New Parents

Lean in, sweet sis, feel it all, and then hand it over to a great, Big God who has really big shoulders. Oh honey, if you need a pity party, go on and throw one, but please remember that this too shall pass, I promise. This season doesn't last forever. You will find your rhythm, the romance in your marriage will return, and you will be able to find yourself again. So, go ahead and dive into the ice cream and have a really good cry; you are totally allowed!

May the following 10 prayers encourage you during the time God is using you to birth a new soul.

The early days after birth can feel overwhelming and lonely. Learn how you can step in with the kind of help, comfort, and encouragement that makes a lasting difference.

He already has our baby's future written in His heart. We can trust Him with the future of our baby as well as the future of our family. There will be difficult times, but there will also be beautiful times. Through the light and the darkness, we will be taught many lessons and grow as new parents.

Why is it that the everyday occurrences can hit your switch and send you into a rant?

But the adjustment for women doesn't stop at pregnancy. Having children is also full of unanticipated challenges, feelings, and circumstances.

Prayerfully surrender to Him, and bravely step out of the darkness and back into the light. Reach for the hand of the One who can save.

Becoming a parent is not for the faint of heart. Kids are wild, crazy, loving creatures, and it’s normal to feel nervous or anxious when your child arrives. It’s easy to prepare by buying everything: the crib, bottles, pacifiers, cute bedding, etc.You know what you need for your child, but what about the actual parenting part? How do you do it well and in a way that aligns with God’s teachings on how to raise a child?

And so we went to the park. This might sound silly to some, but for me, this was a huge deal. This day was a breakthrough. I met other moms at the park who were just as tired as I was. We talked and laughed. I didn't realize what I was missing out on: until I found it.

I found hope in the darkness. I found comfort in knowing that my baby is with Jesus. That he or she will never have to know loss, pain, cold, grief, disappointment, or sorrow. That all their soul will ever know is joy and the presence of God. And although I won’t be able to embrace this beautiful soul now, one day I will. Our meeting is only delayed, not stolen.

Baby showers are such a special time for new parents! Beyond physical presents given at a baby shower, gifts of prayer can have a huge impact. By praying special prayers of blessing over the shower, the parents, the delivery, the baby, and the baby’s siblings, you will give a gift to the new parents that is extraordinary.Print this PDF and have women take turns reading these prayers of blessings. You can even frame them as a gift!Photo credit: ©GettyImages/Anchily

It may feel like, by attending, you’re turning a blind eye to her sexual union outside of God’s design. You may fear others in attendance will assume you support her relational decisions. You may fear judgment from those who aren’t in attendance but know you attended after seeing pictures shared on social media. This is a good time to consider if you are struggling with fear of man or fear of God. We don’t have to look far into Scripture to see examples of Jesus spending quality time with those living in sin.

It’s our job to be Jesus to our lost friends. To encourage those who know God but continue to struggle with sin. We need to remain faithful to the standards God gives us for living in the Bible. We must also ask God to help show us how to love well. When sin exists, wisdom is necessary in each and every situation.

For many, how they share the news that they are expecting is a huge milestone. The timing, manner, and audience you share with are big things to consider when planning how to announce your pregnancy.

The truth is there is no perfect way! My best advice is to honor your limits, lean into your story, avoid comparison, and just do your best to love your people well.