I can’t believe it. Another year has come and gone. And while I look back and reflect on the year 2015, it seems as though nothing changed, yet at the same time, everything changed. I know…it doesn’t make sense. But let me explain. While on the exterior, my life might look like the same. But if you dig deeper…if you look it from the inside out, you will see nothing but change. Because this year has brought so much growth within me. I find myself more patient and more accepting of God’s timeline and plan for my life. I no longer kick and scream when my plans get changed or my hopes and dreams still remain month after month. And I find myself more compassionate to those around me who are facing circumstances that cause their heart to ache and their soul to cave. I no longer leave it to someone else to pray for them or whisper hope into their ear. Instead I do it. Because isn’t that what they need? Someone in that moment to help ease their worries, calm their fears, bring them comfort, and speak life into their dry and weary bones? I think so.
And friends, this year has changed my thinking and I have made it a conscious habit to live in hope. To look for the possible inside every impossible. And to constantly expect and anticipate something amazing and far beyond what I could ever imagine to happen on any given day. As a result, I smile more. Laugh harder. And love deeper.
I have also learned to cherish the moment-seize the day. My foster princess taught me that one. Because I used to worry so much about tomorrow, never living in the joyful moments of today. But I had to stop. Because today, with her, is all I have. I never know what the next phone call from the case worker might entail. Or the next court hearing might determine. I never know if that mornings snuggle will be our last or if the birthday party we spoiled her rotten with will be the only one. I just don’t. And so I can’t spend my time worrying about the future. Instead, I have learned to live in today.
And you know what else…or shall I say who else…I am thankful for this year? It’s you. Without every single one of you supporting me, encouraging me, and praying for me, this year could have made me bitter, not better. It could have made me pitiful, not powerful. And it could have caused me to give up, not press in. So, thank you.
Friends, my number one hopeful change for the year 2015 was to grow my family by two feet and while that didn’t happen, I can’t help but still smile and be thankful for all that did. I can’t help but reflect and acknowledge that no matter what I am facing; God truly is working and weaving to cause all things to come together for my good and His glory. I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me and you in the New Year. I believe it will be nothing short of amazing.
Top 10 Most Viewed Blog Posts of 2015
You Are Not Alone: Flying Together with Broken Wings
An Open Letter to My Fertile Family
It’s Okay to Not Be Okay This Thanksgiving
My Daughter is Infertile: A Father’s Perspective
To The Childless Woman at Walmart
To the One Who Can’t Buy the Baby’s First Christmas Outfit
I Was Afraid You Wouldn’t Understand {Grieving Lost Embryos}
When Pregnancy Announcements Hurt: The Surprise Group Announcement
Infertility is More than Just the Inability to Conceive…
I Know You Hurt This Mother’s Day: A Message to the One Desiring to be Called Mommy
And a bonus #11 because I’m feeling sassy and sarcastic…
25 of the Worst Expressions to Say to Your Infertile Friend (and the responses I would like to give)
I would love to connect with you on a personal level, so if you liked this post, pass it on.Then come find Waiting for Baby Bird on the public Facebook page or join me on Instagram @waitingforbabybird. I can’t wait to “meet” you!
If you are looking for a faith-based infertility community of other women who just “get it”, then head over to the *PRIVATE* Waiting for Baby Bird Support group for hope + encouragement. There you will find opportunities to ask for prayer, watch *LIVE* encouragement videos from me, author of “Waiting for Baby Bird,” enter into exclusive giveaways, as well as be able to share your heart with others on the same path, and so much more! So what are you waiting for? Find us here!
I love reading your posts and seeing how God has changed and grown you. You are such a powerful source of grace, strength, and comfort. I continue to pray that God makes the impossible possible for you. I pray for you and Josiah. And I continue to trust that God has the best plans for Goldilocks’ future. Love to you, and happy new year!
Thank you so much!!! You are such a wonderful source of love, support, and encouragement to me! Even though you are going through your own pain and heartache, you still manage to shine your light to others! Thank you for that! Love you and I am praying for the fulfillment of your dreams in 2016. xo
So glad you share about your year! Thanks for continuing to encourage us along the way! CHEERS to 2016!!!! Let this be our year friend!
I can’t wait to catch up with your blog! Love the pic of you and the hubs!
Ahh thanks girl! I apologize if you have written lately and I haven’t commented. I have gotten so far behind on blog reading once November hit :/
It’s okay! Same boat!!
Praying that 2016 is the year for both of us. Thank you for reminding me to live in the moment each day..that is something I tend to forget. xo
Xoxo!!! It’s to hard though :/
Happy New Year!!! Thank you for all your encouragement!!! God bless you with the desires of your heart!!
Sent from my iPhone
Thank you so much, Camelia, for your constant love, support and encouragement! I am praying for you as well as we enter into a New Year! I am praying for fulfillment in every area of your life. xo
Your positive outlook and strong spirit is an inspiration to us all, regardless what we are facing. Thank you for being faithful to God’s call upon your life and for blessing us right in the midst of this difficult season. Happy New Year to you and Daniel! God bless you both in 2016!!!
Happy new year dear. Hope you continue growing but also that your wishes will finally come true.
Thank you so much!!! xoxoxo
Perspective is key! Awesome post!!!
Thanks, girl! And I completely agree with what you said about perspective 🙂
And I’m thankful for YOU!
Oh Elisha, what a beautiful testimony and reflection on this last year. I completely understand what you mean when you say the externals look the same, but the inside has changed drastically. When I share my testimony about being delivered from barrenness–I like to say that that was the bigger miracle–not just healing of a barren womb–but a barren spirit, and a barren heart. I can tell in your words, you are not barren, dear one. The Living One is inside you, making you more alive than ever before. And I pray He continues to birth something in you, more beautiful than you ever imagined. Much love, you are an inspiration.
ahhh, thank you so much, Rebekah, for your sweet words! I have been meaning to message you to see if you would love to write a short guest post for me sometime. I don’t have anything specific in mind, but I just love your writing and how you speak so much hope, life, and love of Jesus in every word you type. Email me at 1ohopeingod@gmail.com if you are interested 🙂