Be an Optimist – 5 Benefits of Daily Optimism

Posted on by Evangeline

There is increasing evidence that being optimistic about life has measurable benefits, not just for your mental health, but your physical well-being too. Scientific studies have shown that as you become more optimistic, your life will improve in all sorts of ways. You’re even likely to have a longer life, just from being more hopeful and positive.

God’s Word encourages us to be hopeful/optimistic:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” ~ Romans 15:13

Here are some of the many benefits of being optimistic:

Optimists are healthier

Optimists not only rate their own health and wellbeing as better, but studies have also shown that optimists have better mental and physical health than pessimists. In a study of the effects of positive psychological well-being, optimism was found to be the biggest predictor of improved heart health. Optimists also have lower blood pressure and cholesterol and a lower risk of developing heart disease.

Optimists live longer

A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that of the 100,000 women studied over eight years, optimists were less likely to die from any cause than women with a more pessimistic outlook.  That was confirmed by a later Harvard study that showed the women who had a positive outlook had a much lower risk (nearly 30% less) of dying from serious illnesses.

Optimists are happier

It might seem obvious that an optimist would be happier than a pessimist. But, it has been shown that optimists are not just sunnier in their dispositions, but they are measurably happier in their relationships, jobs, and life in general. They deal better with stress, are more resilient in bad times, and produce less cortisol, the stress hormone that leads to inflammation and a lowered immune system.

Optimists have smoother career paths

Researchers from Duke University found that the optimistic MBA graduates they studied were more likely to find a job, earn a higher starting salary, and have more frequent promotions than the pessimists in the group. Optimists also deal better with negative feedback, seeing it as an opportunity to improve and increase their chance of promotion in the future.

Optimists roll with the punches

Life’s adversities do not crush an optimist; they remain hopeful about the future. Optimism helps you deal with whatever limiting beliefs you have developed and shows you a way out. Being positive about life’s possibilities means you focus on what you can do. It boosts your confidence and makes you more likely to look for constructive solutions. It stops you feeling stuck or at the mercy of other people. If you’re optimistic, you know you can do it!

 

Exciting News!! Listen and Watch to Get the Update

Posted on by Evangeline

I’m thrilled to share this exciting news with you because I know that you can greatly benefit from it!

Pregnancy Journal

The most recent book I’ve written is a pregnancy journal. WHY? Because when you become pregnant after a fertility struggle, fear creeps in to color how you view and experience your pregnancy. This weekly journal, Conceived by Grace Pregnancy Journal, will help you stay faith-filled so that you enjoy the pregnancy journey.

My co-author, Maria Mwangi, and I decided to share all the pertinent info via a video chat.

Click here to watch the video


Maria and Evangeline

 

AND, here’s more exciting news–

Join us on Saturday, August 22nd, at our virtual fertility event as mighty women and men of God share how they became victorious over infertility/miscarriage. You’ll also be encouraged by God’s promises for your path to motherhood.

 

CBG Event Flyer

 

 

You’ll find more information at www.ConceivedByGrace.com

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! Share on X
giving up

When You Feel Like Giving Up

Posted on by Evangeline

The enemy would like nothing better than for us to give up on our God-given desires and goals.

When we feel like God is not following through on His promises…

When we don’t see the results we anticipated…

We need a plan. A plan that we can count on to pull us through the tears, the fears, and the dread that comes when we experience delay. I think the best plan for maintaining hope and for changing any circumstance in our lives always needs to include the power of God’s Word. The Word is what helps us remember that the God of the universe loves us without fail and is always on our side. The Bible makes it clear that God loves us with a no-matter-what love. Incorporating His promises into our plan makes it an effective battle plan so that we maintain hope and strongly resist giving up.

The Alternative to Giving Up

David encouraged himself when he was on the verge of giving up (1 Samuel 30:6).  You could do the same, couldn’t you?

Here are 4 examples from Scripture that you can use as a part of your battle plan to ultimately live as the victor God created you to be. Use them to keep yourself encouraged about experiencing what God has promised:

  • “But as for you, be strong and do not give up.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7
  • “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial.” – James 1:12
  • “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.” – Mark 10:27

  • “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then.” – Ephesians 6:12-14

What other scriptures would you add to this list? Please share one in the comments! 🙂 

The Word is what helps us remember that the God of the universe is on our side and loves us with a no-matter-what love. It makes our plan into an effective battle plan so that we maintain hope and strongly resist giving up. Share on X
Waiting

Waiting with Hope is the Best Way

Posted on by Evangeline

How long have you been waiting to get pregnant? Does it feel like FOREVER? And, now that Covid-19 has invaded our world, it might feel like the birth of your child will never happen.

However, no matter how long you’ve waited, I want to challenge you in the midst of that kind of thinking and feeling. I challenge you to wait with hope.

Waiting With Hope

How can you wait with hope? Psalm 130:5 tells us:

“I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His word do I hope.”

When you EXPECTANTLY wait, meaning that you are looking for Him to keep His word, you’ll experience hope in the midst of the problem.

You live expecting your breakthrough, all because His Word brings you hope.

When you are waiting with hope, your soul is sustained because you trust in His word.

Your soul awaits rescue as you count on Him and put your hope in His transforming word.

So take time to think about what you’re thinking about. Keep your thoughts on a path of trust. Have confidence that God loves you, wants to help you, and that He keeps His promises. He said so in Isaiah 45:19 NLT–

“I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told the people of Israel to seek me if I could not be found. I, the LORD, speak only what is true and declare only what is right.” 

That’s why you can wait with hope — because God always keeps His promises.

 

 

 

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?