No Pain, No Gain

Here's a nice poem I chanced upon the net that says it all...

THE RAINBOW AFTER THE RAIN

Submitted by: maple

Author: Maple

God never promise us a good life on earth;
but He gave the assurance that there will always
be a rainbow after the rain.

Life on earth is not always what we expected
and wanted it to be. But if we can put our
trust in God, He can sail us through definitely.

God never let us bear what is impossible;
and He makes sure what we bear is the
limit that we can take without much difficulty.

After the rain, things will be changed;
everything on earth seems to be new
and clean. With these renew scenario,
we should be:

- a more positive and courageous person
as indicated by the RED of the rainbow;

- a creative, thoughtful and joyful person
as indicated by the ORANGE of the rainbow;

- an intelligent, confident and logical person as
indicated by the YELLOW of the rainbow;

- a renewed, generous and practical person as
indicated by the GREEN of the rainbow;

- a peaceful, sincere and responsible person as
indicated by the BLUE of the rainbow;

- a relaxed, devoted and wise person as
indicated by the INDIGO of the rainbow;

and last but not least, a spiritual and idealistic
person as indicated by the VIOLET of the rainbow.

Let's keep going... like a rainbow after the rain, there's always a good thing after the pain.

Think Positive

Which Step Have You Reached Today?

Something to ponder on... 

As for me, I'm almost there... I'LL TRY TO DO IT... I CAN DO IT... I WILL DO IT... and hopefully, really soon... I can proudly say that YES, I DID IT! :)

How about you?  Which step have your reached today? :)

A Prayer for Conception

Dear Lord,

Hear this prayer and answer the wishes of my heart.  

You know my deep desire for a child,

A little one to love and to hold,  

To care for, to cherish.

Grant that my body may conceive and give birth 

To a beautiful, healthy baby in Your holy image.

Guide me in all my choices 

So that this conception, my pregnancy,

And my baby's birth are all in line with Your will.

Heavenly Father,

Hear this prayer of my heart, mind and spirit.

Amen.

God Whispers

I received this very timely message from GodWhispers this morning and would like to share  it with you all... 

Believe and trust that God is working on our prayers!  Have a nice day! 

Live.Laugh.Love.

Another Infertility Song: No Less Than A Woman (Infertility) By Lady Saw

Feeling “less than a woman,” or less manly, when struck by infertility is a feeling many coping with infertility experience. 

But let me tell you that you are not defective nor a failure as a woman if you do not have a child.  

Your worth transcends your ability to procreate…  

You are a worthy person irrespective of your infertility.  Always remember that! 

Here is a song, “No Less Than A Woman,” from Jamaican reggae singer Lady Saw to remind you that not having a child doesn’t make you less than a woman.  

Lyrics

Intro:
Infertility is a word that a lot of people are ashamed to mention
A lot of people are so illiterate when it come to that word
They act as if it's a crime if you can't have a child
But I don't think so, I don't have a child, I may one day
But in the mean time I am going to share all my love.


Chorus:
Not having a child don't make me less than a woman,
You see I got so much love to give, to so much unwanted kids,
You can say all you want about me trying to ruin my reputation,
But I have so much love to give to so much unwanted kids,
Listen to my song


Verse 1:
I may not know the joy of giving birth,
May not experience the pain and all the hurt,
But I know how it feels to lose a child,
And if pain is pain then I am hurting inside
If infertility makes me less than a girl,
What would I say to many women in this world
Would you tell them have faith,
Would you tell them be strong
Or would you tell them that they're less than a woman?

Chorus:
Not having a child don't make me less than a woman,
You see I got so much love to give, to so much unwanted kids,
You can say all you want about me trying to ruin my reputation,
But I have so much love to give to so much unwanted kids,
Listen to my song


Verse 2:
I would give anything to have a child of my own
But in the meantime let me share my happy home
With the less fortunate, take away some of the stress from a child
Who has never known love and happiness
Miscarriages remind me of baby carriages
Broken hearts bring failed marriages,
The pain never go away, we try to keep them at bay
Oh I wish if my baby could have stayed


Chorus:
Not having a child don't make me less than a woman,
You see I got so much love to give, to so much unwanted kids,
You can say all you want about me trying to ruin my reputation,
But I have so much love to give to so much unwanted kids,
Listen to my song


Verse 3:
Some people have kids and wish them never did,
Some kids grew up hating the life weh them live,
Some have it easy, some have it hard,
Some mothers abandon dem pickney like dawg
But wanti wanti dem can't get it
And getti getti get and run weh lef eeh
Me nuh have none so you know me will take eeh
Me have a lot of love so send me little pickney on


Chorus:
Not having a child don't make me less than a woman,
You see I got so much love to give, to so much unwanted kids,
You can say all you want about me trying to ruin my reputation,
But I have so much love to give to so much unwanted kids,
Listen to my song

Outro:

You see, what I am saying is this song is dedicated to all the females who have been trying to have children but never succeed. Some have miscarriage just like myself, but you know what, don't give up, have faith, one day you may just succeed. You know what I'm saying, and don't feel you are less than a woman because you don't have a child 'cause once you give you love to other children that counts. You know what I'm saying.

One Step At A Time

Listen to this song... it's very uplifting... 

One Step At A Time By Jordin Sparks

Lyrics of One Step At A Time 

Hurry up and wait so close but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste but you just can't touch

You wanna show the world but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face and the door keeps slamming

Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient, waiting
We live and we learn to take

One step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused and got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours if they only knew

You wanna show the world but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face and the door keeps slamming

Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient, waiting
We live and we learn to take

One step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time


When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight
It's the faith that makes you stronger
The only way we get there is one step at a time

Take one step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time

One step at a time there's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly or falling in love
It's gonna happen and it's supposed to happen
That we find the reasons why, one step at a time


Take your infertility journey one step at a time... Happy listening!

Belated Happy National Infertility Survival Day!

This Sunday, May 13, 2012 is Mother’s Day – a day for mothers. 

Last Sunday, May 6, 2012, a week before Mother’s Day is National Infertility Survival Day?!  A day for those coping with infertility.  Hahaha!  This is the first time I heard about it and it is really indeed a great idea – a holiday we can call our own.

National Infertility Survival Day is a relatively new holiday, founded in 2004 by Beverly Berna, author of Infertility Sucks! Keeping it All Together When Sperm and Egg Stubbornly Remain Apart (Xlibris Corporation, 2002) to celebrate all the hard work and effort that infertile couples put towards trying to have a child.  The day’s main emphasis is on self-care and celebration for what we do have.  It’s also a day for friends and family to help lift the spirits of a loved one coping with infertility.  

Just like Mother’s Day, when all the hard work that goes into motherhood is celebrated, on National Infertility Survival Day, we celebrate and honor couples who are desperately trying to become parents.

Isn’t it nice?!  I love the idea!

“Celebrate who you are and what you do have,” as Barna urges those struggling with infertility.

The holiday is a chance to turn around and bring something positive to what is normally a difficult condition.  Often, we focus our energies and thoughts on what we don’t get, or have not received, despite all our efforts.  On this day, we honor and celebrate all we have done to try to have a child.  Instead of focusing on our losses, we focus on our strengths.

This holiday isn’t only for women and couples coping with infertility now, but also a day for those who have gone forward in their lives.  This day also aims “to encourage those who are not currently dealing with infertility to embrace the knowledge – even wisdom – they gained in that struggle, and to find ways to support those who are still coping with the ordeal on a day-to-day, month-to-month basis, and who don’t know how it will turn out for them.”

Some women may feel silly celebrating when they feel they have nothing to celebrate.  Our society puts so much emphasis on celebrating after we’ve accomplished a goal.  It’s not uncommon for women coping with infertility to feel like failures.  But you are not a failure.

With infertility, your accomplishment is the effort you’ve already put towards becoming a parent. You’re celebrating your strength and your efforts. You may not be able to hold these types of accomplishments in your hand, but they are just as real and deserve to be celebrated.

If you decide to celebrate, you may want to have a romantic dinner for two or take a long, long bubble bath. Or perhaps go for a massage or get together with friends either at home or out of town.  This is a day just for you, and you should celebrate the day however you like it.

Officially, the day is celebrated the weekend before Mother’s Day.  The timing is intentional, so that it can blunt the sadness and frustration that many women feel as Mother's Day approaches.  But feel free to declare your own survival day anytime you need a boost.  Be good to yourself.

Care to share your dream infertility survival day?  Feel free to share your plans in the comment below.

You can view the entire article here.

To get the latest news and views on National Infertility Survival Day and other stuff from the holiday’s founder, Beverly Barna, visit www.infertilitysucks-thebook.com.


Belated Happy National Infertility Survival Day!  (Better late than never... :) )

Surviving Mother's Day

This photo was taken from this site.

This Sunday, May 13, 2012 is Mother’s Day, a day that celebrates motherhood.  But for those struggling with infertility, Mother’s Day can be a double whammy -- another anniversary of a year gone without a baby and a holiday that specifically excludes you.  (Ouch!)

Mother’s Day is a reminder of what we don’t have yet and it is painful.  There were years when I personally did not enjoy this day as it was too sad for me to be around so many mothers when I couldn’t be one myself.  It hurts to know that in as much as we want to get pregnant; we have not yet conceived and are still waiting for our baby to arrive. 

But just like always, we will survive this and we can get through this…   

Though hurting deep inside because of our own infertile status, let us not forget to celebrate this special day and remember our own moms and all those who have been like a mother to us.  Be thankful to have your mom, your aunts and maybe even your grandmothers to love and be grateful for.  Take the time to celebrate this special occasion with them.   

Hmm… come to think of it, we might also call ourselves “Mothers” – for all the motherly acts we have bestowed to our cousins, nephews, nieces and all those whose lives we have touched one way or the other.  So celebrate yourself also for all those you are “motherly” to.  You definitely mean a lot to them.  Acknowledge that and smile. :)

You are a mother too.  You just haven’t met your baby yet.  Hopefully some day in the not so distant future, your baby will find you through whatever means are necessary and you’ll get to celebrate it too, in its real sense.  Perhaps next year, you will finally celebrate Mother’s Day with a baby (or two)… who knows?!?!  Keep the faith.

Happy Mother’s Day!  Enjoy the weekend!

Have You Surrendered Your Dreams To God?

Borrowed from this site.

I am a subscriber of Bo's Soulfood email and i want to share with you the message today because this is very applicable to those who are  having a hard time reaching their dreams like in our case, our dream of conceiving and having a baby. 

I'm sure all of us have done our very best to get pregnant: we have gone to different doctors; done various tests and treatments; change our lifestyle; give-up our careers and many other adjustments and sacrifices... all these we have done to make our dream of having a child a reality... 

In the midst of all the pain, frustrations and disappointments you have experienced,  have you tried to pause and think about surrendering your dreams to God?  This article can inspire and enlighten you to surrender your dreams to God. To know what it means to surrender your dreams to God, read on...

Do you want to fulfill your dreams?

You need to surrender your dreams to God.

Many people have taught you to seek your dreams.

But very few have taught you to surrender your dreams.

Don’t get me wrong. Seeking your dreams is important. I always tell people, “You need to know your dream, define your dream, and pursue your dream. You need to have a firm grip on your dream—to eat, talk, walk, and sleep with your dream. I believe that if you don’t seek your dream with fierce commitment, your dreams won’t come true.”

But there’s a second phase to fulfilling your dreams.

At a certain point, after seeking your dream, you need to surrender your dream to God. 

Or else you won’t have peace.

In the Bible, God told Abraham to sacrifice his son on the altar (Genesis 22). From personal experience, I’ve noticed that God asks us to offer what is most dear to us. 

God calls you to surrender your dream on the altar.

Let me say it in another way. There are two extremes that you need to avoid. 

First is when we have no dreams. There are people I know who wake up in the morning not knowing what to do.  Because they have no dreams. And a person who has no dreams has already started dying.

That’s why every Sunday at the Feast (our weekly spiritual gathering), I teach people how to dream. I teach people to write 7 dreams on their Novena to God’s Love (it’s a little booklet we give to all first timers)and pray for them everyday.

The second extreme is when their dream consumes their life, it actually destroys them, or destroys their family, or destroys their health, or destroys their relationship with God.

These are people who say, “Unless I get a husband, I won’t be happy.” 

Or “Unless I get healed, I won’t be happy.” 

Or “Unless I get a baby, I won’t be happy.” 

Or “Unless I get a house, I won’t be happy.”

Or “Unless I get a US Visa, I won’t be happy.”

How do you know if you need to surrender your dream to God? When your dream becomes more important than your life. When your dream steals away your peace. When your dream steals away your God.

What does surrendering your dream mean?

I’m not asking you to give up your dream. I’m asking you to give up your attachment to a specific version of your dream. 

And that also means surrendering your attachment to a specific timetable of your dream.

Surrender means trusting that God has the best version in mind for you. That God’s best blessing will come in the best time and in the best way.

When you surrender your dream, you’re saying, “Even if I don’t get this dream, I’ll still be happy. Because my trust is in you, Lord.”

I believe something magical happens when you put your dream on the altar. When you surrender, you hear God speak to your heart and say, “Child, will you still want your dream if I tell you that I have something better for you?”

I want you to say this prayer to God right now: “Lord, I’m trusting you. I’ll still seek my dream with joyful passion, but I will surrender my attachment to the details of my dream. I will open myself to your wonderful surprises.”

God Will Allow Temporary Disappointments

       My mother wanted me to be a priest.

       When I was a little boy, she told me, “I’m praying that you become a priest.  I’m not forcing you. But I’ll be the happiest woman in the world if you become a priest.”

       Talk about subtle emotional manipulation (Haha).

       When I was 16 years old, I took up philosophy for my college course, so that just in case God really called me to priesthood, I’ll be ready. (A.B. Philosophy is required for priesthood.)

After college, I also took all the required subjects for a Masters degree in Theology, again, just in case God really wanted me to be a priest. All the Bishop had to do was send me to a seminary for a year or two—and viola—I was ready for ordination.

But God never called me to be a priest.

When Mom learned that I had a girlfriend, it broke her heart. Aside from the fact that no woman was good enough for her son (Except for Mother Mary), her dream for me to become “Fr. Bo” was slipping through her fingers.

I’m sure there were many days when she imagined me to be a priest. I’m sure she imagined me wearing the clerical garb, celebrating Mass and consecrating the host. And one day, that beautiful picture was blown to bits.

But I also know that through many tears, Mom surrendered her dream for me to God. Like Abraham, she placed me at the altar.

And God gave her another version of that dream. 

I didn’t become a priest. But I became a preacher, an author, an entrepreneur, and a leader.

Today, when my mother thinks of me, she’s still the happiest woman in the world!

I love being a lay preacher. I love sharing about how I raise my kids and how I love my wife—stuff that priests will never be able to share. And without the long robe, I feel a lot more irreligious people can identify with me.

Friend, God has a way of fulfilling the dreams in your heart in the best way possible. He will allow you to be temporarily disappointed, but never permanently disappointed.

You don’t have to understand it all. Just surrender your dream to God. Just let it go. Just let God. Enjoy your life today, even if that dream seems to be so far away.

In due time, you’ll see the best blessing coming your way.

       

May your dreams come true,

Bo Sanchez

A very inspiring message that touches my heart.  It is like God talking to me through this article... reminding  me to put my trust in Him... to let go and let God.  He knows well the plans He has made for us and those are always plans for our future good.  So, all we have to do is surrender our dreams to Him and trust that He will fulfill the dreams in our heart in the best way and in the best time.  God only allows temporary disappointments, but never permanent disappointments.  The best is coming... in the meantime, enjoy life!

P.S. You can sign up to Bo's Soulfood Email at http://www.bosanchez.ph

When Enough is Enough – The Decision to End Treatment

http://www.flickr.com/photos/poyang/

One of the hardest things to decide upon on infertility treatments is when to stop.  “When should we stop?  When will we know that we have done all that we can?”  Do these questions sound familiar to you?  I’m sure these questions have popped into your mind at least once in your infertility journey.  When is enough enough?

We had our IUI last Monday, June 20, 2011 at Cardinal Santos Medical Center with Dra. Angela Aguilar.  Result of which will be known by July 7, 2011.

My husband and I have finally made a decision that this will be the last try of IUI before we take a break from infertility treatments.  We have practically tried everything and have also set time frames for each treatment to work.  Though we are still hopeful that this last IUI will work, just in case it wouldn’t, God forbids, we will be taking a “vacation” from all the treatments.

I have to say that it is a vacation, a break only, because deep inside my heart I know that I will always long to have a child of my own.  Giving up fertility treatments does not mean giving up all chances of getting pregnant.  It is just a resting period for us… a time to regain our strength and energy and come back stronger for the fight on infertility and make our dream of conceiving a child a reality.

Having exhausted almost all infertility treatments available, I believe that we have tried our best.  And since our OB and also Sister Liu said that both me and my husband are generally healthy and are both okay, I don’t see a reason why we cannot do it naturally.  Though I have explored the thought of going into IVF, my husband does not want to go into that and moreover, my OB and Sister Liu do not suggest us to do it either.  They say that we are still young and can still do it naturally.  They say that IVF is too much for us at this time considering our age and infertility case.

So for now, I have to let go and let God.  As the Bible says, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28).  Lord, I’m letting myself deep into Your hands.  I’m tired of carrying this heavy burden and exhausted from keeping up with this infertility journey.  So I’m going to just lay myself down on Your promises and rest.

Over and over the Bible repeats these words: “Wait for the Lord.”  Wait for God to act.  Wait for Him to do what no one else can do in your situation.  Your heart will be strengthened, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14). 


“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope.” (Psalm 130:5)

We’ll have to wait for the result.  This IUI cycle will be the last of the many treatments I have done… the last because I am pregnant already or just because we have had enough… 

Which is which? I am still hopeful that it would be the first reason.  Please pray for us. Thank you!         

Letter from God

http://www.flickr.com/photos/behind-the-lense/

To: YOU

From: GOD

Date: TODAY

Subject: YOURSELF

Reference: LIFE

______________________________________________________________________

This is God.

Today, I will be handling ALL of your problems for you.

I do not need your help so have a nice day.

I love you.

P.S.  And remember, if life happens to deliver a situation that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it yourself!  Kindly put it in the SFGTD (Something for God to Do) Box.  I will get to it in MY TIME.  All situations will be resolved, but in MY TIME, NOT YOURS.

Once the matter is placed in the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it.  Instead, focus on all wonderful things that are present in your life now.

Should you have decided to send this to your friends, thank you.  You may have touched their lives in ways you'll never know!

Now, have a nice day.  God has seen you struggling; God says it's over.  A blessing is coming your way... if you believe in God.

A small blessing to share.

Are You In A Holding Pattern? I AM

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mufan96/

This article was shared to me by my good friend Germaine.  This came exactly when I needed it most.  I am now in a holding pattern as I am waiting for the result of the IUI.  Just a few more days, and the long wait will finally be over...    

Read this… it is something worth reading!

How one’s patience and faith are tested by holding patterns

By Cathy Babao-Guballa
Philippine Daily Inquirer

07-04-2010

WE HAD BEEN UP IN THE AIR FOR close to 30 minutes, circling the airport around and around with no clearance to land.

On the flight home from Los Angeles to Manila last month, we were placed in a holding pattern for close to 45 minutes before the plane was allowed to make its descent and touch down. Not a comfortable place to be.

Many times in my life God has placed me in a holding pattern.

A holding pattern is defined as “the oval or circular path of an aircraft flying around an airport awaiting permission to land.” It’s not an easy state to be in. Your patience and faith are tested, sometimes to its limit, depending on the length of time you are put there.

The past week’s events reminded me of the holding patterns that God puts us through sometimes.

A few days ago, after more than two months, 16-year-old Miko Habana’s tracheostomy tube was finally removed. In a week or so, his parents may be able to bring him home from the hospital. Last Sunday, a former PAL colleague and friend of mine was rushed to the Asian Hospital’s ICU due to brain aneurysm and heart attack. Three days later, she was gone at 45 years old.

Life can change in an instant. Suddenly, we find ourselves placed in a holding pattern.

In April this year, Miko collapsed, in the heat of the noonday sun on the baseball field of Manila Polo Club during practice for the upcoming Palarong Pambansa. At the time, Miko’s prognosis was not promising. However, God had other plans. A high school senior at the Ateneo, he missed classes, but is now making slow but wonderful recovery and progress that was not at all expected by his parents who are both medical doctors.

It is the waiting that expands our spirit. It is in the waiting that our faith grows.

I found this piece on the net today on “God’s Holding Pattern.”

“Many times God will allow a painful situation or a painful circumstance in our life to “swallow us up.” This season in our spiritual growth is a holding pattern. We can’t move to the left or the right. All we can do is sit, like Jonah sat in the belly of that great fish, so God can have our undivided attention and speak to us.

“God put Jonah in a holding pattern because He needed to speak to his heart. Jonah was all alone. There were no friends to call, no colleagues to drop by, no books to read, no food to eat, no interference, and no interruptions. He had plenty of time to sit, think, meditate and pray.

When we’re deep down in the midst of a difficult situation, God can talk to us. When He has our undivided attention, He can show us things about ourselves that we might not otherwise have seen.”

Few of God’s holding patterns

1. When you are sick and have prayed but God has not healed you yet, you are in a holding pattern.

2. When you are having problems with your children and you have put them on the altar, but God has not delivered them yet, you are in a holding pattern.

3. When you are praying for a sick child and he or she has not yet been given the gift of healing, you are in a holding pattern.

4. When you are in a broken relationship and you have given it over to God, but it has not been restored yet, you are in a holding pattern.

5. When the doors slam shut before you can knock on them, and God has not opened another door, you are in a holding pattern.

6. When you are looking for a job, waiting for interview or test results, and seeking financial provisions but it has not yet arrived, you are in a holding pattern.

“Deep in the belly of a difficult situation, there are no interruptions because God has our undivided attention. All we can do is sit, think, meditate and pray. There are no mountains that are high enough, valleys low enough, rooms that are dark enough, or places that are hidden enough from Him.”

I’ve learned to develop patience now that I am much older. My mentor likes to remind me, “Trust the process, Cathy.” Even in the midst of difficulties, we must still thank Him, count our blessings and, while we’re waiting, remember three things:

“The pattern has a purpose.

The pattern has a plan.

The pattern has a process.”

Surrender is the operative word. I know, easier said than done. The years and many experiences have taught me that He is always there—never a day, a minute or a moment too late. Sometimes the holding pattern serves as a form of protection, too, although we do not know it at that time.

Safe passage is always given when we least expect it.

If you find yourself in a holding pattern today, pray and wait on Him. Ask for grace to live your life productively, in spite of. In His time you will experience the peace that passes all understanding, and before you know it, it is time to land.

Am I pregnant or not?  Only God knows.  Now that I am in this holding pattern, all I can do is pray and put my full trust in God.  I sincerely believe that God will bless us with a baby in His time.  God’s time is not our time, but His time is definitely the best.  I know He will answer all my prayers as He always does.

It is really in this waiting for answers and outcome that our patience and faith are indeed tested.  Lord Jesus, I lift everything unto You.  Thy will be done!