Tag: fertility

Conceived by Grace Pregnancy Journal

Don’t Give Up on God’s Promises

Posted on by Evangeline

Are you feeling like you want to give up on God’s promises of fertility? You’ve got to find ways to hold tightly to them so that you don’t give up.

In the Bible, the fourth chapter of Romans tells us how Abraham believed God’s words. God had promised him an heir through his wife Sarah. This divine promise was fulfilled through grace because Abraham had faith in what God had promised. Abraham is a great example of believing what God said. Here’s what the Romans 4:18 TPT says:

Against all odds, when it looked hopeless, Abraham believed the promise and expected God to fulfill it. He took God at his word, and as a result he became the father of many nations. God’s declaration over him came to pass.

If you are feeling discouraged about your fertility, I’ve got good news! I’m planning an event that will bless you. It will encourage you to maintain hope that you will conceive by grace.

When the world shouts, “Give up!”, hope whispers, “Try one more time.”

This online event will be on Saturday, August 22, 2020. No matter where you live in the world, you can view this as long as you have internet capability. So take a moment right now and pencil me in on your calendar. We’re busy creating lots of things that will provide hope if you have experienced infertility, miscarriage, or infant loss. It’s all centered around holding tightly to God’s promises so that you expect victory!

I’ll share more details soon!

Will God Fail to Fulfill His Promises?

Posted on by Evangeline

Has God failed to fulfill his promises? This question is asked and answered by Paul in Romans 9:6-9 to drive home a very important point—that God has NOT failed to fulfill His promises.

“Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God’s people!  Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too.  This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children.  For God had promised, “I will return about this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

It doesn’t matter whether it’s God’s promises of fertility, of good health, of prosperity, or of protection. He always keeps all of His promises.

Have you questioned that point? I have from time to time. But I always remind myself that He is indeed a promise keeper! In my laundry room, I’m reminded  of what a good promise keeper He is by a poster I made many years ago…

 

Believe His Promises

 

Promises

So what promise have you pinpointed in God’s Word that you’re waiting on Him to fulfill? Make a decision to remind yourself that His promises have a zero failure rate. That’s right, none of God’s promises have failed. Scripture assures us of this in 1 Kings 8:56 and other passages as well (like Isaiah 45:19).

 

Promise Keeper

 

How will you remind yourself of God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises so that, no matter what, you have confidence in them and hold on tightly to them?

Make a decision to remind yourself that God's promises have a zero failure rate. That's right, NONE of His promises have failed! Click To Tweet
7 fertility faith actions

7 Actions You Can Take to Build Your Faith for Fertility

Posted on by Evangeline

I recognize that faith is not always easy to execute. Sometimes we need faith-boosters–especially when dealing with dark/difficult circumstances in life, like infertility.

Here are seven actions you can take to boost your confidence in God’s promises of fertility. Be intentional about taking Scripture-based actions as you prepare for pregnancy and parenthood. Do them and you’ll increase your faith that His fertility promises are true for YOU.

7 Actions to Build Your Faith

  1. Speak God’s Word daily. Find scriptures that are directly related to overcoming infertility and speak them out loud. Decide that because you are made in God’s image you will do as God does…declaring the desired end results from the beginning of a matter (Isaiah 46:9, 10). Nothing is too hard for Him so speak His Word into any dark circumstances so that LIFE and LIGHT can be brought into them (Job 22:28).
  2. Pray together. If you haven’t already, pray together with your husband, asking God to make hubby’s sperm healthy and motile, your uterus ready for impregnation, to have a healthy and safe pregnancy, and to deliver a healthy baby. Ask to become wise and godly parents from the beginning. And then, get together to pray prayers of thanksgiving often, trusting that God has heard your request and answered it (Psalm 138:3; Philippians 4:6-7).
  3. Prepare your body:Get a health check-up from your doctor or health care professional. If you already have weight-caused health issues, execute a plan to help you get to a healthy weight. Begin to take prenatal vitamins, especially a formula that includes folic acid. Eliminate sources of caffeine in what you eat and drink. Some studies have shown that caffeine intake may affect fertility. Eat more healthy foods—leafy vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and lean protein. Eliminate smoking cigarettes/marijuana. Eliminate all alcoholic beverages. Begin an exercise routine to strengthen your muscles. Learn how to do Kegel exercises and do them consistently to strengthen your pelvic muscles for a vaginal delivery.  ***(This is not medical advice. These are general suggestions applicable to most people.  You should consult a health care professional for advice that is specific to your needs.)***
  4. Watch your words. When you’re having conversations and hear yourself mention something negative about the status of your fertility, make a course correction! Use what I call “the Holy BUT”. In English grammar, the word “but” implies that you’re negating what was said previously. You may have said something like,”We’ve been trying for long! Seems like we’ll never get pregnant.” You can course-correct and say, “I may not be pregnant “BUT” God said that none shall be barren and that includes me” (Exodus 23:26).
  5. Take Communion regularly at your home. You can take communion at home as well as at church. As you receive communion, remember your faith works by love (Galatians 5:6). Be ever conscious of God’s love for you. Jesus died so that you can live in His righteousness knowing that you have been made a worthy recipient of the Father’s unconditional and unending love, kindness, grace, and goodness. Jesus’ body was broken so that yours can be whole!
  6. Consistently speak God’s Word without fear and doubt. When fear and doubt come knocking at the door of your mind, repel them with gratitude. Take a moment to thank God for what He has done for you through Jesus’ finished work on the cross and through His resurrection (Ephesians 2:6).
  7. Pray in advance that all of your children will choose at a young age to accept Jesus. Pray that all of your children will be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led.

For a deeper dive into Scriptural encouragement about your fertility, join me in the Fertility Hope Huddle. We’ll gather online in March 2020! Click HERE to get the Fertility Hope Huddle details.

5 day fertility challenge

5 Days to Focus on the Spiritual Aspect of Your Fertility

Posted on by Evangeline

When dealing with the challenge of infertility, women often only address the physical aspect of the struggle. But what about the spiritual?

I am happy to give you the opportunity to focus on the spiritual aspect of your fertility through a 5-day Challenge on Facebook, starting this Monday, 2/10/20. If you are a member of A Seed of Hope Fertility Group, you can easily participate. If you haven’t joined our group, I’ll be happy to approve your request to join.

For 5 days, I’ll share how to powerfully address the spiritual aspect of infertility.

Get ready to receive great tips about how to enhance your fertility journey– less stress and anxiety, more peace and hope.

Sign up for the challenge  and invite a friend to join you so you both can get the FREE goodies I’ll share!

hope - a healthy habit

How Will You Enhance Your Life and Fertility with Healthy Habits in 2020?

Posted on by Evangeline

What are some of the healthy habits you resolved to develop/keep during 2020?

Did you know that when you have hope it operates to enhance your fertility? Researchers say that positivity– having hope– directly impacts the function of our biological systems. This means that maintaining a higher level of optimism may possibly affect your fertility in a positive way.

Optimism is a healthy habit!

One way to stay optimistic is to use scripturally-based affirmations that fill you with hope about God’s promises of fertility. Here are a couple:

Deuteronomy 7:13,14—”And He will love you and bless you and multiply you; He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flock, in the land of which He swore to your fathers to give you. You shall be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be a male or female barren among you or among your livestock.”

“God’s desire is that I be fertile and not barren. I live in the delight of His desire and His faithfulness to keep His Word.”

Hebrews 11:11—“Because of faith also Sarah herself received physical power to conceive a child, even when she was long past the age for it, because she considered God who had given her the promise to be reliable and trustworthy and true to His word.” [AMP]

“Through faith and confidence in Jesus’ love for me, I receive from God the physical power His Word imparts to me to conceive a child.”

Repeat these out loud on a consistent basis, along with others you develop. It can be helpful to write them and put them in a place where you’ll regularly see them. They’ll be a visible reminder to affirm God’s Word and to stay focused on hope-filled thoughts about your fertility.

More Fertility Affirmations

If you need some suggestions about other Scripture-based affirmations to use that are specific to your fertility, check out my Bible reading plan on YouVersion. I’m thrilled that there have been thousands of readers that have used it as they look for victory over infertility.

Blessings to you as you add this to your arsenal of healthy habits. What else do you do as a healthy habit?

victory over infertility -breakthrough - sticky note

My Story of Victory Over Infertility – Part 2

Posted on by Evangeline

I’m so glad I didn’t give up or give in to the doubts and fears that bombarded me during the season of infertility. You can read more about that in part 1 of my story of victory over infertility. I had friends who I trusted to give me solid and godly  advice during that season. One friend shared that I should read the accounts in the Bible of women who had overcome infertility. These were real-life stories of victory that I could hold on to, trusting that if God did it for them, He would do it for me. He would be true to His word and keep His promises of fertility. I kept a journal during this time to record my thoughts and prayers, Scripture, and experiences.

Make sure you read my related (exciting) announcement at the end of this blog post!

My Story Continues…

After five days of not having a period in November of 1987, I did a home pregnancy test and the test stick turned blue— its result was positive! I could hardly believe it. After all that time of “trying,” after all the failed attempts and negative test results, I was finally pregnant! Once it actually happened, it did not seem real. But Freeman and I celebrated (very calmly). That following Saturday, we were to play in a volleyball game with some church members. I chose to not play. I did not want to take any chances of falling or someone bumping into me.

After the game, I got a phone call from a close friend wondering what was going on since I didn’t play. We told her the good news and swore her to secrecy. 🙂  I couldn’t allow myself to completely trust the test result until I could confirm it with a test at the doctor’s office. I went in, having already told myself not to be too disappointed if it produced a negative result. The fear was real!

Finally Pregnant!

As I sat nervously in the examination room, the nurse came in and said with a big grin, “You’re pregnant!” All the nurses in the office were so happy. They had seen me go through many pregnancy tests that turned out negative. Even my doctor was surprised that it finally happened! I was to meet Freeman for lunch that day and I could hardly wait to give him the good news. After we finished eating, I showed him the test results and congratulated him for officially being a daddy. He cried! It was a precious moment.

Just a week later, I experienced some spotting—small amounts of vaginal bleeding. Of course my first thought was, “Am I going to lose the baby?” Yes, even though I had experienced victory over infertility and had finally gotten pregnant, there was still fear of an attack from the devil on my body and now, also on my baby’s life.
I had to choose whether to give in to the fear or trust God. It was my choice as to whether to accept the fearful thoughts, to cast them down, or just ignore them. I certainly did not want to give in and live with fearful thoughts. Ignoring them would have left them harboring in the recesses of my mind and having a place to silently grow into even larger, more fearful thoughts. I had to cast them down by re-directing my thoughts to God’s love and the power of His Word.

Jesus ALREADY Did It

As the spotting continued during the next several weeks, I wrote in my journal that I had to remind myself of Colossians 2:15—“Jesus spoiled principalities and made a show of them openly”. He did that for me and for my baby growing inside of me. I had to trust that this baby would make it through a full term pregnancy. Thankfully, we also had prayer support from many people which boosted our trust in God over the next few months as the spotting continued and even some cramping began.

But God was faithful to His Word that Jesus had given us victory over infertility and childlessness! My pregnancy proceeded successfully. Our precious baby boy was born in June 1988, completely healthy and handsome.

#ttc- I had to remind myself of Colossians 2:15---“Jesus spoiled principalities and made a show of them openly”. He did that for me AND for my baby growing inside of me. Click To Tweet

In time, God added to our family. He blessed us with a healthy and handsome son two years later. We were blessed with a healthy and beautiful daughter four years later. Those pregnancies occurred as soon as we started “trying” and both progressed smoothly.

God is your source of breakthrough. He can truly make a way when there seems to be no way.

Victory over infertility is indeed possible!

ANNOUNCING…

Fear, worry, and doubt have an insidious way of creeping into our minds and hearts as we navigate pregnancy after experiencing infertility, miscarriage, or infant loss. That’s why I have co-authored a new book, Conceived by Grace: A No-Fear Pregnancy Journal, with a friend who experienced multiple miscarriages. We know from experience that focusing on God’s love and power is a game-changer.

We’re excited about providing this pregnancy journal so that you keep your focus on the truth of God’s Word during pregnancy. You can record your thoughts, prayers, and experiences, read Words of Wisdom, and rely on scriptures provided to empower you. It’s coming in early 2020 so that you can be encouraged to expect victory throughout your entire pregnancy.

Fill out the form below for more info about how you can get Conceived by Grace!

overcoming infertility

My Story of Victory Over Infertility – Part 1

Posted on by Evangeline

Since I started coaching women about how to enhance their fertility, many of them have shared with me that hearing the stories of women who have overcome infertility markedly increases their hope. Today, I’d like to share my story.

My Story of Victory over Infertility

I struggled with “unknown factors” of infertility. I was in my late 20’s when we started “trying” so my age really wasn’t a factor. There was never a firm diagnosis that specifically confirmed why I was not getting pregnant. I did however have a gynecologist tell me that I may never get pregnant. That was devastating news.

As a woman, I felt inadequate. I couldn’t do the ONE thing that women can do that men can’t—get pregnant. At times, I felt as if people pitied me, even though they did not. Sometimes I felt like an outcast, even though my friends welcomed me in their activities. But that was the painful part.

Having reached the age where all my close friends had children meant being around their kids whenever I attended any of their activities. I loved their children and had fun with them. But I felt out of place not having a child of my own playing along with all the others. I remember trying to convince myself that it was OK…but it wasn’t! It hurt!

I went through a battery of tests to determine why I was not getting pregnant. None of the tests produced conclusive results. I did have fibroids and as a result, had very heavy periods. There were also D&C surgeries and infections to live through. Going through the journey of infertility and all that comes along with it was not what I had signed up for in my “perfect” life.

I Couldn’t Give Up or Give In

But I decided that it was not going to give authority to infertility and allow it to be a source of depression nor a reason to become a hermit. I would choose to enjoy life as it came and to do whatever it took to make the best of each day.

Doctor’s reports were a source of frustration but God’s report in the Bible was my source of hope. Choosing to stand on God’s Word was an easy choice; actually doing it was not. It was a battle against my will, which wanted to do the easy thing and give up.

Making a stand for anything requires that you fight back against numerous attacks, not just one. I had to do just that- –fight against numerous thoughts that were fearful, doubtful, and shame-filled everyday. Yes, I was ashamed that I could not get pregnant. No one else made me feel that way. It was self-inflicted.

#ttc - I was ashamed that I could not get pregnant. No one else made me feel that way. It was self-inflicted. Click To Tweet

Isn’t it amazing what our own mind can do to inflict emotional pain on ourselves? The Word of God was my way out of that inner turmoil. I decided to keep “trying” no matter how long it took and watch God work it out.

Thankfully, God gave me wisdom through various friends and family members. They each encouraged me to keep my hope high and to not give in to the fear of never having children.

For the rest of the story, read Part 2 of my story of victory over infertility. 🙂

God Sent His Word to Heal and Set You Free

Posted on by Evangeline

What is it that will heal us in every situation? God’s Word. That’s why He sent it!

What may be a very familiar verse in Psalm 107 is one which is filled with powerful promise:

He sent His Word and healed them and saved them from their destructions. Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind. – Psalm 107:20

God spoke the word that healed you. By the power of His word, you were healed.

You may be thinking or saying, “But my body doesn’t act like it’s healed. I’m still not pregnant.”

I want to encourage you to do what Jesus did when He was presented with thoughts that Satan presented to Him. Jesus met every satanic challenge by responding, “It is written…” He would quote a verse that God had sent through His prophets and kings. He would say what God had said. His response to the challenges was always something that had been recorded in those Jewish writings. The Scriptures always related to what He was facing.

God's Word Heals and Sets Free

 

God’s Promises

Today, we have the entire Bible at our disposal so that we know what Jesus said and did. So when you’re faced with a thought that is contrary to one of God’s promises, let your response be what God has said.  Find a verse in God’s Word that specifically relates to the situation you’re facing. And then SAY it. And say it again. Keep hearing yourself say it so that you build your confidence in what God has said.

WHY?

Because the more you hear it from your own mouth, the more it saturates your spirit. And the more you saturate your spirit with God’s words, the stronger your faith becomes. Then you’re able to on keep trusting that God’s promise is true for YOU. You’re able to rest in knowing that promise until you see it manifested.

So follow Jesus’ example by speaking Scripture to your challenge.  THIS IS HOW WE ARE TO LIVE!

People do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3 NLT

Jesus even repeated this particular Scripture verse in His teaching (Matthew 4:4).

So take the time to find what is written in the Bible about your fertility. God’s word of grace is able to build you up and help you possess what Jesus died for you to receive– healing and freedom.

Tell me in the comments below: What’s a Scripture verse that resonates most with you about God’s faithfulness or about your fertility?

 

 

Tip for Maintaining a Strong Marriage While Dealing with Infertility

Posted on by Evangeline

marriageMaintaining a strong marriage can be difficult while dealing with infertility. There are multiple struggles while on so many levels because infertility has a way of infiltrating every aspect of life, usually with a heightened degree of negativity. Unfortunately, a significant number of couples decide to divorce due the stress put upon them by the challenges of trying to conceive. Fundamentally, the cause of divorce is an attachment to false beliefs, concepts or ideas.

Today, I want to share a tip that hopefully you’ll find helpful in strengthening your marriage during this season of infertility.

Marriage Tip

Why do most people get a divorce? Because they blame the other partner for making them unhappy or miserable.  Blame, shame, and self-justification become the rule of the day instead of love, encouragement, selflessness, and forgiveness.  The way to emerge from the unhappiness caused by those negative beliefs is to come into agreement that the Lord will be the Head of the marriage and that divorce is not an option. Once that you make that determination, here’s  an important decision to make:

Decide that your spouse is not your enemy.

Even though your spouse may not fully grasp the depth of the pain you’re experiencing, he/she is in a covenant relationship with you and should be trusted, respected, and loved. When emotions are on “tilt,” they have a tendency to muddy the waters when it comes to decision making. Both of you are on the same team and need to fight as one strong unit. Make unity in Christ the priority for your marriage. That step of intentionality makes it much easier to weather the storm of infertility.

Maintaining a strong marriage can be difficult while dealing with infertility. Here's a tip that will help...Decide that your spouse is not your enemy. Click To Tweet

Take Time to Insert Positivity into Your Day

Posted on by Evangeline

Infertility stressed me out when I dealt with it. Some days there seemed to be no positivity in my thoughts or my words. Are you experiencing the same thing? The absolute best thing I can offer you during the stressful season of infertility is God’s Word. It really is the ultimate source of peace, comfort, guidance, and positivity that you’re looking for. You’re not alone! God hears you. His heart aches when you feel like you don’t hear Him. He’s right there in His Word. All the answers you’re looking for are there.

Are you willing to commit to look for them and then use them?

positivityTake time to insert some positivity into you day–every day. Start by printing this blog post and reading the scriptures below out loud many times each day. Add to them as you look for and find other Scripture verses that apply to your situation.

Positivity from Scripture

“Rather, it was simply that the LORD loves you, and he was keeping the oath he had sworn.” – Deuteronomy 7:8

“I am in them and You are in me… You love them as much as You love me.” – John 17:23

“Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” – Matthew 19:26

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You!” – Isaiah 26:3

“LORD, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed.” – Psalm 119:116

“That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.” – Romans 4:17

“Praise the LORD who has given rest to His people… just as He promised. Not one word has failed of all His wonderful promises.” – 1 Kings 8:56

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again–my Savior and my God!” – Psalm 42:11

“He will love you and bless you, and He will give you many children.” – Deuteronomy 7:13

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” – James 1:5

“It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed that God would keep his promise.“ – Hebrews 11:11

Stay in God’s Word and I know that you’ll begin to experience the lifting and the peace that you’re craving for.

When will you insert positivity into your day? Set an appointment with yourself to do it and then follow through.