Hi, I’m a stay-at-home mom. And why when asked what I do, my voice quiets as I state I am a stay-at-home mom? As if this job title is not sufficient or worthy of note. Who me? Yeah, just a stay-at-home mom, trying to figure it out. I find myself cringing when I fill out …
“I can’t believe how awful I was. I keep imagining his sweet little face looking at me like that. How could I have yelled at him with such anger?” I put my head in my hands, sobbing. Overwhelmed by emotion, I imagined my oldest son, my firstborn baby, looking wide-eyed at me, wondering who this …
Staring blankly ahead at cabinets that need a thorough cleaning, I pour caffeinated coffee into a small mug. Bringing the steaming mug to my lips, I read the verse on the inside of my coffee mug: “His mercies are new every morning.” I love that, I think. New morning, with the delicate sun tenderly painting …
“Are we sure this will work?” my husband and I wondered at the idea of starting our own wedding cinematography business. Jonathan wanted to pursue a passion outside of the crazy schedule of movies, and we both wanted stability in our home while raising our (soon-to-be) children. By asking this question, our behavior revealed our …
“Girls! Boys! I need you to get QUIET!! Girls?! Boys?! Ok, I’m going to count to THREE, and then I need you to listen. Oooooone, twooooo, threeee. Ok, get QUIET…PLEASE!!” I felt my blood boil as my 4th-grade students deliberately disobeyed every command that came from my mouth. I was only in my second week …
A shared blanket laid out on a crisp grassy lawn. A beautiful blue sky beckoning us to come outside. A cool spot on the lawn shaded by the leaves of a generous tree. The anticipation of a joyous summer palpable as my boys and I enjoyed a reset and refresh outside on this blanket. My …
When I think about the fruit of the spirit, I think similarly about summertime fruit in Michigan. Sweet summer fruit that literally bursts in your mouth, dribbles down your chin, and brings a smile to your lips. This fruit is nostalgia on a vine. Freshly picked strawberries enveloping your entire mouth with delicious flavors, bringing …
I watched my son from across the playground. He was climbing on a ladder that we normally pursue together. My first inclination was to swoop in and help him. But I thought better of my “fight” response, and I knelt down and observed him. Tackling the ladder on his own, I watched his technique. I …
Dear Stay-At-Home Mom, I see you out there. Staring deeply into your coffee, hoping an answer will suddenly emerge in the swirls of creamer. Holding your back as you stoop to pick up the strewed toys for the 10th time today. Muttering prayers of “thankfulness” because you feel God is watching you (insert hesitant eye …
I see your lips moving, but I can’t focus on what you are saying. I am a distracted mom, my mind is absorbed in a million little things that involves piecing together the dissolving sand castle that symbolizes mine and my children’s lives. I’m sorry if I seem preoccupied. There hadn’t been a lot of …
