She Who Has Believed

When did you stop being my baby?

I watched you just now, playing on the playground at the park, looking so determined to cross those monkey bars. You’ve gotten so tall, your face looking much more mature. The baby fat has been replaced with long and lean.

And it made me wonder…

When did you stop being my baby?

Was it when you stopped needing me to feed you, or when you started drinking from a “big boy” cup?

Was it when, after so many long months, you were finally potty trained?

Or maybe it was when you finally stopped coming downstairs to our bed at 2am for middle-of-the-night snuggles after a bad dream.

I wish I’d have realized the last time you did that was indeed the last time.

Was it when you started trying to take care of me when I was sick or feeling bad, bringing me medicine, cold packs, tissues…whatever you thought I might need?

Or perhaps it was when you didn’t need me to walk you into school or help you in the bathroom anymore.

It might have been when you got old enough to fix your own breakfast and watch cartoons instead of waking me up. Or when you could pour your own drink and get your own snacks.

Was it when you were old enough for us to have serious conversations about things like the solar system, the weather, or what things were like when I was a kid?

Was it when you started reading the books to me instead of the other way around?

Or when you started cleaning, helping with laundry, making your own bed (and doing it well)?

Or when you started helping daddy with projects?

Or when you got that first report card?

Or when the big boy teeth took over your face?

I don’t know.

I couldn’t tell the exact moment.

Because, truth be told, it still hasn’t actually happened.

Because no matter how old you grow…

How many responsibilities you take on…

How many inches you are taller than me…

How many adventures you have without me…

It will never happen.

You will always be my baby.

And where I am will always be your home.

To the Woman Who’s Barely Holding it Together… and Nobody Knows

I sat in my minivan in the parking lot of the drug store and cried over the steering wheel. I had run into a snafu with our insurance. It wasn’t a huge problem and was easily correctable.

But it was that proverbial straw they talk about.

It was just one more thing I didn’t need to happen that day.

I see you, sister. Maybe there isn’t a major problem in your life. Maybe overall things are pretty good compared to others. But it’s just that mountain of issues that keeps piling up and you’re not sure if you can keep up the pace of your life when you feel so weighed down.

The child’s illness. The job uncertainties. The bills…oh, the bills. And the laundry that is never-ending. And the house that needs cleaning. The household projects that need to be done. You need to go grocery shopping, and make a dessert for the function you have to go to. And then there are the lessons and practices and appointments.

It’s like falling into a black hole of stuff to do and people to take care of that just keeps going. And you need a break.

It’s hard to vent to anyone about it because sometimes you can’t even put into words why you feel the way you do. And you’re sure nobody will understand.

I know all about it.

Honestly, I don’t even know how to say anything that will make it better, but I can give you these words from the One Who truly understands.

Five Scriptures for the weary woman:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30

“And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” – Exodus 33:14

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” – Psalm 23: 1-3

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33

Now, sweet sister, I’m aware that reading these verses won’t magically make everything better. But it’s through the truths in these words that you will find a Friend Who CAN make it better. There is peace in Him, though it may take time and patience to find it.

In the meantime, breathe. Take care of yourself as you are taking care of others. Say “no” when necessary. Know that God has a purpose and plan for all that you face day in and day out. Realize that you are NOT alone.

Find rest.

Love,

All Scriptures used are from the ESV.

God is great…but He is also good.

Long ago, God created the world. He scattered stars through the universe and bid the sun to shine. He carved out oceans with His mighty hands. He created thousands of different species of animals with just the sound of His voice. He formed human beings out of dust and a bone.

Throughout history, He has proven His greatness. He created a great flood that destroyed the earth. He parted the Red Sea. He caused city walls to fall. He gave 300 men the ability to defeat an army of 120,000 and young boy the strength to bring down a towering giant of a man.

But the amazing thing about God is that through all of those magnificent events, He had people on His mind.

I can’t.

Not long ago, I collapsed on my bed with tears streaming, heart pounding, wanting to scream into the pillow or outside to the world.

I had just taken my frustration out with angry words to my son and the pounding of a Swiffer mop on the floor. (Note: I later apologized to my son and asked for his forgiveness. And the Swiffer mop is just fine.)

I cried out to God,”I can’t.”Continue reading “I can’t.”

Three Truths About Christian Singleness {Guest Post for Become Less}

“It’s like, I meet a guy, and I think it’s great, and anyone else would just be thinking about how much greater it’s going to get. And I’m constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop.” – Beth Martin

This quote is from the movie “When in Rome,” and the first time I heard it I was sobbing.

Because I felt like it was a glimpse into my soul.

I’m guessing it was around the time I had gone through the breakup of a year-long relationship.Continue reading “Three Truths About Christian Singleness {Guest Post for Become Less}”

I have ONE child. And that’s okay.

I’ve been wanting to blog about this topic for a while…and trying to come up with a way to make it direct but tactful. I hope I’ve succeeded.

Did I plan on having more children? Yes, I did. But having my first at 37 made me start changing my plans.

But that wasn’t the only reason we reversed course after our son was born. There were financial reasons, physical reasons (especially since I had a difficult delivery), and really, we just felt that our family was complete with the three of us. We adore our son and we are happy with our little family.Continue reading “I have ONE child. And that’s okay.”

Word for the Year: Grace

#newyear #wordfortheyear #phrasefortheyear #versefortheyear

As most people do when a year is coming to an end, I’ve started to reflect on the year that has passed. And I’ve settled on one overriding theme.

Different is hard.

I’ve never been much for change. And for much of my life I didn’t deal with it. The last 25 years have pretty much shifted from that normalcy and consistency, but that didn’t make 2017 any easier. A year ago, I never imagined the twists and turns that this past year would bring.Continue reading “Word for the Year: Grace”

What a Dog Taught Me about the Real Meaning of Christmas

Back in March, I saw a photo on Facebook that made me fall in love.

I had seen many pictures of dogs in need of homes before, but something about this particular one caught my attention in a special way. I just knew this was my dog.

She had been found by a church friend, most likely abandoned by her former family, and my friend couldn’t keep her because of her own dogs. I knew I had to give this dog a home. My husband said there was no way we needed another dog.

So when we got her, we named her Sybil Continue reading “What a Dog Taught Me about the Real Meaning of Christmas”

The Christmas Book Your Young Child Needs This Year! {And you can enter to get it FREE!}

One of the Christmas traditions our family has as far as gift-giving is concerned is that our son, who is now five years old, gets a Christmas book each year. Sometimes it’s a classic, like The Polar Express. Other times it’s a lesser known book. It may be spiritual or secular (although we lean more towards the spiritual). But every year he gets a Christmas book. I look forward to the collection he will have someday that he can pass on to his children.

This year’s book is pretty easy. One Christmas Bear, written and illustrated by Anne Vittur Kennedy, is both fun and spiritual, with adorable characters in bright colors that will catch the attention of any young child. I’m thrilled to add it to my son’s collection.

(This is a sponsored post, meaning I received a free copy of the book for my honest review.)

Keep reading for your chance to win a free copy!

Continue reading “The Christmas Book Your Young Child Needs This Year! {And you can enter to get it FREE!}”

Visiting St. Augustine? 10 Things You MUST Do!

I never thought that ANY city in the United States would top Charleston, SC as my favorite. I had visited Boston a couple of times and loved that city as well, but it still didn’t compare to the Holy City in my own home state.

Then I visited St. Augustine. And Charleston, you have some competition.

I don’t know if St. A has completely displaced Chuck Town, but they are running neck and neck for sure. We knew friends who had visited St. Augustine and had seen pictures and done research so we decided to give it a shot last November. We completely fell in love.Continue reading “Visiting St. Augustine? 10 Things You MUST Do!”