National Infertility Week

Infertility is hard.
Miscarrying is hard.
Having a sick baby is hard.
Losing a baby is hard.

Wanting something with all of your heart and not having it is devestating. Loss of any kind is painful to endure. While every circumstance is different, every loss is the same in that it is a loss of dreams. Dreams of health, wholeness, life... Some of us experience multiple losses. Others seem to have everything physically present and wonderful, yet many of those have still suffered major loss in their hearts. Loss is hard, but there is hope. Hope!

My favorite passage: Psalm 37: 3-5

"3 Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
4 Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."

This is so beautiful, and speaks to all of us:

Wherever you are in the great line-up of life, be there. Remember God's goodness. Call to mind and dwell on the things He has been faithful in. Your breath this morning, green grass outside, food, whatever MAJOR things He has done for you in the past... Purpose in your heart to delight in the Lord. Enjoy Him. He will put desires in your heart. Commit your days to Him. Trust Him, and He WILL bring those desires to pass. God never backs down on a promise. In our finite minds, we struggle to understand His infinite ways, but He is good and His mercies are new every morning.

Two great articles on infertility:

One at Kelly's Korner - and one at - Home: Hands Full, Hearts Full, Quiver Full



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Hannah's Prayer Retreat

This is to notify you of the Hannah's Prayer Retreat, May 1-3, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio!

This retreat is for married women who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss, or infant loss. Join other sisters in Christ who know the pain these experiences bring, and be encouraged together to look to Christ for hope and healing.

Location: Sheraton Cincinnati Airport Hotel, 2826 Terminal Drive, Hebron, KY 41048

Cost: $200 per person for event, hotel, and all meals. $65 per person local option for event and Friday dinner only.

Speaker: Ginger Garrett, author of several books, including Moments for Couples Who Long for Children and Beauty Secrets of the Bible.


The theme is "Beautiful in His Sight." Through worship, prayer, encouraging messages, various workshops, and fun & fellowship, we hope to strengthen our relationship with Christ and one another and be reminded that even though our bodies don't work the way they're "supposed to" and our lives are not turning out as we'd planned, we are precious and beautiful and loved by the Lord, and He has a great plan for our lives, whether He sends us children or not.

God brings beauty from the ashes in our journey!

Click here for more information, and a link to a registration form. Registration deadline is April 10, 2009!

Book Review: When The Cradle Is Empty

When the Cradle Is Empty: Answering Tough Questions About Infertility
by John and Sylvia Van Regenmorter

You’ve waited, you‘ve cried, you’ve prayed…and still your parenting dreams haven’t turned out the way you’d hoped.

When the Cradle is Empty is a compassionate book with answers for couples dealing with this deeply personal heartache. Authors John and Sylvia Van Regenmorter share their experience and those of others to help you explore your options, get the medical help you need, deal with pressures from family and friends, and protect your marriage.

Whether you’re dealing with primary or secondary infertility, miscarriage, adoption options, or living positively as a family of two, you’ll find comfort, wisdom – and above all, sound biblical advice – in this essential resource.

”When the Cradle is Empty” is a marvelous resource for every family that is striving to grow, yet finding the journey more difficult than expected.”
Jennifer Saake, Founder/Director Emeritus,
Hannah's Prayer Ministries

“If you are experiencing infertility…John and Sylvia Van Regenmorter and their words…are the friends you need. This is a wonderful book!”
Joe S. McIlhaney, M.D., Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Infertility Specialist, Member of The American Society for
Reproductive Medicine and President of the Medical Institute

About the Authors
Since 1996, Rev. John Van Regenmorter and his wife, Sylvia, have been the directors of Stepping Stones, a Christian ministry for couples facing infertility or pregnancy loss. They travel across the country and speak about infertility and adoption, and have made several appearances on The 700 Club. John and Sylvia experienced infertility for the first ten years of their marriage. They now have three children, two of whom are adopted through Bethany Christian Services


©2009 Bethany Christian Services