Picture of the Day

As much as I Iove to write, (or try to) or find enjoyment reading a good book, where the words are so eloquently strung together, there is just something about a photograph! I thought I'd post some pictures I've taken that caught my eye. At times what I see reminds me of God's love for me or encourages me on this barren road. Hope they'll bring a little brightness into your day too!

Most photos I or my husband have taken are from our travels or just in the front yard. This one on in particular was taken in the Texas Hill Country last spring. We were traveling down the highway and I saw it and said, "Larry stop! Go back, I see something!" capturing it from the car window. You just never know what you'll find out on the country roads!

They say "A picture is worth a thousand words."

What about YOU? I'd love to hear how pictures inspire you. Do you see something in God's creation that reminds you not to give up? Or encourages you on this fertility journey?

Feel free to post a comment!

Life is good, have a fabulous day! Get out and enjoy it!

Lesli

Monday Morning Prayer

Monday Morning Prayer

~AGE~

Well, today is my birthday! As you can see from the picture I started eating my birthday cake! No need for a knife to cut a slice, just a fork! It's gone now and boy was it good!

So with that being said, it made me think of 'age'. For some, how old you are really does a number on them! (No pun intended.) But for me, truly I don't think of my 'age' or the thought of being one year older. I'm sure it's due to the fact that I married a man who still thinks he's still a teenager!

However, I am well aware how age affects fertility. How we race against this 'biological clock' of ours. I would be lying to say I don't think about it, from time to time I do. Just yesterday I imagined what it would be like if I were to awaken today, my birthday, hearing the glee of little toddler saying, "Happy Birthday, Momma!" with a sloppy, wet kiss. Or a teenager, in their busyness giving a quick embrace. My daydreaming no longer comes with dashed hopes though. And it's all because of Jesus, they greatest gift I receive every day.

For some of you, this may be hard to grasp, to experience another birthday or the fact Jesus can take away your sorrow, disappointment and grief. Yet I am here today to say on my birthday, "Yes He Can!" What He has and does for me, He can and will do for you! He is no respecter of persons, He loves you like He loves me! (In fact I think He loves you a little bit more! smiles)

I want to leave you not only with a prayer for your age and fertility issues, but with an excerpt from one of my favorite books, The Greatest Miracle in the Word, by Og Mandino. An inspirational, fictional story with an attached God Memorandum.

Today may not be your birthday, but TODAY is a gift! Open up and discover what's on the inside!

THE GOD MEMORANDUM

TO: You

FROM: GOD

This is your birthday. This is your new date of birth. Your first life, like unto a play of the theatre, was only a rehearsal. This time the curtain is up. This time the world watches and waits to applaud. This time you will not fail.

Light your candles. Share your cake. Pour the wine. You have been reborn.

Like a butterfly from its chrysalis you will fly...fly as high as you wish, and neither the wasps nor dragonflies nor mantids shall obstruct your mission or your search for the true riches of life.

Feel my hand upon thy head.

Attend to my wisdom.

Let me share with you, again, the secret you heard at your birth and forgot.

You are my greatest miracle.

You are the greatest miracle in the world.

Prayer for AGE

“Heavenly Father, my biological clock is ticking, as if You didn’t know. As each month passes I feel that I am racing against that clock. Even the doctors speak of the impossibility of bearing children at my age. But I praise You for Your Word, which has not left me hopeless! In Your Word I witness the creative power through the lives of Sarah and Elizabeth who bore children in their old age. Jesus, You say ‘you are the same yesterday, today and forever’. If You did it for them so many years ago, today, I believe You can do it for me! As You say, ‘nothing is impossible for You!’ Thank you, for working possibility into my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Genesis 17:17, Psalm 92:12-15, Luke 1:7,24, 37 Hebrews 13:8

Fertility Fact Friday

For the next couple of Fertility Fact Friday’s we will address the question, “Am I honoring God in the infertility process?” These questions are taken from the book, Hannah’s Hope by Jennifer Saake. The book is an excellent resource for personal use or to use in a small group or support group setting. I highly recommend it.

Am I Honoring God?, Pt. 1

Questions to Consider:

Are you and your spouse “thoroughly equipped” to make the choices in line with scriptural principles?

Do you know the Bible well enough to know how options are addressed? If not, it is time to get into the Word and find out. If you have studied, and find that your specific issue is not addressed, what principles can you apply as you ask the Lord to give you wisdom and direction?

Am I treating my body in a God-honoring manner?

If my body belongs to the Lord, I must prayerfully consider the consequences of all that I do to and with this vessel. Educate yourself! Yet, be careful what you allow your soul to consume. There is no sin in receiving medical intervention. The key to seeking medical aid is staying within God-honoring parameters. While medical assistance, in and of itself, is not ungodly, the Lord may call you personally to “be still”, making intentional decisions not to pursue reproductive technology. Always be led by peace.

Are we honoring our marriage vow and God’s desire for a mutually submissive, loving partnership?

This is most important! “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure.” Hebrews 13:4 If either of us feels a betrayal of our commitment to one another on any level, this is not a direction we should pursue.

Are we using good stewardship?

God already owns all my money, time, abilities and resources. What I have is a gift from Him. Is my pursuit of a child honoring His blessings, or squandering what I have been given?

Monday Morning Prayer

In my experience leading an infertility support group, I come across many women who have some element of shame or guilt from the inability to conceive. Also, many of these women fight condemnation not only internally but externally from others. God did not intend for you to walk around with this weight upon your shoulders.

Take note of what He says to you in His Word:

"I will rejoice greatly in the Lord,

My soul will exult greatly in my God;

For He has clothed me with garments of salvation.

As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,

And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Isaiah 61:10

Child of God you are beautiful! Take off the weight, the cloak of shame, guilt and condemnation and put on His robe of righteousness today. Reading the scriptures below will help renew your mind. Pray and simply believe God.

Prayer for Shame, Guilt or Condemnation

“Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have given your Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all my sins; past, present and future. Father, I draw near to You with a sincere heart in confidence, believing that I have been cleansed from a guilty conscience. My fertility challenges have caused me to feel as if I am wearing a cloak of shame, guilt, and condemnation, but I choose to put on your royal robe of righteousness which You graciously give. As I place my trust in you, knowing that I am your child, I praise You, that I will never be condemned or put to shame.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Isaiah 61:10, Psalm 25:2, 32:5, Romans 8:1-2, 10:11, Hebrews 10:22

Fertility Fact Friday

"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..." Hosea 4:6

It's not enough to pray and ask God for a child. You have to be proactive in learning how your body works and taking care of yourself.

Here are some helpful tips!

1) A woman's cycle can be anywhere from 21-42 days.

2) If you have taken Deprovera as birth control it takes your body longer time to wash out this drug before you are able to conceive.

3) Take at least 400mcg of Folic Acid every day. This decreases the chance for neuro tubal defects. Don’t wait until after conception to start taking prenatal vitamins. It is important to have this at time of conception.

4) Active lifestyle, exercise and eating healthy are a key to conception and a healthy pregnancy.

5) Avoid Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil and Aleve. It can affect ovulation.

Monday Morning Prayer

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions!

A Prayer for you:

DECISIONS

“Heavenly Father, I thank You that You have the perfect plan to bring about a family in my life. Father, I am faced with so many decisions, the decision to _________________ ___________________ . I ask You to instruct me and teach me in the way I should go. As Your eye is upon me, counsel me along this fertility journey. Since You have consecrated life before it is born, I pray for Your help in my decisions to uphold the sanctity of life. Thank You Father, for leading me in peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 32:8

He Sees, He Cares

One day last summer, I was asked by my dear friend, JoAnn to babysit all four of her boys, seven years and younger. Yikes! Seriously though, it went well and I enjoyed my time with them immensely!

As we were sitting eating our sandwiches, the eldest, Matthew, whom I call 'my little friend', looked up at me intently and with his mouth partially full of PB&J said, "Aunt Lesli, why don't you have kids?"

I replied, "Well Matthew, I am waiting on God to give them to me. I just keep asking and praying."

I looked down at my sandwich and let out a sigh, in that moment, in a split second, I had a choice; to allow a lead weight to sink into my heart (again) OR to ponder and take thought to what was said.

To BELIEVE from the mouth of a seven year old, that there is Jesus, who sees and cares for you and I.

It’s in moments like these I am drawn to Him and His Word. It refreshes me and keeps me focused upon the journey ahead.

Allow me to share with you what He says to us...

He sees...

"You are the God who sees me." Genesis 16:13

"For He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens." Job 28:24

He cares...

"He cares for those who trust Him." Nahum 1:7


"that because God cares, cares right down to the last detail." James 5:10

"He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." I Peter 5:7 MSG

Notice the key words: sees everything, cares, detail, affectionately and watchfully. So much so, He reminded me again of His love from ‘my little friend’, Matthew.

I hugged my dear friend, JoAnn and kissed her children ‘good-bye’, bidding them farewell. As I was getting into my car, I heard a little voice coming from behind me. Turning around I saw ‘my little friend’, Matthew stepping out from his siblings. Walking in the scorching Texas heat in his socks, with arms opened wide he said, "Good-bye Aunt Lesli, I love you!" embracing me with another hug.

Can you capture from this experience the vision of a loving and caring God, your Heavenly Father? Each day, at almost every moment, we have a choice. My sister and brother, He has not forsaken you! This simple story shows how He sees deeply and cares for us intimately!

I encourage you to believe this today!

Sharing with you Christ’s love,

Lesli

Fertility Fact Friday

Is infertility just a woman’s issue?

· There is a misnomer referring to infertility as a female related problem, yet that is further from the truth. The breakdown of statistics show to be about 40 percent diagnosed with female factor, 40% diagnosed with male factor and 20% diagnosed with unexplained infertility or a combination of both female and male factor infertility.

· I like what author Melissa Ford states in her book, Navigating the Land of IF. “Due to your partner’s infertility diagnosis, I beg you to tread lightly, knowing that those who hold the diagnosis usually hold a great deal of shame. Make sure you clearly differentiate anger with the situation from anger at the person, and clearly support your partner in seeing infertility as a problem you share together.

No matter if one or both of you are diagnosed with infertility, support for one other is crucial. It is vital! One cannot walk this barren road alone. Below are some scriptures to ponder:

“Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” Isaiah 50:7

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

Monday Morning Prayer

Happy Labor Day for all who live in the States! I hope you truly have a day of rest, fun and relaxation, no work or stress today! Thankful for Jesus Christ who did 'the work' on the Cross for us by taking our sins, shame and sicknesses so we can be free.

Today's Prayer: HEALING

“Heavenly Father, I thank You that You sent your Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for me. Your Son dying was not in vain, but proved great benefits for me - the forgiveness of all my sin, past, present and future and the healing of all my diseases. Thank you that all of my fertility issues and/or sterility issues with my spouse are not difficult for You or any other defect within my body! You tell me in Your Word that by Your great power and outstretched arm that nothing is too hard for You. I praise You for Your healing virtue in my life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Exodus 15:26, Psalm 103:1-3, Isaiah 53:5, Jeremiah 32:17, James 5:16

Support Groups Meeting this Week!

Do you live in Texas? In the cities of Amarillo or Houston? There are two Christian Infertility Support Groups meeting this week!

Amarillo - Hillside Christian Church

For women struggling with infertility or miscarriage. Meets Wednesdays beginning September 1st, tonight at 6:30pm, in Room 402. We will be reading and discussing the book Hannah's Hope by Jennifer Saake. Contact leader, Valerie Noggle for more info. 6100 Soncy, Amarillo, Tx., 806-457-4900.

Houston - Lakewood Church

H.O.P.E. ~ Hearts Of Promise & Expectation for Women meeting Thursday, September 2nd, 7pm in the New Beginnings Room, 2nd floor. Open to women experiencing infertility, secondary infertility, multiple miscarriages and failed adoption attempts. Come and receive comfort for your broken heart, prayer to encourage you and support from others. Contact hope@lakewood.cc for more info. 3700 Southwest Frwy., Houston, Tx., 713-6354154.