Finding Joy on the Journey in Faith, Family, and all Things in Between.
I didn't jump on the meal train. Every time I opened my email that subject line nagged at me. She had recently given birth. No family close by. Certainly she was worthy of a casserole or at least a big pot of spaghetti. I know how much a warm dish on a night when you have nothing left can comfort a tired soul. Finally, the guilt that I wasn't being a good servant and neighbor overwhelmed … [Read more...]
I closed the door behind me and melted to the floor, my back against the wall. I pulled my knees into my chest and sobbed, my cries rising in sync with the furious wails of my baby. I didn't know what else to do. I had thrown up all morning, my throat raw and burning even as I cried. I couldn't do this anymore. How did anyone do this? I couldn't even handle the baby I already had and a … [Read more...]
I just got back from a mini vacation with my family and did not write at all. But this post has been in the back of my mind as I've seen the twitter stream fill with Hello Mornings devotees, committed to rising early and setting that time aside for God. I will be honest and say that shortly after this post from my archives, I failed miserably at the Hello Mornings and the only time I was up early … [Read more...]
Judah, There is something so significant in the relationship with one’s firstborn. You were the fire that tried me. And I know that often, so often, I failed in the flames. And yet, there you were, handed to me in that room, a perfect gift to a mother so unworthy. I studied you and you seemed to know that I was utterly clueless. Oh, I had my ideas, my goals, all dashed at the first nursing … [Read more...]
I've gotten better at saying no to obligations or requests that don't work for our family or my schedule. I'm less inclined in my thirties to worry about people pleasing in general, and am able to set more realistic boundaries concerning things I am willing to commit my time and energy to. But with my kids, sometimes my yes is yes and my no is no. But often my yes, is maybe, or let me think … [Read more...]
It's that time of the week again, when we let our words fly and take shape for the fun of it. 1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking 2. Link back to The Gypsy Mama and invite others to join in. 3. Please visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. OK, are you ready? Give me your best five minutes … [Read more...]
I have a desire to be healed. To be made whole in the areas where I am not. To have the scars fade to pale flesh like stretch marks that snake across my soul and call to remembrance the growing pains and tearing of flesh that couldn't quite keep up. The scars that only time fades but the joy of new life makes insignificant. God has called me to new life I want to be healthy. Not a … [Read more...]
I can hear the soft rustle of her feet as she pads sleepily down the hall. I see tiny hands with chipped pink polish, lifting the blankets edge and then the softest wisp of a breathe on the side of my cheek as she nestles into the curve of my arm and settles where my heart beats. She is so beautiful to me. Her soft hair flowing over the pillow. He pulls up on the bed, grasping with tiny … [Read more...]
Around here we write for five minutes flat on Fridays. We finger paint with words. We try to remember what it was like to just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Want to play Five Minute Friday? It’s easy peasy! (<–-Tweet this!) 1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking 2. Link back to Gypsy Mama and invite others to join in. 3. … [Read more...]
There is a lot to be learned from patience, a quality I often lack when mothering. And mentoring. Which is easier said than done. What are we producing in our boys when we are rushed, impatient, and frustrated? I'll give you a hint, it's not strong character, responsibility, and integrity. How do we speak grace and encouragement into our young men? Today you can find me guest posting on MOB … [Read more...]
I've already shared with you how I was to be the perfect mom with the perfect child, and we all know that turned into an epic fail. One of the catalysts to my realization that I wasn't enough, would never be enough, and actually needed to learn to ask for help was my ongoing struggle with depression. It has been both a brutal master and an eye-opening, soul cleansing journey. Judah was … [Read more...]
Around here ( at The Gypsy Mama) we write for five minutes flat on Fridays. We write because we want to, not because we have to. We write for fun, for joy, for discovery. On Fridays we just write without worrying if it’s just right or not. Won’t you join us? Five minutes, no overthinking, no back tracking, no editing, and no formatting :) I added that last one. Trust… Ready … [Read more...]
Some of the first advice I received years ago as a first time mom was "pick your battles." Being a first time mom, I was determined to do an amazing job. I read the parenting books. I got this, I thought. I watched the temper tantrums that occurred in grocery checkouts over skittles and lollipops and vowed that my child would be well-disciplined, respectful, and obedient. I couldn't … [Read more...]
Often, I forget the purpose of educating my children. I lose perspective and see it as a daunting task filled with chapters to be read, reports to write, phonics to sound out, number charts to memorize. I get caught up in the mundane. The teaching of ordinary stuff. I am drowning under waves of lesson plans, memorization, and the constant need to prod my children along in their learning. … [Read more...]
I'm idealistic. I am inspired. Unfortunately, I am NOT a good multi-tasker. I can do one thing well. What thing is that, you might ask? It's whatever I am most focused on at the time. I can home school my children and teach them in ways that make their little minds open and swell and burst with information and excitement over things learnt and tried. I can disciple them and bury God's … [Read more...]
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