1104 results for author: Ashlee Schmidt

A Very Special Baptism

I’ve been a follower of Jesus for most of my life. My parents raised my two sisters and me in the church and in a strong Christian household. When it came to baptism, our parents wanted us to make that decision for ourselves. They never pressured us into getting baptized. As a child, I thought baptism was for new Christians only, and since I wasn’t a new Christian, it seemed weird for me to be baptized. I was also really shy. If my sisters weren’t going in front of everyone at church, neither was I! As I grew older, I understood that baptism wasn’t just for new Christians. It is an outward representation of the rebirth into life with Jesus. ...

In the Word: Wonderfully Made

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 139 together. This Psalm is used often (and rightly so) to demonstrate the value of human life, and God's care for us from even before we were conceived. What can we learn about God's tender care for us and for our babies from these verses? How does a greater knowledge of these truths offer hope and comfort to us in the midst of grief? Wonderfully Made “For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my ...

Get to Know Her: 2019 Retreat Speaker

How many times have you heard someone say, “Oh, that just breaks my heart,” when looking at a picture of a mistreated puppy? I know I have. And I thought my heart was broken when the boy I had a crush on didn’t ask me to the school dance.  December 24, 1995 was the day my husband, two young daughters, and I were anticipating welcoming our newest family member—a baby boy! We had presents under the tree and were waiting. On December 15, Zachary Robert was stillborn due to a “one in 10 million” amniotic band cord accident. Our lives—and the lives of my parents, our extended family, and even our daughter who was born later—were ...

Choose Hope for 2019

October 15I would imagine most of us didn’t know this date as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day until after we experienced our own loss of a child. Maybe this will be your first year acknowledging this day, and you are wondering what to do, how to honor and remember your baby. As we approach this day, there are three things I want you to know. You don’t have to celebrate. You don’t have to do anything. October 15 can just be October 15. There’s no grieving mother’s rule that says this day must be recognized. Not a day goes by where we don’t miss our babies. To us, every day is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day. ...

Ravyn’s Story

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a mother. So, when I found out I was pregnant for the first time in November 2017, I was so happy. My husband was at work when I found out, and I couldn’t even wait until he got home to tell him. We announced I was pregnant to our church and to our families. Everyone was so excited and praised God for this sweet baby. Then, on the morning of December 4, 2017, I woke up bleeding. After spending all day in the emergency room, my husband took me home that night, and I miscarried our first child early the next morning. We named him Noah. And while we both grieved, and continue to grieve, I took it the ...

The Breastplate of Righteousness

Grief is often accompanied by a myriad of temptations: anger, bitterness, fear, and despair, just to name a few. But God has provided us with everything we need to overcome these temptations, and to move forward in our sorrow with His strength. In this series, we will be studying the various pieces of our spiritual armor, and how each of these pieces uniquely equip us to cling to the hope we have been given in Christ. A few weeks ago, my husband and I sat down on the couch together to rest after a long day. Just moments after our backs hit the cushions, we heard the sound of heavy footsteps overhead. Assuming that one of our children was ...

In the Word: Never Alone (Part 2)

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying Psalm 139 together. This Psalm is used often (and rightly so) to demonstrate the value of human life, and God's care for us from even before we were conceived. What can we learn about God's tender care for us and for our babies from these verses? How does a greater knowledge of these truths offer hope and comfort to us in the midst of grief? NEVER ALONE (Part 2) "Where shall I go from your Spirit?    Or where shall I flee from your presence?If I ascend to heaven, you are there!   &n...

The Belt of Truth

Grief is often accompanied by a myriad of temptations: anger, bitterness, fear, and despair, just to name a few. But God has provided us with everything we need to overcome these temptations, and to move forward in our sorrow with His strength. In this series, we will be studying the various pieces of our spiritual armor, and how each of these pieces uniquely equip us to cling to the hope we have been given in Christ. When Max died, I had so many feelings. Feelings of anger, disbelief, confusion, and doubt in my own body. I was sadder than I have ever been in all my life. Typically I’m not a big feeler; I don’t really ...

Cereese’s Story

In the fall of 2017, our family decided that we wanted to have another child. We began praying together that God would answer the desire of our hearts, specifically for a son. Our prayers were answered almost immediately, and I became pregnant. I didn’t recognize it at the time, but I now know that I miscarried shortly after in December. It wasn’t until I learned that we were again expecting the following March, and I was flooded with the same symptoms, that I became cognizant of my miscarriage just months before. While staring at the positive lines, the tinge of sorrow for our previous loss was mixed with the joyous thought of this new life ...

The Gift of Anna Joy

As we consider the profound impact that our Hope Babies have had on our lives, we can be filled with gratitude toward them, and toward the Lord. In this series, we reflect on some of the ways that we can say "thank you" to our precious babe(s) for the gifts that they have been and continue to be to us. We welcome you to contribute to this series by writing your own reflection on the impact your baby(ies) has had on your life and submitting it HERE. My sweet Anna,  You were so longed for, and are still so loved. You were the answer to a prayer I never thought I’d have. My desire for you was brought through the ...