tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post7259213674486895553..comments2023-10-17T09:33:31.239-05:00Comments on Beyond Blessed: Faith and Love. But no Hope?Mindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01671324275307280259noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-56117808846863594212012-11-06T15:49:58.110-06:002012-11-06T15:49:58.110-06:00You continue to be in my prayers often! During the...You continue to be in my prayers often! During the last few months of infertility treatments, I prayed daily, "Lord, Help my unbelief" (Mark 9:23-24). Like you, I believed the Lord could help us conceive but didn't know if it was His will. It was truly the hardest part of infertility for me. James and I decided by a certain time, that we would do more to pursue adoption. We did that for my sake, not to put a time limit on God. I needed resolve. I needed to see an end in sight. Infertility is hard enough but those hormone medications make every emotion so much more intense. No one can tell you what is best for your family. Only you and Brad (with the guidance of God) know when you need a change or if there needs to be a change. I pray that you do stay hopeful and our prayers are answered! Please, let me know if there is anything more I can do.Stacey Daltonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03097622171051952103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-68571686168836904112012-10-17T15:04:09.913-05:002012-10-17T15:04:09.913-05:00Oh my. I feel like I'm reading my own prayer ...Oh my. I feel like I'm reading my own prayer journal. I too have really struggled with this. My husband and I have finally decided to move to IVF but I am fully aware that whether I do IVF or not, God will do as He pleases. I wasn't having a clear 1 way or the other so I figured I would do what I could humanly do...but, accepting the fact that God could have allowed me to get pregnant if He wanted to. Is IVF really God's plan for me?? Maybe. The hope is really hard. I've even considered it a possible middle name!! :) Hang in there and keep hoping. The Bible does promise that HOPE does NOT dissapoint us. Praying for us friend!Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16521069845002030377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-7621811569559115892012-10-15T21:39:33.880-05:002012-10-15T21:39:33.880-05:00Sometimes it's hard to keep believing
In what ...Sometimes it's hard to keep believing<br />In what you can't see<br />That everything happens for a reason<br />Even the worst life brings<br />If you're reaching for an answer<br />And you don't know what to pray<br />Just open up the pages<br />Let His word be your strength<br /><br />And hold on to the promises (Hold tight)<br />Hold on to the promises (Alright)<br />Jesus is alive so hold tight<br />Hold on to the promises<br /><br />All things work for the good<br />Of those who love God<br />He holds back nothing that will heal you<br />Not even His own Son<br />His love is everlasting<br />His faithfulness unending<br />Oh, if God is for us who can be against us<br />So if you feel weak<br /><br />Neither life, nor death<br />Could separate us<br />From the eternal love<br />Of our God who saves us<br />Emily J.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-90744253380782964402012-10-05T08:11:38.655-05:002012-10-05T08:11:38.655-05:00You have really made me think about the connection...You have really made me think about the connection of faith and love and hope and peace and joy. As I prayed for you tonight, and studied God’s word – God and His Holy Spirit led me to share this verse with you, to give you HOPE.<br /><br />Romans 15:13<br /><br />New Century Version - I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />The Message - Oh! May the God of great hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope!<br /><br />Amplified Bible - May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.<br /><br />Good News - May God, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />New Living Translation - I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />Phillips Translation - May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in your faith, that by the power of the Holy Spirit, your whole life and outlook may be radiant with hope.<br /><br /><br />I never try to just “have an answer” – it is never that easy – but sometimes God leads me to a truth that I can share with someone who is hurting – I hope this helps you, Mindy and Brad. Look at each translation above – read them aloud slowly - then look what appears between GOD BEING HOPE at the beginning of the verse, and then our lives OVERFLOWING, or BRIMMING OVER, or BUBBLING OVER, or BEING CONFIDENT WITH HOPE, or RADIATING WITH HOPE.... at the end of the verse.<br /><br />I see the “LINK” between the two being what is written in between them….. that is having JOY and PEACE and TRUST and BELIEVING (having faith). He simply asks us to be joyful where we are – have peace with our lives in HIM, continue to trust that He is good and always blesses us and wants what is best for us, and to live our lives believing in HIS power. Live your life this way – see what the end result is – you are in our prayers !!!Kerwin Eversonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-66165958468961275132012-10-03T14:43:22.623-05:002012-10-03T14:43:22.623-05:00Thank you so much for your honest post, Mindy. You...Thank you so much for your honest post, Mindy. Your heart is precious in the midst of this sadness. I'm at a loss for words and don't pretend to understand the "whys". Perhaps those of us around you (even via the web) can take up the mantle of hope on your behalf. Love to you from the BarmersKrista Barmernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-36896932552975685592012-10-03T08:27:44.778-05:002012-10-03T08:27:44.778-05:00The song "Stand Back Up" by Sugarland he...The song "Stand Back Up" by Sugarland helped me to stand back up more times than I care to admit. I would listen to it on repeat, and I would cry and curl up into a ball... and eventually I would scream it from the top of my lungs while listening to it and driving down the interstate. Sometimes I still listen to it, on my really bad days. Sounded like you could use it. Not Taylor Swift, but effective treatment none the less. Love you.Ginny Elkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-7320281634416737692012-10-03T08:16:23.879-05:002012-10-03T08:16:23.879-05:00I can't give you advice or a heart stopping sc...I can't give you advice or a heart stopping scripture. I don't really think that's what you need from me right now. Here's what I can give you: hope! I give you my hope! My hopes and dreams of ahoue and a teaching career and a doctorate and my own family. I give all my hope to you right now! If you don't want o or can't take it right now, then I'll just hope for you! You WILL be a mother! Someday, somehow. We love you, your hubby loves you, your family and friends love you, and He loves you! It's not bad to lose hope, but until you get it back, is it okay if I have it for you?Heathernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-49777979295858719292012-10-03T08:13:51.133-05:002012-10-03T08:13:51.133-05:00I just love you and your sweet heart! I noticed yo...I just love you and your sweet heart! I noticed your Pinterest board about no bun in the oven and thought you were dealing with infertility. I have been praying for you for months. I have 2 dear friends that are also going through infertility. It is a very difficult path. No doubt. I love you and I'm praying for you. Two things that I've talked to my friends about...have you thought about having the elders pray over you and anoint you with oil? God's Word does mention that! And the second thing (I read in a book...it was referring to a man who had cancer and came to the elders for them to pray over him...the preacher asked 'why do you want to be healed? Why do you want to live on this earth longer?)...I know it seems strange to ask...but why do you want a child? To love? To raise? To teach Christ to? Sometimes we want things that are selfish, but I believe your heart's desire is that you want a child because you want to teach him/her about Christ and to tell them the gospel! Sometimes it helps to say those things out loud to God! Tell Him why you want a child! He knows...but it is powerful when we say things out loud! Makes them real! We were unable to get pregnant for 6 months and after month 5 I continually spoke things out loud that I wanted for our future children (whether adopted or biological). I don't know if this is helpful...but I love you and we're praying for you!Harmony Millernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-9201993872526250482012-10-03T08:11:40.663-05:002012-10-03T08:11:40.663-05:00My heart is breaking for you and Brad. I cried fo...My heart is breaking for you and Brad. I cried for you reading your blog. I know we should never question God's answers and yet it is hard sometimes when the answers don't make sense to us. I'm praying for you and I know you and Brad will make amazing parents some day. Try to stay strong and when the hope is gone keep your faith that God will answer your prayers in his time. Melissa Kingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-80044634178128913172012-10-03T08:10:47.056-05:002012-10-03T08:10:47.056-05:00Sweetheart, I echo what your mom says...Sweetheart, I echo what your mom says...Dadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-91217087651802038682012-10-03T08:10:19.282-05:002012-10-03T08:10:19.282-05:00Love you sweet girl ... Always in my prayersLove you sweet girl ... Always in my prayersEmily Jordannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-76147639021194653892012-10-03T08:09:48.873-05:002012-10-03T08:09:48.873-05:00do.not worry. the lord knows what he is doing even...do.not worry. the lord knows what he is doing even if we don't agree. love you both.grandma storknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-35598550486233190492012-10-03T08:09:09.303-05:002012-10-03T08:09:09.303-05:00I totally know that hugs can't make it better ...I totally know that hugs can't make it better but I wish I could hold you in my arms and hug your pain away. Love you so much.Momnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-21766407116003231332012-10-02T16:27:27.620-05:002012-10-02T16:27:27.620-05:00Sorry. It stinks.Sorry. It stinks.Kara Vansandtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-24741837613125184592012-10-02T15:39:36.950-05:002012-10-02T15:39:36.950-05:00For years I struggled with similar questions befor...For years I struggled with similar questions before I got married. I don't know that I put it in words, but sometimes I definitely felt it was easier not to hope...and not to be disappointed...when yet another year passed by with no Mr. Right. The thing is, like you said, God can make ANYTHING happen that He wants to happen. But how to know what His will is....????!!! That was the difficult part. YES. I know that feeling so well. <br /><br />You described all the ways you still have hope in the Lord - and Mindy, THAT is all you need. I honestly do not believe He's asking you to hope for a baby every month, just to see you disappointed every month. He only asks you to hope in a future with Him, no matter what. <br /><br />I recommend that you start praying specifically for God's will to be revealed to you. He wants to help you; He wants His Spirit to guide you. I feel like your thoughts this month may already be shifting in a different direction...maybe He is softening your heart to adopt a sweet baby who really needs some awesome parents like you guys! Or maybe He needs you to focus on another ministry until it's time for you to be a mom. <br /><br />As always, I love you dearly! I'm praying for your peace that passes understanding. Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16639605055045184182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-49227641908087480562012-10-02T14:03:59.910-05:002012-10-02T14:03:59.910-05:00I have no answers sweet friend. I love you lots an...I have no answers sweet friend. I love you lots and pray for you every single day!Staceynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-8601034755027728762012-10-02T14:02:12.026-05:002012-10-02T14:02:12.026-05:00Most times miracles happen when we least expect th...Most times miracles happen when we least expect them.Aunt Katheynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-14690267968403366112012-10-02T12:24:54.192-05:002012-10-02T12:24:54.192-05:00Mindy... I just love you. I don't have any enc...Mindy... I just love you. I don't have any encouraging words or words to uplift you unfortunately, but what I do have is love for you. And we do have a God who hears us. He hears our struggles, our disappointments. While it may be His will for you not to conceive, I think it's only human to question... you've done so well it seems in not doing this until now. I commend you for that. I'm not sure I could have been that strong. You are an inspiration to me in your positive outlooks... and don't think for a minute that your one “semi-negative” post would change that. It only shows me you are human.<br /><br /> You have been on my prayer list for some time now… not to say I’m always so faithful and good to bring these issues to God. I struggle myself… but many are praying for you. I pray that whatever God’s will is for you and Brad, that you can come to terms with it and accept it. I just know you would be a wonderful mother if God gives you the opportunity. However, you know as well as I do that His will is much greater than ours. You said that yourself… the hard part comes in accepting this. I pray you can…<br /><br /> Like I said, I have no encouraging words for you… but I did want you to know I appreciated your honest blog. And I want you to know I think all these feelings are human. And I want you to know I love you.Melissa Menleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-74024925367431622692012-10-02T12:22:41.734-05:002012-10-02T12:22:41.734-05:00Love you sweet mindy. Big real hug from Illinois. ...Love you sweet mindy. Big real hug from Illinois. Hope is hard, and I pray yours will return. Just from experience, sometimes when we give up and start looking down other paths, not knowing what Gods plan is but knowing that He is good, He gives us just the thing we hoped for. Perhaps this is the beginning of a new road, a new hope, that will eventually fulfill your first hope. Prayers for you sweet friend. You don't have to be the encouragement today, now is the time for your friends to lift you up and encourage you. <br /><br />Proverbs 3:5-6<br />Proverbs 13:12<br />Ecclesiasties 3:1<br />1 peter 5:6-7<br />Psalm 27:14<br />Numbers 6:24-25<br />Proverbs 23:18<br />Psalm 71:14<br />Jeremiah 29:11Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18409610896406134513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-52791516823324549142012-10-02T12:21:43.798-05:002012-10-02T12:21:43.798-05:00Okay, although I absolutely positively have no ide...Okay, although I absolutely positively have no idea the pain you're feeling right now, my heart is still aching for you. None of this is helpful, but just letting you know I'm praying for you and I love you.Madisonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-21739035604328990422012-10-02T11:58:13.692-05:002012-10-02T11:58:13.692-05:00Hey sweet girl. My heart cries for you. I totally ...Hey sweet girl. My heart cries for you. I totally understand you and how you feel. :) Maybe today, you could trade hope for peace. Peace in that the Lord will provide your every need. Peace that He is sufficient. And peace knowing that He will & wants to bless us. :) I know that when my hope seems to linger away, and then doubts flood in, well that is not the Lord talking to me, and then you have to dismiss that thought. God can do all things, even impregnate Mary, just as you said. I'm not going to tell you to the "just don't worry about it, then it'll happen" line that people give.... But I wanted to send encouragement to you by saying to pray for peace today. True peace that you are ok with God's plan for your life right now. Once you feel that amazing peace, the full hope will return. Love you. Praying for you guys. Many blessings to you and may God's peace surround you & brad and fill your home.Tara Elliotnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-52490817054068387102012-10-02T11:47:48.182-05:002012-10-02T11:47:48.182-05:00So beautifully written, and I don't have any a...So beautifully written, and I don't have any answers...many of the same questions under different circumstances but no answers. May God fill us with His peace as we walk through this life seeking to hear His call. Thanks for your sharing such honest feelings about this tricky thing called hope.Amanda Bawcomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106945057236979236.post-6527384998658218622012-10-02T11:47:36.814-05:002012-10-02T11:47:36.814-05:00Love you.Love you.Emilynoreply@blogger.com