12 years ago, I took a pregnancy test feeling certain the answer would be no. Again. For over a year and a half I had been taking many, many pregnancy tests, and for over a year and a half they refused to display that elusive second pink line. With every passing month, the mama-dreaming part of me hoping for the blasted second pink line to show grew as the skeptical-believing part of me prepared myself to see just one lonesome line. So, when I held my breath and picked up that pregnancy test and the first pink line had a twin, I was surprised. No, I was dumbfounded. I was convinced it was wrong, so I took another one. And another one. And apparently, I was pregnant after all.
Sometimes a yes comes like that, after nineteen-and-counting no’s. Or {lots} more. But when it comes, you get the whole He-turned-my-wailing-into-dancing thing. Joy comes twirling in, smiling so big you can’t help but be beside yourself with the happy. There is something about a hard fought, long awaited yes that feels more precious and tastes more sweet.
Especially when, a few months later, you find yourself with double what you asked for.
{left} my twin baby boys {right} Mama lookin’ fresh as a daisy while holding her new babies {not}.
On a less dramatic but still ecstatic note, I recently discovered I am one of eight recipients of an (In)Courage sponsorship to the Relevant blogging/writing conference. It was a sweet surprise that started my week off very, very well.
So, what/who is (In)Courage? I’m so glad you asked! The (In)Courage blog, my most-fav-or-ite blog evuh, is a part of DaySpring. (In)Courage is a beautiful, fresh-air beach house with doors flung open wide to welcome all women in all stages of life. As soon as you saunter inside, you are blessed with Jesus inspired encouragement that lifts you body and soul. Their tagline is “home for the hearts of women,” and they mean it. Your heart is undeniably at home in their little beach house. If you haven’t visited their neck of the woods, be kind to yourself and do so pronto!
LOVE! And looking so forward to seeing you in October!!
You, too, Teri Lynne!
SOOOOO happy that you got a sponsorship to relevant! You do so much to bless others and I know this conference is one way to help keep those blessings coming. Love ya!
Oh, thanks, Friend! You have no idea what your words mean to me. Love you mucho!
Kristen, I didn’t get a chance to congratulate you Monday, but when I saw your name I let out a little ‘yippee’!!! 🙂 You are MOST deserving of this awesome opportunity and I am so excited for you!! 🙂
And I agree, (in)courage is my most favorite blog evuh (hahaha!) too 🙂
And (last thing I promise) I thought for a second, that you were telling us you were pregnant again.
😉
Congrats girly!
Thank you so much, Rebekah! And HA! Now *that* would be what I would call a surprise! 🙂
Congrats to you. I love your picture of twins. I am mom to twin boys who turned 15 yesterday. Seeing your picture made me pull out pictures of my boys.
Blessings
I didn’t know you write for encourage! How fun!
Love your writing by the way!
Well, I don’t really write for them, I only wrote a proposal for their sponsorship to the Relevant conference and they accepted it. Their writing team is made up of writing rock stars!
Ya. What is it about a long season of no’s followed by the shock your pants off YES? When you’d about numbed your heart to the pain and given up on even asking anymore, and then in quietly slips what feels like a near miracle. Beautiful post and beautiful boys (although, since they must be going on 12 they probably don’t want to be called “beautiful” ;)). Oh, and I think mama actually does look quite fresh sittin’ on her couch.
So happy you got the Relevant scholarship!! When somebody tweeted it on Monday, I thought…oh Yay! I know her…well you know what I mean by “know”. I was excited for you!
Becky, I definitely feel like I’m getting to know you! And I’m loving every minute of it! 🙂
Kristen, I’m so incredibly excited for you! Can’t wait to see you again in October! 🙂