Today’s playlist was compiled by my sister, Autumn, and is designed to remind your heart to abide in Christ. If you’re struggling to turn your eyes to the Lord and fix your heart on Him, let these songs be that reminder! Her commentary on some of the songs is below, with a preview playlist at the bottom. You can find the full playlist on Spotify or create your own!
“I just didn’t think it was possible to stay pure after falling.” she said, fighting back tears.
As a girl who had previously obliterated my own purity, I wondered the same thing myself. I was a new Christian faced with the mistakes I had made and the consequences they brought to my doorstep. Could I truly say “no” if my next boyfriend wanted to have sex? Was it even possible to conquer the beast that is lust?
Here’s the biggie: Could I ever love God more than my sexual desires?
I shot out of the gate ready. There was no wishy-washy, “Maybe, I’ll give this a try.”, “Maybe I’ll just get my AA for now.” No maybe – I knew. I was leaving my private high school and small town behind, headed straight for a communications degree. A different coastline and cities with more than a handful of stoplights would be my future.
I was decisive and ready.
I spent the last few weeks compiling this list, listening to these episodes as I mopped floors, walked, did laundry, and otherwise attempted to induce labor with my second baby! So far, it hasn’t worked – but I definitely found some great episodes to share with you this week.
We all love a good birth story. It’s one of the first things women will discuss when they start talking about their babies. Either that or the horror stories that get told to first-time pregnant mamas. Today, I’m not here to share either. I’m here to share that you can have a positive view of God even when birth and the postpartum season don’t go the way you want.
When we met (online) two years ago, we were both expecting baby girls, just 1 day apart. We didn’t have chance to meet until after her Addie was born, and eerily enough, she had no idea my baby girl would have been called Addie, too. I am so grateful for her friendship, especially as we walked through the trials that child-bearing has brought, and so excited to share with you, her readers, today!
I’ve had this playlist on repeat for the last month – my final month of pregnancy! But even if you’re nowhere near being pregnant, these songs are a great backdrop to early morning devotions or a commute to work. You could even use this playlist for times of day when you’re most stressed or anxious, since the playlist is designed to point hearts to God in a time of extreme stress (labor!).
We fear what we don’t understand. But sometimes, even when we know what’s going to happen, we fear that too. Childbirth is the perfect storm of both these fears: Fear brought on by ignorance, and fear brought on by knowledge. As believers in Christ, we have His presence and power in the birthing room. How do we live out this reality and face birth fearlessly? Is that even possible?
It is possible to overcome fear of childbirth and enter pregnancy with courage. It is possible to overcome anxiety as a believer in Christ! This process is simple, but it’s not easy – and that’s what we’re discussing in today’s post.
My first and second babies will be almost exactly two years apart. They were both due on the same day (October 1st)! My first pregnancy was fantastic, but I didn’t know then what I know now. Let’s just say I’ve learned a few things in two years! The changes I’ve made in this pregnancy have made this one even better than the last, even though I’m now working from home with a toddler instead of working in an office full-time (and moving to a new state at 37 weeks!).