that ‘little’ announcement

What a ride it’s been (and what a long time since I blogged its been!).

• 6 years of trying for a baby, (3 x failed IUI’s) where we were told we would struggle to conceive naturally and that IVF was the only way (with male infertility & “ageing eggs”)
• 1 1/2 years of being on the adoption journey and loving every step closer it got us to meeting our child

Then, in one positive pregnancy test, it all changes.  Our planning, our longing, our desires for children were coming, no matter how, they were coming.  We’ve always felt that no matter what, God would make us parents in some capacity.

And now….here we are, 14 weeks pregnant!!!

I don’t think I would have ever been able to close the door on adoption, its been too close to my heart with my dad and close family being adopted.  But I didn’t have to close that door, God did.  He had other plans.  Plans that are promised clear as day in His word.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Our hopes of conception that were always constant, even though we were told otherwise.  Our hope that He knew, every step of the way.  He gave us comfort and a crazy peace and knowing that everything would work out how it was supposed to in the end.

That finding out, some 10 weeks ago now, was a day where my faith was just lifted to a different level.  Where feeling blessed didn’t compare with knowing we were blessed by the hands of God. Where believing reaches knew heights because He is perfect in all His ways!

“The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 7:14 NIV

That we are now on a new journey which I am still comprehending but completely amazed by and can’t freakin wait for!!!  A journey with a baby due in April 2018 that is already off the charts in length, all thanks to a 6foot 7inch tall husband.  Bring on anything I say!

 

rewards are better

Loving your enemies.  Sounds easier said that done and honestly a little scary.  But it definitely does neither you or them any favors by holding onto anger or past hurts.  It doesn’t help you, it just turns you bittter and resentful over time – and who wants to be that!

I know for me there have been people who have let me down, who have disappointed me or not turned out how I expected. But holding onto it doesn’t allow you to move forward, it holds you back thinking about how it used to be or how they hurt you.

Often for me, it’s my own silent unconscious expectations I put on others that lead to me being disappointed. Because they are never going to live up to how I think they should act. That’s all on me!

Instead, I’ll be making strong steps forward to be kind and to just simply try. To be the one to reach out, not because I think it should be their turn or why not them and always me. Not for anything in return but because compassion should always be the response. Because I know the reward is going to be SO much greater in the end!

why hello there winter

Winter in Australia.  It doesn’t really exude ideas of snow capped mountains and rugging up in all the winter warmer fashion – especially for here in Queensland.

But it is my favourite time of the year in Queensland.  Mainly because its the only time it feels like its not Summer.  I swear I’m living in the wrong state though – Summer is my least favourite weather!

But Winter 2017 means that 5 months of the year is already gone.  Summer and Autumn gone!  And its been a wonderfully happy filled, busy, roller coaster of a time – that feels like its literally happened in only 2 months, not 5!

It’s been a time where I’ve learnt to really listen to my inner self and stop if I feel things are getting too much or too busy.  Things don’t have to be hectic and exhausting all the time – life is too short to not enjoy it.  This came in the form of taking a break from full time study.
I’ve recognised more than ever the importance of a God first life.  Where putting Him first makes everything else flow and so much easier.  The constant reminder of you are not your own strength, you have His strength, is an instant comfort.
I’ve been reminded about the importance of quality time with my husband and how easy it is to get into routine without making set, non distracted time with each other.  Our time has been in the way of board game time  (the game Splendor is a really fun game for two) or in walks to local coffee shops.
Finally, I’ve realised a lot of hard work goes into cooking a whole lamb. Even though I wasn’t the one cooking it, just being a part of my husband doing it was exhausting enough!

So bring on Winter.  Where the days are short, the skies so much more blue and the cuddles and sleep ins that much better!