Last year I announced that my submission for an infertility reading plan on the YouVersion website had been approved. Here’s a snippet from that post:
Recently, I received a request from a reader to write a Bible study plan that specifically addresses infertility and post it on the YouVersion Bible website. [According to their website, “YouVersion is a simple, ad-free Bible that brings God’s Word into your daily life,” via your phone, tablet or computer.]
Because I know how much enlightenment comes from reading the Bible, I thought it was a wonderful idea and followed up on that suggestion.
I’m glad to say that I submitted a proposal to YouVersion and they have approved it!
To say the least, I am very excited about providing this resource to bring hope to those in the midst of infertility and to encourage people around the world that infertility is not too hard for the Lord! (Genesis 8:14)
Well, I’m THRILLED to tell you that the plan will go live on the YouVersion site on Thursday, April 10, 2014! Woo Hoo!! Presently, it will be the ONLY reading plan on that site that addresses infertility. Thanks so much to the reader who suggested I provide the plan [you know who you are :)].
I hope this plan is only the first of many that I’ll be able to provide through this wonderful Bible app.
If you haven’t already downloaded the YouVersion app, get it now. I’ll update you soon with more details.
Today’s post is courtesy of Lisa, a blogger who has a personal connection to the stress and strain of infertility. She gives us an honest look at choosing to have and maintain hope. Be encouraged as she shares from her heart. Thank you Lisa for being my guest!
I don’t “do” hope very well.
Intellectually and academically, I believe God has His perfect plan for me, He desires to bless me, and He has impeccable timing.
But if I’m honest with myself, my heart doesn’t really absorb it all. Most of time I don’t feel hopeful expectation; I feel resignation. Fear of disappointment and fear of pain holds me back from experiencing true hope.
After I became aware of this, God has two different sources to send me little nuggets of encouragement and truth to counteract my fear.
The first nugget came from a book I recently reviewed (http://amateurnester.blogspot.com/2014/02/book-review-sweet-side-of-suffering.html) called The Sweet Side of Suffering by M. Esther Lovejoy. The book focuses on the blessings that come out of suffering, and she touches on the topics of fear and resignation. She says:
“At times of suffering we have three choices: We can rebel against what has happened to us and become angry and bitter. We can resign ourselves to the inevitable with a sense of helplessness. Or we can yield to the purposes of a loving heavenly Father and discover the sweetness in that surrender.”
As I read that quote, I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me. I had been choosing resignation.
The second nugget came when a friend suggested that I don’t need to force myself to feel hopeful every day, all day. Rather, I can think of hope as an article I can put on and take off at-will. The idea is to practice putting on hope daily, even if it’s just for a few moments. She even encouraged me to buy a special sweater, scarf, or pair of socks and literally put it on for a few minutes every day while I practice “putting on” hope.
When I told the same friend that I avoid the baby section in Target because it feels so foreign and makes me cry, she encouraged me to practice putting on hope while walking through the racks of tiny clothes and cute socks. I am not a failure if the tears come. I’m merely fighting for hope. I tried this the other day, and the tears came indeed, but I felt powerful because I knew I had chosen the experience.
I guess what I’m learning is that I can choose to be hopeful. I can choose to expect God’s blessings. It may feel awkward or unnatural sometimes, but hope is not a feeling that randomly falls upon certain people and ignores others.
It is something we must work towards and choose.
Lisa writes about her infertility journey and shares encouraging stories at http://AmateurNester.blogspot.com.
Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Use it as an affirmation. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Use it as an affirmation. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37
“Infertility Sucks! How to Maintain Hope in Your Marriage During Infertility” is now on the bookshelves of your virtual bookstore!
It’s available on Amazon.com and Smashwords.com. Look for it to be available soon on iTunes and Barnes and Noble.
Here’s the description of the ebook:
“Infertility Sucks!” is written from the perspective of Evangeline Colbert’s victory over infertility. It gives practical advice on how to address the spiritual aspect of infertility, how to manage stress in the midst of infertility, and how to make sure your marriage not only survives but thrives.
Infertility is a huge stressor in a marriage and many couples don’t survive its pressure. Numerous couples suffer in silence, experiencing incredible shame, pain, and disappointment month after month. Couples will gain insights from chapters covering: Seven Strategies to Manage Stress in Your Marriage, How to Maintain Hope During Infertility, The Advantages of Affirmations and much more.
A prayer for those desiring children is included along with much more information about the spiritual aspect of infertility.
There are also activities included in the book to get you started in taking action to increase your hope and to protect and strengthen your marriage.
You must have tenacious hope in this struggle and “Infertility Sucks!” shows you how.
Please share this powerful resource with others by clicking on any of the social media links below.
Buy Infertility Sucks! How to Maintain Hope in Your Marriage During Infertility NOW.
I’m pleased to announce that my ebook, “Infertility Sucks! How to Maintain Hope in Your Marriage During Infertility,” is done! This book encourages couples whose lives are affected by infertility. It gives practical tips on how to manage stress in the midst of infertility, how to address the spiritual aspect of infertility, and how to make sure their marriage not only survives but thrive.
“Infertility Sucks!” will hit the virtual bookshelves on 12/1/13.
And, because you have been great about supporting me, you get to take advantage of a discounted price on Smashwords.com. Just go to https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/379472, enter the coupon code PR93P on your order, and you’ll receive a 30% discount!
Please help me get the word out: “SHARE” this post (using the buttons below) so that others on Facebook , Twitter, Google+, etc., are made aware.
You never know who in your sphere of influence is silently suffering through infertility or who may know someone else who is. This book could be just what they need.
Thanks for your support!
Focus on the following scripture throughout the day. It’s God’s Word and it’s what He desires us to believe. Believe it is true for you because God’s Word is Truth. Speak this Word to yourself throughout the day. Personalize it by putting your name in it!
“He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the Lord!” Psalm 113:9 (ESV)
Infertility can play tricks on your mind.
It can make you entertain thoughts and feelings that reduce your confidence in God and your self-esteem to nearly nothing. Here’s a tip to help you avoid or get out of that pit of despair:
Practice—on purpose—replacing those negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
(See Philippians 4:8 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
Here’s a wonderful reminder that in Christ you are deeply loved, fully accepted, highly valued, and not forgotten.
