My heart breaks when I think of those who are⬇️ ❄️Feeling lonely this holiday season. ❄️Feeling sad because a huge dream was crashed this year. ❄️Feeling hopeless because that pregnancy test is always negative. ❄️Feeling sad because your family won't be complete this Christmas. ❄️Feeling heartbroken because of fractured relationships. How is your heart this holiday season? 1. Peace and content. 2. Heavy and sad. 3.Hoping for a miracle. I'm here for you.

How can you share hope with others today? Sometimes it's as simple as an encouraging text, sharing your favorite verse or quote with someone, it just simply sitting with them, and being there for them. Instagram is pushing this new feature... Tap the little button that looks like an airplane (Share button) And then choose the "write note" option, and tell me what your favorite Bible verse or quote is. It will appear for everyone to see on this reel. Or share your favorite in the comments below. Let's see them!

Tell me if you can tell what it might be👇🏽 I know, I know, it's almost Christmas, but does my house really look like it's ready for that season? 🤭 Ok, I gave you a hint 😜 Now do you know what my unpopular opinion might be? What does your house look like at Christmas? Do you celebrate? Do you decorate? More of my brain ramblings in the comments 👇🏽

Don't forget to... Spend time with Jesus. His Word says that "in His presence is fullness of joy." I will be the first to admit that finding joy can be super hard sometimes. Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is myself, and that doesn't bring me any joy either. But I do want to be a joyful person, so I want to remember these tips for myself. What do you try to remember and incorporate when you're feeling less than joyful? Share it with us below 👇🏽

🎉 Build your own gift box!

You aren't meant to carry the burden of 👇🏽 SHAME. We all have made mistakes in our lives. Let's use that as an opportunity to offer compassion to others, instead of shame for what they've done or said . Choose your words carefully. When someone makes a mistake, make sure you don't forever label them by that mistake. See the comments for more of my thoughts. And please, let me know what you think on this topic 👇🏽

We are blessed!!! Happy Thanksgiving to all! What are you especially thankful for today?

What if I told you that...👇🏽 It doesn't need to be one or the other! It can be BOTH! 🫶🏽 If you're struggling this holiday season, this is especially for you. Even in your deep sadness, loss, Infertility, pain... You are allowed to experience all the emotions. It's ok to be sad and not ok all the time. Let the tears flow. Go home and rest if you want to. Leave the gathering early if you need to. Just because you're experiencing emotions, doesn't mean you're not a thankful person. You're just processing all you've been through. And that's perfectly fine and healthy. And then get back up and celebrate the good things/people you DO have! His grace is sufficient every single day, through every single season! Do you have thoughts on it? I'd love to hear your thoughts below 👇🏽

Do you think time is a thief or a gift? Ok, I get it It can feel like a thief when your babies grow up way too fast right? But for real though, it is such a GIFT!!! This holiday season, not everyone gets the gift of TIME with their loved ones. 🫶🏽A loved one is missing around the table this year. 🫶🏽A loved one is no longer in your life, due to either their choices, or the boundaries you've needed to make. 🫶🏽A baby you carried within you for much too short of a time, has been taken from you much too soon. You see, that's why time is such a gift. And time spent with your loved ones is the best gift ever! What do you think? Tell me below 👇🏽

You know it wasn't always this way for me. 👇🏽 There have been holidays in the past where I felt sadness because it meant one more year of us not announcing a pregnancy. One more year of secondary Infertility. One more year of my only child still not having a sibling. One more year of not knowing WHY my body can't get pregnant. This year I've found some answers as to why. My diabetes is definitely a huge factor to that. No, this doesn't mean that diabetic people won't get pregnant. But for me, it is definitely a factor. But this year has also been...👇🏽 Continued in the comments below 👇🏽

Would you believe me if I told you that 👇🏽 "The biggest obstacle to connecting with others is often that we are ashamed of our neediness." - Adam Young Do you find that true? I think it's absolutely the truth. So often if we feel we aren't connecting with people, it's because we're not wanting to be truly vulnerable with them. Sometimes for reasons that are legitimate though. Maybe they have broken your trust. Maybe they have gossiped about you. Maybe they have not been confidential. But if we want true growing friendships, we need to stop the stigma that comes from neediness and vulnerability! Tell me, do you think it's true? Or do you think it's something else that keeps us from connecting with others sometimes? Tell me in the comments! 👇🏽

Anyone who has experience with👇🏽 Infertility. Secondary Infertility. Miscarriage. Infant Loss. We know what it is like. But how do you describe it to someone who doesn't know what it's like? I want to hear your description of it below 👇🏽 And I'll share mine as well!

Are you feeling? 👇🏽👇🏽 1. Sad and still longing? 2. Hopeful that it'll soon be my turn. 3. At peace and content with or without a child Tell us in the comments👇🏽 #infertility #secondaryinfertility #hope

Ok that looks mighty painful to me, but he loved it 😄 Don't you wish we could live life more like that of a small child? Have you had a good laugh lately? Tell me what you laughed the hardest about recently. So much joy and hope come from good times and laughter!

Here's why I designed this quote for you👇🏽 . . . There have been times with my journey of secondary Infertility, where I felt SO alone! So many people don't understand it, and I'm glad they don't! But it sure can feel isolating! That's exactly why I created this particular design! I wanted everyone everywhere to NOT feel alone, and this is my small way I can help them know that! Makes the perfect gift, and you know it would be the best addition to that Christmas gift. Tag a friend below, who would love this mug. Comment MUG below to add this to your Christmas gifts this holiday season.

For real though,I never want to be without👇🏽 Whipping cream! Because, in my opinion, it's vital for amazing coffee! What don't you ever want to be without in your refrigerator? Tell us, just for fun!

What they need most is...👇🏼 Someone to just come sit with them. Physical presence is so important when people are struggling with silent grief. And really any kind of grief, but ESPECIALLY the kinds of grief that people can't see from the outside. And it's probably the most missed form of compassion. It seems it's easier to make a meal, send flowers, at least think of some encouraging words. But sometimes the most important thing is simply to just BE THERE. Show up. Sit with them. It means the most! I'd love to hear what means the most to you when you're going through something that people really can't see or know you're going through it. Because it's not all obvious on the outside But, believe me, it's just as real, hidden inside. Share it with us below 👇🏽

Here's the truth... 👇🏽 if what you're celebrating is Jesus, then there is absolutely no actual NEED to give or exchange gifts! There is also nothing wrong with it. I just think it's way over commercialized, and makes people EXPECT that for the holidays. It puts extra pressure on people, that could be avoided. 3. If you have difficult relationships with family members, and need to have boundaries to protect yourself or your children, do it! You don't need to show up at that family gathering if it's not a good season for that right now. I know that may seem really hard to do, because again, everyone seems to EXPECT that you need to show up. But value your peace and mental health. Do what is best for you. Number 4 tip is in the comments below 👇🏽 And don't forget to share tips that you have for keeping the holiday season as calm and peaceful as possible!!

Something I heard in the sermon today, and it's so good 👇🏼 When asking God for the desires of your heart, ask Him to satisfy that desire, replace the desire with something else, or give up the desire completely. Wow! That's so so good! This way we can be sure our desires are aligning with the will of God, when we hold them with an open hand like this, and allow Him to work in the way He wants, for us! What do you think about this? Agree? Disagree? Anything to add to it? Share below 👇🏼

I was wanting something cozy and calming for these long winter nights. I wanted to have lights somewhere, and suddenly thought of the string lights we've had for like 4 years already, in storage somewhere around here! My husband remembered where he put them when we had moved, and I am SO EXCITED with the cute turnout! What is bringing you a little extra cheer and JOY with the longer dark nights in the winter/Christmas season right now?

This is a topic I'm super passionate about... And it's so important in how we are there for others when they need support and compassion. Here are some other tips 👇🏼 5. Allow them to feel all emotions. 6. Let them work out their own process. 7. Give empathy, love and your heart. 8. Pray WITH them right in the moment, instead of saying "I'll be praying for you." Because will you actually remember to later? Which one means the most to you? What would you add? Tell us in the comments 👇🏼

Doing something I rarely do. I'm going through my day on my stories today! Would love to see you there! Are you coming along? Let me know below 👇🏼

Continuing the discussion on people pleasing 👇🏼 You're not here to impress others... You're here to CONNECT with others. People pleasing is not... 1. Being true to who you are. 2. Helping you have better relationships. 3. Giving you the peace you want in your life. And it harms your CONNECTION with others. You don't usually grow in connecting with others if you're not comfortable with who you are. What are your thoughts on the topic? Has people pleasing helped or hindered your relationships? Let us know in the comments.

Where are my people pleasers at? 🤪 Yeah, same here! But I'm trying to do better at just being at peace with the facts that I can't please everyone. Make peace with the fact that you will disappoint people. Other people will disappoint you. And remember that not every disappointment is epic. What do you do to grow your confidence and not worrying about other's opinions of you, and wether you're keeping everyone happy or not! Share your tips below 👇🏼

This is part 7 of my story. First, like, save, and follow me so you can continue hearing the rest of my story. If you haven't read all the other parts, scroll back in my reels to read those first. At this point we knew that I am a diabetic, as well as hormones not looking so good. My doctor said it's ok to control it through diet and excersice. I'm so happy not to need to start medication at this point, but instead lots of good quality supplements. However, none of this helped me to get pregnant either, obviously. Trying to figure out health issues is no fun, but God's grace is always there, and He lifts us up each day that we put our trust in Him. Have you had any health issues to figure out within the last year? Have you found answers to them, or things that work well with the symptoms you had experienced? Let us know below.

Hope comes alive when we decide to... step out and find out... What God made you to be and do. What has He made you to be? What has He created you to do? If we live our lives full of passion and put our hearts into what we've been put on this earth to do, it feels so much more full of hope and positivity! How are you choosing hope and positivity today? Share it with us in the comments!

Refuse to be...👇🏼 Led by unhealthy or insecure thoughts. I know, it's easier said than done. But it's absolutely necessary! Insecure people aren't emotionally well. And emotionally well people aren't insecure people. Ouch!! That hits close home, because I don't consider myself a very self confident or secure person! So what can we do to get our thoughts on a healthier path? Let's talk about it in the comments 👇🏼 More of my thoughts there!

And it might not be what you think... But I think it's👇🏼 FEAR! -Fear of the unknown -Fear of getting hurt -Fear of what others think Which one can you identify with most? I understand all these fears. I struggle with them myself. Especially with going through secondary Infertility for so many years, fear of the unknown is so real. You want to hope but from previous experience, your body is telling you it's not worth hoping, because it didn't happen for all this time! How are you laying aside fear? And what are you replacing it with?

Here's what you could say instead...⬇️ "I haven't experienced what you're going through, but I'm sure it must be really difficult." "How can I best support you through this?" "I'm here when you're ready to talk about it, but I'm also ok with just sitting next to you, to support you." Listen friends, grief and heartache don't always "move on" in the time frame we want them to. So don't ever make anyone else feel like they need to just get over it and move on. Yes, seek to heal. Seek community. Maybe even seek therapy (no shame in that!) Seek to come out of your dark space. But it all takes time. And as long as you're doing the best that you can today, that's all you can do. #mentalhealth #emotionalhealth #healing #growth

I saw this somewhere, and think it's so good, I had to share it here 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 Do you cast them aside? Of course not, you help them change their batteries! Some need AA.. Attention and Affection; Some need AAA... Attention, Affection and Acceptance Some need C... Compassion Some need D.. Direction. And if they still don't seem to shine.. simply sit with them quietly and share your light. Which one stands out to you or do you think is important? Or share which one you feel you might need right now Let's talk about it in the comments ⬇️

Here's why...👇🏼 Not every battle needs to be fought today. You are allowed to stop in the middle and rest, before moving on. Sometimes doing something different and out of the ordinary is the best form of rest there is! What's your favorite way to rest when life starts to look big? See mine below👇🏼 And share yours too!

Healing is Learning how to Move WITH the waves, not fight against them! It's way to easy to try to fight against things that are threatening to push us down. But it doesn't work very well. I want to do better at learning to move with the obstacles in a healthy way. The ride will be much smoother that way! Can you relate? How are you embracing the ride, instead of fighting the waves? Tell us below 👇🏼

Primary infertility isn't... The ONLY kind of Infertility. I've dealt with secondary Infertility due almost a decade, and I'm here to tell you it's very real, and comes with it's own set of challenges. Yes, I have a child, and will forever be grateful for that. That doesn't make my infertility any less real. We wanted him to have siblings. I wanted to be pregnant a lot more times, because I absolutely loved pregnancy and thankfully didn't get sick at all. The same goes for all the rest of these ⬇️ - You've been pregnant before - You've only been TTC for a couple years - You have an adopted child No matter which one you are, or have been, it's hard to wait so long for something you want so badly. Can you relate to any of these? How can we be there for each other? Share any encouragement you have below, or if you can relate to any of these things I've mentioned. It's nice to know we're not alone in our journeys. ❤️ Much love and support to all!

➡️ Come Say Hi to me at the Vendor Event in Mifflinburg PA this Friday! I'm so excited to have my products available at this amazing event that has lots of other great vendors selling their products as well. If you're not local, but want to place an order with me, you can find my link in my bio, and I'll also have it up in my stories today. Holiday orders should be placed this month because of shipping times taking longer around the holiday season as well!

What is your worship in this season of your life? Meals served with love? Never ending laundry? Time in the Word? Prayer all throughout your day because the babies don't really let you have a lot of actual quiet focus time to do it? Sitting with a hurting friend, so they know they're not alone? Having a good heart towards yet another pregnancy announcement? How we do the mundane tasks, and also care for those around us can certainly be our worship to the Creator! What is your worship in this season?

Be encouraged today! You won't face anything that the Father doesn't already know about. He's got you. Trust Him! Today, Share something encouraging with us below 👇🏼

It's when we begin to believe that⬇️ God no longer cares. Here's how I know that's simply not true👇🏼 He often works in the unseen. Just because we can't see it, doesn't mean He's not working. He often speaks quietly to our hearts, rather than in huge ways like we sometimes wish for. If we look closely all around us, there ARE signs of Him caring, and loving to give us beautiful things every day. A smile from a stranger. A gorgeous sunset. The lovely fall brilliance. Being held in the arms of my husband. An answer to prayer. We simply need to LOOK for it. It's there. What have you seen this week, that makes you realize anew that He really does care for you? Share it with us 👇🏼

When we're practicing trust in God more ... We acknowledge that God is in control, and therefore, we can free ourselves of the weight of trying to do it all. The more I trust Him, the less I will resist Him. The more I trust Him, the less fearful I'll be of the outcome. The more I trust Him, the less impatient I'll be with the timing of the outcome. Can you relate to any of this? Share what you're learning as you practice trusting Him more👇🏼

Do you feel like you need to figure it all out right now? What do you try to do instead of the panic of needing to figure it all out? I totally get that feeling. Been there so often. But how about⬇️ Instead of trying to figure it all out... Just SEEK Him. Don't try to fill the gaps of the unknown with your suggestions to God. Be still and TRUST Him. We don't have to know it all to trust Him completely. We can take it one day at time. One step at a time. One act of obedience at a time. One ray of light on our path at a time. What do you try to do instead of the panic of needing to figure it all out?

"To learn strong faith is to... Endure great trials. I have learned my faith by standing firm amidst severe testings." -George Mueller How have you learned your faith? What circumstances taught you the most about faith? Let's talk about it 👇🏼

The truth is that... Change is the only way for growth to take place! I know it's hard and so painful sometimes, but in the end, it's what's best! What change in your life was painful, but ended up being such a good thing, and maybe even produced growth in your life? ❤️ Let's talk about it in the comments. 👇🏼

After dealing with secondary infertility for almost a decade... I've come to accept (and even love) the life I have! It doesn't need to look like the "normal" of a lot of people around me, especially within the culture I've grown up in. You can have a lot of faith before letting it go. What I mean by this, is that for many years you're so full of hope and faith that it might soon be "my turn." But then, it's not. Over and over again. And that's ok. Life isn't about taking turns anyway right? And eventually I've just decided it's not worth putting so much extra mental capacity into it. So I've let it go. That doesn't mean it's always easy. But life isn't easy either way, right? And finally, number 3 that Infertility has taught me, is that I can't expect people to understand it. It's our personal journey. That doesn't mean that people can't be kind and caring (and they have been!) But something that has so many emotions, longings, dreams associated with it, just can't be well understood by others, or explained well by those of us who have walked it. What has your personal journey taught you so far? Share it with us!

I never thought of it when I captured these videos of my husband and my son yesterday... But there are some similarities 😄 Here are a few I thought of⬇️ 1. Your footing doesn't feel very secure. That's similar to what hope often feels like. We want to trust things/circumstances will get better, but everything might feel shaky around us, so it feels scary to believe anything will change. 2. You're glad you're harnessed up! Hope and faith are similar. Both normally bring a lot of bumps along the way. We sometimes can't see which way to go, but if we're harnessed up with Christ, He shows us one step at a time! 3. It's best not to look down or around you too much. When rope climbing up high like that, it can start to feel frightening if you look down or around you. And if you don't keep your eyes right in front of you, you might loose your grip and begin to fall. So try not to look around you at what may come up, not behind you at what took place, but keep your focus directly ahead, and you'll stay on the right path (if you're following Christ, that is!) Can you relate to any of these? What has hope looked like in your life's journey? Let's talk about it together in the comments!

It's such a hard balance to know ... If you should say anything about your struggles of walking alongside them and supporting them, or not. Because you don't want to be a burden to anyone, you don't want to come across as complaining. But you so badly want them to KNOW and acknowledge your struggles. But how, if we don't somehow voice it? You want people to ask how you're doing, but you also want them to know that you're not doing as ok as you're pretending to be. Anyone have any tips on how to go about that? Share it below 👇🏼 I got the inspiration for this reel from @carlakauffman93 , who shared something similar, but on the subject of postpartum depression instead. Go see her reel as well.

This is my story, part 6. If you haven't read the first 5 parts, you'll want to do that first. And be sure to like and follow me so you can continue hearing the rest of my story. 😊 As the years go by, and we're still not pregnant, it's hard to see our son grow up without siblings, especially when he so faithfully prays for that. That's honestly the hardest part of secondary Infertility. Watching the child you do have, not have that bond with siblings like we did growing up! And always seeing to need a parent nearby when he's outside especially, because he doesn't like to be out there alone Thankfully, he's gotten so much better at independent time inside though! If you're a parent to an only child, how do you get your child to go outside and be willing to play alone?

But also, don't forget to... Rest! Not every battle needs to be fought today. You are allowed to stop in the middle and rest, before moving on. I do think sometimes we tend to overthink things sometimes though. As often as possible, put a fun twist to things. Be like a child, and live joyfully in each moment! (Especially with those fun new lights😜) How are you living fully in the moment God has given you today? Is there something heavy on your heart, that you can actively do something to make it feel less heavy, and maybe replace it with something more joyful ? Share below 👇🏼

If you don't have👇🏼 People in your life that make you feel seen, heard and understood. Making sure people feel seen, heard, and understood is the best way to show you are supporting them, and then make sure you actually do show them that they are supported, in the ways they personally feel supported. Who are you supporting today/this week? And are you also feeling supported in your journey? Let's talk about it👇🏼

Is this right here👇🏼 The videos you just saw! A 9 year old saying, "Mom, come sit out on the porch so I can bike and ripstick ..." And of course there is nothing I'd rather have him do than go outside and play, but he also doesn't want to be out there alone. Which makes sense. But still, it would be so nice if he had at least one or 2 others to go with him so that Mom wouldn't always need to. But this is part of secondary Infertility. Can you relate to having an only child? Or... Do your kids have lots of siblings to play with?

Love, care, and support can look so different for people. Which one means the most to you right now? I know it can even change, depending on what you're going through. That's why it's important to either know the person well enough that you know what they'd appreciate most, or simple ASK them what would feel supportive to them in this season. Let's hear which one you are below 👇🏼

Don't let the sorrows of the past, or your present circumstances ... Rob you of the beauty that is in the present today, or the amazing possibilities that may be for you in the future! I know I've done it before, and when I focus on the past, or even sometimes, my present circumstances , it takes away any hope for TODAY! Can you relate to this? What do you do help you remember what to focus on? Share with us below 👇🏼

Read that again! If that doesn't give you HOPE, I don't know what will! I find it so comforting that all my life, not one thing has taken my God by surprise ❤️ He's a good Father, even when things take us by surprise. His purposes are good, even when the situation itself is not. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this!

Part 5 of our story 👇🏼 If you haven't read the first 4 parts, go back in my reels and read those first, to get you to this part of our journey with secondary Infertility . I had the uterine polyp removed and they thought that might help me to be able to get pregnant . It didn't. We also briefly thought that we might pursue adoption . Ultimately , it wasn't for us, because we weren't on the same page, and my husband was very hesitant on it all. I decided it's more important to have a good relationship and be unified in our marriage, than to pursue that. I still love and support adoption though. But it's not for everyone. Do you and your husband always agree? What part of your story do you want to share with us, where you and your husband weren't on the same page, so either you or your husband changed your mind, so that you could remain unified and prioritize your relationship ? Let's hear it below 👇🏼

I've been guilty of it myself ... The feeling that we're a burden if we share hard things/ struggles. None of us want to be a burden! But truth be told, you're NOT a burden when you're sharing the hard parts of your story! And the only reason we feel that way, is because people that are listening have not communicated well that they WANT to hear what you have to say! Furthermore , even if they do listen, they don't check up on you in the next days or weeks to see how you're actually doing. They don't want to sit with you in your story and offer care and support . How can we do better? Some tips in the comments. Tell me your thoughts in the comments 👇🏼

It's really not that hard. Just say simple things like👇🏼 . . . 1. "I'm here." 2. "I care." 3. "I'll listen." Just the other week I had a friend sharing some really hard stuff going on in her marriage. 😢 I couldn't relate to her situation, but that doesn't mean I can't be a kind caring friend. So I said, "Praying for you friend ❤️ I know I don't have many answers for you, but I do care!" The main thing is just knowing that someone is there and WANTS to care, and takes the time to show they care! What do you think? What has helped you? What would you say?

If you're in a waiting season... The only thing we CAN control is👇🏼 HOW we wait. That doesn't mean it's easy, but we do get to choose... A choice in how we think. A choice in whether we allow our feelings to control us or not. A choice in how we act. A choice in how we spend our time. A choice in who we become. - Elizabeth Laing Thompson What are you waiting for? A baby? Restored relationships? Complete health for you or a loved one? A spouse? Waiting for God to reveal what you're supposed to be doing in the next chapter of your life? Share yours below, and how you're choosing to wait❤️

If you've lost a baby through miscarriage or stillbirth or any other way, I'm truly so sorry you had to go through that! As someone who has struggled with almost a decade of secondary Infertility, one thing I have no experience with is loss of a pregnancy. I know there are many people who deal with Infertility, who have also had miscarriages as part of their story, and that's so heart breaking! 🫂 I care, is the only words I have! Let's remember your babies today. Share their names in the comments. Or if you didn't name them, the date they went to be with Jesus, and anything else you'd like to, about them. ❤️

When people are feeling depressed 👇🏼 The last thing they need is someone to give them all the right answers. They just need care, understanding, and someone to sit with them in their story. How often do people who struggle with mental or emotional health, actually REST while receiving support that they need??? Ummm, I'm pretty sure it's not very often!! Dare I say, not NEARLY as often as they should be able to! And no, I'm not battling depression. But I am putting awareness out there! Because I know first hand what it's like to be very close to someone who has struggled with this! Let's be more willing to sit with them while they rest, and not speculate why things are the way they are, or why they're feeling the way they are. The most healing thing you can do for them is to just be there, and truly care. ❤️ What do you think? What would you add? Share below👇🏼

Part 4 of our story.... If you haven't read the beginning 3 parts of our story, go do that first, so the rest makes sense. 😊 In my experience of almost a decade of secondary Infertility, the first 3 to 4 years were the hardest! You're so hopeful each month that MAYBE this will be our turn! But each month passes, and it's not! I specifically remember one time I was so sure that I was pregnant, but hadn't tested yet. My symptoms were clear enough (I thought), and so I went to Walmart, and was getting special little things to put together in a gift bag for my husband, to surprise him with the news! Another time, we were on a little family vacation, and during that time, my husband had such a strong gut feeling that I would be pregnant instead of getting my upcoming period. Both times, we were crushed to discover that my cycle did indeed, return again, and I was certainly not pregnant. 😢 Even the testing I had done, didn't show anything alarming at that time, so we continued hopeful... Have you experienced anything like this? If not, and you know of someone who needs encouragement to get through the ups and downs of Infertility, please tag them, so they can read my story! Or, if you're here, and haven't experienced Infertility at all, what's one way your cope during waiting seasons? Join the discussion below 👇🏼

Here is part 3 of a series of reels that I'm doing on our story... If you haven't already seen parts one and two, scroll back to read them first. 14 months after we were married, we were delighted to welcome our son Jasper into our home!!! Because I got pregnant so easily the first time, we thought it would always be that way for us! When he turned one, we were ready to start trying for baby number 2. Boy, were we in for a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs when every month rolled around and I still wasn't pregnant! Remember that I'm already 32 by now, so it feels extra important that we grow our family before I get too old. If you've ever dealt with wanting to get pregnant and not being able to, you'll know how grueling those months turned into years can be.... Can you relate to waiting awhile for a baby, when you were wanting to get pregnant? How many children do you have? Or did babies come quickly for you?(maybe more quickly than you were ready even! Let me know below 👇🏼

How are you choosing to break the silence today? Either for yourself Or for someone very dear to you? This is a subject I'm super passionate about because the person dearest on earth to me has faced a lot of mental and emotional struggles, stemming from way back to his childhood trauma 😢 He has been getting help, speaking his needs out loud, and doing so much hard work to become the person he wants to be, with the Lord's help of course! I'm super proud of how far he's come, and desire along with him complete wholeness for his mental and emotional well being!!! It's not ok to make people who deal with these kinds of struggles to feel alone, not heard, and weird for their struggles! I know people don't usually mean it that way, but it can feel that way sometimes. What are good ways to talk about emotional and mental health needs without creating the stigma that goes along with it? And what might be some ways we can be there for them more? Share your thoughts below 👇🏼

More of my story, part 2... If you haven't read part one, scroll back to my reel, right before this one. 😊 Growing up in a Mennonite home, I think it's safe to say that most, if not all young girls, want to get married young, and have a big family, fulfilling their dreams of wife and mom! I was no exception, and it was also my biggest dream! But God's plan was different, and here began my first real experience with waiting... And waiting... And waiting some more. Little did I know at the time, that perhaps that was God preparing me for a life of much waiting on other areas as well! Having almost all of my friends getting married at 20 or 21, when I didn't get married until 30, was a long 10 years! It's hard when one by one your friends move on in life, and you're still at the same place for years on end. But, I'll also be quick to add, that I got to have so many experiences in my single years that I will never regret! During those years I traveled to many different countries, and also worked at a bakery where I had such good friends and so many good times and memories made! I got to help almost all of my sisters when they'd have new babies, and that was really fun too! Can you relate to any of this part of my story? ➡️ If you're married, how old were you when you got married? ➡️How far apart are you and your husband in age? ...More details of how we met, in the comments ⬇️

If you're new here, or don't know me very well... Do you wonder why I'm so passionate about offering HOPE to people, and want nothing more than to make sure you don't feel alone in your life story? I'm going to be sharing a bit about my story, specifically within the last 10 years, which is since I'm married, mostly! I hope you'll stay for all the different parts I'll be sharing! My passion is to offer hope and encouragement because I know first hand what it feels like to go through things, and feel very alone in them. So I want to hear your stories, or even just one time in your life when you felt alone, or like no one understood you or your family? The point is not to share negatively, but to share so that we can be there for each other, and hearing each other, helps us know we're not alone. What are YOU passionate about? Share yours below 👇🏼

Don't forget all of the... Promises we have in Christ! And remember that you don't need to struggle alone! I'm here for you and you can always message me too ❤️ Here are some more in the list of promises from His Word👇🏼 4. God promises to help you and strengthen you (Isaiah 41:10). 5. God promises to bless, protect, and be gracious to you (Numbers 6:24-26). 6. God promises to give you rest when you're weary and burdened (Matthew 11:28-30). The rest of the list is in the comments below. Which one is your favorite? Tag a friend who would be blessed to hear God's promises for them today!!

Having only one child when you desired more is hard some days... But God has made it possible for me to love my life, no matter how many or few children we have.🙌🏼 I used to feel like somehow my life isn't complete without a big family, but God has shown me that is completely false! I am complete in HIM, not in the amount of children we can have! Yes Infertility is definitely not easy, and seeing other children get to interact and enjoy siblings, when our son doesn't is also not easy. Has God given you the strength to love your life, even though the outcome may be different than you imagined or dreamed of? Continued in comments👇🏼

What about you? We're in a time when...⬇️ It's the ever popular thing if you're ➡️Homesteading ➡️Have chickens ➡️Make your own clothes ➡️Live in the country with land enough for at least a large garden, and maybe lots more just for fun and exploring. ➡️ And having big families, (if you're able to) But that's not me/us! We live on a tiny lot in the city, with a fenced in back yard. And grow a very small garden plot. I buy most of my clothes thrifted. We eat meat from the grocery store. We would have a bigger family if we could, but secondary Infertility hasn't allowed us to. But I love my life. Do you love yours? Do we have anything in common? If not, then tell me something about how your life is opposite from mine. 😉 Let me know in the comments!

This past weekend when I was at the ladies retreat, the topic that touched me the most was "Praise in the Storm". I realized how so often, when I've gone through rough times... Infertility, not being understood by others, walking through emotional and mental health with my dear husband, etc... My first response is to wallow in self pity, or panic about the situation!! But we were encouraged to PRAISE, even when it's so hard to do it. Some reasons to PRAISE, even in the hard, below in the comments 👇🏼 What's your first response to the hard times you've gone through?

Dealing with Infertility (secondary Infertility) for almost a decade, and also walking beside the dearest person on earth to me as he struggles through emotional and mental health weaknesses, I KNOW first hand what it's like to despair too often. The circumstances look too huge, and not easily fixable. But I get to choose! You might not be able to control what happens, but you DO get to control your outlook and the kind of person you allow yourself to become through your life's circumstances! What kind of person do you choose to become? ⚓ A person of hope? ⚓ A person of encouragement? ⚓ A person of kindness? ⚓ A person of compassion? These thoughts were taken from the book "Your Going to be Ok" by Lysa TerKeurst @lysaterkeurst Sending hope and hugs your way today friend! But I get to choose!

Let me share a secret with you... Your life's circumstances are only 10% of what makes you what you are. The other 90% is your outlook on life and it's circumstances! No matter what you're facing today... ⚓ Disappointment ⚓ Loss of a loved one ⚓ Miscarriage ⚓ Infertility ⚓ Crushed dreams ⚓ Sickness and disease Find HOPE in this ⬇️ My outlook determines so much more than my circumstances ❤️🫂 What outlook are you choosing today? If you're needing support and prayer, mention your need in the comments so we can pray for you!

The changing seasons in our lives are just as beautiful as the changing seasons God gives us in nature's seasons. What season do you find yourself in right now? Autumn shows is just how BEAUTIFUL change can be, right? It's the same way for our lives!! Each season we step out of, (fall) if we allow it to, can be colorful and beautiful 😍 And as we have a season of being stripped of something we loved, God gives us the season of REST(winter), to just be! And after we have had sufficient rest, God can bring such beauty in new growth (spring) in our lives!! As we grow in the new season God has for us, sometimes we grow weary and faint with the intensity of the heat (summer) of the difficulty of the season. But as we trust His purposes, He can continue to water us and make us blossom, wherever we are, and in whatever season He has us in! What season do you find yourself in right now? Spring? Summer? Fall? Winter? Let's share below!!

Here's the myth...⬇️ In order to offer other people hope in their story, you need to have gone through it yourself, so you can comfort them. Do you think it's true? Ok, yes it's a huge comfort when people actually understand the details you've been through. But it's simply not true that in order for me to be a kind, compassionate friend, who listens well, and acknowledges your story, means that I need to have gone through it myself in order to be there for you. So if you see someone who needs a friend, a good listener, etc... Go be that friend! What do you think? Agree or disagree?

Do you find yourself thinking, "Once I'm healed from this, once I'm at the other side of my story, THEN I'll talk about it? Don't wait until... You're feeling healed to talk about the pain. Instead, find safe people to share your heart with. And I know how hard it can be to feel safe talking about the deepest things in your heart. Do it anyway. Find your people, open up the raw parts of your heart, and find that healing Jesus wants for you. Do you find yourself thinking, "Once I'm healed from this, once I'm at the other side of my story, THEN I'll talk about it? How are you planning to turn that around? Share it with us below 👇🏼

Recently I came across a post about... People wishing others talked more about the loved ones they have lost through death. As someone who has walked through secondary Infertility for almost a decade, I said that I too, wish people asked me about it more. This was their response ⬇️ "Really? I guess I assumed people would want us to mind our business about such a sensitive topic. Would you care sharing some things that would be appropriate to ask someone in your situation? I feel like I would just be so nervous and jumble my words and make myself feel like an idiot and make that person feel bad. Thanks in advance for sharing! I hope your journey ends with a beautiful child when the time is right!" I was more than happy to respond with some things that could be helpful. See comments for my ideas on how to be there for others, even if you aren't going through the same struggle they might be! ⬇️ And how would YOU like people to be there for you more, in what you're going through? Share it with us, so we can know too!

Are you tired and weary from the things you've been facing? Maybe your heart just needs to... Get away into nature and REST awhile❤️ I'm at a ladies retreat this weekend, and the nature I'm immersed into is so refreshing, so calming, and so worshipful for my heart. ❤️ I am already feeling so calm in my soul, just stepping away from the people here and enjoying the beautiful world God made for us!! It's been a hard last month for me/us, and I'm taking any form of rest and worship I can right now! How do you feel best rejuvenated/calmed/at peace, when you're going through something hard?

It may feel really isolating if... You aren't sure how to talk about the things you're facing, or who can safely hold your honest thoughts. How can we be there and offer hope in your story? Compassion. It allows us to love people who are hurting, empathize with their pain, and acknowledge their side of things, even if we can't completely understand, or fix the outcome for them. How have you been shown compassion? How do you want to better show compassion to others in their story? Let's hear it👇🏼

The quote reads like this... Judgement can end with us, when gentleness flows from us. -LysaTerKeurst If you've walked through any kind of grief(and most of us have) you'll probably agree that the last thing we need when navigating something hard is judgement from others. You're trying hard to hold on to any shred of hope you have. You're trying to make sense of it. You're doing your best to put one foot in front of the other, and move ahead, in what way, you know not!! And all you want is care and understanding. So let's stop judging, and instead use gentleness, and let it FLOW from us!! ❤️ What do you think? Have you felt judged during crucial times in your life? Tell us your story. Let's be here for each other👇🏼

Let's dive in... What does it look like to you?

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Today is a great day to say... "Enough. I've done my part, and now I must let God do His part. " Are you carrying a heavy burden that's not meant for you to carry? Make the choice to lay them down at Jesus' feet. How are you choosing to do that today?

What do you think is the quickest ways to destroy hope in your story? Well trust me, because I know from experience... It's a 10 letter word, and it's the THIEF of joy! If you guessed comparison, you're absolutely right! Do you struggle with comparison? I've been there so many times, and if I'm completely honest, it's probably one of the things I struggle with the most in life. It's way too easy to look around, and think other people's lives look more full, more put together, more things going well for them, etc But here's the truth 👇🏼 When we allow comparison of others to dictate how we view our own lives, we enter into a disillusionment of reality that robs us of the joy we have right in the moment. How have you been able to find joy and contentment, rather than falling into the trap of comparison? More truth in the comments. ⬇️

In our house, I'm the main... cook, chef, cleaner, Baker, homeschool teacher, laundry lady etc. 😉 You could say our roles here are very traditional. And I'm fine with that! ❤️👏🏼 ➡️ But after 10 years of marriage, one thing I've never done is➡️ MEAL PLANNING!! 😉 My brain just doesn't work that way. I may have written a few things down here and there about what I want for meals, but it never lasts long enough to call it a plan😂 And we've usually had good food to eat, and it worked out for us all these years, so why fix what's not broken right? One thing my husband does do with food, is the grilling! I've never grilled I don't think, in our 10 years of life together! He does such a great job at that!! Now tell me, do you meal plan? Yes or no?

Are you going through something that absolutely does not feel good at all? Hear me out... Even if your circumstances aren't always good in the moment, God's PURPOSES always are. I know it's hard to believe that sometimes, but it's completely true. All His purposes in what He allows are good. Key word here being PURPOSES. Maybe the actual experience itself isn't good⬇️ Maybe not the loss you've experienced. Maybe not the years you've prayed for the baby you've never been given. Maybe not the fact that you're partner hasn't been faithful to you. Maybe not the poor choices your loved one is making. But His purpose in why he's allowing it might be to strengthen you, sanctify you, or even so that you can help someone else going through something similar. What are you going through that doesn't seem good, but maybe you can see the good PURPOSES behind it?

Hey, it's Fern💗 It's time for a change in my account. As most of you know, I've walked the path of secondary Infertility for almost a decade. So I wanted to share hope and courage to those walking the same path. I still want to offer hope, courage, and peace in your journey. I just want to broaden that to everyone, and not only the infertility community 💗 I'll still be talking about that sometimes, since it's what I have a lot of experience in. But mostly, I just want to be here with encouraging words to anyone who stumbled across my account. Let's get to know each other! Tell me where you live, in the comments, and something about yourself👇🏼 Mine will be in the comments, too.

Don't forget this 👇🏼 Waiting can be the worst, it's true!! But let's keep in mind that the more we surrender to trusting in the Lord, rather than trying to MAKE things happen in my own way and time, the less we will suffer. Surrender is also not easy, but it has brought me peace. After 8 years of Infertility, surrendering over and over again, is very rough. But at the end of the day, it makes me suffer much less than when I think I need to figure it all out. What about you? What have you learned about trust and surrender? And it's ok if you're not feeling that way in the moment. Keep bringing it to the Father, and He'll help you get there. 💗

Here's the thing👇🏼 Do you struggle with letting it define you? I get that feeling because I have been there. But, It doesn't define me! I'm not ONLY a secondary Infertility mom. I'm also... A homeschool mom of a 9 year old A happy wife to a wonderful man A creative person A daughter of the King A small business mom. ➡️ Don't let the one thing that you often think of as a negative about yourself become your identity. It's not! You're so much more than that to God, and hallelujah for that right? What about you and the not so fun part of YOUR individual story? Tell us about it 👇🏼 More of my thoughts in the comments👇🏼

A popular opinion within the infertility world is that 👇🏼 God doesn't bless me as much as he does others. I get it. I've felt that I've believed that. But I no longer hold to that belief. As much as I would LOVE to have more children, I've come to realize that it's not that others are being blessed more than we are. Here's the truth 👇🏼 We're all just blessed in different ways.🙌🏼💗 Have you believed this? Do you still believe it? It's ok if you're still believing it. But I encourage you🫂 Try to let go of that belief. And remember that we're all just blessed in different ways 👏🏼 Do you agree? Disagree? Would love to hear your thoughts...

It's ok to just ... Embrace the life you've been given! I know if seems impossible when you've waited, longed for, prayed, and cried for the day you have your baby in your arms. And that is completely valid🫂 But if you're feeling weary, and tired of all the pressure to MAKE this happen, to schedule that next appointment, to show up for that difficult doctor visit, etc... It's not failure on your part, to let it in God's hands, and rest. I totally support you keeping on pursuing it, if you feel God nudging you to do that. 💗 But I'm one of the ones who got tired and weary So I'm resting, and letting it up to God. I understand, my situation may be different than yours. I do have one child. Hugs, friend. 😊🫂 I hope you can have rest and peace in whatever you decide to do with your journey of Infertility.🫂 Where are you at with your journey of Infertility? Ready to press on? Or just ready to let it rest? Share with us 👇🏼

And here are the other ones...👇🏼 4. You haven't chosen a "healthy enough" lifestyle to get pregnant 5. It costs too much money, so just stop trying to figure out what's going on Which ones can you relate to? And if you're not dealing with Infertility, and happened upon this reel, what excuses have you heard of "reasons" to just give up, and stop trying? Let's hear it👇🏼

If you're feeling overwhelmed, and not knowing what the next step is in your journey... Remember this ⬇️ Don't let fears about the future, steal your joy for today!! 💕 Fear kills. Faith restores. Which one are you choosing today?

And how do you deal with that? The feeling of never reaching your goal? First of all, I'm so sorry if you're feeling this way. I've been there, and felt like this. Thankfully time changes, and in some ways, heals. It doesn't mean it's all fine and easy now. It's just different. I don't feel the need to control it. I don't feel the need to NEED to have a new baby. But I absolutely LOVED being pregnant, didn't get sick, and just carrying life inside of me, was amazing. I would LOVE that so much again! And the newborn/baby stage is so fun! But here I am, not living that reality, but still grateful for my life, and what I DO have! I hope that's encouraging to you today! How do you deal with your feelings of not reaching your goals? Everyone else's life is rushing on, and it feels like yours is standing still? Tell us👇🏼

Do you feel like God isn't answering your prayers? If you feel like your prayers aren't being answered... Don't be afraid of the quiet; God is right there. So often we think God isn't answering us because it just sounds quiet. But He's right there, even in the silence. It doesn't mean He has forgotten. It doesn't mean he doesn't see you. Rest assured, He does! And He's still writing your story! It might look different than you thought it would, but His stories always have beauty in them. Even if we don't always see it in the moment. What specific prayers are you bringing to the Father this week?

Sometimes we don't know how to... Relate to those with larger families and the demands they have that we might not. So if you deal with Infertility or secondary Infertility, let's listen well, and be sympathetic and as understanding as we're able to be with them. ➡️Women with larger families, share with us how to better understand what your day looks like, along with the demands we might not get with either smaller families, or maybe no children yet👇🏼➡️ I will share something I think is probably the most valuable, and that is to both understand each other's "hard" in life... We can't fully understand, if we haven't walked their journey, but truly caring and listening, and supporting as well as we're able to, definitely goes a long way. Even if someone doesn't get it, you can usually FEEL in your heart if they're trying to understand you. Ok, let's hear it 👇🏼

There is an idea that seems to be popular in the Infertility and secondary Infertility circles... It's the idea that it's somehow triggering when people ask you if you have children, or in my case, "is he your only one?" Or, "how many children do you have?" Ok, there, I said it! I don't think it should be considered a rude question for people to ask!! What do you think? Is it rude? Or just a friendly gesture? I understand why you might not want to be asked the question if it somehow makes you feel like "less than..." But for me personally, I just take it as a conversation starter question. It's normal to wonder about someone's life, and it is genuine interest usually, that people are just wondering about, and showing interest in this part of your life. The majority of people asking that question, have no idea the years you've waited, the prayers you've prayed, and sometimes... Aren't even aware that you've been trying to have a baby. So let's not assign people motives, especially not complete strangers, who are just trying to be friendly. I'm curious if you agree or disagree with this, and why?

Even if it looks completely different than you imagined, thought, dreamed, or prayed for... It can still be stunningly beautiful. When life gets hard, as is often does through things like👇🏼 Infertility, Secondary Infertility, Miscarriage, Infant loss, Losing someone dear to you, Demands of motherhood, Loneliness, And I'm sure, many that I've missed! Keep your heart soft. Believe there is still goodness to be found in today. Because there is. You may need to look harder for it though. ❤️ How is your life completely different than you imagined it would be? How are you redeeming it? Let's talk about!!👇🏼

If you can't change your circumstances... Change your focus. Peter walked on water until his focus broke. (Matthew14:22-33). Once he took his eyes off Jesus and saw the wind and the waves, he began to sink. Likewise, if you concentrate on your circumstances, What you wish was different , what ISN'T happening for you, you will sink in despair. So keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and He'll give you the strength to rise above any situation. So what are you going to do today to keep FOCUSED on the important things, so your surroundings and circumstances don't bring you down? Share with us 👇🏼

I mean, let's face it... Infertility or secondary Infertility isn't really the normal around us. Most people have children easily, I mean, goodness, LOTS of people get pregnant "accidentally"😉 But you know what, God blesses them with babies. He blesses me with different things, right? Sometimes we've longed to know the WHY, but right now, I'm content that He holds the pen to my story, and I really don't need to know. I'm happy with what I'm blessed with... 💖A husband who loves me fiercely and is always so loyal to me. Most importantly, he loves God too! 💖 A son who's about to be 9 years old. Parenting him is far from easy, but it's also one of the BEST gifts to me! 💖 I know I'm possibly the "exception" in the Infertility world, and I don't take that for granted. Some of you don't have what I have, and I feel you. I'm sorry it's been hard to wait for so long and still not get even one. Know that I care deeply! And know that you don't need to fit into the normal world to be amazing! The world needs who YOU were made to be!! This quote was on the wall at a coffee shop I was at yesterday, and I love it so much!!! Share your favorite encouraging quotes today! Or verses, whatever you'd like! Let's do it in the comments 💗

If you have ever👇🏼 If you've ever gotten pregnant I'd love to know how you announced your pregnancy to your husband or to the public?❤️😉 I know when you're dealing with Infertility, pregnancy announcements can be the hardest things to hear. But they're also such a joyful thing to experience, so let's talk about it! Also, I'm so sorry if you told your husband or friends that you're pregnant, only to have it end in a miscarriage or infant loss. And I'm equally sorry for those of you who have never experienced a pregnancy of your own. I can't imagine that kind of ache in your heart, the deep longing you must have for that to be your dream come true. And no, this is NOT a pregnancy announcement for me! I'm certainly not pregnant! Ok, let's hear the stories! 👇🏼

That doesn't mean you can't👇🏼 nurture and care for others the way God created women to.❤️ God has given each woman the desire to nurture and care for children. Ok, maybe not every single woman has that desire, but I'm pretty sure most Christian women do! So if you face infertility or secondary Infertility, how do we get to do that? It depends. Because everyone is different, and God calls different women to different ways of nurturing. ☀️Some might choose to adopt or foster. ☀️Some might choose to babysit. ☀️Some might volunteer in the church nursery. ☀️Some find healing and comfort in holding other people's babies. ☀️Some women choose a nursing career. ☀️ Some might choose to serve at an orphanage. ☀️ Some may choose teaching. If none of those things appeal to you, I'd love to hear from you what you'd love to do, to help nurture. And I do encourage you to find a way to pour out in nurturing and caring for those around you in some way. But that doesn't mean it needs to look any specific way. Let's hear from you. What is something you can think of, or something that you've chosen to do?

I've been dealing with secondary Infertility due almost a decade. And only within the last year I've discovered how much my diabetes is affecting that. Disclaimer... It's not to say that diabetes affects EVERYONE this way. But for me, it definitely has. Here are some things I've found in my research 👇🏼 Egg quality: High blood sugar levels can negatively impact egg quality and reduce the chances of conception. Ovulation: Elevated blood sugar levels can disrupt ovulation cycles in women. Sharing more in the comments⬇️

What part of that encouraging verse stands out to you the most? Has it felt like infertility has stripped you of the good things you always thought you'd get? These verses are so full of LIFE. Things have been completely stripped away, and God is there ready to restore! 🙌🏼 You will have plenty and be SATISFIED. Wow, can I say I'm satisfied with the road of Infertility? Secondary Infertility is definitely not what I would have chosen. I'm thankful that though it all, He has been faithful. Even when it felt hard, alone, and like you will never get to the other side of it. I mean, I guess I didn't really, because I haven't ever had another child again. Some days were hard and heavy. But joy comes in the morning. Thank you Lord!

Recently we invited some friends over for an evening campfire 🔥 It was very last minute plans on our part. But it works for us, to just invite people if it comes to us at the moment. The friend replied back that she had already given the kids baths, washed their hair etc, so they won't be coming. Oh, I guess I hadn't thought about it that you'd already be giving baths at 6 to 7 pm on a Saturday night. 😅 It's just one of the things I don't think about, because our son is almost 9, and we have no little ones to give baths anymore! What's something you don't even think of because you're stage of life is different than most people around you? I'm sharing a few more in the comments⬇️