Humbled… Blessed… Expecting…

One of my favorite verses I learned from my Grandma Altena during my childhood was “From the fullness of His grace, we’ve all received one blessing after another.” John 1:16

God provides in good times, uncertain times, and even times of fear and doubt. We’ve been on a rollercoaster of emotions dealing with pregnancy issues/infertility for over 2 ½ years. It has been a long, hard journey to say the least. However, we have learned and grown so much getting a glimpse of the pain and hurt that only this world has to offer. God is so much bigger than that – and we learned to completely put our trust in him, no matter what the circumstances. After all, it was OBVIOUS it was nowhere near our control. Whatever we tried, the answers we wanted – we always came up with nothing.

So we continued to pray, asked people to pray for us when we couldn’t, tried to be patient, waiting for God to reveal His plan for us. I had many people mention the idea of foster care and/or adoption but we just never felt called to that. I am not opposed to it by any means and always said, maybe that is still where God will lead us someday, but right then it wasn’t where we felt called. I’m so grateful for the nudges of obedience that God gave me along the way. Even when my plan demanded a quick answer or solution, that wasn’t God’s plan and he granted me patience.

With that said – God has answered our many, many prayers.

Yes, I am PREGNANT! Our projected due date is April 28, 2013. Because of my history with an ectopic pregnancy and months/years of disappointment afterward, I was very cautious to get too excited or anxious about anything. But now at 10 ½ weeks, everything has looked good and we are so very thankful for God’s provision! We continue to pray that this little one will grow healthy and we are entrusting that all to Jesus – we still have no control!

My heart is still mixed with many emotions. It aches for the many I have come in contact with that are still facing the battle of infertility. It’s something I will probably never understand this side of Heaven. But I know God’s plans are far better than any of ours, even when it’s so terribly hard to see. So my prayers will forever continue for the couples and families that deal with this heartache.

No matter what your journey, heartache, or even sheer joy may relate to today – I just encourage you to always keep your focus and trust in Jesus. For HE is the same yesterday, today, and forever – and He’s truly all we ever need when it’s all said and done.

THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support, prayers, encouragement, shared tears, hugs, and concern as we’ve walked this road. We are truly grateful for a community of believers who have been willing to walk along with us and cry out for us. We covet your continued prayers for a healthy pregnancy and safe arrival.

The excitement and reality are finally starting to sink in for us.  We are feeling very humbled and blessed by God’s divine plan.

“He will cover you with his feathers, under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” – Psalm 91:4