Mom Strong

Are you walking around kind of in a daze at times, wondering if you showered today? Forgetting whether you ate or not? How many times have you had to rewash that load of laundry as you keep forgetting to switch it over?

This mom stuff? It’s so hard, and exhausting, and some days it feels like I can’t possibly do one more thing. BUT GOD! Always God! I was so blessed to go to a Heidi St. John conference here recently with one of my best friend’s on the planet. She flew in from out of state and the two of us took a nice drive (with no kids asking us if we were there yet!) for a weekend to recharge. If you are unfamiliar with Heidi St. John and her “Mom Strong international” organization I highly recommend you get on board. The resources that she has, the encouragement, the support in her community are like no other. This conference was so biblically sound. In our society more and more people are straying from God’s Word, and not standing on the foundation that He has given us! God is no silent, His truth doesn’t change. No matter what our society says about any of it, God’s Word is our ultimate study guide, it has every answer we could possibly ever need. Do you have an amazing mom friend? A prayer partner? Someone you can share this mothering with? If you don’t I highly recommend finding another momma that you can encourage and that she can encourage you.

As a mom, I constantly am wondering if I am doing this right? If my kids will know that they know that they know, that God is God and He is their father. That He sent His only son to die for them, that He wants to take them home to heaven to be with Him. Recently there have been several events on the news that have just absolutely broken my heart, as I have learned about the loss of such young lives. And when I look at my four sweet babies, and I hear the crap that they are hearing at school, and from their friends, I am just so heartbroken for them. That this world is so lost and so broken. My sweet little girl has been told she is fat in the last couple of weeks by her “so called friends.” Now I know that school can be tough, but my sweet girl has spent so many days upset and broke over this craziness, and the world? It keeps filling people with mean spirits, with hatred, with jealously and greed. And as I raise my kiddos I am trying so hard to keep them focused on Him, and to continually remind them that they are HIS, and what the world says ultimately doesn’t matter.

I didn’t put the following scripture or the following slides together, and give full credit to Heidi St. John and her team for pulling these together. God isn’t silent, in the confusion of this world. And we CANNOT BE SILENT EITHER! As Heidi St. John would say “Get off the bench” and fight for your kids. Fight to keep God in their lives, fight to keep His truth in their heart, fight to keep the atrocities of abortion, gender confusion, sexual immorality and so much more away from our kids! You’ve got this Momma! And you’ve got the God of the universe and all of His Armies standing with you!

GOD IS NOT SILENT

Gender Identity Mark 10:6 Created male and female

Human Sexuality Romans 1 and 2 The creator’s instructions

Creation Genesis 1:1-2 Creation itself

Marriage Genesis 2:22-24 The purpose of marriage

Parenting Proverbs 22:26 Parent’s responsibility

Singleness 1 Corinthians 7 Single is good

Alcohol Ephesians 5:18 Stop getting drunk

Abortion Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a gift

Eternity John 10:28-29 I gave them eternal life

When your kid is the one that is “Different”

I was born to be a mom, born to have rough and tumble, sports playing adventurous kids. Or so I thought. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a mom. Didn’t want to have a bunch of kids running around. I wanted to be the soccer mom, the softball, and football mom, the band mom. The dreams I had wasn’t a part of God’s plan.

So often we have this ideal scenario in our head about how things will be. How our careers will go, how our marriage will go, how our family will grow and thrive. But what happens if your kid doesn’t fit into that little dream? Or further more what if your kid is the one that is a little bit different than all the other kids? What if your kid is the one who is autistic? OR physically challenge? Mentally challenge? So curious and creative that they are always finding something to get into and unfortunately sometimes get hurt…… What if your kid is the one who other kids look at and are nervous around? What if your kid is the one who has a reputation that reaches their teachers long before they do? What if…….?

Unfortunately in our society we are expected to have our children fit in this little tiny box of conforming to “the norm” of society, and if our kid doesn’t fit that box, where does that leave us? When someone has something to say about your child’s behavior, or the way you parent doesn’t momma bear come out? It certainly does for me. I truly get enraged when I see or hear other parents talking poorly about a child. Or attacking the child’s mom because of the child’s behavior. This mom stuff? Incredibly incredibly difficult. Instead of mom’s judging and confronting, we should be encouraging and loving. We should be teaching that momma anything that would improve behaviors and bonding. We shouldn’t be telling mom’s that their child isn’t going to have friends, and is going to get into a lot of trouble…. WE should be speaking life into that mamma and her baby, praying over them, praying for God’s guidance throughout the lifetime. We should be encouraging her, offering her our help, offering her a hug and a compliment or encouraging word. This mom stuff? It is SO HARD. The last thing we need is the judgement of another mother. Mommas? Help a momma out. Don’t judge the beautiful gift of children that God has given her. If her child is loud and full of energy? Run around outside and get them tired. If her child is introverted and doesn’t interact the way others do? Ask her how to reach her child and spend some time with that kiddo. If her child is sick and has lots of medical stuff going on? Go to appointments, learn about her child’s diagnosis offer her a break? If her child is a mess maker all day long? Help her clean……

We have the power to encourage or destroy our children, we have the power to help them embrace the incredible human beings that God has created them to be. We have the power to literally change the world for the rest of their lives.

Use your words to speak life into each family regardless of whether their child is the same or different from your children….. No matter what your expectations are, or what the worlds expectaions are….. KNOW that your child/ren are amazing miracles that God has created, that He has created him/her for an incredible purpose, regardless of what the world says. And you know what Momma? YOU ARE DOING AN INCREDIBLE JOB!

Do you Remember???

Do you remember where you were on 9/11/01? Do you remember what you were wearing? Who you were with? What you were doing? I remember it vividly. I was in nursing school preparing for one of my first exams that morning. I remember we got the notification as soon as our exam was finished. I remember hearing my class mates wailing, weeping, and hysterical as we watched the news. I remember them saying over and over which family member or friend worked in the twin towers….

But more than that I remember the days that followed, the days of incredible sadness as we learned the horrific unimaginable loss that we had experienced. I remember the stories of the heros of that day. The stories of the first responders and the American citizens who did whatever they could to help. I remember the way our country united. I remember driving down the streets and seeing American flags flying everywhere as tears rolled down my cheeks. I remember the songs that were played on the radio, I remember how the national anthem began to get played on many radio stations every day at a specific time, and how I would change the station just so I could hear it.

I remember the solidarity of sports teams, and celebrities, who were coming together for the good of our country. I remember that politics, economic status, education, race, NONE of it mattered. All that mattered was that we were AMERICANS, and that we were strong and that we would get through this.

As I remember that day I am thinking about the countless families that were shattered, without notice, without warning, without a chance to say good bye. And it makes me think….. What if today is my last day? What if it is your last day?

Have we accomplished what God created us to do? Have we impacted the world for HIS GLORY? Have we been the hands and feet of Christ to a dying world? Have we allowed the world to see Jesus’ love through us?

Have we left things unsaid? Not forgiven those that hurt us? Have we held grudges for so long we don’t know what was even the beginning of the problem? Have we judged others when we are not to judge, only God is? Have we told the ones that we love that we love them and appreciate them? Have we appreciated our friends and family for the incredible gifts that they are? Have we thanked God for His provision in our lives?

Today as I ponder 9/11/01 and the way it changed the world, I also am reminded of the love that God poured out on me that day and all the days since. I am reminded that He has called me, to share that love with others and that we are not promised another minute on this earth outside of His plan. Are you ready? Are you fulfilling His calling on your life? Knowing that today could be the last chance you have?

1 PETER 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.

Busch Gardens

I always get slightly anxious when I take the kids away from all their doctors and specialists. The pharmacy and hospitals that we know. I remember when Sam was young I was terrified to go anywhere, and I kept begging God to take that fear from me, to allow us to be that “normal” family that goes on trips and vacations and makes wonderful memories together. I wanted to be that mom that planned these crazy adventures and had all kinds of crazy fun. Each year God is taking that anxiety and helping me to be brave. Now I know that HE will care for these turkeys of mine no matter where we are, and bonus here in the US they are able to easily get a hold of medical records if they are needed. Sorry, I know but that is the nurse brain in me. We had such a wonderful trip to Virginia this summer. We had so much fun together. We all spent a day together at Busch Gardens. We went with aunts and uncles and cousins, it was such a blast. I will be posting lots of memories from this summer as I try to journal it all….

The whole family that went to Busch Gardens together

How is it September?

I feel like this summer just flew by. It was wonderful and amazing and we made such wonderful memories. Between getting to go to camp and serving as the nurse there, to a wonderful family reunion that was many years in the making, to a wonderful vacation home to see our friends and family, God just blessed us so much! This summer we had two vacations, three birthdays, a wedding and many many other wonderful experiences. We are now fostering two cats, which the kids are absolutely loving. And now that school is in full swing: I have two in middle school and two in elementary school. Three kiddos playing instruments, one playing soccer, and a partridge in a pear tree LOL!

Seriously though, this summer was so incredibly busy but so blessed. It is easy to get in this rut of running around like crazy staying ridiculously busy, and forget to enjoy the moments. Forget to enjoy the snuggles, the laughter and the experience of being a mom, the experience that God created for us. It’s easy to jump in your Mom-mobile and hit the ground running every day without taking a moment to take a breath and praise God for the moments you are experiencing. I am so guilty of this, and am trying so hard to model the behaviors for my children that I want them to focus on…. The behaviors of God first, family second, and everything else falls in after that…..

Several times here lately, we have gotten up and ready for school, and I have forgotten to pray with the kids before they walk out the door, that’s not to say that I don’t pray FOR them, but sometimes I forget to pray WITH them, my goal this year is to focus on GOD and to help the kids do the same. Have you developed a routine that helps foster this? If so do you mind sharing? What types of family devotionals do you do? What does your morning look like before school? How do your kiddos feel about the morning at your house? Is it crazy chaos or is it a place of prayer and strengthening before they head out to the world?

The kiddos were in our babysitters wedding

Family

I was blessed to grow up in a large family. My mom has 7 siblings, 6 brothers and 1 sister. I have 19 first cousins, many of whom are married and have children of their own. We are spread around the world and it isn’t too often that we get together. We were so blessed this year, by two of my uncles who organized the family reunion. We were all staying at different resorts, but they were in close proximity to one another. We had such a great week. I remember as a child playing with all my cousins and making so many memories. I am so glad that my children are beginning to build those friendships with their cousins. SO MUCH FUN!

Wow God

I literally have no words to explain how God has been so good to us. You know when the devil starts messing with you and God shows up bigger? That has been the story of my life…… A brief synopsis of our situation….

WE bought the new house which needed TONS of work. We needed to be out of the rental house by this coming saturday the 1st. My husband realized this weekend that he wasn’t going to be able to finish all the work that needed to be done in the house. I put out a request asking for help. I heard from Jessica on sunday night that her and another friend from church would be coming to the new house on monday and that they would complete the painting. Yesterday morning, Jessica called me and said that I could bring Preston and Paisley to another church members home and that she would watch them for the day. As I was dropping the kids off I received a call from Jessica again stating that another couple from our church were headed to my old house to help me pack. Once I got back home I learned that that couple had brought their daughters with them to also help! We loaded their truck and then drove to the new house. While unloading at the new house, Jessica let me know that there were more people coming to help….

Long story short, more than 20 people helped throughout the entire day yesterday. They packed and loaded and unloaded I think 7 trucks and trailers. I am so blown away and humbled by all of it. There were people that helped that didn’t even know us. Our church (and all of God’s people) were totally the hands and feet of Jesus to my family. Our church family has organized someone to come power wash the house as well as has hired someone to come finish the painting that we haven’t finished yet. People helped unpack things, set up beds etc etc….

The devil has tried to have his way in all of this blessing too…… on sunday night the air conditioning in the new house stopped working (did I mention that it is HOT here right now? 100 degrees today, and high 90s for the next week), my van died three times (I have never had one issue with my van EVER), and then last night the refrigerator in the new house broke! But God is resolving each issue in His time, and His answer is way better than mine. The refrigerator repair man is coming tomorrow so we will see what he says……

I feel like sometimes I sound like a broken record but all I can say is WOW GOD! He is just so good. Our circumstances can sometimes be overwhelming and daunting, sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but God has it all in His hands, no matter what the world throws our way HE HAS GOT IT

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Rejoice

Happy Easter! Rejoicing in His love for us, and that He sent His son so that we would one day be with Him! Can you even imagine? Can you imagine sending your only child knowing what would happen to him? Knowing the severe pain and agony he would experience? Can you imaging watching it happen? Watching your child cry out, and not being allowed to stop it? I cannot even begin to fathom it. I can’t understand how He could love ME (and YOU) so much that He would sacrifice His only son for us! I am eternally grateful. My prayer is that you truly feel and experience the incredible love that He has for you! Happy Easter from our family to yours!!!!

AMAZED

I literally am blown away right now. I can’t even begin to explain to you how God has shown up over and over again here lately. It has felt like Satan has been attacking our family and friends nearly continuously in the last few weeks. There has been illnesses, financial crisis, family crisis, housing issues, job issues, school issues and so many things.

And all I can say is WOW BUT GOD….. in every situation. We were told that we needed to get out of our rental house, and there literally was a major issue with our credit, it is hard to stay on top of the medical bills when there are thousands upon thousands of dollars……. and then my credit score went up more than a 100 points.

There was NOTHING in our area that would allow our kids to remain in the same school system that they are currently in, that was within our price range….. And then a house that Matt had been interested in a while back, that had a pending offer on it, fell through and came back on the market……

Matt’s dad had the “widowmaker” heart attack! But God miraculously saved him. He spent nearly a week in the ICU, but is now home and recovering. My husband was able to be up there for the last week and support his parents, and his brother Tim was able to get there too….

While Matt has been gone over the last week Sam began running a fever of up to 105.7 and was diagnosed with flu. As you can imagine caring for four HEALTHY kids would be a challenge without a spouse, but sick kids, while working?. But God provided aunts, grandparents, friends etc to help through all of this.

With Matt being gone, I was concerned with inspection and things at the house we are interested in….. two wonderful men came out to the house we are buying and went along with the inspector, as well as measured rooms and commited to helping get the physical work done that needs to be done in the new house.

I literally have been overwhelmed, and exhausted. Wishing I could be with my father in law and lay my eyes on him and kiss his face, wishing that I could be physically helping him but being unable…… Working extra shifts, and sleeping less trying to be a single parent while Matt is gone, dealing with all of the illness, dealing with house showings for the current house we are in. Dealing with friends and family that are going through crisis…… I have been feeling like I got run over by a truck. But literally God is carrying me through. And wow is he sending HIS people to help me during this time.

I can’t share all the details but God has made provisions for us financially that are truly miraculous. I find myself shaking my head, as I think about how He has blessed us in this last month. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely wish that the medical debt would miraculously disappear, but for now my God has opened the door to a brand new start. There has been an incredible fundraiser hosted by our church, and a loan that we never could have dreamed we would have gotten, and a gift that has brought me to tears, to help with the closing costs.

And then there is all of the childcare assistance. Not only has our sitter been willing to care for our kids during normal circumstances, she has also come when they have had the flu, when we needed her overnight, when we needed them transported somewhere etc. These lovely ladies are such a blessing. And then we have had numerous friends that have helped care for the kids. This weekend I am working all weekend and Matt will remain in massaschusetts with his parents. And the village that God has given me is loving on my kids all weekend while I am working. They are all looking forward to sleep overs and fun all weekend.

This last week has been incredibly hard, but also such an eye opening experience, God has shown up EVERYWHERE! If you are struggling know He is there, and though the struggles come, sometimes mountains of them, take a step back and look at all He has done in the process. BE BLESSED. Know that He is walking right along side you, and when you get to the point where you feel as though you cannot possibly take another step, it is then that He shows you His glorious provision in every aspect of your life

School day adventures

My sweet PJ who is in kindergarten had quite the fall on Friday. She and another kiddo collided and tripped over one another while on the pavement. My sweet girl ended up on the bottom underneath the other children. Her poor face met the pavement. The teacher called me in a panic, stating that there was blood everywhere, and they needed me to come. The school was so awesome though. The principle the nurse and the teacher were all with my girl. She was sitting with the principal and everyone was helping her. They had gotten the blood from both nostrils to stop. And had ice on her forehead and chin. It looked so bad but she is such a trooper. My poor sweet girl.

It is so hard when your babies get hurt. I am a nurse and I see blood often but there is something about a momma’s heart that changes all the medical knowledge. When your babies hurt you hurt. We got some extra snuggle time together here and I. And then by yesterday she was back to her playful self, although not wanting to chew much as her jaw is pretty sore.

Not sure if you are a football fan, and if you aren’t from New England you probably aren’t a patriots fan. But HOLY COW what a game tonight!!! GO PATRIOTS!!!! Super bowl here we come