[montysmum]

Having suffered for many years through infertility and numerous miscarriages we have decided to take the adoption route. However, I say 'we have decided' yet I feel as though this was what was meant for us.....We have been chosen to offer a good home and parenting to a less fortunate child. Since making this 'decision' I feel so much more pulled towards prayer, religion and God's reasons behind this 'decision'. I used to feel that God was punishing me for my past experiences in life but now I feel calm and relaxed as if this is how is should be....

Did anyone/Has anyone else felt this sudden pull towards God after ttc for so long?

Where do you start when you realise that you actively want to accept God in your life and that religion to you is more than just the marriage or baptism service but an actual part of your daily life.... Am I making sense??

[Momto3inMO]

Hello! I want to first congratulate you on even realizing that a relationship with Christ is more than just a wedding ceremony or Baptism. The Lord is tugging on your heart, and all you need to do is simply answer Him. It may seem silly at first, but God does speak to us through our prayers. Understand as well, it is not a religion that God wants from you, it is a relationship. He wants you to know Him, and that comes from accepting His Son as your Savior, prayer, and reading your Bible. God is such a loving Father, and He has not placed this precious child in your life by mistake. Despite the circumstances that caused him to be your child, he was created for you and you for him. Pray and ask God to help you to know Him, I promise, He does give us the desires of our hearts!

[mrsred]

montysmum, I am so happy for you. Just asking, and searching is such a big first step. As you get to know our Father better you will soon discard the idea that you wre being punicsed by infertility. Our Father loves us, he does not want us to be in pain. When we our circumstances don't change it does mean that He is using the circumstance. In this case, He is using the circumstance of your infertility to draw you closer to Him.
If you are truly looking to bring God into your life I would recommend you do three things. First, find a church to attend. Yes, we can believe without belonging to a church, but if we truly want to grow we need Christian fellowship. Next, start reading your Bible on a daily basis. It doesn't matter exactly what you read, just make sure you find time to read from your Bible every day. there is Power in His Word. And finally, find ways to immerse yourself by changing your TV channel at least part of the time to a Christian network (I like Daystar), tuning your radio station to a good Christian station, and finding Christian reading materials. I really like both Joel Osteen and Joyce Meyer, but there are a lot of really good books to help you build your relationship. They both have excellent websites too, where you can watch some of their teachings.
Luke 11:9-10 says "...Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks recieves; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.

[montysmum]

Thank you so much for your reply. I had posted this thread 3 times (quite stupidly). Your replies and suggestions are well noted. Funny, you spend your life learning and being at school but with something as simple as accepting God into your life...I'm dumbfounded and don't know where to start.

I live in Cyprus (Europe) and there is a only a push towards the Greek Orthodox religion. Although I was baptised as GO I do not like the way the church is run. I disagree that the Bishops are laden with gold, the service is read by them with no participation from the people, it is male dominated, there is way too much money. I believe that you can have a 'church' in your heart and your home. If God is everywhere then surely I don't need to go to the GO church to be heard?

Thanks again and I will be in touch.

[mrsred]

No, you don't need to go to a church, but you do need to find fellowship somewhere. I do agree though that a church that is "read" by clergy is not the type of church that Christ had in mind. I am praying for you, that your relationship wiht Christ can grow.

[montysmum]

We submitted our application today with the District Welfare Office. They say it will take about a year to complete as they are so busy. Unfortunately they are the only people authorised in Cyprus to undertake this. Currently looking at Adoption Ark, Christain World Adoption and Children Hope International. Anyone hear of good things about them? We will not be able to claim any tax relief as we live abroad and there aren't such facilities here. Full fees for us.

Please pray to give me the strength and patience to continue with this journey. I believe it is going to a nightmare. After 5 years of ttc and numerous failed IVF's and 4 miscarriages, my resistence is low. But I am sure that there is a plan for hubby and I.