Adoption Video

I have been following a few different adoption related groups and pages on FB.  I saw this earlier today and can't help but share it.  It's from a perspective of a Korean adoptee, but any adoptee can probably relate to it, whether international adoption, multi-racial adoption or domestic adoption.

What is your reaction to this video?


Rachel Rostad from Voice Media Group on Vimeo.

Thought You'd Be Here, by Wes King

I found this video on You.Tube called "Thought You'd Be Here" by Wes King.  It's about waiting for the child we so desperately want.  I've included the lyrics too.

     Somehow, we thought you'd be here by now

     I never knew I could miss someone I've never met.




Thought You'd Be Here, by Wes King

We thought you'd be here by now
Your mother and I
We're praying through our tears that somehow
We might hear your sweet cry
Have we waited too long
It's getting harder to be strong
Is there something we've done wrong

But if you like dancing
I'll make it rain rhythm, and rhyme, and melodies, child
And if you like dreaming
Your mother will make your imagination run wild
Somehow, we thought you'd be here by now

We have a room just for you upstairsIt?s right down the hall
So we'll be close should you ever get scared
We'll come when you call
It's a room full of stories
Waiting to be told
Longing to behold

And if you like laughing
I'll paint you a circus of smiles and ferris wheels, dear
And if you like living
Your mother will fly you to worlds both far and near

Somehow...

I never knew the silence could make me so deaf
I never knew that I could miss someone I've never met
Miss someone I haven't met yet

We'll be waiting

Video: Blessings, by Laura Story

Lately, the local Christian radio station has been constantly playing the song "Blessings", by Laura Story.  It's a beautiful song, and the lyrics are even more special.  Every time I hear this song, it makes me want to cry, and yet it gives me hope.

What if your blessings come through raindrops
What if your healing come through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know you're near
What if the if the trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise.

It's true.  Though I have sometimes questioned my faith due to my circumstances,  I'm not sure what my faith would be like if my life had been happy-go-lucky, without any trials or worry.  I'm not saying I'm happy to have to go through the pain and heartache of infertility. I just think this has built my faith in ways I never thought possible.  I know that God is real, and he is near.  I just need to trust Him and believe He has a perfect plan for me.

Could what I'm going through His mercy that I have not recognized?  Makes me look at this journey in a different perspective.  What about you?

Listen to the song, and read the lyrics.  I hope this give you hope too.  Then watch the next video where Laura shares the story behind her song.

I like her message: Sometimes God gives us what we need rather than what we want.  Sometimes He lets us stay broken in ways we may not feel comfortable or expect.  Because, like a broken, shattered vessel, it is then His light can beam through. It's a picture of faith.

Blessings (by Laura Story)
We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights 
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the achings of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

Still, by Hillsongs

This weekend, I am attending the Holy Spirit Conference, an annual conference on the Holy Spirit organized by the Lutheran Renewal.  It runs all day (starting last night) with main sessions and workshops, and runs through Saturday night.  If you are interested in this, you can actually watch the main sessions live here. (click on "for conference details" to view detailed info on speakers and times).

During our praise and worship session this morning (which by the way is AWESOME!), we sang the song "Still" by Hillsongs.  That song has always had a special place in my heart, especially during my TTC journey.  But this morning, when we sang this, I was especially touched by it.  I couldn't help but sing it with tears running down my face.

It is another reminder to myself....... "I will be still and know you are God."



Here are the lyrics to the song.

Still

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

"Waiting" Video, by John Waller

First of all, thank you to those who commented on my "Waiting" post.

We all know how hard waiting is, whether it's waiting for a much wanted pregnancy, a baby, a husband, a job or whatever else we may be desiring.  When I posted the verses, "I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.  Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD", I hope you know that I am not that strong or confident or patient.  I can only try and hope, and pray to be.

Already I do not feel that strong nor confident.  Already I am impatient.  I am ready to give up on waiting.

But I will continue to hold on to the verse.  It helps to remind myself where I need to be, and not where I am right now.

A couple of people commented on my post about the song "Waiting" by John Waller.  It's funny because I have heard the song many times on our local Christian station, and in fact, thought about the song and the words right after I posted.  So since more than one person mentioned the song, I am sharing this with you.  I actually found a special version dedicated to all couples waiting for that precious gift of life.



I can only pray that I will be hopeful, bold, confident and faithful while I wait.

While I'm Waiting
I'm waiting 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
And I am hopeful 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
Though it is painful 
But patiently, I will wait 

I will move ahead, bold and confident 
Taking every step in obedience 
While I'm waiting 
I will serve You 
While I'm waiting 
I will worship 
While I'm waiting 
I will not faint 
I'll be running the race 
Even while I wait 

I'm waiting 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
And I am peaceful 
I'm waiting on You, Lord 
Though it's not easy 
But faithfully, I will wait 
Yes, I will wait 
I will serve You while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting 
I will serve You while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting 
I will serve you while I'm waiting 
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Babies, The Movie

Have you seen the trailer for this movie?

I know some IFers may have a hard time with this movie, it is about babies after all.  I for one would love to watch this.  Babies born in San Francisco, Mongolia, Tokyo and the Namibian flatlands, filmed during the first year of their lives.  I find that fascinating.

It came out on Mother's Day weekend (of course).

Anyone seen the movie yet?

The Story Behind "Before The Morning"

I hope you had a chance to listen to Before The Morning from my last post.  I found this other video about the story behind the song and I just have to share it.  It's 10 minutes long, but so worth watching.

Before The Morning - Josh Wilson

Have you heard "Before The Morning" by Josh Wilson?  I've heard this many time on KTIS, our local Christian radio station (which by the way, you can listen to online anytime!) but I've never really paid attention to the words until Katy posted the lyrics on her blog.  It's a great song, and I can't seem to get enough of it!

The words from the chorus is exactly what I (we?) need to hear:

   Would you dare would you dare to believe
   That you still have a reason to sing
   Cause the pain that you've been feeling
   It can't compare to the joy that's coming
   So hold on you gotta wait for the light
   Press on and just fight the good fight
   Cause the pain that you've been feeling
   It's just the dark before the morning

And

   It's just the hurt before the healing
   Oh the pain that you've been feeling
   It's just the dark before the morning

There is joy coming!  There is healing coming!



Here are the full lyrics:

Do you wonder why you have to
Feel the things that hurt you
If there’s a God who loves you where is He now

Maybe there are things you can’t see
And all those things are happening
To bring a better ending

Someday somehow you’ll see, you’ll see

Chorus:
Would you dare would you dare to believe
That you still have a reason to sing
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It can’t compare to the joy that’s coming
So hold on you gotta wait for the light
Press on and just fight the good fight
Cause the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

My friend you know how this all ends
You know where you’re going
You just don’t know how you’ll get there
So say a prayer

And hold on cause there’s good for those who love God
But life is not a snapshot
It might take a little time but you’ll see the bigger picture

Chorus

Once you feel the weight of glory
All your pain will fade to memory

Chorus
It’s just the hurt before the healing
Oh the pain that you’ve been feeling
It’s just the dark before the morning

Videos: How IVF Works

I realize that people that read my blog are on different infertility journeys.  Some are not even on this journey, but are here to support and keep up with my status, and I am grateful for that.

Those of you who have not gone through IVF may not know much about this procedure.  I found the following videos about IVF on You.Tube.  Since I will be going through this porcedure in about a month or so, I would like to share these videos with you so you have a better idea of what I will be going though.  Some of you have asked me what the IVF process is like, so what better way to explain it than to let someone else do it via video!

I really like this first video.  It has great animation and gives an overall idea of what the IVF procedure is.


The second video has more details.  You need to excuse the narrator's "dramatic" voice and Indian accent.  But it does have some good info, without being too detailed.

Hope you enjoyed the show!

Show and Tell: Momsense + Bonus

I always look forward to Wednesdays because it means it's time for Mel's weekly Show and Tell.

I am a big fan of You.Tube.  It's amazing the things you can find there.  This week I am sharing a video most famously called "Momsense", or some people know it as "William Tell Momisms", by comedian Anita Renfroe.  This has been floating around for a while, so I expect that some of you have already seen this.  If you have not, you are totally missing out!  If you have, eh..... so watch it again!

So here it is.  It doesn't matter if you are already a mom, or hoping to be one, you will definitely enjoy this!


And as a bonus, I've included a second video called "Dadsense", a response to "Momsense" I guess.  This is what a dad would say in a 24 hour period.  Enjoy!


Now, please go check out what the rest of the class is showing.  Then join us, and do some showing and telling of your own.

"Fertility and Faith" Video

Because it's Friday..... and it's the weekend........  and you're probably tired from all that reading from ICLW, here's a video instead.



If you like videos like this, check out  also these previously posted videos "Infertility Is" and "Empty Arms"

Show and Tell: "Playing for Change: Stand By Me" Video

It's time for Mel's weekly Show and Tell.  This is now my 4th time participating in the Show and Tell and I must say it is a lot of fun.  It is a place to share something, anything with others.  It's really fun looking at what other people are showing too.  Go check it out.  Then don't forget to come back and see what I am showing this week.

This week I'm sharing a video "Stand By Me" put together by the Playing for Change Project.  The creators of the project traveled the world to places like as New Orleans, Barcelona, South Africa, Spain, France and Italy, and had local musicians perform "Stand by Me", interpreted in their own style.

I really enjoy this video because the song is so great, and the styles of the singers and musicians are so different.  Yet it comes together perfectly.  It also reminds me that we in the ALI community can definitely use someone to stand by us!  I listen to this over and over again!

Check out the website http://playingforchange.com/



I hope you enjoyed this as much as I did.  Now go check out the rest of the class at Mel's weekly Show and Tell.

Show and Tell: "Joseph's Lullaby" Video

It's time for Mel's weekly Show and Tell.  As we are only a little more than a week to Christmas, I'd like to share with you one of my favorite Christmas songs by Mercy Me.  It's called "Joseph's Lullaby" and the song is written from the perspective of Joseph.  Most often we think of Christmas of the birth of Jesus and of course that's the whole reason for the season.

But what makes this song so special is we seldom think about Joseph's perspective.  What was he feeling when baby Jesus was born?  What was going through his mind?  Can you imagine knowing that the baby is the Son of God?

This is such a beautiful song, and the images are touching.  It often makes me tear up when I hear the song, and view the video.  Especially special to me during my journey of TTC.



Merry Christmas to you all!  Please go check out the rest of the class at Mel's Show and Tell.

Show and Tell: Mahna Mahna Video

I just came across Mel's Show and Tell. It seems like something fun to do, to share with others something just for the fun of it, and to see what others have to share and tell.  I'm excited to be part of the class for the first time!

I could not think of something real exciting this week on short notice, so I thought I'd share the "Mahna Mahna" video from the Muppets Show.  There's no real story or anything, but just great fun.  It puts a smile on my face every time I watch it.  And you can watch it over and over again.  I do!

When you're feeling down, watch this, you'll feel better, guaranteed!  Or there's something wrong with ya!



Now go check out the rest of the class at Mel's Show and Tell!  There's a new one every week.

"Empty Arms" Video

Time for another IF video.  I found this a while ago on You Tube, and have been waiting to share this.  A fellow member in one of the IF related groups at BabyCenter posted this in her journal a few days ago.  Time to share it now.

Check out the "Tears and Hope: The Infertility Awareness Project" website at www.tearsandhope.com.


Then watch the "Empty Arms" video.

"Infertility Is" Video

I found this "Infertility Video" a few months ago and thought, geez I wish I should share this with those who know about our efforts of TTC but have not gone through it.  No matter how much you love and care for us, it is hard to describe in words how we feel.

This video is for those special people in our lives, and also for you who are TTC.