Momma said.

This last week has been pretty good for Josh and I. No major meltdowns! Woohoo!! And as much as I don't want to admit that my mom and dad were right all those years, I have to own up to the reasons I feel that I've been more encouraged and on the happier end of the spectrum this week.

I grew up in a pretty strict Christian household. I am extremely thankful for this upbringing now, but not so much as a teenager. One of the house rules was that I was not allowed to listen to secular/non-Christian music. Ever since then I have been trying to justify to myself that it does not matter what you listen to on a regular basis. That is, until recently. And at the risk of sounding like my mother, it does make a difference in the way I feel and think when I have non-encouraging music going through my brain all day. I'm not saying that I don't enjoy those other genres anymore, but I've found that my mood and attitude are better when those other types are not the majority.

Another thing that keeps me upbeat is being in our life group. Infertility has a nasty little habit of making its prisoners feel like they are totally and completely alone. Being plugged in to a church and a small group has had such a profound effect on Josh and I. We get at least two chances a week to be lifted up and reminded that we aren't alone. Others are struggling too! It may not be with the same things, but having that extended church family offers the opportunity to be lifted up by others. And then getting to do the same for them in return!

In closing, here's a verse that spoke to me this week:

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him." Isaiah 30:18

That's a promise! Those who wait for Him will be blessed!!