“Mama, I wish I was in eighth grade,” my sweet first-grader said to me as she sat at the kitchen counter one day after school at the beginning of the year. “Why’s that?” “Because then I would almost be done with reading,” she stated matter-of-factly. “Mama, I don’t like reading. It’s so hard.” My mama’s … Continue reading Your Child Can Do Big Things Even if School is Tough
Sweet Mama, I know you’re discouraged and feeling defeated. You feel like you don’t measure up and that you never will. Time and time again, you feel like you screw up, and you wish you could just do something right. Doubt creeps into your mind, and your insecurities rise as you look around at everyone … Continue reading Mama, Your Presence Is Enough
There’s something about when your kiddos can load the dishwasher, mop the floor, and start a load of laundry. There’s something about when they can put their own clothes away and style their hair without any help. There's something about when they can put their own clothes away and style their hair without any help. … Continue reading There’s Beauty in Having Big Kids, Too
Mama, Take the picture, no matter what’s in the background. I was searching through old photos on the computer to find one in particular (to no avail), but the longer I looked, the more my heart filled with joy as I saw smile after smile of my kids in their childhood messes. I went past … Continue reading Leave the Mess and Take the Picture
To the mama trying to hold it all together, I see the smile you show the rest of the world. I see the way you do everything you can to make sure things run smoothly, but I also see the truth you’re hiding from others. Maybe you’re even trying to hide it from yourself. You're … Continue reading To the Mom Trying to Hold it Together
To the mama struggling with postpartum depression, I know right now you’re surrounded by darkness, but it won’t always be this way. I know you feel like you can’t breathe, but it won’t always be this way. I know the tears fall freely, but it won’t always be this way. I know you feel broken … Continue reading It Won’t Always Be This Way
Mama, I know this school year has been hard. It was filled with ups and downs, and nothing consistent other than inconsistency. There were good days and bad days. There were quarantines and unexpected doctor visits. There were canceled plans and changes to schedules. Nothing stayed the same. I know you felt like you were … Continue reading Mama, You Made It To Summer—Now Enjoy It!
Sweet child, Don’t lose your spark, your wonder, your passion. The world will try to confine you and hold you back, but you were made to be free. You were made to inspire the hearts of others, just as you’ve inspired mine. You walk to the beat of your own drum, and I admire you for it. … Continue reading Dear Wild Child, the World Needs Your Fire
Mama friend, You’re crushing it. I know it might not feel like it, but you are. Every morning you get up, get out of bed, and care for those in your house. I know there are some days you wish you could hide beneath the covers all day (or even for an extra hour). But … Continue reading Mama, You’re Crushing It
Mama friend, I know you are unhappy with your weight. You stand on the scale and wonder how the number has gotten so high. You look in the mirror, and your pre-baby figure has been replaced with curves you never knew could appear. But you know what? That body has done incredible things. It carried babies, it … Continue reading For the Mama Struggling with Her Weight
As a mom of little ones, sometimes it’s hard to get together with friends. It feels like we’re pulled in many different directions, and yet we end up living a life of isolation because of all the immediate demands of raising children. Join me at Just Between Us as I share about a time … Continue reading The Blessing of an Interrupted Routine
I send her to bed with a not-so-gentle reminder to stay in her room. I’m fed up. She has come out three times already, and I’ve had it. Just go to bed. It has been a long day, and I want to unwind. I want to be kid free. I don’t want to have to take care … Continue reading When Our Words Don’t Show Love
Sweet Child, Mothering is hard. I know I don’t always do the best job. Some days I downright fail. I’m still selfish, lacking patience, and I’m not the momma you deserve. Some days I’m not the momma God designed me to be. There are days I want to quit because I feel like I can’t … Continue reading Mothering Is Hard
Oh, I have tears in my eyes as I write this to you, my future son-in-law. Why I’m thinking of my baby getting married is beyond me. Maybe it’s because I pray for her every day. I know she’s not mine forever, and I’m realizing the importance of praying for you too. Before I know … Continue reading Letter to the Man Who Marries My Daughter
Heart to Heart 