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My first GIVEAWAY

 Today is an exciting day. Not only is it June and our calendar is bare compared to last month, but I'm also doing my first giveaway as a blogger. Thrilling, I know!

For those who read my blog regularly, you know how emotional the last months have been. They have been filled with loss and with grief. Most recently, my grandma died. But just before that, Brad and I lost a baby through an ectopic pregnancy.

After writing about my experience for the Free Press, I have been blessed to the core by other women who opened up and shared their own stories of loss and heartbreak. They understand, all too well, the grief and emptiness that comes from losing a precious baby.

Now a month and a few weeks out, I still have horrible days. Days that make me feel as though I don't deserve to be a mother, that my baby is better off with Jesus. Other days, I find myself feeling joyful over other experiences life has to offer. Yet, the majority of my days, I feel like a shell of a human. Going through the motions, but not feeling quite there.

But, I have hope. And let me tell you why. I am a child of God. I believe Jesus is my savior. And I believe what the Bible says about the hope offered to all who believe. Being a follower of Christ doesn't get me out of trials of this world. But it does give me the Words to continue.

Over the last 10 months or so, I have been praying one simple scripture: "Teach me your ways, O LORD." God has been faithful. Change isn't easy, especially when the "truths" I've come to believe are erased to make room for the TRUTH. Painful, yes. Glorious, YES.

So that brings me back to my giveaway. One of my favorite books is called "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. I read it at least once a year. I just finished reading it again a couple weeks ago. And I found myself identifying with the main character this time...not in a literal I'm-escaping-prostitution kind of way, but in the realization that God and my faith are what will fill up my empty shell.

So I say, "Thank you God for my trials. For stripping away all falsehoods. For bringing me to my knees. And for lifting me up."

GIVEAWAY INFO: To get your name in the giveaway for one copy of "Redeeming Love," leave me a comment explaining a situation that was life-changing for you. Or, tell me your favorite book and why. One entry per person. I will accept entries until 11:59 p.m. Friday, June 3. Winner will be posted the following Monday. Good luck!

Comments

  1. LOVE that blog header!!! So cute the way you did it!!

    My life-changing situation...my dad's death. Death can bring a whole new perspective to life. And before you know it you are living and not just existing. God is seen.

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  2. Oh Malinda, you know my life changing moment so I won't go into detail here. But through all hard times there is good. My relationship with Christ has become stronger and has grown. How could it not? How would anyone get through losing a baby without the love and grace of our Heavenly Father? I, like you, still have days, but I know God has blessed me with two boys already. And who knows what else He has in store for you and I now? Thank you for your honesty and courage to tell your story! Tania

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  3. My life changing moment was being a first time mom in another country. I think I cried more than our newborn baby!!! Calling home to my mom cost $1.00 a minute, but it was worth it to hear her voice and have her tell me that I was going to make it by leaning on God. I did make it, and so did my newborn, who is almost ten-years old now!! Thanks, to my mom and Glory to God!!
    Sara Major

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  4. My life changing moment has been this whole past year. Quitting a full time job to stay at home with my kids, and moving 500 miles away from home at the same time. I think I had a lot of lessons I needed to learn, because I've been going through a lot. But this is how we grow, and I am grateful for God's presence through all of it. I'll have to check out that book even if I don't win, looks good!

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  5. Very fun giveaway! Life change moments...already shared that with you. Struggling with infertility and the loss of my mom--definitely changed me, and definitely hard, but worth knowing the One who has overcome the world.

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  6. Oh good grief I could name many. Too many. Why is that some of us have more "life changing moments" than others? It's a good thing I am not afraid of change even if I know it will hurt....having Ella, realizing that I will probably live in Hillsboro for the rest of my life, losing friends that I thought were "forever", and even being married. I never thought I would be, nor really wanted to...until I met Bruce. :)

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  7. My life changing moment was when I found out my Mom had breast cancer. It was totally unexpected! My 1st child was only 3 months old at the time. I had waited so long to get married and become a mother. I couldn't stand the thought of losing my mom before my children would get to know her. She is now an 8-year survivor and I thank the Lord everyday that I still have my parents (who are both cancer survivors now).
    Mrs. B.

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