaches us what happens when we have victory over fear! This rocked my world. Seriously.

Phil 1:27-28 ESV

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God."

The message version says, “Your courage and unity will show them what they’re up against: defeat for them, victory for you—and both because of God.”

And this is what Bill Johnson said in his message, “Everytime you and I are victorious over a fear issue, what is broadcast over the PA of hell or the powers of darkness is pending doom, absolute eternal judgement and they try to get you to fear so they don’t have to think about what’s coming. That’s what victory over fear does!! It announces what’s coming their way.”

What?! Holy cow, yes. The enemy doesn't want to have to think about their own depressing and horrifying eternity... so they want us to fear instead. It takes their minds off their own prisons. And when we have victory over our fear- it's broadcast over the loudspeakers of hell and they remember what's coming for them.

We have the victory in Christ. Fix your eyes on Him, and you will have the victory!

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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

A Printable from Proverbs 31 Ministries

I came across this today, and just had to share it with you! It's a free printable from Proverbs 31 Ministries: 5 Things to Remember While You Wait on God! They created this for when you feel you're in the middle of a delay. 

Click HERE to download!

If you don't follow this ministry- start now! Lisa Terkeurst will fuel you up, inspire you, and push you to a new level with the Lord!

Proverbs 31 Ministries

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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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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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