End The Mommy Wars

I know you've been there, momma. I know you've had moments where you feel defeated as a parent.  Moments where you feel ashamed about your decisions because of what another momma might think. Where you curb your conversations to not bring attention to the fact that your 4 year old is still in diapers or you have chosen to formula feed instead of breast feed. You feel like everything you do is under the microscope of almost every other mother you talk to. You don't feel like you measure up to this invisible and unrealistic bar of perfection.

Well, none of us do. And it's time to say something. I personally am tired of the momma wars. I'm tired of those moments when I'm in my own home with my own child and I hear the snickering of what other mothers might be thinking in the back of my mind. Why do I let this bother me? Well some times we can't help it. The Momma Wars usually seek you out when you least expect it and it feels like a blow to the heart. Because it is. 

We will raise our children different.  That isn't the issue.  What should be a compassionate chance to bond with another mother has turned into a brutal blame game. Where everyone wants to be right and we are listening only to respond...instead of really listening. 

Being a mother is the hardest job in the entire world. We should see other moms as fellow citzens of the same country but instead are treating motherhood like a competitive war. We don't have to agree but we can still love. How can we teach our children not to bully or gossip if that is what they see from us? I'm taking a pledge to end the momma war inside of me. Because when I take care of the judgemental attitude inside my heart, that is one less dagger into another's. 

Every household dynamic is unique. What I may allow, you might not tolerate. But we have to stop backbiting, being judgemental and even gossiping to others about another momma's choice. In the end, only God has the right to have an opinion of right and wrong. This "mommy war" concept has been brewing inside of my mind for a while because I started realizing there was something negative going on in the motherhood world but it didn't have a name (as far as I knew). 

Then a friend of mine shared this post from a group called Connecticut Working Moms. Here are a few photos courtesy of their site, which you can visit right here:

This photo shoot was part of a campaign launched back in March called Judgement-Free Motherhood. My heart felt such a relief knowing that there was an actual group of amazing woman (in my state too!) who binded together to create awareness and support for moms everywhere. Bravo, ladies!! Be sure to follow CT Working Moms via Facebook, Twitter and their hilarious Tumbler entitled "Motherhood Just Got Real".

Now I feel like there needs to be more action. Let's use social media to spread a good message to all mommas everywhere by using hashtag #endmommawars. Post a photo of you using this hashtag and/or create a blog post about this topic. Share your struggles and encourage other mommas. I don't want to be silent about this and since reading about the message of Judgement-Free Motherhood thanks to these fine woman, my heart is on fire more than ever before.

Because in the end, it will affect our children. What we say and do trickles down to them. We are all trying to do our best with what we have. Every household is different, every family's needs are different, every momma's philosophy about parenting is different. It's time to end the mommy wars. Time is too precious and short to waste it on arguing and judging. Edify. Uplift. Encourage. Be brave momma. You're not alone!

Dear David...{20 Things I Don't Want To Forget: Letter 14}

Dear David...

These moments that I have with you have been the best times of my life. In the beginning, I thought being a mother was more about what I'd be teaching you...but here I am realizing I'm nothing but a student in the hands of the Lord, as He uses you to show me precious things. And though I know teaching and training you to be a man of God is one of the biggest callings a woman can have, it keeps me humble when I realize we both are learning new things together.

This world will make you feel busy. This world will have you filling up daily planners, scheduling events and looking forward to the months ahead. Sometimes it's hard to focus on now. These moments. This list is to remind myself of the things I never want to forget as your mother, within these sacred minutes. You'll be potty training soon, moving to a bed and growing up before our eyes. I want to stop being busy and start remembering...

I don't want to forget:

1. How you look at me like I'm a hero. 
2. The laugh you have that lights up a room
3. Your innocent curiousity
4. The silly jokes we share and how you love that I "get" you
5. How much my heart aches when I think of this world & the pain it might cause you
6. The way you wiggle your piggies
7. The way you pause whatever you are doing to listen to an airplane
8. How excited you get when daddy arrives home
9. The look of delight when you have a balloon
10. Your sleepy eyes peering over the crib
11. The way you rub your ear when you're tired
12. How much you love to dance
13. The way you spin so silly
14. Your soft beautiful curly hair
15. How you hold me when you think I'm leaving...
16. The way your head fits perfectly on my shoulder
17. Your squeals during bath time (one of your favorite things to do!)
18. The need you have to explore and be independent
19. How afraid I feel because you deserve the best...and more...
20. The bond we share as a family

It's these special nuggets that mean more than any dollar amount, any job, any house, any materialistic object.  I want to take time every day to soak in our relationship because some day it will change. Maybe I'll make a joke and you might not laugh anymore. Our silly jigs will be babyish. You might spike those lovely curls with hair gel. The sweet Bible songs might turn into rock songs. There will come a time that you will make your own choices...and reap that choice, whether good or bad.

It's easy to live in a dream world, staying busy and thinking this is how life will be forever. Though I wish I could pause this time right now and bottle it up so you never have to experience hardships or trials, I must believe that my God is your God and what He has done can happen again...but for you.

Tears are flowing right now because I feel powerless. Mama will not always be there to protect or guide you but we serve an omnipresent, omnipotent Lord and Saviour who is always with you! Thank you for teaching me to live for now. I don't want to be a distracted mom, with my eyes more on my phone and Facebook than your precious face! So I will continue this list in my journal and documenting facial expressions, likes, dislikes, emotions, events, quirks...

One thing I don't ever want you to forget, David, is how much I really love you. Even if you grow up and think I don't...what I have written, I have written. I would move mountains just so the sun was out of your eyes. I would build a bridge to a rainbow if you wanted to touch it. There is nothing I wouldn't do for my son. Remember that.

Love,
Mom

5 Things I Love About Being A Boymom

Growing up, our family was dominated by females. I had three older male cousins who were more like big brothers. They did everything together. As one of the older girl cousins, I looked up to them and we were close. Our family had way more girls than we could count (Hispanic families are big to say the least) so it made sense that the boys stuck together like glue.  Even though I loved my Barbies and Rainbow Brite doll, hanging with the boys was a blast.

I remember when the boys were playing Nintendo one time and I wanted to play SO bad! But I didn't get a turn. They were always good about including me but that time they didn't. Upset, I took a large pair of scissors and chopped off Barbie's precious locks. In that moment, I hated being a girl. In my young mind, the boys ALWAYS did fun stuff and I wanted in their little club. I was thrilled when they gave me old baseball cards and action figures...it was like I was one of them!

Now that I have a little boy of my own, childhood memories make me smile. Especially since there was no "boys club" and all the kids did fun stuff together. It really didn't matter, boy or girl. We hiked in the woods with no shoes, hung out in a treehouse, played in the pool until everything was blue and the sun went to sleep, made mud pies, climbed trees (and read books in them), rode our bikes all summer, and played video games until the morning came. I'm not saying girls don't play as hard as boys...we sure did! It's just boys carry themselves differently than girls in everything they do and I was always drawn to that freedom.

There are many reasons why I love being a mother to a boy. David is going to be two this April (did I just type that?) and we have shared some amazing moments. I have a series called "Dear David..." where I write my son letters about things on my heart and document what my thoughts are for him to read some day. As a mother, I want to always be open and understanding to his needs as a growing male in this current world. Here are just a few reasons why being a boymom rocks my socks:

5.) No dresses. No tights. No fuss.

Don't get me wrong, I love to dress my little man like a, well, little man. Nothing is cuter than a mini bow tie and suit. But if I decided one day to bring my boy to church with overalls and old sneakers, no one would care! There is this laid-back mindset that comes with boys. Daughters are thought to be proper and well-dressed while boys can pretty much walk into anywhere with a dirty face and everyone would just smile and say "Oh, he's a boy all right!" This makes a boymom a little relaxed (not that we really care what other people think). We just like to have the "he's a boy" excuse from time to time. Come on, you know you do!

4.) Silly and goofy is a language

It's the best. The fact that I can get super silly and giggly with my boy anywhere, anytime is totally awesome! He loves that I "get" his crazy language. We shake, dance, jump, run, leap and hop...and connect. The way he looks at me with those big eyes when we are doing a funny jig is priceless. How his smile widens when mommy gets low to his eye level and pretends to be a frog is astounding. I love the fact that boys have such a free spirit and want to express themselves with laughter. It truly soothes my rough edges on a daily basis.

3.) Hands-on learning and play

I have to admit, my boy is pretty cautious. Usually when I introduce a new activity (especially a messy one) he takes a good five minutes analyzing everything before he partakes. Which is a good thing. You can tell it's not because he's afraid to try new things but that he wants to see how things work first. One thing I love about being a boymom is that being hands-on is essential to their learning and development. For any child, really, I just notice that boys are not afraid to use all of their senses when learning or playing so introducing hands-on activities is thrilling to watch. We recently went outside on a dreary/rainy day and gathered wet leaves, twigs and bark. He had a blast being outside and touching all of the textures. I had a blast seeing my boy appreciating nature and learning from it.

2.) The opportunity to raise a Godly man

This can be a daunting thought but it is amazing to me that God has blessed us with a boy and that we now have the honor of raising a Godly man. Someday, he might be a leader in his family, business or both. Someday, he might become a missionary and teach home bible studies. Someday, he will (hopefully) have his own relationship with God and have a willing heart to obey Him.  Just having the opportunity to raise a man with good morals, integrity and faith brings my heart such purpose. There are so many men in the world who just needed a mother to believe in them, uplift their spirits and speak life-breathing words. I love that my son will be given the opportunity to reach his full potential in Christ, as long as we (his parents) treat our roles with the respect they so desperately need.

1.) Being home base

A few years ago, I read a post by Tabitha from Team Studer. It was called "25 Rules for Mothers of Sons" and it truly changed my life. I tear up just thinking about it, especially her #25 rule about being home base. I was going to summarize what she said here but Tabitha truly captured the heart of a boymom in her own words and agreed that I could share them with you:

"You are home to him.  When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble away a little farther and then come back.  When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile.  When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you twenty times in a row, because you're the only one who will listen that many times.  When he plays his sport, he will search for your face in the stands.  When he is sick, he will call you.  When he really messes up, he will call you.  When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious.  Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home, you are still his mother; home base, the ever constant, like the sun.  Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place."

Boymom Resources:
The MOB Society
15 Vow I Make To My Son  
Pouring Water: Toddler Activity
20 Ways To Keep Toddlers Busy
Explore Textures on an Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
In Defense of Dads
25 (More) Craft Ideas for Boys
7 Things Every Mom Should Teach Her Son
A Letter Every Mom Should Read To Her Son | Expectations on Dating

When We Expect Too Much

I'm not going to lie. The last few days have been a bit challenging. The toddler has been teething. My husband and I have been praying/hoping/waiting for a miracle because we desire a house rather than our condo. I've been taking some time to really seek out the Lord about our future and asked for Him to intercede anyway that He can.

As I was driving home from a playdate today, my mind was swirling with thoughts like a replaying bad movie. Recycled, nothing new, can we please change the channel? I thought about my life, my family, my art, my shop...everything.

Until a still small voice whispered a phrase into my scattered mess..."You expect too much."

As I typed those words, I literally burst into tears. My heart is heavy because now I see why I've been so discontent in some areas of my life. It has never been about other people or not being content with what I have. It was like God whispered quietly into my spirit to relax because I was asking a lot of myself...as a Christian woman...as a wife... as a mother...as a person.

Not only that, I expect too much from the people I love and when they don't meet those expectations, then it makes things difficult to extend grace and mercy. I expect too much of my husband. I expect too much of my son. I expect too much of my parents and in-laws. I expect too much of family members in general. I expect too much of the church. It's all selfish really...

I always knew I had a "perfectionist" mindset issue but today the perspective became clearer. When I make a mistake, instead of repenting and turning away, I beat myself up and bring condemnation upon myself because my expectations as a Christian/wife/mother/daughter/friend were too high. I understand we should have high standards for ourselves but that is different from expectations.

Having high standards are your personal convictions to keep you in line with God's will.
Having high expectations of yourself and others leads to feeling unfulfilled since ALL expectation should be from God!

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us." 

Psalm 62:5-8

These biblical words I sent a friend yesterday who asked for prayer. I read them at the time and didn't get "that feeling" that the verses were for me (you know what I mean.) Until today.

If we are truly free in Christ, then why do we bound ourselves in expectations that are so high no one can possibly reach? Why do we expect perfection from imperfect creatures? God does have a law and He does desire for us to follow His commandments and guidelines laid out in scripture. We also should shrive to be better in every area of our lives. There is NO excuse for sin, period.

The challenge comes when we realize we need to be better so we make our own plan as to how that can happen. I'm no expert on the subject and haven't studied about spiritual expectations but I know what God spoke to my heart today. It was surgical. It was truth.

Do you expect too much of yourself? spouse? children? I'm not saying that we can't want the best for them but we need to evaluate how we handle our emotions in those delicate situations because it can lead to an unhealthy perfectionist attitude.

I see things from a different perspective now. From how I handle my daily routine, bible studies, cleaning, relationships and business. Too many changes with my shop stem from me expecting too much of myself. As soon as I felt like I was failing in an area, I stopped. We should never stop when we feel like a failure! Jesus didn't die for us to stop trying.

Let us take a minute to glorify the Only Holy and Perfect One, our God and Saviour Jesus Christ! I pray we learn to let go of our expectations and focus on edifying ourselves and the ones around us.

 

Letter to Myself: Be Content

Dear Jacy,

Last night you were a little emotional. By little I mean a whole lot. I know you were feeling worn and tired after having a toddler pull at you all day, then not eat anything you put in front of him. You feel like your effort is useless and that nothing you do gets noticed. You feel like you are being pulled into 100,000,000 directions...and all you want to do is focus on the One.

I want to tell you that your attitude was wrong. You victimized yourself and manipulated the situation, which you are very good at if I do say so myself. We are not to do things to get noticed. You are appreciated and you know that. Your husband tells you almost every day. Still, you are not content. And it really bothers me because I have to deal with it. Think on these things:

While most women long for love, God blessed you with a hardworking husband, who encourages you, is proud of you and loves that his wife can stay home with his darling boy. Be content in love.

While most women cannot have children, you have a beautiful son. Training him now is hard work and you won't see the fruit of your labor until he's grown. But don't rush it. Be content in the season.

While most children play in the streets or live in drug-infested homes, your living room is messy because it's a safe playground. He feels happy here and it shows. Be content in the clutter.

While most families are poor and starving, your kitchen counter is cluttered with dirty dishes and cups. It's because you are rich in nutrition and your family eats well. Be content in the mess.

While most people are sick and hospital bound, your bed is not made and the sheets are not perfectly tucked. You and your husband sleep well and are provided with comfort. Be content in rest.

While you huff / complain / whine / groan / sulk, others have no money, no food, no home and no family. You are rich, no matter what society says. God says your are. You lack NOTHING. Be content with what you have because it is everything you need.

Love,
You
{and that's not just a signature. it's a commandment}

Dear David...{Good vs Evil: Letter 8}

I've started a series of letters to my baby boy, that (hopefully) one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

Dear David...

So mommy has been thinking a lot lately. Surprise surprise.

I've been thinking about how to teach you about God and His ways. Then I thought about how scary this world is and how modern day Christians have ruined Jesus' good name. I'm not saying every Christian, son...just those who are not discerning.

You see, we as believers have a lot of knowledge about God and we feel differently than non-believers. The Bible says that the real battle of good and evil is not in our human hands, in our flesh, but it takes place on a spiritual level (Ephesians 6:12) But there are too many of us arguing, fighting, yelling, shouting our beliefs in the face of people who oppose God and His church. This is just not how we should act, my boy.

Let me clarify: you must be bold and stand firm in what you believe. You have nothing to fear (1 Timothy 1:7) and all power lies in Christ Jesus our Lord. The problem lies when we waste our time and our breath with those whose heart are hardened and not ready to receive. His Word stands on it's own; we do not add to it's strength by trying to use our own.

Society has turned good into evil and evil into good. What once was wrong is now being accepted and what once was right is now being condemned. Though on the surface it seems that people are the cause of these issues, the battle is spiritual. There are dark forces at work against good. This is not a new concept, son. It all started in the garden (Genesis 3).

But how do we, as Christians, deal with this change?
How do we act when approached with criticism and condemnation?

I want you to know, David, that you do not owe anyone anything except for our God, the Lord Jesus Christ. You do not have to entertain these spirits by engaging in debates or arguments. You can respond with love and careful words. Pray for them. Remember that they are a product of their circumstance just as much as you (and I) are. Approach them with a compassionate heart, not closed fists.

God doesn't change. Not even for us Christians, regardless what some believe. His ways stand and His words are eternal. He set the standard and truth, and it doesn't matter what happens, He is still in control. Don't lose your patience with a world who has lost God. He is here, waiting for us all to turn to Him. Remind yourself that the more you scream, shout, fight with your entire being cannot change an evil heart.

But a soft word, a calm approach, a peaceful conversation can make more of an impact (Proverbs 15:1).

For the record, mommy doesn't argue with folks who are not ready to hear the truth. I have saved my strength to minister to the broken, those who are hurting and are in search for a holy hospital. Those who understand that something is not right but they don't know what to do or where to turn. Yet they are seeking and hoping and praying for clarity and charity. We cannot approach everyone in this world as evil doers, ready with our swords to slay them. No, son. There are some who need open hands and a warm embrace. For an eager ear to listen and for a clean heart to love them.

Be that, David. Don't mimic the loud trumpets of the church who sound off just to be heard and to be right. Be like Christ; humble and wise, knowing when to speak and when to just listen (John 6:35). Because, honestly, between the accusations and the evil darts, people just want to be loved. Be love, my son. Above all else, be love.

Love,
Mom

Dear David...{The Sky Is NOT The Limit: Letter 7}

I've started a series of letters to my baby boy, that (hopefully) one day he will get to read and (hopefully) be inspired by (if not embarrassed by)

Dear David...

There is a saying that many people use to try and encourage someone. Though I am sure the intentions are good, mommy has a different perspective.

It says: "The sky is the limit."

No. Sorry, son, it is NOT the limit. You see, when people say this, they don't really know what they are saying. It sounds good but the saying itself is very limited thinking. How can we tell people that the sky is as far as they can go? What about the stars? The universe?

As your mother and as an adult example I want to say:
"Why limit yourself to the sky when you can be among the stars and the heavens!"

Don't limit yourself by playing it safe. Reach higher, go farther, shine brighter!!
God made you in a special way. If you choose to follow His will and allow Him to guide you, there is no limit because through God, opportunities are limitless.

The sky is NOT the limit...it is only the beginning.
Don't settle for the limits other people may put on you. God is more powerful than that. You can do the incredible and the impossible because with God, ALL is possible! Nothing is too much, too hard, too great, too far for Him and we are well able to reach the stars and explore His glorious universe through His power and greatness.

Son, you are my shining star. In my darkest nights, your face is the light that shows me there is hope. Go be that and more to someone else. When you grow older, I don't ever want that light to dull or for your shine to be buffed away. My mommy bear instincts are already taking over as I write this because people will try. They will try to tell you that you can't go higher than the sky. They will whisper in your sweet ears that there is a line into greatness that you cannot cross. They will shout that you are not good enough, smart enough, handsome enough...

...and they are wrong. All wrong. Take those emotions inside, the yucky feeling they dumped on you and building yourself the tallest most beautiful latter! Past the sky, past the first star, past the first planet...and keep going and going and going...until God tells you "You are right where I want you."

Baby, don't settle for the sky when God created so, so much more...

Love,
Mom

Linking up here:

Devotion: The Edge of Miraculous

mi·rac·u·lous  

/məˈrakyələs/

Adjective

1. Occurring through divine or supernatural intervention. 

It was 3am on a Monday morning when I got the call. The one I've been waiting for, for what seemed like forever. Only it was only 9 months. I rushed around the house like a caffeinated zombie, gathering and packing. By 5am, my mother, my little sister, my baby and I were headed up North. We were going to have a new family member!

It was about 8:15 when we pulled up to Littleton Hospital in New Hampshire. When we had called the hospital before arriving to check in on the status of this exciting situation, we had been told that my middle sister and her fiance were busy. To us, that was code for she is pushing! Ah! By the time my mother scooted into the delivery room, less than 15 minutes later my beautiful nephew was welcomed into this world...

Later on that day, after spending a few hours enjoying our new little red-headed bundle, my youngest sis and I sat down at the kitchen table in my middle sister's apartment. A couple of unopened Chinese fortune cookies were staring at us in the face. I mean, who just leaves those things there? No, we don't EAT the cookies, silly...but we HAVE to read what the fortunes are, duhhhh! Am I right?

Though I don't advocate going by those fortunes {we don't want to go by anyone else's predictions about the future except for true prophecy in God's Holy Word and His own Voice}, I was a bit intrigued by my sister's cookie message. It read:

"We live at the edge of the miraculous."

She then asked me "What does that mean?" Not gonna lie, I had no clue. I liked it though and told her that I will find out. That got this Christian mind thinking. What is "the edge of the miraculous?"

The very definition of miraculous is something that occurs through a divine intervention. 

Let's break these definitions down:

Divine = anything from or of God

Intervention = interference

The miraculous is God bringing forth something wonderful that interferes with our lives.  

What we had experienced that day WAS definitely something miraculous! Pure, beautiful life!

It is a miracle how God can create and breath a new soul into this world. What is more is how He can form us from inside of the womb and delegate a specific plan for us, before we even utter our first cry. Everything God says and does is nothing short of miraculous!

We are at the edge of it every day. Whenever we wake up, laugh, shed tears, walk, talk, love and even work...we are at the edge of miraculous. To us, these have become mundane things. We take everything for granted because they seem to just happen on cue. But it had to start somewhere and God started it all! He made us, gave us life and has a plan for us all.

We don't have to think of something farfetched or out of this world when we think of the word "miraculous". The divinity of the Lord is showcased in every small thing, even cells and amoebas.

One atom showcases His Almighty power just as much as the very universe Earth rotates in! 

Today, take one minute. Seriously, time yourself. Look around you, open a window, take a deep breath. Observe. Reflect. Pray. Meditate. You are a miracle. Your life is miraculous. God is divinely intervening all the time and every single day. Be still and enjoy sitting at the edge of it.  

 

Dear David...{Boys Have Hearts Too: Letter 6}

Dear David...

Wow, my boy, time is sure flying by. The last time I wrote a letter to you was back in August. Now you are just about one month away from being a year old. What?! Man you make my life complete.

I am going to try and not take so long in between letters next time because there is SO much momma wants you to know. A lot of pressing issues are on my heart and I want to connect with yours. That's right, David. Boys have hearts too. No matter what any macho-man-wannabe, thick headed muscle man tells you...listen to me. Guys are just as sensitive compared to those yucky girls.

Believe it. I'm sharing with you a secret that mankind has been sweeping under the rug since the first caveman wrestled a T-Rex to save his darling. He probably acted all tough up front, but on the inside he was screaming like a little girl getting hit in the head during a came of PE dodge ball. You see, son, it is inside of a man to want to protect. You were made with that instinct to provide security. As you grow older, you will understand this more.

Part of having that instinct to protect is a responsibility that can leave a heavy weight on some men's shoulders. And some of them like to act as if they are okay when really they are scared inside. Frightened. Shaken by the amount of stuff on their big tough guy plates. but society has taught them to be quiet and put on a brave face. Crying is for girls and as a guy, you shouldn't even have tear ducts!

I'm telling you right now that crying is for all humans. Not only that, it's okay to be sensitive to other people's needs. Daddy may not tell you this, but he is very sensitive. If you don't believe me, ask him about the video of Dalmatian puppies eating peanut butter for the first time. This doesn't make him "less of a man", son. He has plenty of samurai swords hidden around the house just in case he needs to protect us with his killer skills.
We are all sensitive and that's how it's meant to be. It means that God has made you in His image, which He surely did! Isn't God's heart sensitive? Doesn't He care about other people, and not only that, doesn't He express His feelings?

I'm not trying to turn you into a whiny, mushy advice columnist. But if that's who you turn out to be, that's who you will be. All I'm saying is this...boys have hearts too and for a purpose. Use your sensitive heart to turn to God, to mirror His ways and to accomplish the calling He has given you. Use your heart to help the least of these and to build up your family. Being a sensitive boy doesn't make you any less "macho." It actually makes you more of a man for not hiding what is naturally within you.

Love Always,
Mom

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Sunday Devotion: You're Not Superwoman!

God put this on my heart to write about this week because I was starting to feel overwhelmed. I have a toddler, loads of organizing to do, on top of house stuff, dog stuff, church stuff and blog/work stuff...not to mention making time for my handsome prince of a husband. I know that my schedule it not nearly as crazy as many of you and that got me thinking...

Why do we try and be like superwoman all the time?!

In other words, why do we try to use our own "super powers" to handle all these tasks and things, when to be truly honest, we are only ONE person?

That's right...YOU are only one individual, with only one mind and one heart.

God doesn't want us to go around trying to save the world...He already has done that! He doesn't expect you or me to carry the load...because He already did that too!

Isaiah 40:11 says this

"He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young."

Sometimes you can't help but feel like you need to be a superhero because there is just SO much to do. God doesn't want us to be ignorant and ignore our responsibilities, especially with children. BUT His Word says that He will gently lead those who have young little ones.

That's right...we need to let God be the superhero!

"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee"
Jeremiah 32:17 

 

The fact is, we are only human and don't have super powers by ourselves (stinks, I know) but if we follow the leading of the Lord, nothing is too hard for Him!

Today, as strong women who are trying to keep together a household, raise a child, speak into a life, live in the Light, be a good wife, run a nifty blog...let's take a moment and tell God this...

"Lord, I'm done trying to be superwoman and trying to do everything through my own power. Please lead me, as YOU have all power and majesty. You know my needs and the needs of my family. You know my heart and hearts of those around me. Help me follow close to you, so that I may be carried by your wings and soar above to true joy and contentment! Amen!"

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31