Christianity Explored

Every year at Christmas my church organises events that are specifically tailored to the non-believers in our world.  This year my friend agreed to come along like she did the year before.  Part of the announcements that particular Christmas Eve was a promotional video for Christianity Explored.  Little cards were strategically placed on everyone's chair, to make it easy for people to sign up.  When my friend found her card, turned to me and asked if I had a pen... I nearly fell of my chair!  I fumbled about in my bag like an idiot trying to locate one and praised the Lord when I finally found it!  I was in shock.  I actually could hardly believe that she was signing up to explore Christianity. 

I have known my friend for years, we were 'best buds' in school and I have been praying for her salvation for a long time.  I specifically prayed that she would be open to the idea of Christianity in some way and that opportunities would arise.  When you pray for something for so long and it finally happens, sometimes the joy of it all can really have you in awe.  At the time and even now as I write, I just keep thinking at how wonderful and faithful God is!  I couldn't help but wonder... why now?  What has changed to make her take that step?

Over the years I have always been very open about my struggles with infertility.  We had so many conversations together about my faith and the disappointment, hurt and anger I felt.  I was always so completely honest with her, as we have always had that type of relationship.   Sometimes though, I was a bit worried that I had maybe said too much and I would pray that God would give me the right words to say.  I would pray that God would use my story for His glory. 

In Philippians chapter 1 verse 12 Paul writes "I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel".  How wonderful it must have been for Paul to know that all the trials, all the pain and all the suffering that he experienced were not in vain.  He knew that his experiences had an awesome impact of winning lost souls for God's glory.  People noticed that despite all of his suffering, Paul was still able to praise God.

I am starting to think that my story of infertility could maybe be having an effect on my friend.  I would love to know that what has happened to me could actually serve to advance the gospel.  And I pray that she will continue to seek God and claim His salvation. 

Blessings xx

The Benefits of Dairy Free.

As you can imagine, I was a little more than annoyed.  Because for reasons I still don't know, my period started doing funny things when we started trying to conceive.   Before the days of trying for a baby, my cycle length was spot on 28 days.  I could almost tell you right down to the hour, when it was going to start... well almost...  OK I may be over exaggerating slightly.   But you get the idea.  It came like clock work every month.

So when it didn't start that first month of trying, I thought things like 'Wahey go me!!!!' and 'How fertile am I!?'.  I naturally thought I was pregnant.  There was absolutely no need for me to think, that my body could be playing cruel tricks on me.   Unfortunately that is exactly what it did.  Ever since that first month your guess is as good as mine, when Aunt Flo is going to show.  

It will be three years in April.  Three years of heartache and very long cycles.  During this time I have tried everything I can think of, to get my cycle back down to 28 days.  I have gone gluten free, caffeine free, lost weight, exercised more and nothing has worked.  That is until October 2012.  The month I started a dairy free diet.  That month I managed to achieve a cycle length of 29 days.  Yiiipppppppeeeeee!

I have completely cut dairy out of my diet and so far I am immensely happy with the results.  I have lost weight, my cycles have shortened considerably, I no longer have awful cramps, I don't need to take painkillers and I am not as bloated anymore.  Actually before I went dairy free, I didn't even realise how bloated I really was.  

The diet rules are simple.

No milk.

No cream.

No butter.

No yogurts.

No cheese.

If you are like me and have similar difficulties with your cycle length, I would really recommend you trying this diet.  I noticed a massive change the first month.  Let me know how it goes for you.

Blessings xx

The Baby Trap

I didn't ask for anything specific for Christmas and I really wasn't expecting much from hubby at all.  So when Christmas Day arrived and I was opening a black slim line box and seen that my dear hubster had got me a kindle, I was more than thrilled!!!!  I absolutely love to read and my house is coming down with books.  A kindle was the perfect gift for me and a really thoughtful one at that.   He even got me a lovely case to keep it scratch free, in my favourite colour purple.  

Since Christmas Day my kindle has been stuck to my right hand and I carry it about protectively, like my life depends on it!  I have already read three books and I am half way through my fourth,  The Baby Trap by Sibel Hodge.  A story about a 30 something woman and her journey through infertility.   Her story is so similar to mine.  This book makes me laugh, cry and dread the day when I finish it and I will have to say goodbye to my friend.  

Happy New Year!:)

Happy New Year everyone!  I pray that 2013 brings you joy, peace and happiness.  This year I am going to try to post more in this blog.   And share more of my journey with you lovely ladies out there.

Today I took down our christmas tree and it was such a relief to finally be free of the decorations.  Since dealing with infertility, I really struggle with the question, what do you want for christmas?
Even though I have now mastered the art of putting on a brave face and responding with something frivolous like new shoes, earrings or my two front teeth (LOL!).  Deep in my heart I think...
I want a baby. 

So far Santa hasn't followed through on that request.

It has been three christmas' and counting.