The End of Jealousy

My best friend’s mom was in liver failure. I watched as Laura flew back and forth from Maryland to Indiana time after time to be with her mom in the hospital. Day after day, week after week, Laura gave me updates on her mom’s progress. Better one day – and she would come home. Worse the next – and she would consider flying back. She took weeks off work and eventually arranged to work remotely.

Laura was also dealing with a challenging second pregnancy. I normally felt a sting of jealousy about a friend’s pregnancy. I tried to fight against the envy and resulting bitterness, but it was a constant challenge. This one situation was a catalyst of drastic change for me.

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Will you join me on Held to read the rest of this post? Oh, thank you!

More and Less

I had to pull the car off the road for fear of crashing into a tree or running off the winding road. The tears were falling hard and fast, leaving hot red tracks down my face. I let the sobs come as I put my car in park, allowing the grief to just be for a moment.

Dear Lord, why won’t you take away this desire if you will not fulfill it? It isn’t a bad desire. It isn’t selfish. After all, you fulfill this for most people. Why won’t you let me be a mom?

After a few minutes, I got out of my car and opened the back door so I could reach the box of tissues. Blotting my wet face I prayed,

Please change my desire, Lord. I know you can do that. You can change the desires of my heart (Psalm 37:4). I can’t take this anymore. I’m so alone. None of my friends or family understand, and I don’t hear your voice. Where are you?

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Will you join me on Held to read the rest of this post? Oh, thank you!

Friday Five

1. The post over at Held today is awesome and funny. Check it out here.

2. I can't think of anything to talk about.

3. Work was busy with lots o stuff and activities.

4. I am very excited for upcoming vacation. Very.

5. It rained a little bit last night, and I'm hoping it rains this afternoon. We really need the rain. Also, I love the sound of rain.

What question breaks your heart?

I think we all have at least one question that hurts to answer. For a single person it might be, “Are you married?” or “Are you dating anyone?” For someone unemployed the question may be, “Where do you work?”

For an infertile person the question is…

”Do you have children?”

Gulp. Don’t burst into tears, Rachel.

“No.”

There is a pause from the other person, as she wonders how to respond...

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Will you join me on Held today to read the rest?

Identity?

A few years ago I found myself asking the same question over and over again. Who am I if I am not, and never will be, a mother? My identity had gotten almost entirely wrapped up around my infertility. I was allowing it to rule.

God slowly showed me that I need to find my identity in him and in what he says about me. That began a beautiful journey of discovery that made me a much stronger and more self-assured woman.

My friend, Thelma, is writing a series on this at Held. Will you join us in this journey of discovering our identities in Christ?

Series Introduction: Lies and Truth

A Mother's Day Letter

Today can be difficult for many, including women longing for children. It is for this reason that I wrote a letter that is featured on Held today.

Grab your coffee, a few tissues, and a prayerful heart and head on over by clicking on the button below.





I also want to share a fabulous free resource with you. Holley Gerth has written a resource called When Mother's Day is Difficult and has it available on her blog to download.

Friday Five

1. There is some kind of wedding that is a big deal going on today or something. What could it be? Man, I wish I could remember what it is.

2. I ate some of these babies this week - Weight Watchers Dark Chocolate Raspberry mini bars - SO GOOD! Soooooo good. ♥ Just 2 little points. Go to the store. Buy them. You can thank me later.

3. We were really lucky not to get the awful tornadoes in our area this week. There were a few tornado sitings, but we didn't have that much destruction. Speaking of weather, it's supposed to be gorgeous the whole weekend. I. Can't. Wait.

4. I am excited to tell you that Holley Gerth is guest posting at Held today. :)

5. Apparently, I don't have much to talk about today. Or maybe my brain is just tired from the busy work week. So, guess that's all I've got for this week. Have a great weekend!

Exciting new things

I have two great blogs to share with you today.
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1. As you may have already read, I am blessed to be part of a wonderful team at Hannah’s Prayer Ministries that is launching a new blog, Held, today. I am so excited!

I pray that this new ministry touches many hearts. We hope to bring community, comfort, friendship, growth, acceptance, and laughter to each person that reads. Will you join us?
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2. I am honored to say that my sweet friend, Jenni Saake, is featuring today me on her blog, Given Me A Thorn. Will you join us there to learn about contentment?

Inside Scoop!

I have something wonderful and exciting to share with you, sweet bloggie friends.

It’s very exciting!
Did I say that already?
Well, it bears repeating.
It’s that good!

Are you ready?
Here’s a hint.
Click on the Held button over on the right.

The ladies at Hannah’s Prayer Ministries have been hard at work creating a new blog, Held. One that will offer support and comfort, as well as education. The launch of Held is ten short days away.

Will you join us?
Will you follow our blog?
We would love to have you.