Baby Please

“BABY PLEASE!” What comes to mind when you see these two words? For millions of men and women these two words are uttered in prayer month after month as they make their petition known to their creator!  My husband and I often prayed, Lord bless us with a baby please.  With tears in my eyes I cried out please Lord please, bless me with a baby please. 

Seven years later the Lord answered our prayer, but we have not stopped praying this prayer.  However, now we pray it for others.  If you would like to become apart of the Baby Please Movement contact us today. You will connect with a caring group of individuals who are going through the same thing or have been where you are. 

We are waiting to hear from you.  Please share with others. 

More Than I Can Bear

Recently I was reminded of a song by Kirk Franklin entitled: “More Than I Can Bear.” The words to the song are:
I’ve gone through the fire and I’ve been through the flood
I’ve been broken into pieces seen lightnin’ flashin’ from above
But through it all I remember that He loves me
And He cares and He’ll never put more on me than I can bear

Often I find myself taking on more tasks and assignments than I think I can handle. I am guilty of using the phrase, “he will never put more on me than I can bear” as a crutch in my inability to say “No!” I often tell people, especially women, that negative stress is created when your heart says NO but your mouth says YES. I’m having to practice what I preach–imagine that.

Recently I mentioned a grant opportunity to a client and felt very strongly that we should submit an application although the time frame was less than desirable. After agreeing, I eagerly began working on the proposal but everything that could come up, did come up,in the days leading to the deadline. I put the kids to bed by 7:30 each evening and would stay up sometimes to 3am trying to complete the project. Needless to say on the due date I was still putting pieces of the puzzle together. The proposal was completed but this funder was very specific about how the hard copies were to be submitted. The client and I rushed to submit the proposal and I breathed a sigh of relief once it was over.

The next day I began to ask myself a series of questions:
1. Why had I taken on numerous projects due around the same time? (not work related)
2. Am I overextended?
3. What could I have delegated?
4. Why did’t I factor the unexpected? (teething, colds, ear infections)
5. What did I learn from this experience?

Although there were many more questions that racked my brain, I rejoiced in the fact that “I Did It,” as my two-year old would say. I got it all done—but at what cost?
I understand that life is a balancing act and now that the three boys are here I have to do things differently. I can’t schedule ear infections, tummy aches, bumps and bruises but they are a part of life and deadlines do not succumb to them.

NO, God will never put more on us than we can bear, but is it God or is it us—-That is the BIGGEST question I posed to myself. In life we won’t always get it right. Each stage in life brings about a change. Even when others won’t accept our NO stand firm and live by the quote, “I will show you better than I can tell you.” It’s easy to read a blog or stand on the outside of a situation and profess to have all the answers. I’ve learned to quietly laugh at those people and you should too.

At the end of the day I do what has to be done. Some days I wish I had done more and some days I can’t move another muscle. I realize even more that time is a precious commodity. I choose my activities wisely (work and play because I need both) and I detest when my time is not valued or respected. I am so much better at not over extending myself and am finding balance in this wife, mommy, entrepreneur, minister, daughter, sister, friend world in which I reside.

I know that God won’t put more on me than I can bear now I need to follow suit.

Oh about the grant????? Yeah we were funded and it will make a significant difference in the lives of many!!!

There’s Hope

It’s amazing how friends remember details that even we don’t always remember. I’m blessed to have a great support system and great friends and family. I pray this post blesses someone.

Every Woman Blog

By: Chaunte McClure

For most women I know, that time of the month when Aunt Flo pays a visit is almost always unwelcoming. She tends to bring unwanted guests like headaches, cramps, and bloating. Now, there are cases when Aunt Flo’s visit is a sigh of relief because it’s a sign that a woman is not pregnant at a time when she’d rather not be.

I’ve heard women share stories of being excited about missing a period when they’ve been trying to get pregnant. Then getting a positive pregnancy test sends that excitement into overdrive because within the next nine months, a sweet little baby will be born.

I’ve shared that excitement over and over again with my friend Schrendria (Sha-ren-dree-a) Robinson. The first time she and her husband were pregnant, we took a spontaneous couples daytrip to Charlotte after church one Sunday, where she announced at the dinner table…

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Happy Birthday

2nd Birthday Cake

Two years ago God blessed me with a beautiful baby boy. Whew, finally I had reached my destination after five long years of trying to become a mother.  However, the journey was just beginning.  Even at the age of two this little boy has taught me sooooo much.  The biggest thing I’ve learned is to enjoy every moment I have with my children.  I don’t take life for granted and can’t spend time living in my perfectionist type A bubble that I’ve grown accustomed to.  Thus when plans A thru Z failed (literally) and I decided to have my son’s second birthday party at our home I started praying immediately.  You see hosting a 2-year old party in a 1,700 square foot home with 3 month old twins and are large family don’t mix.  At the last minute I’m putting together a menu, planning activities, doing laundry, cleaning and praying praying praying.

1. Please help me not to snap, go off, become overly irritated with anyone especially my husband.

2.  Please help me not to become overly concerned with making my guests comfortable that I fail to enjoy Marc and his friends.

3.  Please don’t let me forget to check on the twins and make sure they are fed and changed despite the fact that grandmas are here loving on them. (I still need to check-in)

4. Please help me to smile and say thank you, thank you, thank you when Im offered unsolicited advice on topics ranging from career to childcare.

Amen, Amen, Amen and Amen.

Despite my doing everything in my power not to have this party at my home I think I did okay. God truly answered my prayers.  I spoke to the nearly 50 people who came to my home and tried to greet everyone with a hug and a smile.  I did not have a full conversation with any adults but was appreciative of everyone’s willingness to pitch in and make themselves comfortable.  I am usually a much better hostess especially to my first time guests, however I had to stay focused on my number one agenda.  Most people say a one or tw0-year old party is all about the adults, however I really wanted this time to be about my son. No one knows him better than I do so I figured forget the traditional status quo simply do the things that makes him happy.  He loves music and he loves balloons so if I had those two things I could not go wrong.  Thus we played balloon games and we sang and we sang and we sang.  “Head Shoulders Knees and Toes” by the Wiggles must have played 100 times in my house this weekend, along with “Ring Around the Rosy” and “Row Row Row Your Boat.”  That was it–simple, simple, simple.  There was not a theme.  There was no bounce house. There was no photo booth, clown or action figure.  There was a little boy being made a big deal of by his mom and dad in a house filled with people who loved him dearly. To see the smile on his face as the music played and the balloons popped was  priceless.

I’m proud of myself because despite my tendencies to want to control everything that was going on around me, I reminded myself to put first things first.  Putting first things first meant:

1.  I forgot to restock to bathroom with paper towel and tissue, but I see someone found it.

2. Someone probably didn’t have a place to sit because I didn’t request enough folding chairs, but they were fine standing.

3. There was not enough ice, when I explicitly said that there was, but someone brought more.

Putting first things first meant:

4.  I forgot to request helium and non helium balloons so the activity could go as written but it was all the same to the birthday boy.

5. I could not answer my phone when guests were calling to say they were lost, running late or to ask if I needed anything.

6. I put a number one candle on the cake for my two-year old son despite the fact that I had the correct candle. (he is just learning the difference-oh well).

So I made many mistakes and was not very talkative to the adults but I was tuned in to what was most important—the birthday boy.  I can truly say that I will always remember this day.  The gift that he gave to me will manifest as I celebrate the twins birthday as well.  I can’t get so caught up in making sure everything is perfect for everyone else that I forget the one we came to celebrate.

This reminds me of many Christians and how we carry ourselves during the Christmas season.  We are so busy doing things for others, buying gifts for people we don’t like and going to parties with people we loathe all in the name of spreading Christmas cheer.  We do all these things but we forget about the main attraction. We forget about the star of the show. We forget about Jesus.  We do all these things in the name of celebrating him but never actually spend time with him.

Well I spent time with my baby and I have no regrets.  If no one else was happy and if no one else had a good time Marc Anthony Robinson and I enjoyed ourselves at the party.

Until next time,

Don’t Forget

I posted this last week but it’s worth repeating.

Recently I came across pictures from Mother’s Day 2013.  My husband (Marcus) arranged for someone to capture the moment as he and our 8 month old son Marc presented me with a bouquet of flowers following the Mother’s Day program at church.  I was the morning speaker and my Pastor (Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr.) came to give remarks as he normally does but this time he called Marcus to the pulpit for a special presentation. I was taken aback as Marcus not only publicly displayed his affection but also spoke briefly about all of the challenges we endured.  It is very difficult to surprise me, but he was able to pull it off with the help of great friends.  He reminded me that every time I endured a loss and felt pain so did he, and when I had moments where I was mad at God, so was he and when I was at a loss for words oftentimes so was he.  However, we never experienced our lowest moments at the same time.  Therefore we were there to comfort one another in our time of greatest need.  Then God reminded me that although we had Marc we must never forget our journey and that it was our assignment to help others.  Therefore when people wonder why do I write about infertility when I have three children it’s because I will never forget.

I will never forget the years and the tears to Marc, Caleb and Kyle.

I will never forget the heartache and they pain, fighting back the tears ( for 3 years) every month when Aunt Flow came to visit.

I will never forget the church members and family members who said things like, “what are you waiting on, you are going to be too old soon, the bible says be fruitful and multiply.” Little did they know Icould have experienced a miscarriage two weeks earlier.

I will never forget the dagger to my heart when I heard the words “no heartbeat.”

I will never forget waking up one Saturday morning to volunteer and give the opening prayer at a Mother/Daughter relationship conference and all I see is blood in the toilet.

I will never forget rushing to the hospital on a separate occasion with  intense cramps praying all the way with my husband that we were not experiencing a miscarriage, only to see blood dripping from the cot as we waited in the hallway after several hours because there was no bed available in the emergency room.

I will never forget having to call a friend to drive me to an urgent care facility because my husband was out of town and hear a doctor say, “oh you are probably having a miscarriage, the pain will pass soon.” And he sent me home without a bit of remorse, words of comfort or care.

I will never forget.  I don’t care if I birth 10 children and adopt 10 more those three angles will always be apart of me.  I will always hold a special place in my heart for those who desire to be parents. I will always lend an ear and be the voice of reason for anyone who needs me. I will always try to persuade others to be sensitive to the topic of childbirth because you don’t know what a person is going through.

I urge you also don’t forget!

Don’t forget to love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Don’t forget to do unto others as you will have them do unto you.

Don’t forget to count your blessings there is someone who wants to be in your shoes.

Finally, don’t forget the bridge that  brought you over. Reach back and help someone else.  Don’t allow pride and arrogance to over-take you.

Don’ Forget- I Love You!

Until next time,

Schrendria

 

 

When Are You Having a Baby?

Today I want to share a blog from my dear friend Chaunte McClure. I’m sure many of my followers can relate to her post. I know you will enjoy it.

Every Woman Blog

By: Chaunte McClure

Last year, after learning that local police found the body of a missing child, I said, “If I ever become a mom, I will give my child countless hugs, kisses and I love you’s.” I still stand on those words, although I sit here without a child in my womb or in my home. I’ve accepted the idea that I may never become a mother. And I think I’m okay with that. I think.

For some couples, deciding to have children is a no-brainer because they mutually agree before even tying the knot. Others want a family, but they’ve had the unfortunate experience of their baby dying in the womb. Some couples are trying to have a child and have spent hundreds of dollars on pregnancy tests that always give them a negative result. Then there are couples like my husband and me who haven’t decided to…

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Easy

The few times I’ve been out with the twins I’ve heard the same comment, “you make it look easy.”   People look in awe at how calm the boys are and how well I handle them simotaneously.  The outings primarily consists of doctor visits, where even the pediatrician commended me and my husband on making parenting three children under two look easy.

Well let me sound the alarm—IT’S NOT EASY–BUT IT’S WORTH IT!!

Although the assignment given to us is a bit challenging at times we would not have it any other way.  We prayed for these little miracles and now that we have them we couldn’t be happier. God gave us twins when we had a 21 month old son because He knew we could handle it.  There are times when I begin to feel overwhelmed and even think about having a pity party.  However , I quickly snap out of it when I think of the three babies that we lost and when I think of the millions of women who want to be a mom.  I realize that I have three precious gifts and I am equipped to care for them and love them unconditionally.

When Jesus walked the dusty streets to the Cross some would say he made it look easy.   He did not complain on the journey or waddle in self-pity because he knew that he was fulfilling his assignment.  That’ s how I view this journey. God has assigned to our hands these three boys and I cheerfully say not my will but your will be done.  Some may say you are missing out on so many great things because you are always home with the boys.  I feel the exact opposite.  I am having the time of my life watching them grow.  Before our sons arrived we traveled to several countries, took extravaggant vacations, attended concerts and seminars meeting and posing with numerous A-list celebrities. And all of those things fail in comparison to hearing the words moma and daddy for the first time, seeing them take that first step or hearing the words I love you. There is a time and a season for everything and this is my time to be Mommy-in-Chief.

When you see us out in public I will make it look easy.  When you see me at home I may make it look easy.  But know that I am praying constantly for guidance, wisdom and even a pleasant disposition as I raise these boy to become great men.  Daily I cast down thoughts and imaginations that are contrary to spirit of God.  When I feel overwhelmed or attacked or boarder-lined depressed, I know where those feelings are coming from and I know that it is time to FIGHT.  Thus I revert back to my high school cheer days and recite the words of one of my favorite chants.

“How we gonna beat them? EASY man.  How we gonna beat them?  EASY man.

With what?  TEAMwork. With what?  TEAMwork.

E-A-S-Y-Easy man EASY!!!!”
Until next time,

Schrendria

 

Persevere

“Don’t Quit”!  I grew up hearing this poem all the time as a child.  My mom recited this poem frequently at various church programs and instilled it in all her children as we were all athletes and involved in various extra-curricula activities.   I guess this is what made me have such tenacity as an adult.  Even when experiencing horrific pain in my adult life I could not quit. There were times I thought I should have quit, but I could not!!!

• After trying for over three years to conceive a child I should have quit.
• After having the first miscarriage I should have quit.
• After the second miscarriage I should have quit.
• After having seven fibroids removed from my uterus ranging from the size of a pebble to the size of a cantaloupe, I should have quit.
• After having the third miscarriage at 20 weeks, I should have quit.

I had to persevere and I thank God that I did.

If I gave up I would not have Marc.

If I gave up I would not have Caleb.

If I gave up I would not have Kyle.

I could not quit.  I read and heard stories about others who endured much more than I did on the road to motherhood.  I learned that if you lost one child or if you lost five children the hurt is still the same. WE can’t compare our stories to others, but there has to be something inside of us that tells us to keep pushing.

Maybe you are reading this and you are not interested in having a baby but have a different situation in which you feel like giving up—- don’t quit.  Find comfort in the words of this song “Can’t Give Up Now”  by Mary Mary.

 

 

There will be mountains that I will have to climb.  
And there will be battles that I will have to fight. 
But victory or defeat
 it’s up to me to decide. 
But how can I expect to win, if I never try.

I just can’t give up now 
I’ve come too far from where I started from
.  Nobody told me the road would be easy. 
And I don’t believe He’s brought me this far to leave me.

Never said there wouldn’t be trials,
never said I wouldn’t fall. Never said that everything would go the way I want it to go
. But when my back is against the wall
 and I feel all hope is gone
. I’ll just lift my head up to the sky and say help me to be strong.

I just can’t give up now
. Come too far from where I started from. 
Nobody told me the road would be easy. 
And I don’t believe He’s brought me this far to leave me.

 

Until Next Time,

Keep Pressing!

Schrendria

No Excuses

Earlier this week I saw a news story that shook me to my core.  A mother and father were arrested for not feeding their two- month-old baby for five days.  Deplorable!!! I fought back the tears while watching this 2-minute segment and thought of my own children.  Imagine the crying that took place and the pain felt by that precious child.  My twins are almost 2 months old and they have a cry that is out of this world signifying that they are ready to be fed.  The hunger cry is a very piercing sound unlike any other cry. As a mother I can’t get to them fast enough to provide nourishment.  Thus, it is hard for me to believe that parents can sit in a house and listen to a child cry because the child is hungry and do nothing about it.

There are no excuses for not feeding a child. I’ve tried to put myself in the parents’ shoes and think of various scenarios as to why they did not feed the child, but there are just no excuses.

• They could have reached out to governmental agencies that provide support for women and children.
• The couple could have visited a food bank.
• The couple could have talked with a social worker at the hospital where the baby was born and asked for help.
• What about family and friends, could the couple not reach out to them on behalf of the baby?
• I wonder did the mother try nursing the child.
• Did the parents eat in the past five days?

There are no excuses.  Nothing explains the parents’ behavior.

This story infuriates me because there are millions of people in the United States alone who desire to become parents.  There are some like myself who are parents but it did not come easy.  And this couple was given the gift of parenthood and has abused it.  There are many who would have taken this baby into their homes and loved him unconditionally if the parents did not want to assume the responsibility.  I would love to hear the parents’ side of the story. I’m seeking to understand their mindset.

Thankfully the baby is okay and is in protective custody.  You can read more about this story here. 

Television Show

As a teen-ager I was very intrigued by the Oprah Winfrey Show.  I recall writing a letter to Oprah asking her to come and speak at my high school graduation.  Prior to the launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) I submitted a show idea and my video was on the OWN website as many voted for me to host a show on Oprah’s network.  Although I never heard a response from the talk show queen I always held the desire to host a show close to my heart.  Then one day when I wasn’t thinking about a talk show the opportunity presented itself.

Ladies and Gentlemen: I am pleased to announce that I will host a weekly talk show beginning this fall!!!!!!

So you ask what’s the show concept?   Its about health, family and relationships. Its about our struggles as well as our successes. It will show us how to turn our  pain into our purpose. Its about life. Its about you! A talk show for the entire family.

The show will air every Sunday at 9:00 am on Bounce TV WIS-TV digital channel 10.3 and Time Warner Cable Channel 122, beginning September 7, 2014.

If you are not in the Midlands of South Carolina don’t worry, we will also post each show on our You Tube Channel so make sure you subscribe.

Join in the excitement!!! Beginning today we will launch a “show name” contest.  Yes, that’s right.  Contact me via this blog, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and let me know what you think we should name the show.  The contest will end July 27th and winner announced August 3rd.  The winner will be mentioned on the first episode of the show.