Appointment

Psalm 30:12
"that my glory may sing your praise and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever!"

I had my appointment today with the Perinatologist and I am so thankful for a good appointment. Mike and I first walked into the ultrasound room - it was very dark in there with a TV screen on the wall infront of us - here we go, I thought to myself... I was so nervous to look at the screen - but the second the nurse put that wand on my belly there we saw on the TV the two most sweetest hearbeats and the two babies moving around - we got to see both of their heads and arms and legs and we even heard the heartbeats.. the sweetest sounds I will have ever heard... Mike held my hand and I just teared up because they were doing okay and to see them moving was such a blessing! We got wonderful pictures of our babies - I wish I had a scanner so I could post them on here. They are measuring at 11 weeks 3 days and 11 weeks 4 days.

After the ultrasound we sat down with a nurse and the doctor to talk about my previous pregnancies... this pregnancy and just about everything... my regular OB doctor had called this doctor to discuss my prenatal care while I was there and both were in agreement that I should continue to see the perinatologist so... I have a new doctor and now a new hospital to deliver at - the hospital in Howell only takes deliveries from 36 weeks on but the one in Ann Arbor is a hospital that is prepared for premature deliveries before 35 weeks so that is where I am going to go and that way I don't have to be trasferred from one hospital to another - I will be right where I need to be. I will be seeing this dr a lot - I have an appointment set up already for next week and also for the week after that.

I am SOOO thankful to God for another wonderful appointment and that we got to see these tiny miracles that are growing inside of me!

I'm still feeling sick and tired - Tuesdays for some reason seem to be my mornings to get sick - no idea why but that is totally fine with me... pasta seems to help.. I did get these preggie pops... candy drops that are supposed to settle the sick feeling but I can't even eat those now - water is hard to drink but if I dump a lot of lemon juice in it.. it really helps.. along with milk mixed with Carnation Instant Breakfast mix - that is so yummy - I could drink that all day long.

Thank you again for all your prayers - we feel them all and will always be so grateful for all your support!!

I had my appointment today with my OB... it went really well - both babies are measuring well and have good heartbeats. Baby A was moving all over the place - even waved to Mike and I... baby B moved a bit also but not as much - we couldn't get a good picture on baby B and that made me a bit nervous but the doctor didn't seem concerned - with baby A.. we could make out the whole body - face and all but we couldn't do that with baby B... but they are both measuring to date so I just hope and pray that all is okay with baby B. We have an appointment with the Perinatalogist next week Tuesday.

I am feeling the morning sickness through out the day but I really take that as a good sign - as horrible as it is to feel lousy.. I am still so thankful that I do feel lousy.

Thank you again for all your prayers - Mike and I would not be able to get through this without every single one of you - we are SOOO blessed to have such wonderful family and friends!!

Thank you God for a great appointment today and that we got to see both babies, each day is a new gift from You!!

Just an update - I had another ultrasound appointment this past Wednesday and all looked good - one of the babies was moving all over the place which was so cool to see. The other baby was not moving at all and that really worried me but the doctor assured me that it was fine. They are measuring well and still have hearts beating which is such a blessing to see. They ran a bunch of blood work on me and all came out fine so I am thankful for that. I have an appointment with a Perinatologist in Ann Arbor on March 31 (high risk doctor). I see my regular ob next week Wednesday and will most likely have another ultrasound.
So... that is my update in a nutshell. We appreciate ALL the prayers and the calls and cards/notes and e-mails - means more to us than anything... just knowing we have so much support it brings me to tears.... God is in total control of this and we just need to keep our faith in him... I am praying for a miracle!!

A new chapter

Well... we are moving into a new chapter of our lives - if you haven't heard already (and I truely apologize if you haven't) but we are expecting again... it honestly happened fast but we are so excited and so scared. I found out I was pregnant on February 7 - took a home pregnancy test that came out positive... it was confirmed with a blood test that following Monday. We had our first appointment 2 weeks later where we learned we were expecting twins! Yes.. 2 babies. At first one of the babies measured behind so we weren't sure if maybe there was something wrong or if one just implanted later than the other... the next ultrasound show that all was okay - we saw their beating hearts - such a sweet thing to see. We just had another ultrasound today - I am over 8 weeks now and all is still looking well - I couldn't help but cry after today's appointment - we are just SO blessed that God gave us another chance... AND 2 babies. We are just now praying for a miracle that these babies will grow healthy and that we will hold healthy babies in our arms come October.

For now - I am seeing my doctor every week - because we have no idea what happened with Troy and the pregnancy back in 2006 - he is just monitoring me more. I am on a blood thinning medication - a shot that I have to give myself everyday as precaution and I am on 3 vitamins a day, progesterone and baby asprin. So far it is going well. I was scared at first because I felt so good - I was literally begging God to make me feel sick because that makes me feel better mentally... knowing that those babies are in there and taking all that they need from me. Well.. now I am feeling sick all day long - not throwing up but I seem close at times but I am SOOOO thankful for it all.

For anyone that is reading this - I.. we.. just ask for prayers for this pregnancy. Like I said.. I am just praying for a miracle - these babies are already a miracle and I am so thankful to God!!

Devotional

When the Future Seems Uncertain
by Rick Warren


“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans … to give you a future and a hope … You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.” Jeremiah 29:11, 13 (LB)


*** *** *** ***


No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next year, let alone the next few days or weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses.


Change is not only increasing in speed and intensity, but also in unpredictability. How can anyone succeed when the future is so uncertain?


The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:


1. Set goals according to God’s direction. It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future – and he’s eager to guide you through it.


The Bible says, “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1 GNT). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do in 2009?”


2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today!


John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).


3. Don’t procrastinate. Do it now! “Don’t boast about what you’re going to do tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).


Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days.” But “one of these days” is usually “none of these days.”


What did you plan to get done last year that you didn’t do? When do you intend to start working on it?

My week so far

Honestly... this week has just been a bit emotional for me - physically I have been pretty busy - with Brev's school - helping in his class and aiding in the 3's class plus putting more hours in at work but just feeling down... I swear... If I hear one more person announce their pregnancy.. I think I am going to scream - I know that sounds horrible - I honestly could not be happier for them and I just pray their baby's are healthy and that they have a very healthy pregnancy with amazing outcomes!! It is just extrememly hard watching friends and just people I know whether from work or just people I see at the grocery store living out what I dream for the most. It is hard seeing it be so easy for most and so hard for us... to want something so bad but to only watch others get what I want so much... I sound SO selfish and I hate that also... I have just been in this mode lately where I just keep repeating to myself that I may never have another child - over and over again - I just want to be able to accept it - maybe if I keep saying it I will accept it but I am no where near close to that yet... it still kills me that Brev may be an only child - I don't want that for him.. I never have but I may be forced to just accept it.. that might be what it is and there is nothing I can do about it but it is SO hard seeing the rest of the world grow their families.... just a rough start to this week I guess but hopefully my "business" will get me through and hopefully mask some of my emotions... next week will be better right? Now that I vented and had a good cry.. I feel just a bit better.

January 26, 2009

I honestly don't know what to post but it has been a while... we are back with our infertility doctor - trying to figure things out and moving forward - I'm both excited and extremely scared... just not sure what to think of all of this but we will see what happens. I am super busy this week - we are short on staff at the gym so I am working every night this week plus Brevin has a Nature Center trip on Wednesday morning... I get to go with him - that should be fun and then I work in his classroom on Friday - I am hoping for a very relaxing Saturday!

January 7, 2009

I feel horrible - it was brought to my attention by a friend of mine that I have been really pulling away.. they thought I was mad for some reason because I have not been communicating as much as I used to. I seriously don't mean for it to come off this way.. I know I have been more to myself and not really keeping in touch with friends... I am still on this emotional rollercoaster - I have up and down days... It is really hard not knowing if our future holds anymore children for Mike and I... wondering if Brev will be an only child which I never wanted to happen but I have NO control over that... I feel like no one understands that sometimes because so many that I know have no problems having babies and they don't know what it is like to feel this way... so I guess I feel alone in this and that is why I have been pulling away from friends... I just don't want anyone to feel like I am mad because that is not what I am. I am just still searching for some kind of peace in all of this - I will be honest that it is very hard to find... I just hope this year will bring more ups than downs... that is my prayer to God... that no matter what happens.. that I can see the positives in my life.

The New Year

Christmas came and went so fast... like it does every year. I did MUCH better through it all than I thought I would... the Christmas Eve service was a little tough - lots of people there with their infants and just hearing the cries from those babies really hit me hard because I kept thinking about how we should have had a crying baby with us also... that was truely hard - I did run in to a co-worker at that service... someone that I used to work with 5-6 years ago and she thought I had 2 children so I explained briefly what had happened and I really about lost it. I thought of Troy the whole time through Christmas - all the parties that we had and how I missed SO much that he was not there with us. Even Mike broke down and told me how much he misses Troy - I think we both have that feeling of just wanting to hold him one more time... wishing we could have spent more time with him... also wishing I had more pictures of my sweet little boy. I so appreciate all the cards that we received during the holidays just saying that we were in the thoughts and prayers of those around us... I may have mentioned this before but I never was much of a card person but I really am now - I keep every single one - it is just such a comfort to me... knowing that others have not forgotten and are still thinking of us. Thank you!!

I got the most precious gift this year from Mike... a bracelet that says "A Mother holds her childrens hands for a short while but their hearts forever"


The other precious gift that I received was a necklace from Brevin - Mike took him shopping and that is what he wanted to get me and he picked out the necklace all by himself - it is a necklace that has 2 hearts on it... Brev told me when I opened up my gift that everytime I look at my necklace I can think of all the good things I have done for him... what a sweet thing for a 4 year old to say.... those 2 hearts on that necklace resemble to me the hearts of my 2 sweet boys.

Well...I am so ready for this new year - I just hope and pray that we will have more smiles and laughs this year than we did last year. I really want to renew my relationship with God as it has honestly been really rocky this past year... something I really need to work on!!

Here are some pictures from our Christmas this year...








I do wish everyone a very happy and healthy New Year!

Goldfish

I just thought I needed to post on my blog something more on the happy side - I read through my blog and it almost depresses me how unhappy all my posts seems - I know they are just my thoughts for that particular day and I can't help that they seem down but I just want to put something on here that is on a happy note.
My son makes me smile so much - today he decided he wanted to write a letter to Santa... so he brought me some paper and a marker since he cannot write yet.. except for his name which he is doing so well at.. and he told me what to write. Here is what the letter says.. all in his words... "Dear Santa, I'm going to be at Grandma B's house, I really want you to bring me a Hot Wheels case with Hot Wheels in it and I want a goldfish. I hope you have fun at the North Pole. Love, Brevin" I knew about the Hot Wheels case filled with Hot Wheels but he sprung on me the goldfish - I asked him why he suddenly wanted a goldfish and he told me it was because he still has not gotten one for giving up his binky. He did just give up his binky this year.. back in July and we kept telling him that when he gave it up he could get a goldfish but when it came time to get one... he decided he didn't want one and only wanted toys instead and it was never brought up by him again... till now... so now we need to find a way to get this boy a goldfish... from Santa... just a bit of a laugh for the day. I love how much he surprises Mike and I.. on a daily basis.. I am just glad he didn't ask for another dog or a cat.. eventhough I really do want a cat!

December 10, 2008

I am so happy that Christmas time is here - I just wish it was longer than it is - I could carry on with Christmas for months!! It's a bit hard this year... for the obvious reason. Pulling out the stockings to hang just made me sad - this is the third year of hoping for another stocking to hang up... the third year of hoping to add another member of the family on our Christmas card... the third year of hoping to hang new baby ornaments on our tree... and the third year of hoping to add another child to the grandkids picture that we take for Mom and Dad every year. It is hard not to be sad, mad and frustrated but I need to stay focused on what I do have - I just pray that God will keep me focused on the good and positive... what I have been so blessed with. I pray that I won't lose hope when it is very hard to think that there could be any hope. All I can do right now is just look at Brevin and realize how MUCH of a miracle that little boy is - I am SO blessed to have him and thankful to God for him!!

Pensacola Beach, Florida - Thanksgiving week

Mike, Brev and I had a WONDERFUL time in Pensacola Beach, Florida - it was such a nice family vacation - just to be where there are palm trees... that is pretty much all I need.. along with all the sea shells on the beach.
We drove there leaving Friday, the 21st right after Brev's Pow Wow at his school... we drove to just outside of Nashville and spent the night - got up early the next morning and then drove to Portofino on Pensacola Beach - we got there early and were not able to check in yet so we went to the grocery store to get some stuff to keep in the condo for the week. We were able to check in around 3pm and we stayed on the top floor of the tower - when we walked into our room - it literally took my breath away - I have never seen such a beautiful view - we were surrounded by water - the Santa Rosa Sound on our right and the Gulf of Mexico on our left. The condo itself was absolutely beautiful - I have never stayed in such an amazing place!













We really had a great week - the first few days were "cold" - cold for Florida.. about 55 to 65 degrees but we didn't complain - they had a spa on the resort and an indoor pool that was very warm - we also spent some of the warmer days (70 - 75 degrees) in the outdoor pools - there are 5 towers on the resort and each tower has a pool and hot tub and then outside of the spa there are pools and hot tubs and the indoor pool.







We were an hour behind in time so Brev never got used to the time change - he was up at 5:45-6:00am every morning - I didn't mind though - that meant we had more time to do stuff - I was on the beach almost every morning by 6:30am looking for shells - I could do that for hours and the shells were amazing!!!

We did.. or I should say Mike and Brev did a LOT of swimming in the pools - all Brevin wanted to do was swim. We did make a trip out to the National Naval Aviation Museum - Brev loved that - they had an area where you could sit in the airplanes - it was only half a plane but it was really was cool!!













On most days...we ate breakfast and lunch in our condo but ate out at night and we went to some really cool restaurants... our favorites were Hemmingway's - they had the best Lobster bisque and Key Lime dessert... we actually went back 2 more times just for the dessert to take back to our condo. Peg Leg Pete's Oyster Bar was also SO good - we had their crab meat stuffed crab claws, Mike had to try an Oyster Shooter - still don't know why - it looked awful!!! They are known for their Grouper so we both had Grouper sandwiches - Brev's meal came in a beach bucket - it was a lot of fun. We also ate at Surf Burger on the boardwalk - they have really good sandwiches for lunch there!!





The beach was amazing - I have never seen such a white sand beach in my life - it was beautiful. We had a couple warm days where we could acutally wear our suits and just wade in the ocean. The sunsets were amazing also!

















We had such an amazing time - Thanks to Trina... Trina's parents, Dirk and Sue - you made a week that we have been dreading to face into a wondeful, relaxing week to just focus on our family and all that we have been blessed with. Thanks for being a blessing to us and giving us such a fabulous vacation... we will forever be grateful for that!!

The sand

I just had to share this beautiful picture... I cannot take credit for it... you can check out the blog and the pictures by clicking here. It is a woman and her family from Australia... after losing their son she started writing names of those babies lost in the sand - such a beautiful thing that she is doing and I just wanted to share Troy's name - she also included a heart for the baby we lost to a miscarriage back in 2006. I found this blog through a friend who had her baby girls names written in the sand by this women...and how beautiful those pictures are!! Thanks Krista!!

Remembering Troy...

I really was hoping to get on yesterday to update my blog - I know it has been a long time - we just got back from a very wonderful trip to Pensacola Beach, Florida.
We drove there and back - on our way back... we made a stop in Holland to pick up our dog from Jodi and Elliot (thanks again guys!) and to visit Mike's Mom and Dad. Mike then suggested we stop and visit Troy's grave site... November 29 was his official due date - eventhough it had moved up twice with my ultrasounds... I hate to admit it but part of me didn't want to go - only because we still have not picked out a grave stone yet... still trying to save up for the cost... and I hate going there only to see a dead patch of grass with nothing there... we went anyways and there laying on top of the dead patch of grass was a bunch of yellow beautiful roses - it was such a wonderful sight to see if that makes any sense... I was dreading of seeing nothing and I saw roses.. it just amazes me how God takes care of me and my fears - I don't know who put the roses on his grave site and it doesn't matter - it just made me feel comforted in that moment... knowing that someone else thinks of Troy and goes to visit his grave - it was just really comforting because it kills me that I cannot go and visit whenever I want so it just really helps knowning that someone else is visiting his site... it really made me feel like I was not alone.

I still cannot believe that his due date has come and gone - I still think of him every single day - I just keep remembering my arms holding him and seeing Mike holding him also. I am still so thankful to God that even through that tragic event.. that he let Mike and I meet our son and to be able to hold him and touch him - memories we will never forget.

I am doing okay with everything... at least I think I am. The one thing I struggle with yet is talking about it with others. I will talk with Mike a little bit about it but I kind of keep to myself - it has nothing to do with anyone.. only myself - I just feel like I just end up mad, sad or frustrated with conversations... so I apologize for being a bit of a hermit and keeping to myself - hopefully that will get better.. I think I am still just really sensative to what people say... so I just avoid it all together... I am really trying to work on this... because talking about it really helps me feel like I am not alone which is what I have been feeling like lately. I just thank you all for your cards.. comments on this blog or e-mails... those help me SOOO much!!

I will post soon on my trip to Florida... it really was a wondeful and beautiful trip and so needed during this time - I will forever be grateful to Trina and her Mom and Dad for letting us stay in the most beautiful place - breathtaking!!! I will post more on that later and get a few pics up also.

A couple things...

A couple things....
First... I just wanted to say Thank You to everyone that has sent a card... and left comments - you have NO idea how much those cards... those words said... mean to me - I keep all my cards in a box and look at them every week - it really helps me get through.. especially this month... I can see and I know the wonderful support you have all given to me.. and Mike... I so appreciate it... your friendship, support, prayers - everything... I seriously cannot thank you all enough... for caring for us and being there for us... it just means so much! I love you all!

I also decided to change my profile layout to match my favorite time of the year...I know it is a touch early but if you know me - it can never be too early to start decorating for Christmas - I just needed something more cheery and bright to look at.

October 31, 2008

Halloween day for some reason was really difficult for me - it was just a day that I was so teary - I was so looking forward to taking Brev trick-or-treating but I just could not focus on that during the day - I was just heartbroken knowing that November was the very next day... I know that the more time that goes by - the easier it gets to get through the day but my heart is still so broken... I don't know if that will ever change or not... I miss Troy.. I miss being pregnant - I miss feeling him move - I felt him move only 2 days before I knew that he had passed and I am just heartbroken that he didn't get to live.. he never got to look into my eyes. I think that coming into November just really hit me that the month I was due with Troy is now already here.. and how fast it came. I received a card in the mail on Halloween day... it was perfect - I know that God knew I was having a hard day and receiveing that card was awesome... it was from my cousin and his wife - knowing that November was going to be a hard month - they remembered and sent a card saying they were thinking of us. It is amazing how God works... I am still in this spinning cycle with not feeling content - not knowing if I will ever carry a baby again... not knowing if we will be able to adopt or not... not knowing if we will be able to give Brevin a sibling... but knowing that God is still there and helping us through, giving us wonderful family and friends to help us and support us... I could not get through all of this without them. I just hope and pray that God will make it clear to us what we need to do next - I am getting frustrated doing nothing right now because I don't know what to do and each month that goes by seems like another month waisted and I don't want to continue feeling this way.

Spinning...

I am struggling today... I just cried all the way home from dropping Brev off at school - I heard on the radio a song that talked about having one life to live and to make the most of it. I just feel like I am sinking and I cannot get out. It really bothers me that my life is totally consumed by wanting another child so bad - I wish I could get that desire out of my head - it is all I think about lately and the unknown gets me so down - I don't know if I can ever carry a pregnancy again and to go into adoption - that could take years and even if we are chosen - that parent could back out on us and then we are left waiting again... I just don't know what to do and I WISH God would speak to me and tell me what it is we are supposed to do - what path he wants us to take but all I hear is silence... I just feel like my life is spinning in circles and just going no where and it is all because I just want to give Brevin a brother or sister so badly. I just want to feel content and okay with my life - the way it is right now - I want to stop hoping for another child... it is getting so emotionally draining. I just pray that God will give me some peace with what I have right now - I have so much - a wonderful husband... a wonderful son... a wonderful house to live in and wonderful friends and family... I just want to be content and at peace and happy where I am. I have only one earthly life and I don't want to continue living it the way I am... I just feel frustrated and sad today.

November might not be so bad...

So I have been dreading November coming - although I love Fall like I have mention many times before but just the fact of it being what would have been my due date... but... it might not be so bad after all. In November... I was invited to go to the Ohio Food Show where Paula Deen, Bobby Dean, Guy Fieri (spelling?) and Curtis Stone will be!! I am SO excited about that - I am such a geek when it comes to the Food Network and there is someone else out there like me that loves this kind of stuff so I am going with another Mom from Brev's school and I really cannot wait.

Also... I am having another Tastefully Simple party - I had one last year and it really was fun - tasting all the appetizers - I just love food and had a great time last year with everyone that came and hope this year will be fun also!

Then Mike and I and Brevin are going to Pensacola - we are really excited for this trip - I just hope the drive down goes well for Brevin. He is so excited to see the ocean and to hopefully collect shells... he is counting down the days - he kept asking me when we are leaving so I printed a Backyardagains calendar off of the internet and hung it on our fridge and now every morning.. he crosses off another day - it will be a nice, relaxing family vacation and we are just SO thankful that we can go.

So... I am just so grateful that God put these plans in my life (our lives) for November - I now have things to look foward to and keep me busy. God is SO good!!

October 15, 2008 - Rememberance Day

Today, October 15, is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Day.... for everyone that has lost a baby through miscarriage... stillbirth... premature and/or full term loss... SIDS... any infant loss. Please remember not only me but all of those that have had to endure such tragic losses.

Tonight at 7pm - everyone is invited to light a candle - to have a "wave of light" to burn for one hour - across the world to remember parents... pregnancies and infants. I will be lighting one for Troy tonight and for my miscarriage back in 2006.... I will also be lighting candles for those that I know have been through a loss.

The website for more information is:
http://www.october15th.com

It is a wonderful website - please check it out and please light a candle!

October 12, 2008

I absolutely LOVE fall - it is my favorite time of the year. Mike and I went to dinner tonight with 2 other couples... and on our drive out - just a little ways from our house I was looking out and saw the beautiful trees that are changing colors - some are so bright right now - it just brought tears to my eyes because it is all so bitter-sweet... I love fall but now fall to me has a very emotional side to it - I can't help but love seeing the beauty and being sad at the very same moment. Life goes on doesn't it... I just cannot believe we are in this season already and Thanksgiving.. Winter... Christmas is just a blink of an eye away - I still hate how time flies and it really does fly!!

Anyway...I am finally feeling better physially from my surgery - I no longer walk like an old lady - I am still quite sore... mornings and nights are the hardest but it is getting better each day - the motrin really helps along with an extremely helpful and wonderful husband!! I am very anxious to get into the gym - all the awesome meals that were brought it - well... we ate it all and are still eating it - I think I have gained 10 pounds just in the last week! I am so thankful for what everyone has done - even the simple "how are you doing today"... or... "How are you feeling"... it is amazing how much just those words mean to me - just knowing I am being thought of.. is that selfish?

I wanted to put in a devotional that I came across from The Purpose Driven Life - I receive daily devotionals over e-mail and this one just really caught my attention.


We Need Each Other: To Wait and Weep With

Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

As a pastor, I see situations daily that nobody should ever have to go through alone. Nobody should ever have to wait in the hospital while a loved one is in life-or-death surgery. No woman should ever have to wait alone for the lab report on a problem pregnancy. Nobody should ever have to wait for news from a battlefield alone. Nobody should ever have to stand at the edge of an open grave alone. Nobody should ever have to spend the first night alone when their spouse has just walked out.

Life’s tough times and tragedies are inevitable – each of us will face them. But we don’t need to go through them alone. We need God’s safety net to help hold us up through these difficult times.

What is God’s safety net? It is a group of other believers – a handful of people who are really committed to you. We call this kind of group a community. Here’s God’s plan for community: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26 NIV). Community is God’s answer to despair.

Romans 12:15 expresses a similar idea: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (NIV).

The first part of that verse is easy. When something good happens to someone, it’s often easy to join in on the party.

But when someone is having a tough time, it can seem more difficult. But, really, it’s simple. When you’re going through a crisis, you don’t want advice; you just want somebody to be there – to sit with you, hold your hand, put an arm around your shoulder, or cry with you.

As Paul tells us, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV). Encouraging someone else doesn’t always mean giving a pep talk or words of wisdom. Sometimes the best kind of encouragement is just sitting in silence – waiting and weeping with a friend.

Do you have a safety net – a group of fellow Christians you know you can count on in life’s toughest times? If not, go out today and begin building those friendships. The hard times in life are inevitable, and only a fool would go into them unprepared.

After reading this... I just pray to God that I will become more like this to others because this message is SO true! I don't want anyone to ever feel alone in times like these mentioned... I know this for myself... it has always been my biggest fear.. honestly.. I want to be more like Christ in this way especially - to help those that need help to get through a tough and emotional time - those time don't end a few weeks out or even a few months out... it never totally disappears no matter how much time has gone by - to feel continued support means the world!!