Tales of a Thankful Mom

​ “Tonight I’m going to fix my eyes on the only hope that satisfies. You are, You are the one I’m running to. Everything that’s good and right true. Jesus I’m coming back to who you are. You are the one I’m running to.”                                           I am not much of a runner. In fact all three of my children can outrun me. This recent Lent season taught me how much I tend to run from my problems. I don’t do this by physically running, but by running to my phone to distract myself, or turning on the tv, or telling myself that I have too much housework or other chores to do than to deal with whatever unpleasant thing that is bugging me right now. When I feel this way I need to stop looking for the world’s comfort and run to my Savior. He is the One that I need to be running to. He binds up my broken heart. He will never leave me or forsake me. When I feel the need to r...

           There is a '90's era country song entitled "Queen of Denial." I sometimes feel like I am the queen of denial. Instead of dealing with hard situations or emotions, I want to be like Scarlett O'Hara, and think about them tomorrow. I am learning that issues do not get resolved that way. Also in all my denying, the emotions will just start coming out sideways. Have you ever had bizarre dreams that were caused by unresolved emotions? I know I have. Or I will have a large reaction to a small problem because I am feeling triggered. Instead of living in denial, I need to bring all of myself to Jesus, especially the broken messy parts. Only He can make beautiful things out of the dust. I need to run to the Prince of Peace and find hope, healing and strength in Him. 

           Sixteen years ago today, I made a commitment. Four years ago, I realized that commitment was broken beyond repair, and I reaffirmed my commitment to making a better life for my children. So, instead of celebrating an anniversary on this day, I will gives hugs, spread joy, and be thankful when they call out the word ”Mom!” I will enjoy reading stories to them, and watching movies, and soak in all the details of my son describing his Minecraft world. I will listen intently as my almost teen describes her thoughts, feelings, hopes and dreams. I am so thankful that my Heavenly Father is committed to growing me as a Mom and leading in this journey of motherhood. I will close with these lyrics by Sanctus Real, “So, Father give me strength to be everything I’m called to be, and Father show me the way to lead them, as You lead me.” 

              This is my elegant spitfire. She loves dressing up. She would wear dresses every day of the week if I let her. As this picture shows she has no problem climbing a tree, running a race, or riding a bike or scooter in a dress. She loves looking for beauty in the world around her. She also doesn’t back down from a dare. They used to call country music singer Brenda Lee, Little Miss Dynamite, and my youngest daughter also brings this description to my mind. I love that she reminds me to live in the moment, and to be on the lookout for beauty and joy.

              When I thought of the word devastation, I thought of these pictures. These bruises do not just testify to physical pain, but mental and emotional as well. I am thankful that God sent rescuers who brought me out of that situation. I am thankful that he placed my feet upon the Rock, and showed me where the light is. He has shown me His love when I felt unlovable. He is walking with me through this next chapter of my journey. I want God to use my story to help others. I want to share this truth that God is God on the mountaintop and in the valley. He lifted me out a pit that was so deep that I could never escape on my own. I am so thankful that the journey of trust can be a moment by moment step by step experience. If you or someone you love needs help please call 1-800-799-7233. #dvawareness             

 Lord, You are worthy of all praise. You are my hiding place. You are my strong tower. It amazes me that You are King of Heaven and Lord of me. I am reminded of a song by Kutless,  “If only my one heart Was all You'd gain from all it cost Well I know You would have Still been a man with a reason To willingly offer your life.”  I don’t understand the reasons that You love me so much, but I am so thankful for your revolutionary love. Thank You Jesus that You are Immanuel, God with us. You created everything, yet you still humbled yourself becoming human on a rescue mission to save us from an eternity separated from You. What a mighty God we serve!

  Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love          "Why can't things be easier?" I ask myself this on days that I plan, I try my best, and still things do not turn out the way I hoped. I often forget that God did not promise a life of ease. In fact, Jesus states in the book of Joh "In this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world." On days that I feel troubled I need to remember that Jesus overcame the world. I need to surrender my worries and problem to Him. I also want to remember that God gave each of us a mission to make life a little easier for those around us. I want to bring a little bit of sunshine to someone's cloudy day. If I want to do this, I need to be on the lookout for opportunities to bless others with grace and encouragement. Is there anyone that you can bless with a smile, a kind word, or some other sim...