Having a Catch (new podcast episode)

LauraAll Posts, Expect Something Beautiful Podcast, Faith, Stillbirth

If you are feeling distraught, if you are at the end of your rope, if you are discouraged, feeling empty, even bitter; this episode is especially for you.  In those moments when we can’t wrangle our emotions to line up with the truth of God’s Word, we can at least grab a hold of God’s truth and play it over … Read More

My Stillbirth Story (Podcast Episode)

LauraStillbirth

When we’re gathering around the dinner table or piling into the van, I naturally count the kids. “One, two, three, four, five, six.” Despite all of the energy and noise, I often get the sensation that someone is missing. Call me crazy, but it’s not quite loud enough. And there’s just a little too much elbow room. I find myself … Read More

The Top Ten Resources that Have Made and Saved Our Marriage

LauraAll Posts, Marriage, Stillbirth

Ryan and I are coming up on our 15 year wedding anniversary: years packed with happy memories full of laughter, intimacy, service, growth, dreams, wackiness, and adventure. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that our journey has also included many dark valleys. We’ve struggled through infertility, the struggle against sin and heartache from the past, intense arguments, pre-term labor, … Read More

Who is Like God?

LauraStillbirth

I’ve never felt satisfied by the book of Job when we learn that God blessed the latter part of his life more significantly than the beginning. We all know that no amount of children or wealth would help him to forget his losses. The rest of his life – as bounteous as it may have been – was forever marked … Read More

Friends Don’t Let Friends Dye Their Hair

LauraHealthy Living, Motherhood, Stillbirth

Some time has passed since I’ve written about the stillbirth of our daughter. At the time, I wrote some serious and reflective words. And now, I feel the freedom and passion to write some not-as-serious, but kind-of-important words. You might find them insensitive or inappropriate, but I think any woman would appreciate the insight you’ll have in your back pocket … Read More

What Due Dates Mean

LauraAll Posts, Healthy Living, Motherhood, Stillbirth

Maybe you’ll remember that I posted this same photo way back in February. At the time, I was enjoying the early weeks of my third pregnancy. I was happy and content as I felt life growing and changing inside of me. Yet, I glimpsed something profound about Lia asking to wear her bathing suit for two weeks in a row, … Read More

Sorrow into Healing

LauraHealthy Living, Motherhood, Stillbirth

(You’re going to think this is a strange thing to get all sentimental about, but it was meaningful to me as I continue to weave through the mourning process…) The other day, Vivienne lost her earring-back in grandmom and grandpop’s car. She told me later that she had been so upset about it that she was crying and crying. She … Read More

Mourn With Those Who Mourn

LauraMotherhood, Stillbirth

These notes are for myself to remember how much certain gifts have meant to me; to remember that, in time, that’s the way I want to give, too. A list of the gifts that have ministered such grace to me during my mourning… Some are well-worn beloved sentiments that work every time; others are surprising gifts that were just what … Read More

How She Won My Heart

LauraAll Posts, BEST OF, Motherhood, Stillbirth

When I delivered Juliette, I wasn’t expecting to feel the same bonding that I felt with our other children. I wasn’t expecting to feel that deep love that took root when I held our first two squirmy, crying, nursing daughters. And yet, I did. She lay so still in the crook of my arm, and my heart gushed with love … Read More

Maybe it’s okay…

LauraAll Posts, Healthy Living, Motherhood, Stillbirth

Maybe it’s okay for a child to face the grave. Though we live in a culture, and are – thankfully – still part of a generation where the grave is rare, our family hasn’t had the luxury of avoiding the grave this time. (Shoot, and I’d done such a good job of replacing all of the old morbid nursery rhymes … Read More