Not Flesh of My Flesh...

"Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart,
But in it."

Guess whose Home Study was finally approved today?

The Serpent will NOT Succeed...

I had another great week in my Beth Moore Bible Study, Breaking Free.

This past week we talked about letting go of generational bondage...you know, things that happened with your grandparents or parents that are trickling down into your life. Well, one of the main topics was not letting Satan get the best of you and breaking that chain of bondage. Here are some of the great Beth Moore quotes from this past week...

"Always remember that any opportunity for Satan to work is an even greate opportunity for God to work."

"Satan is a deciever, leading our minds astray. The more undetected Satan's work remains, the less we'll resist him."

"We can think of Satan's subtleties as times his work is well camouflaged."

"Satan is out to take advantage of virutally anything God allows."

And the most meaningful quote of the week for me...

"If we refuse forgive, Satan finds an open door to outwit us or take advantage of us."

So, stand with me declaring that the Serpent will NOT succeed!

Another AWESOME Devotional...

I just HAD to share this devotional I received from Joel Osteen...

Content Whatever the Circumstances

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances."~Philippians 4:11

It's easy in life to get so focused on our dreams, goals, and what we want that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we're not going to be happy until it happens. But I've found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, when we lose our peace, and we're not enjoying life; that's a sure sign that we're holding on too tightly. What's the solution? You've got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, "God, I'm turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what's best for me. I'm choosing to trust You and trust Your timing."

When we learn to be content whatever the circumstances, it takes away the power of the enemy. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not only that, but by our actions we are showing our faith in God. When you choose to trust in His timing, you can live in peace, you can live in joy, and you can rest in Him knowing that He has good things in store for your future.

Doesn't that just sum it up...OH SO GOOD!

Making Some Changes...

A friend of mine gave me a CD series called Living Beyond Disease by Michelle O'Donnell. The CD's discuss how God NEVER intended for us to go through pain, suffering, heartache, struggles, or disease.

Michelle also shares how we should EXPECT good things to happen in our lives and to stop dwelling on disease (in my life, disease is infertility). We should repent for the thoughts, words, and actions that we've committed that infer disease is a part of our lives, pray for forgiveness, and then change our thoughts, words, and actions toward what we expect. Michelle also recommends we repent, pray and ask for what we expect to happen for all of our families, friends and acquaintances that have had those same thoughts, words, or actions on disease.

When I started this blog, I titled it..."Growing Our Own Garden: Our Journey Through Infertility." The more I looked at the title, I realized that I was giving power to infertility. I was claiming that my husband and I are infertile. I was feeding the disease that consumes my life by declaring the reason for this journey as infertility.

So I took my first step in repenting, praying, and expecting a change in my life...I changed the title of my blog to "Growing Our Own Garden: Our Journey to Parenthood."

And I am determined to live my life BEYOND disease and embracing the Lord who will guide me continually and satisfy me in drought so I will be like a watered garden. ~ Isaiah 58:11

Will you join me?

Pray for Philip...

My sweet friend Amy at Our Daily Blessing...Life, is really struggling with the pain and procedures her son is enduring. Not to mention the decisions that Amy, as his mother, must make.

I read Amy's blog this morning and my heart just hurt for both of them. I can't imagine the tremendous pain Philip must be going through nor can I imagine the helplessness that Amy must feel.

Please take a minute to truly pray for Amy and for Philip as they cling to our Lord through this journey of healing.

If you feel led, please snag Philip's button below and post it on your blog. "For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."~Matthew 18:20

Easter Decor Inspiration Linky!!!

I love decorating for the holidays and Easter is NO exception! Unfortunately, I'm having a hard time finding cute Easter decorations and ideas. These are the decorations I have so far...

I created a Linky below for you to share all your Easter Decor because I could always use your inspiration and ideas...

Someday Crafts

Seven Clown Circus

Extraordinary Mothers

Blue Cricket Design

My Backyard Eden

It's So Very Cheri

Trendy Treehouse

Funky Junk Interiors

Tales from Bloggeritaville

A Southern Daydreamer

The Shabby Chic Cottage

Somewhat Simple

The Inspired Room

Funky Junk Interiors

Poppies at Play

Romantic Home

I am Only One Woman

Decor Mamma

Peace Like a River...

I have had an overwhelming sense of peace these past few days and I KNOW that it is all because of the Beth Moore Bible Study I am participating in...Breaking Free.

Last night as I was sitting at the bar working on the study, my sweet friend Amy sent me a text message. We were talking back and forth about where we are literally and emotionally with our journey to become parents. In between texts, I read this...

"Sometimes when we finally give up trying to discover all the answers to the why's in our lives and decide to trust a sovereign God, unexpected peace washes over us like a summer rain."

Now if that's not God talking to us right there, I don't know what is!!

Then I read this verse...

"Then you would have had peace like a river and righteousness rolling like waves." ~Isaiah 48:18

And yet another sign...

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." ~Isaiah 43:2-3

Beth Moore said it best when she said...

"To have peace like a river is to have security and tranquility of heart and mind while meeting many bumps and unexcpected turns on our life's journey through change. Peace is submission to a trustworthy Authority, not resignation form all activity."

Please Lord...continue to give me peace like a river.

On Bended Knees...

"A woman who spends time on her knees has no trouble standing on her feet." ~Unknown

"For this reason, I kneel before the Father." ~Ephesians 3:14

"So that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth." ~Phillipians 2:10

"And while he was going out into the way, a man came running to him, and went down on his knees, saying, Good Master, what have I to do so that I may have eternal life?"~Mark 10:17

"O come, let us give worship, falling down on our knees before the Lord our Maker." ~Psalms 95:6

Don't Miss Out!!

I am hosting a GIVEAWAY on my other blog, Be Thou a Knight.

You don't want to miss out on winning one of these...

So what are you waiting for??? Click HERE and enter to win!!!

Sick to My Stomach...Literally!

A few days ago I made this post about being sick to my stomach. Well after visiting my doctor two weeks ago, I found out that I am literally sick to my stomach :(

I had a quick out patient procedure a week ago and the doctor took a few biopsies of my colon. The plan is to test for cancer cells and infections that might have caused the inflammation.

History...

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when I was in high school...over 20 years ago. My body has worked well with the medication that I have been given and I haven't had any probelms in YEARS. I visited my doctor in May for my annual check up and my results were so good that he didn't need to see me again until 2011. But my stomach has been feeling so yucky lately so I thought it best to make an appointment sooner than later.

I finally heard back from my doctor today and discovered that I do NOT have any cancer cells (Praise GOD) and that I do NOT have an infection. Basically, my colon is just inflamed...probably due to stress, stress, and MORE stress. Go figure?!?!

I go back to the doctor next week to decided what the next steps should be. I am predicting that either my medication will change or that I will be given a supplemental medication to go with the prescription that I already take.

Please keep me in your prayers...I could really use them.

Breaking Free...

Not only am I going to Atlanta in April to see Beth Moore speak about her book So Long, Insecurity, but I also started her Bible Study Breaking Free at my church last week.

I have REALLY been struggling with breaking free and trusting God to do the great things I know He has planned for me.

Breaking Free has found a home in my heart...I home that in the past has been empty and isolated. I have realized that I have been putting many other things in the forefront...number one, our struggle with infertility. I recently have had so many of my friends and family ask me where we are in our journey to becoming parents. To be honest, I haven't thought about it. I made a promise to God, to my husband, and to myself, to but our journey on the backburner while I focus on putting God first.

The main verse of the Breaking Free Bible Study is Galatians 5:1...

"It is for freedom that God has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."

That verse resonated with my soul the very first time I read it and I decided to print it out and put it in my car, so I will see it and read it every single day.

I will not let myself be burdened again by a yoke of infertility.

You Say, God Says...

My grandmother sent this to me and it was TOO GOOD not to share.

You say: 'It's impossible'
God says: All things are possible
(Luke 18:27)

You say: 'I'm too tired'
God says: I will give you rest
(Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: 'Nobody really loves me'
God says: I love you
(John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: 'I can't go on'
God says: My grace is sufficient
(II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: 'I can't figure things out'
God says: I will direct your steps
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: 'I can't do it'
God says: You can do all things
( Philippians 4:13)

You say: 'I'm not able'
God says: I am able
(II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: 'It's not worth it'
God says: It will be worth it
(Roman 8:28 )

You say: 'I can't forgive myself'
God says: I Forgive you
(I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: 'I can't manage'
God says: I will supply all your needs
( Philippians 4:19)

You say: 'I'm afraid'
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear
(II Timothy 1:7)

You say: 'I'm always worried and frustrated'
God says: Cast all your cares on ME
(I Peter 5:7)

You say: 'I'm not smart enough'
God says: I give you wisdom
(I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: 'I feel all alone'
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you
(Hebrews 13:5)

Say it, believe it, live it...

Thank You & Happy Birthday!!!

If you read THIS POST last week, you know that my Greeting Cards for Our Garden website is going out of business. As promised, the next set of cards that are on sale are my Thank You and Birthday cards.

^Grateful

^Thanks So Much in Zebra

^Thank You in Argyle

^Green and Blue Celebrate
^Blue Birthday Cake
^Polka Dot Birthday Wishes

^You Take the Cake

All I ask is that you donate at least $2 for each card (this will help cover the materials, envelopes, and shipping). You can click on the Chip-In button below to make your donation. Please indicate in your paypal comment which card(s) you would like. And of COURSE, please feel free to donate MORE, as all the proceeds from my going out of business sale will go toward our fertility treatments or adoption fund. I currently have four of each card, but like before, I would be happy to make more if anyone is interested.

I still have a few Easter/Spring cards still available on THIS POST. Check them out before they are ALL GONE!

Seven Clown Circus

Baby Jackson...

Some friends of ours are expecting a baby boy in May and they have decided to name him Jackson. I received a baby shower invite this past week and knew exactly what I wanted to get the baby...something PERSONALIZED!!!

I ordered this bib set from Sew Blessed Stitches...

Isn't this set just A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E???

I also ordered this burp cloth and onesie from Addy Reece Boutique...

This pic is from Addy Reece's site, the actual personalized one I ordered hasn't come in yet!

So, do you think the mom-to-be and Baby Jackson will like the gift???

Going Out Of Business SALE!!! *UPDATE*

I started a business called Greeting Cards for Our Garden. I have always enjoyed creating greeting cards for family and friends and thought that it would be a GREAT way to earn a little money for our fertility treatments. Unfortunately, it is costing me MORE to keep up my site than I am making on the greeting cards. So I have decided to cancel my site and sell the remaining greeting cards.

I thought I would have a going out of business sale here on my blog though!!

But feel free to check out my site before it is cancelled, by clicking HERE!

I am starting with my Spring/Easter cards and then I will put up my Thank You and Love cards next.

All I ask is that you donate at least $2 for each card (this will help cover the materials, envelopes, and shipping). You can click on the Chip-In button below to make your donation. Please indicate in your paypal comment which card(s) you would like. And of COURSE, please feel free to donate MORE, as all the proceeds from my going out of business sale will go toward our fertility treatments or adoption fund. I currently have four of each card, but like before, I would be happy to make more if anyone is interested.

^ Pink Tulip SOLD OUT

^Happy Spring in Pink
^Easter Bunny
^Pink Chick SOLD OUT
^Happy Spring in Blue
^Pink Flowers
^Blue Egg SOLD OUT
^Yellow Chicks
^Chirp Chirp
^Red Tulip

Thanks again for your donation to our fund! I hope you enjoy your card and I hope the recipient knows that it was made with LOVE!

Twice Remembered
Between Naps on the Porch

Someday Crafts

Seven Clown Circus

Extraordinary Mothers

5 Minutes for Mom

Momma Findings

Blue Cricket Design

My Backyard Eden

It's So Very Cheri

Trendy Treehouse

Funky Junk Interiors

Life as Lori

Somewhat Simple

The Shabby Chic Cottage