It's been about a week since the coronavirus has taken over seemingly everything, and the phrase, "social distancing" entered our vocabulary. The world seems to have lost its mind. Shelves are emptied of toilet paper and flour, people are walking around in masks, and those of us who committed to NEVER teacher our children (points … Continue reading Thoughts and Coronavirus
I've been thinking lately about how God closes doors on us sometimes. In fact, there's a story in Acts about Paul and Silas about that very idea. After driving a demon out of a young girl, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison - the very definition of closed and locked doors. Not only were … Continue reading When the Door Closes
You're not good enough. On more than one occasion, I have heard those pesky words echoed in my head, whispering nastily in my ear. Like a tiny little seed, they fall on the surface of my heart and mind, and their small roots start wriggling their way deeper and deeper, like little fingers reaching. Maybe … Continue reading How to Battle Self-doubt
The other day, I picked up some weights and decided to lift my lower body. As I try to get my fitness back after baby, one key component is building my muscle mass back, because pregnancy and breastfeeding do a number on your muscle. (It's those hormones, man.) It was a tough workout, but that … Continue reading God Uses Growing Pains
I'm not sure if there's anything more heartbreaking with a greater stigma attached than postpartum depression, yet, postpartum mental illness is disturbingly common. As much as 85% of women will experience some form of postpartum mood disruption ranging from the "baby blues", to anxiety, to depression, and even psychosis. And while there has been great … Continue reading Surround Yourself: Using Scripture to Help Battle Postpartum Depression
I've been blessed with wonderful sisters who are gifted writers. Today my sister Anna, shares some of her struggles and some encouragement for you! Note: This post originally published on thedarlinggirls.wordpress.com Written by Anna Schaefer "I don't know about you, but I have it all figured out. I know what motherhood should look like. I … Continue reading The Mom Tool You’re Missing
I pray. Daily. Sometimes I pray for my husband, sometimes I pray for my kids. I'll pray for my family, friends, and country. I pray for safety, health, and protection for everyone I know and love. But you know what? I probably pray for myself more than anything. I pray for strength and courage. I … Continue reading What Happens When you Pray
I have reached the point in my pregnancy where I'm done. Try as I might to keep some perspective and be grateful, I'm simply uncomfortable and in pain. Little pleasures like eating and sleeping are no longer enjoyable. Pregnancy. Is. Hard. I worry that sharing this won't be well-received. Because I realized that there are … Continue reading How to Keep Going When it’s Hard
I just checked my July miles. I like to keep track of my miles just to observe data and monitor my progress. Plus, I get a kick out of slowly seeing my improvement over time. For the month of July, I have successfully run 17 miles. That's right, SEVENTEEN. Just a couple months ago, I … Continue reading What No One Tells You About Gratitude
I watched as my oldest son sat on the side of the pool, hands nervously fidgeting in front of him, tears in his eyes, and a cry on his lips. He didn't want to be there. I tried to encourage him and instill confidence in him, to give him the strength to jump in, but … Continue reading Trust Enough to Jump In
