In the meantime

My last post Miscarriage, part 1: When Your Friend Has One gave a few ideas on how to minister to your friend who has gone through a miscarriage.  However, because of the statistics, it is likely you yourself may have also had a miscarriage.  In this post, I’d like to share a couple things that were extremely helpful to me as I've worked through losing our twins 1.  Music  I don’t know about you, but music is a incredible balm for my soul. Shortly after our miscarriage, several songs became very special to me, for they reminded me of Who my God is.  Those songs, along with some select albums, are now part of a playlist labeled “Angie’s List.”  {haha, yes, I know…so original!}  I like to think of those songs as my go-to songs to help “lift my eyes to my Savior” when the emotions flood my soul or when I am tempted to wallow in a private pity party.  That list has ...

While this blog doesn’t have a strict purpose or subject, it does, admittedly, have frequent posts about my journey down the road of having gone through a miscarriage.  In some ways, writing here helps me work through it in my own heart. Because miscarriage is so incredibly common , chances are you either know someone who has had one or you have had one yourself.  I’d like to share a few practical things those around me did that God used to be an encouragement to me when He called me and Isaac to walk this path.  While there are many, many practical ways to do this, my list is just what I personally experienced to be helpful. Hopefully it can be helpful to you in knowing how to interact with a friend who has had a miscarriage. 1.  Say something .  We’ve all had those thoughts of I don’t really know what to say   when someone we know is grieving the loss of a loved one.   The temptation to just not say anything is g...

Check out this post by Nancy Guthrie: Six Words to Say Through Tears.   While it is specifically in the context of grieving and losing a loved one, the main point of the article can also be applied to the many other trials in life that God takes His children through.

 Evil has always been present in this world, but sometimes it is easy to forget about it when it isn't directly affecting us personally.  In light of current events, I find myself selfishly fearing for what might be in store for us....   It's a scary world we live in (although I guess people have been saying that for years, I'm sure...there's really nothing new.) Anyway, I guess God knows my heart and the fears that have filled my mind over the past few days:  He caused me to read a verse today that helped give peace and re-adjust my heart and mind: " Behold, Thou hast made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing in Thy sight, Surely every man at his best is a mere breath . [Selah.]"   and again " Surely every man is a mere breath ." (Psalm 39:5, 11)  We will all die.  Once to every man, there is an appointed time to die.   Death has a way of conquering even the most powerful, rich, healthy, and invincible--even those who...

Have I mentioned how encouraging the book of Psalms has been to me lately? “Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplication.  The LORD is my strength and my shield , my heart trusts in Him and I am helped;  Therefore my heart exults , and with my song I shall thank Him. / The LORD is their strength, and He is a saving defense to His anointed. / Save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance; Be their shepherd also, and carry them forever.  (Psalm 28:6-9) “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. / Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD.  (Psalm 27:13-14 ) “His work is honourable and glorious: and His righteousness endureth forever. / He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.  ( Psalm 111:3-4) “Make me to know Thy ways...

10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman has become one of my favorite songs.  Was blessed by this devotional by Desiring God  that goes along with the song.  "We may have ten thousand reasons to praise him in the best times, but this one reason can suffice in the worst times: He is God . And no matter what else we lose, nothing can separate us from him."

The Psalms have become a precious source of specific encouragement.  I thought I’d take a minute to personally “respond” to particular passages that jumped out at me.  It is incredible how the Psalms keep driving me back to focusing on God, His Character, and His Word, no matter what may be going on around me.    ( BOLD is Scripture/ italics is my “response.”) Thou hast put gladness in my heart , [ joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit and the product of abiding in Him. Yes, He is the only source of true joy and gladness and He wants ME to have it!] more than when their grain and new wine abound [and a good crop gives reason for a lot of rejoicing!]   (Ps. 4:7) But I have trusted in Thy lovingkindness [ trusting in the Lord isn’t just a placement of trust in something ambiguous.  God has revealed His character, and among other things, I have the lovingkindness of God to trust in!] M y heart shall rejoice in thy salvation [S alvati...

In some ways, these days are some of the most exciting days of my life: In less than two months, I will be getting married.  In other ways, these days are some of the most difficult .  God is taking me and my family through a time that I never would have imagined He would be taking us.  At times the weight seems more than I can bear.  And then God reminds me that He is here, right by my side.  He is the One Who has allowed things to happen in the first place.  He is the One wants me to glorify Him and find my joy in Him. However, I do have the option to do otherwise.   Just yesterday, I heard an old song that I believe was penned by St. Francis de Assisi.  With a beautiful and rich melody, this prayer-like song encouraged and blessed my heart.   Lord make me an instrument of your peace, Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, ligh...