• {About Me}

Blog Joie de Vivre

~ let it shine, daily.

Blog Joie de Vivre

Monthly Archives: April 2016

Keeping the Faith During an Infertility Struggle

29 Friday Apr 2016

Posted by blogjoiedevivre in Baby Girl A, Faith, Infertility, Pregnancy

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Building a Family, God is in Control, Infertility, Keeping the Faith, Power of Prayer

I imagine going through infertility treatment is very much like going through any other major medical care. While the end-goal here is not to find a life-saving cure for yourself, the similarity lies in that finding a cure still equals life…not for you, but for the potential of life for your future child. You as the patient are bound by the condition of your physical body, the prescribed medical treatment plan, and the will of God/the universe/karma/chaos. –Whatever you chalk it up to, it feels as though powers outside of your control hold your fate.

As evidenced by the title, this post is about leaning into faith in God during an infertility crisis. I know not everyone shares my Christian faith or follows this doctrine, but I personally believe my Savior is in control. It doesn’t mean that we don’t have our faith tested and certainly a negative medical diagnosis can bring even the most devout follower to doubt.  After going through a three-year struggle to become pregnant, here are some personal truths I’ve realized after making it to the light at the end of the tunnel.Pregnancy Announcement #6

God’s ideas were better than mine: It never quite comforted me when a fellow Christ follower would advise, “It may not be the Lord’s will right now” or “God does things in His own time.” While this was disheartening to hear, I forced myself to take comfort in knowing that His plans for me & my family are greater than I could imagine. — After all, how limiting it would be if the extent of our life’s richness was limited to our simple human mind’s own vision! The Bible says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.'” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV)

Prayer can give life to His plans: I don’t think we as Christians give enough credit to the power of our prayers, especially during a health crisis when it can feel like our hands are tied. There is life-affirming power in the words we speak and there is weight in the fervent prayer of children to their Father. What’s more, there are instances in the Bible when man’s communication with God appears to persuade Him onto an alternate course of action, i.e. Moses asking to spare the Israelites (Exodus 32:9-14), Abraham speaking on behalf of Sodom (Genesis 18:22-33) and Hezekiah pleading for his own life (2 Kings 20:1-7). While He is sovereign, omnipotent, unchanging and doesn’t bargain, I do believe prayer was an integral factor in my path to pregnancy.

Cling to the Lord’s promises: After receiving the frustrating diagnosis of ‘unexplained infertility,’ the fear of the unknown drew me closer to God, my rock. Somehow, in my heart of hearts, I knew that He wanted me to have children and I held steadfast onto that intuition. I wholeheartedly believe our Lord wants us to receive the desires of our hearts…especially when that desire is to build a family. In the end, I think the strongest notion –my saving grace throughout treatment– was the promise conveyed in Luke 11:9 (NLT): “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

National Infertility Awareness Week #StartAsking

26 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by blogjoiedevivre in Baby Girl A, Infertility, Motherhood, Pregnancy

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

#StartAsking, Kaya Singer, My Infertility Journey, National Infertility Awareness Week

No better time than National Infertility Awareness Week (April 24-30, 2016) to finally begin sharing my personal journey through infertility on social media.  Even after crying tears of joy, making it to some major motherhood milestones —successfully getting pregnant, a smooth birthing experience, and even upon celebrating my daughter’s one year birthday– still, I wasn’t ready to openly discuss it.  Pregnancy Announcement Photo

However, I received an email today about Kaya Singer — entrepreneur, mentor, and author of the book Wiser & Wilder.  Singer says that success comes to those who focus on being authentic, in the right circle of people, in a balanced and actualized way, with a strong voice.  It also means being willing to face the unhealed parts of yourself that hold you back.

I have no reason to remain held back by my infertility, I have beat it once and I can beat it again.  Kaya’s mission is to support visionary women to wake up, stop hiding and invest in themselves so they can reach their true potential and make a bigger difference in the world.  So, I’m following Singer’s advice and facing my experience head-on by sharing that tough part of my life as openly and honestly as possible.  Look out for a more personal post here later this week, as well as one I wrote to go live soon on Austin Moms Blog. Pregnancy Announcement #4

Back to this being National Infertility Awareness Week:  the theme for this year is #StartAsking.  Awareness is important as there are so many women and men (7.5 million suffers) that don’t know where to begin.  Every day people with infertility are asking real and important questions. “Why me?” “How can we afford this?”  National Infertility Awareness Week is not only an opportunity to raise awareness about this disease, but also motivate all that are touched by infertility to commit to the cause.

#StartAsking

Employers for insurance coverage.
Your lawmakers and legislators to support issues important to the infertility community.
Friends and family to support you.
The media to cover infertility and the real challenges we all face.
Your partner to get involved.
Those who have resolved their infertility to stay involved.
OB/GYN or healthcare provider to talk about YOUR reproductive health.
For affordable care for treatment of a disease.
Legal access to all family building options nationwide.
About men’s reproductive health

Life[style]: April ’16 – Energy edition

19 Tuesday Apr 2016

Posted by blogjoiedevivre in Beauty, Life[style], Product Reviews

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Coffee Bar, Community Coffee Company, Community's Private Reserve coffee line, Day Serum, E24 Complex, energy, Eye Cream, family-owned company, il Morso, Junetics, Night Cream, Pure Energy System

April’s theme is all about sneaking in a little extra energy — to get ya going in the morning, during that afternoon slump, and even at night!  Here are a few products that provide a wonderful little boost:

Morning:  Community Coffee CompanyCommunity Coffee Company private reserve blend review

But first, coffee.  –OF COURSE this would be the first on my list!  As the largest family-owned coffee company in the U.S., Community coffee has an indulgent scent & rich depth of flavor.  From the bold and slightly fruity flavor of the Louisiana Blend to the earthy aroma of Sumatra, Community’s Private Reserve coffee line is made from 100% specialty-grade Arabica beans and reflects the company’s strong relationships with farmers worldwide.

Afternoon:  il Morso Morso chocolates pic

Called ‘Coffee as a Bar,’ il Morso is delicious little afternoon treat and a new alternative to your afternoon coffee or energy drink.  Small enough to carry in a purse or pocket, these little bite-size wonders are super convenient, too.  Basically, they are an all-natural energy food that’s revolutionizing the art of grabbing coffee on-the-go with every one of their 100% organic, fair trade Coffee Bars!  Boasting only 1 g of sugar & 15-25 calories per serving, they are made with organic whole food ingredients that provide just enough boost to help finish the day strong. With flavors like Matcha Green Tea (7 MG caffeine), Mocha (14 MG), Americano (18 MG), or basic Coffee & Cream (16 MG), you can enjoy a dose-able energy kick that’s easy to estimate for any body type.

Night:  Pure Energy Night Cream by Junetics Junetics pic

OK, so this last energizing trick isn’t just for nighttime…there’s a whole regimen with products for both day & night.  Junetics is a new energy-powered skincare line recently hitting the market & I tried out their Pure Energy System with great results!

Their formulas are powered by what they call the “E24 Complex” – a revolutionary combination of Gluco-E, Plant Stem Cells, Copper and Amino Acids, Hyaluronic Acid and Silicium – creating a system of skincare that works non-stop to boost cellular energy and cell-to-cell communication, which works to refine and strengthen the skin.  After 7 days of using the Pure Energy System, users reported more hydrated, luminous, & smoother skin.  After 28 days:  less lines & wrinkles, more youthful & healthier skin overall.

 

Read more from me on Austin Moms Blog!

11 Monday Apr 2016

Posted by blogjoiedevivre in Baby Girl A, Everyday Joie, Motherhood

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Austin Moms Blog, City Moms Blog Network, Contributor Call, guest blogger, Mom Blogger, Mommy & Me, Neighborhood Groups, New mom, Personal Bio, Regular Contributor

My newest venture?  Regular Contributor to Austin Moms Blog!  After submitting my application & completing a phone interview, I’m honored to have been selected from their largest Contributor Call to-date!  I’ve shared the news on Facebook but wanted to blog a bit about this year-long commitment, too.

Easter Sunday 2016 family pic

Since becoming a mom, I’ve had to reevaluate where & how I spend my time…be more intentional about what I’m doing with any extra energy I can spare.  I’ve got lots to share on the mom-front, but didn’t really feel like Blog Joie de Vivre was the best outlet for all those Mama/Baby feelings.  Plus, AMB gives me access to thousands of new readers and an engaged local audience in my same stage of life.

Mama & baby at Thinkery

AMB is a part of the City Moms Blog Network — is there a “sister city” where you live?  Before I began guest-blogging for them, I was an avid reader and member of one of their local Neighborhood Groups.  It’s been a valuable (and fun!) resource for me thus far in my motherhood journey and I’m honored to now be a part of their writing team.  I just humbly hope that I can add to their mission of connecting moms in all seasons and journeys of motherhood.

Mama & Baby at Preschool

Please click here to check out my first post:  a little introductory bio 🙂

Recent Posts

  • Staycation at Sonesta Bee Cave
  • DIY Garage Floor Makeover
  • Staying Healthy (and Sane) in Quarantine
  • Homeschooling Help? Check out Stomp Rocket
  • Natural Defense for Sick Season

Archives

  • December 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • October 2019
  • May 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • October 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • July 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • November 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012

Categories

  • ATX Events
  • Au Naturale
  • Austin, Texas
  • Baby Girl A
  • Beauty
  • Charity Events
  • Dapper Dad
  • date night ideas
  • Dining
  • Everyday Joie
  • Faith
  • Fashion
  • Fitness
  • Gatherings
  • Hair Game
  • health & wellness
  • Holidays
  • Home Improvement
  • Infertility
  • Interviews
  • Life[style]
  • Married Life
  • Motherhood
  • Pregnancy
  • Product Reviews
  • Shopping
  • skincare
  • Snacks
  • The Arts
  • Travel
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.com

Blog at WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Follow Following
    • Blog Joie de Vivre
    • Join 81 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Blog Joie de Vivre
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...