Good evening!

Dear friends,

Due to inconsistent access to the internet in the next week, the IF Gathering Place will be on hiatus until January 1, 2010.

I look forward to catching up with you in a few days.

In prayer,

Kate

Good morning!

Prayer request:

That all of us can find peace today with wherever we are in our IF journey.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For hopefulness.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us starting a new cycle.

For those of us dissatisfied with our current protocol.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For unexpected compassion this holiday season.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us feeling confused by our bodies.

For those of us who are frustrated with our medical care.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For quality time with our partners over the holidays.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with a BFN this week.

For those of us dissatisfied with our medical care.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the opportunity to educate our families about IF over the holidays.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with MFI.

For those of us who are waiting for test results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the distractions provided by this busy time of year.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who are starting a new cycle.

For those of us who are working on our relationship with our partner.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For unexpected progress.

Good morning and happy Saturday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us working to discuss our IF with family and friends.

For those of struggling with aligning cycles and the holidays.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our furbabies.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with an IUI this week.

For those of us struggling with visiting relatives and their babies over the holidays.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the opportunity to meet blogger-friends IRL.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us starting a Clomid cycle.

For those of us struggling to stay hopeful.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the support of close family.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us trying to decide what the next step should be in the IF journey.

For those of us waiting for AF.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the activities that relax us.

Happy 100th Post!

To our wonderful prayer community--

Today is our hundredth post. I say "our" because this really is a place for everyone. I wish that you could all see the emails that I get thanking us and asking for prayer. It wouldn't happen if it weren't for all of you. I know it's pretty quiet around here, but I can see you in the feedburner. We are here; we are praying, and people are finding comfort through incredibly difficult times. Thank you.

Prayer requests:

For those of us trying to lose weight as part of our TTC protocol.

For those of us waiting for beta HCG test results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our prayer community.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us working on adoption paperwork.

For those of us trying to find the best doctor for us.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For improvements in our relationships with our partners.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us in the 2WW.

For those of us struggling with side effects.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For keeping busy with holiday preparations.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us struggling with the expenses of A.R.T.

For those of us trying to adopt healthier lifestyles.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For successful surgeries.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us taking PIO shots.

For those of us who got a BFN this week.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the upcoming break many of us will take around the holidays.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with secondary infertility.

For those of us who are having frustrating interactions with our doctors.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For cycles that are going well.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us exploring the next step in our IF journey.

For those of us with endometriosis.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For supportive family.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us in the 2WW.

For those of us with MFI.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the return of hope.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us starting an IVF cycle this week.

For those of us feeling hopeless.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the many parts of our bodies that DO work.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us taking foster/adoption classes.

For those of us struggling with a new diagnosis.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For dear friends.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us grieving after a failed cycle.

For those of us with PCOS.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the patience we are learning.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with an IUI today.

For those of us with recurrent miscarriage, that this cycle will result in a healthy, viable pregnancy.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For kind administrative assistants at the doctors' offices.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us having a miscarriage.

For those of us struggling with Clomid side effects.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us celebrating an ovulation.

Good morning!

Prayer request:

For those of us who are looking for a new RE.

For those of us who are feeling confused by our current cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the healthy life choices inspired by A.R.T.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us whose cycle has been cancelled.

For those of us feeling blue in the midst of the holidays.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For thoughtful nurses.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who have an IUI this week.

For those of us who are feeling hopeless.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For all of the new friends we've made through our online IF groups.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us whose follies aren't growing the way we want this cycle.

For those of us who are exploring donor sperm.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our fur babies.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us waiting for AF.

For those of us who are nervous about an upcoming HSG.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For supportive partners.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us in the 2WW.

For those of us who are dealing with unpleasant side effects.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For unexpected acts of love and kindness this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who will spend part of today at the RE.

For those of us who are saddened by the family pregnancy announcements, baby bumps, and little ones that come with the holiday.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the many, many blessings in each of our lives, including our online support systems.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us feeling negative about our current cycle.

For those of us with a hysteroscopy this week.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For learning how strong we really are.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those feeling anxious about an upcoming ultrasound.

For those on CD 1.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For offices doing a good job scheduling appointments around the holiday.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with a BFN this cycle.

For those of us struggling to meld appointments with seeing family and Thanksgiving travel.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the short work week.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us having difficulty communicating with our partner.

For those of us starting our first medicated cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For insurance coming through.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us feeling uncomfortable with their protocol this month.

For those of us waiting to POAS.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the distraction of holiday preparations.

Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us participating in adoption classes.

For those of us starting an IVF cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For weekends with family.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us on a TTC break.

For those of us searching for an IRL support group.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For bursts of optimism.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with an IUI scheduled.

For those of us who are waiting for AF.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For good conversations with our doctors.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us facing long drives to the RE.

For those of us starting a new protocol.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us who have gotten good news.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us attending an adoption class this week.

For those of us who are starting a new type of medication this week.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For supportive family members.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who are pursuing acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine.

For those of us who are working with a gestational carrier.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our four-legged friends.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who have gotten BFNs this week.

For those of us who are learning of a new diagnosis.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the hobbies that distract us.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with a difficult decision to make.

For those of us who are going to get their trigger shot over the weekend.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For access to A.R.T.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us in the 2WW.

For those of us who feel dehumanized by the IF experience.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us who had encouraging lab results.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us taking progesterone.

For those of us struggling to meld work and infertility appointments.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the healthier lifestyle choices IF has helped us to adopt.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us feeling hopeless and far from our Creator.

For those of us starting an IVF cycle this week.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us celebrating birthdays.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us pursuing fostering.

For those of us with surgery this week.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For a feeling of optimism.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who are sad.

For those of us dealing with varicocele.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For mentors in the IF journey.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those who of us are exploring donor sperm, eggs, and embryos.

For those of us who are waiting for test results over the weekend.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For compassionate ultrasound techs.

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us undergoing an endometrial biopsy.

For those of us meeting with a new doctor.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For communities of faith.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with a TTC anniversary (1 year, 5 years, etc.).

For those of us with an IUI this week.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the many parts of our bodies that ARE working.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us battling the flu.

For those of us with unclear test results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the distraction and relaxation of vacations.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with unexplained infertility.

For those of us starting a new cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For pleasant surprises.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with azoospermia.

For those of us who are stimming.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For Resolve and other community support groups.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us starting injectables.

For those of us waiting over the weekend for lab results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our furbabies.

Happy Halloween!

Prayer requests:

For those of us saddened by seeing all the costumed children out and about today with their parents.

Sticky thoughts for those of us with a recent BFP.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For nieces and nephews.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us exploring donor sperm.

For those of us explaining our infertility to family and friends.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For small steps in the right direction.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with recurrent miscarriages.

For those of us exploring adoption.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the friends who are family.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with BFNs.

For those of us learning about new medications and procedures.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For kind bloggers.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who are taking a TTC break.

For those of us with endometriosis.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our wonderful partners.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with PCOS.

For those of us who are trying to figure out who we will share our IF journeys with IRL.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For miracles.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us trying to determine our next step in the IF journey.

For those of us who are miscarrying.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For distractions.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us who are looking for a new physician.

For those of us who are scared.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the times we can laugh about IF.

Good morning and Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with a BFN.

For those of us looking for a comfortable way to be part of the online IF community.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the moments when we feel completely connected with our partners.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with pregnant family and friends.

For those of us waiting for SA results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us who have had good news.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with doctor's appointments today.

For those of us with new diagnoses to understand.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the lessons IF teaches us about strong communication.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with an egg retrieval this week.

For those of us with ambiguous or confusing test results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For gestational carriers.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with MFI.

For those of us starting a new cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the comfort of prayer.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us whose cycles have been thrown off by the flu.

For those of us in the TWW.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For weekend time with the extended family.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us struggling with the financial component of IF.

For those of us communicating with birth parents about a possible match.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the hope of a new season as the cool fall weather finds even the most southern reaches of our country.

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us struggling with a challenging IF decision.

For those of us dealing with difficult side effects from our medication(s).

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the strength we have gained from this journey.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us undergoing a laparoscopy.

For those of us feeling overwhelmed.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the moments when you can laugh.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with an embryo transfer today.

For those of us waiting for SA results.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For insurance coming through.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us making the hundredth trip to the RE.

For those of us making the first trip to the RE.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For thoughtful nurses.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us in the TWW.

For those of us driving long distances to the fertility clinic today.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For all that we are learning from the IF journey.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us struggling with depression.

For those of us with poor test results this weekend.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For community IF-related support groups.

Happy One Month Anniversary to The IF Gathering Place!

Prayer requests:

For those of us struggling with recurrent miscarriage.

For those of us waiting for test results this weekend.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us who received BFPs this week.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us pursuing adoption.

For those of us with MFI.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the good listeners in our lives.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us doing a FET cycle.

For those of us having an HSG today.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the diminishment of non-IF stresses.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us undergoing a cycle with a surrogate.

For those of us struggling with weight gain from medications.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For a straightforward visit to the doctor.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us cycling with IVF and donor eggs.

For those of us with non-doubling betas.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the healthier lifestyles IF has encouraged us to adopt.

Happy Monday Morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us doing an IVF cycle with donor sperm.

For those of us feeling alone during the IF journey.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the new IF research being done everyday.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us doing an IVF/ICSI cycle.

For those of us feeling burdened by the waiting that comes with IF.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For birth mothers.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us doing an IVF cycle.

For those of us with treatments on hold as we raise the necessary funds.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the friends we've made as a result of IF.

Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us cycling with injectables and IUI and donor sperm.

For those of us in the TWW.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the distraction of work.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us cycling with injectables and IUI.

For those of us who are driving long distances to our clinics today.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the faith that sustains us.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us cycling with TCM, acupuncture, and other natural remedies.

For those of us waiting for AF to start a new cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For our furbabies.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those cycling with Metformin.

For those who POAS today.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For new doors opening when all the doors had appeared closed.

Good morning!

Beginning today, we are trying a slightly different practice. One prayer request every morning will be for some specific type of cycle protocol--until we run out of ideas. Feel free to email or post comments with suggestions.

Prayer requests:

For those of us cycling with clomid.

For those of us undergoing a home study.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For doctors' offices that return our phone calls promptly.

Good morning!

Just a friendly reminder to send along your cycle protocol prayer ideas. We'll start tomorrow morning.

--Kate

Prayer requests:

For those of us deciding whether to continue IF treatments.

For those of us working to communicate with parents about IF.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For lazy Sundays ripe for rejuvenation.

Good morning!

This week will begin the fourth week of The IF Gathering Place. In honor of this milestone, I thought I would try something a little different. One of the prayer requests every day will be for a different type of cycle protocol: clomid, IVF, IUI with donor sperm, you get the idea. We'll go until we run out of ideas. I could use your help. Send me an email or post in the comments one (or two or three) ideas about what we should include.

And as always, if you or someone you know needs a special prayer request, let me know, and I'll add it the next day. Feel free to make the request specific or general.

On a personal note, I have to say thanks. Thanks for subscribing. And reading. And most importantly praying. When I started this blog, I had no idea if anyone would even notice it in the sea of IF blogs. Now I can see from my feedburner/Google analytics that we have a number of subscribers and people who check it regularly.

Thanks, friends--

Kate

Prayer requests:

For those of us dealing with a BFN this weekend.

That we may all find healthy ways of managing our stress and maintaining mental wellness during IF.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For a weekend with happy distractions from IF.

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with an egg retrieval today.

For those of us feeling alone in their infertility struggle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the opportunity we have to educate others about infertility.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us looking for a support group.

For those of us waiting for betas.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For patient partners.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those of us with pregnant family and friends and baby showers to attend.

For those of us working to communicate better with our partner.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For those of us discovering that we are stronger than we knew.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those just learning of their infertility.

For those anxious about upcoming procedures.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the staff who squeeze us in when we ask to be seen and make us feel welcome when we arrive at the doctor's office.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those receiving difficult news today.

For the friends and family of infertiles who are striving to be supportive.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the people, projects, and activities that help us to forget the IF journey--at least for a little while.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For surrogates.

For the spouses and partners who walk this path with us.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For communities of faith.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those making difficult medical decisions.

For those frustrated with a canceled cycle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the good surprises on this journey.

Happy Friday!

Prayer Requests:

For those feeling hopeless.

For those experiencing difficult side effects from their medications.

Prayer of Thanksgiving:

For the opportunity to pursue Assisted Reproductive Technology.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those struggling with the financial burden of infertility care.

For those emotionally preparing for a new phase in their IF treatments.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For hope.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those pursuing adoption.

For those working to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For acupuncturists and other practitioners of complementary medicine who help us in our journey.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those in the TWW.

For those struggling to balance work and infertility-related appointments.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For nature's beauty and its ability to soothe troubled hearts.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those in an IVF cycle.

For those working to communicate about their infertility with the people in their life.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For a prescription costing less than expected.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those waiting for lab and test results.

For those looking for a gifted, supportive doctor.

Prayer of thanksgiving:

For the comfort and power of prayer.

Good morning! Happy weekend!

Prayer requests:

For those who have suffered a miscarriage.

For those taking a TTC break.

Prayers of thanksgiving:

For the four-legged members of our families.

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Prayer requests:

For those who are newly diagnosed.

For those who are facing a weekend filled with IF treatments/medications/side-effects rather than (in addition to?) relaxation and fun.

Prayers of thanksgiving:

For kind and compassionate nurses.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For those who are in cycle transition: ending and starting cycles.

For those who are figuring out how to do injections for themselves or their partners.

Prayers of thanksgiving:

For the wonderful bloggers and online friends who cheer us on and guide us and support us.

Good morning!

Prayer requests:

For IF women and men who have procedures scheduled for today.

For IF couples who are struggling to communicate about their IF path.

Prayers of thanksgiving:

For sisters who recognize that they do not understand what you are going through, but are willing to walk with you every step of the way.

Why aren't you doing a "regular" IF blog?

I am painfully shy. Really, just leaving a comment (after many months of following IF blogs I left my first one today--don't judge, let me explain) makes my heart pound and my body ache. What if I say the wrong thing and make someone hurt more? What if I misunderstand? What if I say something too personal about myself and regret it later? I'm shy in real life, but I'm twice as shy online and three times as shy about my infertility. I know I can't join the ranks of amazing, insightful women who share their stories online and so often bolster others in their quest for a successful pregnancy. But I can offer this place of prayer to the online IF community. I believe in prayer of all types; I believe it comforts the person praying and the person receiving prayer. I, also, am completely anal; I thrive on organizational tasks. I think they help me to feel in control. So start emailing, and I'll compile the first prayer list and post it Wednesday morning.

I am also going to try to comment more. Promise.

Kate

Let's Gather!

I will publish the first prayer list Wednesday morning, September 9, 2009. Please spread the word. There is no set format for the prayer request or prayer of thanksgiving:

be specific

be general

be anonymous

be personal

just be yourself.

What's The Gathering Place?

I have been a part of the online IF blog community as a viewer for a while now. Daily my RSS feeds update me on IF bloggers from all over the country (and even the world). I read about triumph and frustration, and so often I find myself responding to a request for thoughts and prayers. When I am on the boards, I hear the same thing, and I do my best to fulfill queries for "sticky" thoughts or prayers for strength.

I've also struggled with the fact that my husband and I have not shared our IF journey with our own faith community or most of our family. I can't turn to the people that I would usually ask to pray for me, and often I wish that I had the comfort of knowing that someone was praying with me in mind.

I am hopeful that daily five or fifteen or fifty of us--the number is unimportant--will ask for prayers through this blog and receive the comfort of knowing that we are in others' prayers. This is a nondenominational place for people of all religious, spiritual, or other reverential paths to share support and energy as each of us sees fit.

Kate