Tag: Infertility

overcoming infertility

My Story of Victory Over Infertility – Part 1

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

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?

 

 

Fertility Hope Huddle - FHH

Keep Your Fertility Hope High: Join the Fertility Hope Huddle

It’s never too late to do something to enhance your fertility journey. That’s especially true when it means addressing the spiritual aspect of infertility. If you’re not addressing this, you might be missing the most crucial piece of the puzzle when it comes to enhancing your fertility.

No matter how long you’ve been trying to conceive, it’s critical to consistently focus on the spiritual aspect of infertility. The Fertility Hope Huddle is my new Bible-based group coaching program that will help you do that. As a Certified Professional Coach and overcomer of infertility I’m excited to help you!

Fertility Coaching

Maybe you are stressed-out, worried, or fearful that you may be too old as you are trying to conceive.

Or perhaps you have trouble believing that  conception and childbirth are still possible for you.

Or maybe you’re tired of hoping.

If any of these describe how you’re feeling right now then being a member of this very affordable 8-week group program can help.

The Fertility Hope Huddle, an online fertility coaching program, is based on effectively using the power of God’s promises of fertility. This is where you can develop a resilient and fertile mindset. A peaceful mindset that focuses on possibilities instead of diagnoses and obstacles. You’ll banish stress, doubt, and unbelief. And you’ll discover and use the power that is built into God’s promises of fertility, which are found in the Bible. 

You can tap into my personal guidance in this group setting where you’ll receive strategic tools to help you more fully and confidently enhance your fertility.

If you’ve been trying to conceive for a long time, don’t lose hope! Get a tight grip on God’s promises of fertility and don’t let go. Remember, WITH God, all things are possible! 

Joining the Fertility Hope Huddle could prove to be the best thing you do to enhance your fertility journey. It starts Monday, October 28, 2019. Check out all the details of how you can benefit from being a member HERE.

Please join us!  🙂

Tip for Maintaining a Strong Marriage While Dealing with Infertility

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

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.

A 5-Day Challenge to Enhance Your Fertility Journey

5 day fertility challenge
I am providing a FREE 5-day challenge in the A Seed of Hope Fertility Group on Facebook. The daily activities of the Enhance Your Fertility Journey…God’s Way Challenge will help you experience more freedom from the lies, stress, and anxiety of infertility. Each day, you’ll walk in God’s truth—His promises of fertility.
The Challenge starts Monday, 9/9/19, and will be provided via email so it’s important that you register. You can register for the challenge at https://bit.ly/2lzEGG3.

Here are the top 4 reasons you don’t want to miss it:

  1. The strategies I’ll share each day will give you a major advantage in how you deal with infertility.
  2. You’ll be encouraged and connect with other like-minded women who are also enduring fertility struggles.
  3. Prizes will be given out!
  4. It’s FREE!

This simple and easy 5-day challenge could be the tipping point for you regarding your fertility.

Also, request to join the Facebook group so that you can participate in the prize drawings and see any pop-up FB Live videos I might do during the week.
Join in and enhance your fertility journey!
gratitude in infertility

Being Thankful–Even in the Midst of Infertility

“No matter how much we ask for something,
it becomes ours only as we accept it and give thanks for it.”
– Agnes Sanford, The Healing Light

 

Gratitude in infertility is difficult but it is possible. And know that even though you’re not grateful for infertility, you can be grateful in this season of infertility. There is always something to be grateful for! But it’s your choice to communicate and exhibit gratitude.

As a follow-up to my previous blog post, here are some additional effective ways to express and practice gratitude. I hope you find them helpful and that you’ll use them to uplift yourself, especially on “hard” days.

  • Start by remembering that God is with you. If you’ve asked Jesus into your heart, you can be assured He will never leave you. He always desires to bless you with His unfailing grace.

I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life! – Hebrews 13:5


  • Rest in knowing that infertility is not a punishment from Him. Be thankful that God is for you and not against you.

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?
If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
– Romans 8:31 NLT


 

Be Encouraged by Expressing Gratitude in Infertility

 

  • Be thankful that He has given so many examples of women who overcame infertility along with promises in the Bible that relate to your fertility.

You will be blessed above all peoples; there will be no infertile male or female among you. – Deuteronomy 7:14 HCSB


  • Thank Him that you can count on Him to make good on His fertility promises.  Even during the moments when you doubt His ability, willingness, and timing, stand firm in being thankful that He keeps His Word.

It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. –
Isaiah 55:11 NLT

Standing firm in the heavens and fastened to eternity is the word of God. – Psalm 119:89 TPT


  • Believe that He loves you unconditionally, just as much as He loves Jesus, and be thankful for His constant expressions of love.

For they will see that you love each one of them
with the same passionate love that you have for me. John 17:23 TPT


You open yourself to more possibilities when you maintain an attitude of gratitude!

What will you be intentionally thankful for today?

Gratitude in infertility is difficult but it is possible. And know this... even though you’re not grateful FOR infertility, you can be grateful IN this season of infertility. Click To Tweet

God Says You Are Healed

No matter the cause or severity of the infertility or other illness you may be experiencing right now, God says you are healed.

There are numerous scriptures that proclaim your right to healing and health (I’ll share a few below). As a believer in Jesus, you have access to that right. He paid the price for you so that you can enjoy life in its fullness.

The Bible is full of God’s promises of healing. But do you say the same things that God has said about your fertility/health? He wants you to live healed, restored, and full of peace in your body and mind. And your words should align with His.

God Says You Are Healed

God says - good grammar - words of life

Here are a few verses supporting the statement, “God says you are healed”:

Exodus 15:26 NET – I, the LORD, am your healer.

Psalm 107:20 NET – He sent them an assuring word and healed them; he rescued them from the pits where they were trapped.

Proverbs 4:20-22 NET – My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and healing to one’s entire body.

2 Corinthians 4:11 NET – So that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our mortal body.

1 Peter 2:24 NET –  By his wounds you were healed.

What You Say

So, let’s take a moment to look inside at your thoughts and emotions. What do you believe about your fertility/health? What you believe will eventually become what you say. Use the above scriptures as tools to strengthen your belief system by reading them out loud to yourself on a daily basis. Why? Because faith is increased by repeatedly hearing what the word of God says (Romans 10:17).

Do your everyday conversations work to support what God has said or do they counteract His promises? If you find this challenging, let me know how I can help (in the comments section below).

No matter the cause of the infertility or other illness you may be experiencing right now, God says you are healed. Click To Tweet
silence of lambs

The Silence of Lambs Keeps the Door Open to the Enemy

How can the silence of lambs be detrimental to them? When sheep are being attacked, they will make noise to let the other sheep (and the shepherd) know that they are in trouble. If they fail to scream, other sheep can come under attack and the shepherd won’t be aware of the danger the sheep is facing.

Jesus said that He is the Good Shepherd and called believers His sheep (John 10:11, 14). He likened Himself to a shepherd saying that He would go after the one that has strayed off and gotten in trouble. Matthew 18:12 AMP reminds us of how much Jesus cares for each one of us:

What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray and gets lost, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountain and go in search of the one that is lost?

It behooves us to remind ourselves of His love and how much He cares. When we are silent lambs, we tend to forget about the amazing ways that He shows up in our lives.

Jesus set the example of not being silent in the midst of trouble, temptation, and struggle. When He was questioned by Satan with words that could fill Him with doubt, Jesus didn’t stay silent…He spoke up! He told His enemy — our enemy — what His Father had already said through the Scriptures (Matthew 4:1-11). That’s the example that we are to follow.

Jesus set the example of not being silent in the midst of trouble, temptation, and struggle. When He was questioned by Satan with words that could fill Him with doubt, Jesus didn't stay silent. He spoke up to His enemy -- our enemy.… Click To Tweet

Speak the Word

Don’t be a Silent Lamb…Speak God’s Promises

When faced with infertility’s opportunities to doubt God’s promises of fertility, we need to speak up! Speak the specific Word of God to your enemy about your fertility! When faced with a health challenge, speak God’s promises of health. If faced with a financial challenge, speak God’s promises of provision. Facing a relationship challenge? Speak God’s promises of loving connection. God has spoken about everything that we face in life and has equipped us well through His Word (2 Peter 1:3). It’s there in the Scriptures. Find what relates to your circumstances and then use it.

In a way, our silence is a means for the devil to keep that door of doubt wide open. Don’t give him that opportunity! Use the Word of God by SPEAKING His Word consistently to remove doubt, to strengthen your faith, and to close the door to the enemy.

God supports you in the midst of your challenges because once you have asked Jesus to be your Savior, He is always right there with you. It’s up to you to not be silent about His presence, His promises, and His power.

So, let this be the last day of your silence!

Is Infertility Too Hard or even Impossible for God to Rectify?

Do you know anyone who thinks that infertility is too hard for God to rectify? In both the New Testament and the Old, Scripture details that all things are possible. This should give us hope!

Luke 1:37- For with God nothing shall be impossible.

Genesis 18:14- Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Both of these verses are sandwiched in the accounts about women’s infertility–Sarah’s and Elizabeth’s. They both had been barren and God announced that barrenness would be rectified.

Sarah conceived and bore a son “at the set time” who would become the progenitor of the nation of Israel (Genesis 21:2).

Elizabeth conceived and bore a son who was the forerunner of Jesus.

Also, it’s important to note that the Bible’s first mention of healing is regarding infertility (Genesis 20:17-18).

Time after time, God used the setting/environment of infertility to establish the foundation of truth that all things are possible when you stand with Him. Jesus reinforced this truth for us in Mark 10:27.

“With men it is impossible but not with God: for with God all things are possible.”

Keep standing on God’s Word, believing that nothing is too hard for God, not even infertility!


Is your hope tank running a bit low?

Need some encouragement to get through the holidays?

Read my latest book, Borrowed Hope. It’s a unique presentation of Sarah’s story of triumph.

Take advantage of the Borrowed Hope Holiday Book Bundle now being offered and also receive the added encouragement of Scripture cards and a bookmark.