Someone knows someone who finally conceived after she stopped using regular shampoo, deodorant, and lotion. Something about the chemicals was harmful. Should I try that?

Oh, and caffeine reduces fertility. I will stop drinking caffeine.

Tears in My Sleep

Dear Lord,

I confess struggling with envy today. In my sleep, I was crying about friends having their baby. In my wakefulness, it didn't really bother me, but apparently it did inside. I am thrilled for them. The struggle is that we both started trying to conceive around the same time and didn't right away. Then, they announced that they were pregnant. We still aren't, and now they are parents.

I am happy for them and the MANY others who are new parents, and I am trying not to be envious. Please give us an appreciation for this phase of life and a peace that You will open my womb when (and if???) the time is perfect. In the meantime, may we seek Your face and honor You in everything.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

A Burden Removed

Contrary to this suggestion, complete sin removal is impossible on this side of eternity.

Thankfully, God doesn't operate on a points system. We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. We cannot earn salvation, and we also cannot earn children.

"As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'" John 9:1-3

A Burden Placed

Someone told us recently that in their experience, infertility seems to be a result of sin.

So, we should just stop sinning, and THEN we will conceive.

The Christian life is characterized by confessing sin, turning away from it, and trusting in Christ for forgiveness and salvation. We thought we were fighting against sin, but there must be one we are missing. Where do we start?

The ultrasound results were normal. I guess that’s good news, but I was hoping for answers.

We talked to a doctor about infertility for the first time today. She doesn’t think my weight is a factor, but said I should try to put on a few pounds. And she wants to do an ultrasound. 

I expected my first ultrasound to be looking at a baby, not looking for problems.

Forget About It

As I have shared our hopes with people, many of them have said to just forget about it. Just forget that we are trying to conceive and it will happen. After all, that's how it happened for them and for all these other people they know.

That sounds easy enough; we will just forget about it.

A Prayer to the Great Physician

Dear Lord,

Thank You for being a healer, the Great Physician. In the Gospels, You healed paralytics and even raised dead people back to life. Please forgive me for forgetting Your power and giving way to fear. If You want us to have a baby, You can fix any physical issues and make it happen. Help me to trust You in that and not try to control everything about my body.

We do ask that You would bless us with children. Please give us patience in the meantime and satisfy us in You.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Left Behind

Dear Lord,

Thank you for making promises and being consistent in keeping them. You promise that all things work together for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose (Romans 8:28). We trust You in that; give us faith to trust You more.

Last night was hard because we learned of another couple who is pregnant. These friends started trying to start a family when we did and could relate to our situation. We are happy for them, but I couldn't help crying. We don't know exactly why you have chosen not to give us a baby at this time, but will trust You and try to learn from the experience.

Please bless the many pregnancies around us and the new families. Help us to be joyful with our friends.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

Blessings Are Undeserved

Dear Lord,

We know that You open and close wombs. You create each life and take it away at the right time. If You see fit, please bless us with children. We know we don't deserve a baby, but we know that every blessing comes from You and that they are ALL undeserved. Give us grace to wait and contentment in the meantime.

In Jesus' Name,

Amen

A Prayer for Guidance

Dear Lord, 

We REALLY would love to have a baby. Soon. We trust in Your timing and Your plan. Thank you for having a master plan that is better than we could dream. 

Please help the doctors identify any problems if/when we go in. We know that You ultimately open and close the womb, so will wait eagerly for that day.
In Jesus' Name,

Amen

One Year TTC

It’s been a year.

We tried to honor God in our family planning. Although not wanting to start a family during law school, we chose to avoid hormonal birth control. As pro-life people, we believe that life begins at conception. We could not justify using anything that could end a life.

As a result, we chose the harder route: fertility charting. After more than three years of doing the right thing, we expected God to give us a child in our timing. Clearly, He has a different plan.