Comments on Chapters: Seventy Two Disappointments Ago...

To be honest, I prefer your honest and open posts ...

2011-12-07T12:38:47.571-06:00

To be honest, I prefer your honest and open posts about what is on your heart. Happy, sad, frustrated, etc. So many of us are in the same battle, fighting the same hard fight, arguing, bargaining with God, etc. It's nice to feel encouraged and how can we encourage you if we don't know what you are struggling through? Josey, as usual, is right on the money. Write what's on your heart. Who knows who it may lead to Him?

This post has really resonated with me. We have be...

2011-12-05T00:31:40.680-06:00

This post has really resonated with me. We have been ttc for over 6 and a half years. We are coming to terms that it will not happen. But I am able to thank the lord for this rough walk as it has brought me so much closer to him. There's this verse: rejoice, pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances for that is the will of god for you in Christ Jesus. It has been on my heart for over 2 years and helped me so much. Love your blog. Keep writing if you can as you are expressing what we are all feeling one way or another.

Hi! I've stumbled across your blog a few times...

2011-11-30T15:09:01.016-06:00

Hi! I've stumbled across your blog a few times recently and have always been impressed at the way you articulate your feelings and beliefs, especially surrounding infertility. My husband and I have been on our own journey for four and a half years at this point so I definitely relate. This post sums up so much of what I've been feeling and thinking as of late, from the feeling lost in IF to drawing closer to the Lord. Keep up the good work!

i am a fairly new follower and have been blessed b...

2011-11-30T07:33:47.079-06:00

i am a fairly new follower and have been blessed by your honesty and authenticity.
i am reading a book by andy stanley right now and a passage from it made me think of your situation. he says that, "discomfort is part of the cure. you strengthen a muscle by exhausting it and then letting it rest." where are hearts or life issues are concerned, sometimes He's got to "exhaust us" in order to let us then rest.
praying that your time of "exhaustion" leads to a blissful and blessed period of rest. because like you said, He never does anything without a purpose and plan.

You are wise and encouraging and I love reading al...

2011-11-30T06:52:10.348-06:00

You are wise and encouraging and I love reading along with your journey . . . I'm praying for you too! (ps - I feel the same way about writing - it was especially healing for me while Caden was so sick . . . )

While it breaks my heart that you too are struggli...

2011-11-30T00:33:18.487-06:00

While it breaks my heart that you too are struggling with infertility I love reading your blog and knowing that I'm not alone in this journey.

This week I found great comfort in Philippians 4:6-7

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The verses go together but take a second to meditate on 7.

I know that over 5 years of longing for a baby God has given me a peace that transcends all understanding as I would imagine that you feel as well. Don't get me wrong as you know there are some REALLY hard times. I'm so glad to know that he guards my heart, gives me peace and draws me closer to Him like you spoke about.

Oh, how I can relate to your post today. It will ...

2011-11-29T18:54:58.940-06:00

Oh, how I can relate to your post today. It will be 7 years of this infertility journey for us in February. I canNOT separate this journey from my faith. They go hand in hand, as I trust that God has a plan in all of this. But, I'll be honest... I'm especially hurt and angry about it this month. I'm grateful that He can handle my hurt, my anger, my wrestling, my questioning,... I acknowledge that He's sovereign and that I don't have to understand, but to trust and walk by faith. My prayer lately has been "less of me, more of You." I want that more than anything. But, quite frankly, I could use an attitude adjustment lately. The question I continually go back to is - WHY, oh WHY Lord, would you create in me this desire to be a mother (from a very young age), to leave me "hanging"? If it's to take me to a breaking point where I acknowledge that I'll serve Him anyway, I'll love Him anyway, well,...I've arrived. So, why am I still waiting? Why do we not have peace to take any action toward adoption, even though we'd adopt tomorrow if a baby was available? I feel in my heart that He's calling me to wait, to be still,... And, maybe someday I can say it is "for this child I have prayed."

Ahhh, so sorry to let loose on you. I guess I just want you to know how much your words and sharing mean to me. God is using you as a blessing in my life. Just knowing I'm not the only one facing this is comforting.

I pray for you each time I think of you through my days and weeks.

you are an amazing writer. praying.

2011-11-29T16:59:49.285-06:00

you are an amazing writer. praying.

I love coming to read your blog because I feel you...

2011-11-29T16:55:10.213-06:00

I love coming to read your blog because I feel you are someone who understands a little of what I am feeling. I often don't feel free to share all that I am processing my my blog is private.

It's been nearly 4 years for us with 2 miscarriages in there. It's tough. And recently I decided to lay it all down. TO try my best to surrender. TO stop timing things out stop treatments, etc. Time to move ahead into whatever that may be...just wish I knew what it was fully.

Here's a quote I like "As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend. I brought my broken dreams to God because he is my friend. At last I snatched them back again crying my God how can you be so slow. My child he said, what could I do you never did let go.

I wish I could take you out for coffee and get to know you. I admire your faith and love for Jesus. I admire your perspective on seeing this has all been for a reason. And it's not due to sin or anything like that...just to draw you closer to Him. And through your journey you've pointed many to Jesus even if you weren't aware of that.
Rebekah

rfoord (at hotmail)

You may feel like everyone is tired of hearing abo...

2011-11-29T15:52:44.162-06:00

You may feel like everyone is tired of hearing about your infertility journey, but not me. I keep coming back to your blog because I've been struggling with this for almost 4 years, and you can put into words what I can't and help me to see and understand things in a way I can't see. Your faith through all of this encourages me and helps me to keep pressing on.

I love the story in John 9 about Jesus healing a blind man. When the disciples asked what sins the man or his parents had committed to make him blind, Jesus responded that no one sinned, that he HAND PICKED the man to use so he can show off His glory. I know that God handpicked each one of us going through this hard journey so in the end, He can show off his glory through us. Hang in there - praying for you.

I understand how as a blogger you must think "...

2011-11-29T15:51:16.021-06:00

I understand how as a blogger you must think "Do I say this too much?" or whatever, but what I love about your blog is how real it is, and it always seems that what's on your mind is what comes out in your posts. And after reading for a long time I have never gotten tired of anything you talk about, and especially not when it's something with infertility that will call other people to pray for you or to maybe be more open to the struggles that other women go through. When I hear people talk so flippantly about getting pregnant or whatever I just think "They have no idea!" so I love that you not only are sharing your heart but you're also showing the other side to things as well. I'm praying for you faithfully and I believe one day that I'll be sharing your joy over a baby ... and I can't wait.

God bless!!

As much as the journey sucks, even though God has ...

2011-11-29T15:42:48.208-06:00

As much as the journey sucks, even though God has a reason and purpose for the journey, I am thankful for your honesty. Honesty in your struggles with infertility (I feel you on that one), your walk with God, the journey you're on...it's why I read your blog. I hope with you, cry with you, and rejoice with you. So now, I will pray with you, and give praise for your journey. Because it has brought you here, to this place in your life, where you grow ever closer to God.

Hi Amy! I meant to do this several posts ago (lea...

2011-11-29T13:54:52.678-06:00

Hi Amy! I meant to do this several posts ago (leave a comment). I've been reading a few months, but never have until now (comment, that is). My road to becoming a mommy was a long one but definitely not as painful as it is for some. But waiting is waiting, and I totally get that part. It's so crappy most days, others not as much. When I read what happened with Alli (which is when I started reading your blog faithfully), my heart just broke. My sister and BIL went through the very same heartache. Not long after, they adopted my niece, and she's been in our lives for almost six and a half years. Because of your strong faith, I know and trust your story will have nothing less than the ending God has planned for it (which is immeasurably more than we can ask or think). Praying for you today, and thanks for sharing your heart.

Your honesty is so encouraging to me. I was actua...

2011-11-29T13:28:59.645-06:00

Your honesty is so encouraging to me. I was actually just telling a friend at work today how much I appreciate your openness on your blog about every topic. Don't stop being you!

One thing I've learned is that if writing abou...

2011-11-29T12:31:13.863-06:00

One thing I've learned is that if writing about your struggles helps you - do it! We don't mind at all. Your honesty is so encouraging to others. I will be praying for you.

I'm praying for you. I've never gone throu...

2011-11-29T11:25:17.037-06:00

I'm praying for you. I've never gone through infertility (however we haven't even began trying yet). BUT I did recently write a post about my new found cousin who was struggling with infertility and adoption. She had something similar happen to her like you did with Alli. They were just blessed with the most precious little bundle, ONE day after they had pretty much given up on becoming parents.And I have faith you will be just as blessed. Don't lose hope, you'll make a wonderful mother. I'm praying for you and DW, your strength is out of this world!

I'm getting caught up on months' worth of ...

2011-11-29T11:06:20.936-06:00

I'm getting caught up on months' worth of posts today and have loved reading all of your updates!

It's important to recognize that God has heard you all 72 times you have been disappointed and has a plan for you! I'm praying for you both.

More than anything you encourage people by sharing...

2011-11-29T11:03:19.460-06:00

More than anything you encourage people by sharing your struggles. I have been dealing with infertility for just over 2 years now and it is soo comforting to know that other people deal with the same feelings and emotions that I do every day.

I will be sincerely be praying for you.

2011-11-29T09:56:45.668-06:00

I will be sincerely be praying for you.

Personally, you're one of the few people in th...

2011-11-29T09:52:57.150-06:00

Personally, you're one of the few people in the blog world who has been facing IF as long as I have, and I find support and encouragement in your relationship with God. I guess I just needed someone who was in the same boat, because the journey of faith does get more difficult in year four, or, in our case, almost year seven.

Amy don't EVER let the enemy make you think we...

2011-11-29T09:49:10.645-06:00

Amy don't EVER let the enemy make you think we grow tired of this journey with you. Sure, we all ache and shed tears for/with you in this struggle, but if anyone every grows tired of it - they don't have to "click" on over to read. We follow along because we care for you, believe for you, and probably most importantly are ENCOURAGED BY YOU IN YOUR STRUGGLES! Your humility in showing your vulnerable and human side in this walk is blessing so many people. It is well within your right to decide what you need to share and what is sacred between you, DW, and God. But always know your life (and heart) is such a beautiful testimony of a submitted walk before Christ.

one of my favorite quotes is this one: "I’m...

2011-11-29T09:40:39.856-06:00

one of my favorite quotes is this one:
"I’m not always going to get what I want, but who I’m becoming is in fact more important than where I’m going. I often find myself in situations where if I look at the circumstances,it appears as if God is not there. However, I’m learning that God is most powerfully present, even when he seems most apparently absent." (pete wilson)

When I even start to think about our 6 years of trying for a baby, my heart gets quickly anxious and my head starts spinning. I start getting very angry at God and wonder why I had to be chosen for this. Why I had to be the one in my relationship and my friendship circles that had to have the "broken" body that can't produce children easily like my other friends.
But then I start being sane again and looking at all I have learned and how far I have come, personally, emotionally and especially spiritually. How the songs I sing in worship now mean so much more then they did before the 6 years. And how open my heart is to others because of my experiences.

You're there babe. And God has NOT left you. And He loves you. And so do I. He has so many good things planned for you - I can't wait to see you continue to grow.

xoxo - Janelle (@tuckergirl)

I have to say, I'm with Josey on this one. You...

2011-11-29T09:38:56.318-06:00

I have to say, I'm with Josey on this one. You're honesty is what I deeply admire about you- your willingness to really let it all hang out- to trip and stumble in front of all of us, your friends. Honestly, your silence about your struggle with infertility over the last several months has made me think perhaps you had it all figured out. Like the pain might not be so paralyzing anymore. I hope you'll continue to share your heart, all of it. Hugs to you!

I totally get what you mean when you say that you ...

2011-11-29T09:31:47.802-06:00

I totally get what you mean when you say that you have lost yourself in this journey - I feel the same way. Oh how I would give anything to live freely again, without the thought of all of these troubles!! But then I think how selfish of myself, yes this has molded and made me a different person, but I am now a more understanding person. I guess I am still trying to see the glass full instead of half empty, but there are always days when it is half empty! I usually feel like an hourglass that someone keeps shaking/flipping - feel soo close to it being my time and then it is flipped over and I have to start all over again! Hang in there! I know this time of the year is the hardest.

First of all, Josey is 100% right. Secondly, th...

2011-11-29T09:13:01.937-06:00

First of all, Josey is 100% right.

Secondly, the sentence where you say "...what stinks about it is that the readers get to watch me stumble around in the dark sometimes..." is the exact opposite of how I feel. That part does stink for me, I think the stumbling is what makes you human and relatable. Don't ever feel like you have to hide that from the readers (friends).

Hang in there, I know it's so so hard sometimes.