Hi, friend! I am so glad you have stopped by my little corner of the internet. I hope you’ll take some time to look around and join our wonderful community of moms here as we learn to be better moms together!
"Clare, ____ is so hard. I keep trying and failing. It's a daily struggle for me. Why can't the situation be easier?"
The open blank will look different for everyone. Maybe it's an addiction of yours, a certain issue in your marriage, your weight, or your self-confidence.
I remember a revelation I had a few years ago about a struggle that I've always had--it's hard because I've not given up. It's hard because I've realized the fight is worth it.
I remember the sweet lady that brought me comfort food in the quiet hours of my second miscarriage. I told her how I wanted to trust God with a new pregnancy but I felt like I might set myself up for failure. I felt safe with her. She knew my pain well and I didn't worry about her judging me. She placed the chocolate cake on the counter and said with a soft and honest voice, "Your pregnancies will never be the same once you've gone through a miscarriage." I knew she was right and I appreciated her honesty. It was comforting to know that my struggle was a common one. I wouldn't walk this journey alone. I didn't have to feel ashamed, but I could walk alongside others.
All parents have them. All mothers have them. What are they? Those days of parenting that feel like one correction after another. One catastrophe after another. Or maybe a solitary epic parenting moment. All of which make you feel as though you just weren't cut out for this mothering gig. Perhaps second string should be called in?
You know, parenting tales like…
I was the mother of six young boys when I first noticed his legs.
Little Chance began to jump and hop for no reason ... like that all-too-
familiar potty dance. “My legs are itchy, Mama.” I had no idea that this rash would change our lives forever.
Over the last year or so, our family has been on a quest for a healthier lifestyle. We are eating less processed foods and eating more whole and healthy foods. We are taking time each day to move our bodies, whether it be a dance party in the kitchen after dinner, a fun game on the Wii, or kicking the soccer ball around at the park.
We want to honor God with our bodies, especially since we are commanded to love Him with all of our heart, all of our soul, all of our mind and all of our strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5, emphasis mine). However, despite our best efforts, something was missing. I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was, but there was a nagging in the pit of my stomach that we were missing a key element in our journey to better health.
Then one day as I was praying over and searching for the verse God wanted me to meditate on, I came across this little gem:
"Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24 ESV
