Saturday, November 21, 2009
Powerful Infertility Video
This is a very powerful video about the pain of infertility. It is probably the video I've seen that best captures my thoughts and feelings about what we've been going through these last almost 2 years. There are so many questions and unknowns, but David and I are so thankful that no matter what we're going through, we can be sure of our Father's love for us and his good plan for our lives. Thank you so much to those of you who have been praying for us and supporting us during this time. We press on in God's grace!
Oops again...
So, I had great intentions of updating the blog earlier this week, but I'm not really sure what happened... life I guess! So, here's an update of things that have been going on since I last wrote...
The first week in November, I had the opportunity to go to an awesome conference at Perimeter Church in Atlanta with some other staff from the church. It was such a great time of learning and being encouraged and getting to know other staff members better. Paul Tripp was the speaker and he was PHENOMENAL! He really focused on the heart behind working with children, and just people in general. So convicting and encouraging. And we also got to spend some time learning how they do childrens' ministry at Perimeter which gave us lots of good ideas and inspiration. It was such a good time.
I really came back from the conference encouraged in my work at the church and also with a desire to really be able to pour my life and time into that ministry... so David and I are praying about what that might look like right now in our lives. There may be some changes coming for us, but right now we're just waiting on direction from God and really seeking where he's leading me and us.
The last couple of weeks have been busy for me with my work at the Women's Center and the church. I've been planning a Christmas party for the nursery staff and workers as well as getting our personal Christmas cards ready to send out, so it's been a busy couple of weeks. I can't believe it's already time for Thanksgiving and then we'll be moving right into the Christmas season... time really does seem to fly!
Life for David is pretty much same old, same old right now. Lots of school work keeps him busy on top of his job. He will have a couple of weeks off of school starting December 4th, so he's really looking forward to that. It will be nice to have him to myself on nights and weekends for a little while :) After this semester he has 2 1/2 more semesters, so he's on the down hill from here on out... we're hoping and praying the next year goes quickly for him as far as school's concerned. I know he will be so glad to be done with that.
Overall, we've been doing well lately... just so busy and trying to make a point of spending time together when we can fit it in. We both decided to take this coming Wednesday off of work so we're really looking forward to having a day off to catch up on sleep and just to hang out together!
My goal is to really be more diligent about posting, so I'll try to keep it up. We'll see how that goes :)
Love to all of you... thanks for reading!
-Lauren for us
The first week in November, I had the opportunity to go to an awesome conference at Perimeter Church in Atlanta with some other staff from the church. It was such a great time of learning and being encouraged and getting to know other staff members better. Paul Tripp was the speaker and he was PHENOMENAL! He really focused on the heart behind working with children, and just people in general. So convicting and encouraging. And we also got to spend some time learning how they do childrens' ministry at Perimeter which gave us lots of good ideas and inspiration. It was such a good time.
I really came back from the conference encouraged in my work at the church and also with a desire to really be able to pour my life and time into that ministry... so David and I are praying about what that might look like right now in our lives. There may be some changes coming for us, but right now we're just waiting on direction from God and really seeking where he's leading me and us.
The last couple of weeks have been busy for me with my work at the Women's Center and the church. I've been planning a Christmas party for the nursery staff and workers as well as getting our personal Christmas cards ready to send out, so it's been a busy couple of weeks. I can't believe it's already time for Thanksgiving and then we'll be moving right into the Christmas season... time really does seem to fly!
Life for David is pretty much same old, same old right now. Lots of school work keeps him busy on top of his job. He will have a couple of weeks off of school starting December 4th, so he's really looking forward to that. It will be nice to have him to myself on nights and weekends for a little while :) After this semester he has 2 1/2 more semesters, so he's on the down hill from here on out... we're hoping and praying the next year goes quickly for him as far as school's concerned. I know he will be so glad to be done with that.
Overall, we've been doing well lately... just so busy and trying to make a point of spending time together when we can fit it in. We both decided to take this coming Wednesday off of work so we're really looking forward to having a day off to catch up on sleep and just to hang out together!
My goal is to really be more diligent about posting, so I'll try to keep it up. We'll see how that goes :)
Love to all of you... thanks for reading!
-Lauren for us
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Oops...
Two people told me today that they've enjoyed reading my blog lately and I remembered... oh yeah, I have a blog! And I haven't updated it in way too long! Oops :) So, just wanted to let everyone know that I haven't forgotten and I will give a nice long update tonight :) We've had SO much going on lately so I have lots to share! So, I will be back to post tonight...
-Lauren for us
-Lauren for us
Thursday, October 29, 2009
The Latest in Fertility News...
... is that there is no news. It kind of feels like we've been running around in circles, hoping for answers, but we're right back where we started. And I'm ok with that. I really have a peace right now about waiting and continuing to "Get Busy", which was the advice of my doctor... yes, he actually said those words.
There have just been so many times we thought, "Maybe this is the solution!" There have been some potential problems that ended up being nothing and tests that have come back completely normal. Most recently, I had a hysterosalpingogram (hsg) which is a test they do that determines if there any blockages in the tubes. Everything looks like it's open and working correctly. Good news and bad news... good because nothing's wrong... bad because that's yet another thing that's NOT wrong, but we have no idea what IS wrong! However, I am very thankful that there are no problems they've been able to find. It's frustrating, but it also gives us hope that there are no serious problems going on.
So, we're not really sure what we're going to do next. I have an appointment with an endocrinologist tomorrow, basically just to discuss things and see if he has any additional recommendations or sees any other potential problems. But other than that, I think we will take my gynecologist's and just keep trying for 6 months or so. At that point we will reevaluate and decide where to go from there. For now, we're just taking it one day at a time :)
We really appreciate the prayers of our friends and family during this time in our life. It's been hard, but it's also been so good for our marriage and for our relationship with God. I have been learning so much and, as hard as it is, I wouldn't trade it. There's a lot I don't understand and a lot of questions I have for God, but ultimately, I can be at peace, knowing that he is sovereign and he has good plans for his children.
-Lauren for us :)
There have just been so many times we thought, "Maybe this is the solution!" There have been some potential problems that ended up being nothing and tests that have come back completely normal. Most recently, I had a hysterosalpingogram (hsg) which is a test they do that determines if there any blockages in the tubes. Everything looks like it's open and working correctly. Good news and bad news... good because nothing's wrong... bad because that's yet another thing that's NOT wrong, but we have no idea what IS wrong! However, I am very thankful that there are no problems they've been able to find. It's frustrating, but it also gives us hope that there are no serious problems going on.
So, we're not really sure what we're going to do next. I have an appointment with an endocrinologist tomorrow, basically just to discuss things and see if he has any additional recommendations or sees any other potential problems. But other than that, I think we will take my gynecologist's and just keep trying for 6 months or so. At that point we will reevaluate and decide where to go from there. For now, we're just taking it one day at a time :)
We really appreciate the prayers of our friends and family during this time in our life. It's been hard, but it's also been so good for our marriage and for our relationship with God. I have been learning so much and, as hard as it is, I wouldn't trade it. There's a lot I don't understand and a lot of questions I have for God, but ultimately, I can be at peace, knowing that he is sovereign and he has good plans for his children.
-Lauren for us :)
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Just some thoughts from today...
In my quiet time, I've been reading through 1 Samuel for the last couple of weeks. God has really been showing me a lot about his sovereignty and how his will comes to pass for his people and also in history.
Today I was reading chapter 8... Samuel is old, and the people start asking for a king. Samuel is troubled by this, as it was a rejection of God and his plan for them. So, Samuel takes his concerns to God and God tells him to, "Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about how a king will treat them." (v. 9) So, Samuel goes back to the people and tells them all the horrible things that having a king will do to them... they will be mistreated, stolen from, their sons will go to war, etc. And here is the people's response...
"But the people refused to listen to Samuel's warning. 'Even so, we still want a king,' they said. 'We want to be like the nations around us.'" (vv. 19-20)
So I take a couple of things away from this passage...
1) Sometimes God gives us what we ask for, even if he knows it's not the best thing for us. I know in my own life, sometimes I get so blinded by what I want and don't have... that's all I can think about! But I don't stop and think about the fact that God isn't giving that to me because it's not part of his good plan for me right now. As our pastor said in church this morning, God loves me more than I love myself and he truly wants what's best for me. Do I really want something from God if it's not what's his best for me?
2) When God allows us to have what we think we want, apart from what he knows is best, there will be consequences. The Israelites suffered because of the king they thought was such a great idea. I often don't stop to think about WHY I don't have the things I want, I just want them. But have I considered the fact that maybe I'm not ready for that? That, again, there is a reason God hasn't granted those requests. I do not want to miss out on God's best to experience what I THINK I want, only to find out that his plan really was best and I should have waited for it.
3) God's plans for me are based on his love for me and desire to have a relationship with me. In v. 7 of chapter 8, God says, "Do as they say... for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer." The Israelites didn't have a king because God was their king! They didn't need an earthly king like the nations around them because they were the people of God! But here they are saying, "Sorry God, we'd rather have a king than our relationship with you... we know what will happen, but we really want to be like the people around us, so, thanks, but no thanks." And how often is my attitude the same? I think that I know better than God what should happen in my life. Or even worse, I just want to be like the people around me. I know that God has me where he does right now so that my relationship with him will be strengthened. I am tired of missing out on the reality of the present relationship I can have with him because I'm always busy looking ahead to the future and what I hope he will do. As Paul said, "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him." (Phil. 3:8-9) I choose to be content with God as my King, no matter what's going on in the nations around me :)
So, like I said, God has been showing me so much in the little bit of 1 Samuel that I've read so far... there will be more to come I'm sure :) For now, heading to bed...
-Lauren for us
Today I was reading chapter 8... Samuel is old, and the people start asking for a king. Samuel is troubled by this, as it was a rejection of God and his plan for them. So, Samuel takes his concerns to God and God tells him to, "Do as they ask, but solemnly warn them about how a king will treat them." (v. 9) So, Samuel goes back to the people and tells them all the horrible things that having a king will do to them... they will be mistreated, stolen from, their sons will go to war, etc. And here is the people's response...
"But the people refused to listen to Samuel's warning. 'Even so, we still want a king,' they said. 'We want to be like the nations around us.'" (vv. 19-20)
So I take a couple of things away from this passage...
1) Sometimes God gives us what we ask for, even if he knows it's not the best thing for us. I know in my own life, sometimes I get so blinded by what I want and don't have... that's all I can think about! But I don't stop and think about the fact that God isn't giving that to me because it's not part of his good plan for me right now. As our pastor said in church this morning, God loves me more than I love myself and he truly wants what's best for me. Do I really want something from God if it's not what's his best for me?
2) When God allows us to have what we think we want, apart from what he knows is best, there will be consequences. The Israelites suffered because of the king they thought was such a great idea. I often don't stop to think about WHY I don't have the things I want, I just want them. But have I considered the fact that maybe I'm not ready for that? That, again, there is a reason God hasn't granted those requests. I do not want to miss out on God's best to experience what I THINK I want, only to find out that his plan really was best and I should have waited for it.
3) God's plans for me are based on his love for me and desire to have a relationship with me. In v. 7 of chapter 8, God says, "Do as they say... for it is me they are rejecting, not you. They don't want me to be their king any longer." The Israelites didn't have a king because God was their king! They didn't need an earthly king like the nations around them because they were the people of God! But here they are saying, "Sorry God, we'd rather have a king than our relationship with you... we know what will happen, but we really want to be like the people around us, so, thanks, but no thanks." And how often is my attitude the same? I think that I know better than God what should happen in my life. Or even worse, I just want to be like the people around me. I know that God has me where he does right now so that my relationship with him will be strengthened. I am tired of missing out on the reality of the present relationship I can have with him because I'm always busy looking ahead to the future and what I hope he will do. As Paul said, "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ and become one with him." (Phil. 3:8-9) I choose to be content with God as my King, no matter what's going on in the nations around me :)
So, like I said, God has been showing me so much in the little bit of 1 Samuel that I've read so far... there will be more to come I'm sure :) For now, heading to bed...
-Lauren for us
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Trip to Kennedy Space Center
Recently we made a visit to Kennedy Space Center, which is just about 30 miles north of us. I had never been and we had been talking about going, so when we heard that it was "Brevard County residents get in free" weekend, we figured that was a great opportunity! So, we spent a Friday afternoon taking in the sights and sounds. Here are some highlights :)
These are the engines to the Saturn V rocket. They were 'uge.
This is us on Gantry 39. Lauren thinks it's nerdy that David knows the name of the place. Out in the distance is the ocean.
These are the engines to the Saturn V rocket. They were 'uge.
This is the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB for all the nerds). It's where they put the pieces of the shuttle together. They can maneuver the shuttle within fractions of an inch. Each star on the flag is 6ft across.
This is us on Gantry 39. Lauren thinks it's nerdy that David knows the name of the place. Out in the distance is the ocean.-Lauren (with some help from David)
Current Happenings in the Schatz House
Here's just a little about what's been going on for us lately...
As you probably know, David is in school again... Last August he started his MBA, and at this point, he's about halfway done. He will graduate in December of 2010. He enjoys his studies for the most part... this semester has been hard and keeps him very busy. He doesn't love being a Seminole, but that's how it goes... he will always be a Gator at heart :)
His work continues to go well. He works from home now 3 days a week and he enjoys that for the most part. Personally, I love having him home... we're home together two days during the week and I have really enjoyed having him around. In September, he was promoted to a "Level 2" position in his job, so we were excited about that... I'm really proud of him! "Movin' on up" as Mr. Jefferson would say :)
Between school and work, David doesn't have time for much else these days. He started playing raquetball with some guys at 6 am one day a week and he has really enjoyed that. I got him the equipment for his birthday so that's been fun for him. He's in a Bible study with 8 or 9 other guys on Sunday mornings and that's been really good too. Of course, there always unexpected house projects he has to work on too... last week the kitchen sink had to be replaced... it's always something! But he really enjoys working around the house and I am so thankful to have a husband who is so handy! He definitely saves us a lot of money! :)
Although I don't have quite as much going on these days as David does, it sure feels like our days and nights are packed full! I am still working 24 hours a week for the Women's Center and I'm still enjoying it. It's challenging work for sure, but I feel like it's really where God has me right now and I'm happy with it. I recently added another 10 hours a week working at the church... I am coordinating all the nursery stuff, which I really love. At the end of the summer I was really asking God to show me how to use my desire for a child in a way that honors him while we wait... so this position opened up at the church and I really felt like this was a tangible way to serve and love children while I wait for my own. So, it's been a lot of fun and I am just starting to feel like I am getting the hang of things.
I am co-leading a Bible study with some ladies in the church, and that's been really great so far. I had not been in a girls only study since leaving UF, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until this opportunity came up. We're only about 4 weeks into the study, but I am already enjoying getting to know these women and i'm excited about what God has in store for our group :)
We're continuing to seek God's heart and his plan for our family, but we've been so blessed as we wait. We're not sure what he's going to do, but we are learning to be content where he has us now, while trusting that he has a good plan for our life. I'll post more on this later :)
I know blogs without pictures are boring, so before too long, I'll post some pictures so you can see what we've been up to lately. Just wanted to bring you all up to speed with what's going on for the Schatzes right now... more to come soon!
-Lauren for us
As you probably know, David is in school again... Last August he started his MBA, and at this point, he's about halfway done. He will graduate in December of 2010. He enjoys his studies for the most part... this semester has been hard and keeps him very busy. He doesn't love being a Seminole, but that's how it goes... he will always be a Gator at heart :)
His work continues to go well. He works from home now 3 days a week and he enjoys that for the most part. Personally, I love having him home... we're home together two days during the week and I have really enjoyed having him around. In September, he was promoted to a "Level 2" position in his job, so we were excited about that... I'm really proud of him! "Movin' on up" as Mr. Jefferson would say :)
Between school and work, David doesn't have time for much else these days. He started playing raquetball with some guys at 6 am one day a week and he has really enjoyed that. I got him the equipment for his birthday so that's been fun for him. He's in a Bible study with 8 or 9 other guys on Sunday mornings and that's been really good too. Of course, there always unexpected house projects he has to work on too... last week the kitchen sink had to be replaced... it's always something! But he really enjoys working around the house and I am so thankful to have a husband who is so handy! He definitely saves us a lot of money! :)
Although I don't have quite as much going on these days as David does, it sure feels like our days and nights are packed full! I am still working 24 hours a week for the Women's Center and I'm still enjoying it. It's challenging work for sure, but I feel like it's really where God has me right now and I'm happy with it. I recently added another 10 hours a week working at the church... I am coordinating all the nursery stuff, which I really love. At the end of the summer I was really asking God to show me how to use my desire for a child in a way that honors him while we wait... so this position opened up at the church and I really felt like this was a tangible way to serve and love children while I wait for my own. So, it's been a lot of fun and I am just starting to feel like I am getting the hang of things.
I am co-leading a Bible study with some ladies in the church, and that's been really great so far. I had not been in a girls only study since leaving UF, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until this opportunity came up. We're only about 4 weeks into the study, but I am already enjoying getting to know these women and i'm excited about what God has in store for our group :)
We're continuing to seek God's heart and his plan for our family, but we've been so blessed as we wait. We're not sure what he's going to do, but we are learning to be content where he has us now, while trusting that he has a good plan for our life. I'll post more on this later :)
I know blogs without pictures are boring, so before too long, I'll post some pictures so you can see what we've been up to lately. Just wanted to bring you all up to speed with what's going on for the Schatzes right now... more to come soon!
-Lauren for us
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Back to Blogging
So, it has been several years since either David or I blogged consistently... actually, it was my freshman year at UF, so it's been 5 years! Crazy how fast time flies and how much has changed since then! :)
I have enjoyed reading some different blogs lately and have realized that it's a pretty easy way to keep people up to date on the happenings of our life, so I figured we'd give it a shot again. We will try to be consistent and keep things interesting... I will post soon about the things that have been going on for us recently, but for now, just wanted y'all to know that we're back to the world of blogging!
-Lauren for us
I have enjoyed reading some different blogs lately and have realized that it's a pretty easy way to keep people up to date on the happenings of our life, so I figured we'd give it a shot again. We will try to be consistent and keep things interesting... I will post soon about the things that have been going on for us recently, but for now, just wanted y'all to know that we're back to the world of blogging!
-Lauren for us
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