My Life

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I spoke with a woman over the phone who was interested in publishing her poetry. We talked for a while and I asked her to tell me a little about herself. She said she had never been married and had no children. We met over the weekend and our time together was a blessing to me.  Not having a husband or children opened this woman’s life up to challenges and struggles I couldn’t identify with. She was an older woman and said she didn’t want to be an “old maid,” but after living alone for so many years, she accepted it and she’s fine with her life. I shared a little of my past married life with children and at the end of our meeting we laughed and shared gratefulness for our own life. 

God knows what’s best for us. He knows specifically what people to allow in our life and the level of necessary adversities to occur. It’s easy to compare our life with someone else’s, but the grass is never greener on the other side.  Life is a game and we have to play the hand we were dealt and not be trumped by looking at someone else’s hand. In spite of everything I’ve gone through, the good and the seemingly not-so-good, I’m thankful for my life and I LOVE it! Things aren’t perfect, but I’m at peace. No matter what hand we’ve been dealt, someone is wishing they could be in our shoes. Don’t believe it? Turn on the news. 

As I look over my life, I’m so doggone thankful for all I’ve been through and I’m even more grateful that my Savior has been with me every step of the way. He’s the Keeper of my mind, body, and soul. He’s the Keeper of my life…He is my life and I’m just fine!

Nothing But Love

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I recently saw this comic strip, and it made me think of Secondborn and his sudden lack of motivation to accept adulthood knocking at his door. This morning, as I listened to him snore, I thought of everything I’ve suggested to him that his complacent attitude ignores. His phrase right now is, “I’m chilling.” Every thought I had of Secondborn took me to another level of anger, but as I prayed, those feelings of anger slowly dissipated and emotions of love slowly crept in for my seemingly lackadaisical son. 

You never know what goes on in a person’s mind, and I’m grateful for being reminded that this season of transition for him may not be easy. Whatever age your child may be, they are experiencing some type of change and they need someone in their corner to love them through their season of the unknown. Everyone doesn’t react or respond the same. Everyone doesn’t think the same. We’re all wired differently. 

My job with my child is to gently guide, love, and pray. I can’t change the journey set before him, and there is absolutely nothing I can do to manipulate what God has planned for his life. Furthermore, what’s the big sense of urgency with me? Maybe I got a taste of the empty nest, and he’s killing my vibe. I don’t know what it is, but I need to get out of my feelings and into my faith. My words will stick with him forever, so I better make those words positive, encouraging and edifying. Yes, Secondborn can take me “there” and drive me crazy, but at the end of the day, I have nothing but love for him and a little patience, too.  


Are You Present?

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I remember my father telling me he was learning everything on his way out. In other words, the older he gets, the wiser he becomes.  I’m noticing this also, and recently I’ve become aware of what it truly means to be present in the moment. It’s one thing to be present in the moment (in the flesh), yet something completely different to be present in the moment (in the Spirit of God). Our carnal eyes aren’t capable of beholding what the eyes of our Creator sees, nor can our carnal mind process what’s going on around us. To be present is to be engaged spiritually. After all, we’re spiritual beings, right? 

To be present in the moment is to be present in His presence. I wonder if I’ve been sleep walking most of my life. You know, going through the motions thinking I’m living in the moment. I want to be awake to life and benefit from the enlightenment every breath offers. I want to be awake and aware of God’s presence with every move I make and every step I take. To hear the birds sing in the flesh is one thing, but that same bird singing when awake and aware of God’s presence will make one want to sing, too!  

Oh, to behold God’s creation with spiritual eyes! Oh, to be engaged with the people we run into and have conversations with throughout the day! Oh, to realize our spiritual role in our child’s life! Life isn’t a series of mere happenstances, but spiritually synchronized experiences divinely designed just for us. Knowing this adds excitement to what’s in store for us today. Instead of going through the motions, be engaged, be enlightened, and be present in the present moment. Be present in His presence. 

Stop Blocking

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My devotional reading this morning had me laughing at myself. It spoke of how we get in God’s way. I immediately thought of my sons. As mothers, I’m sure we can all relate to this. As the natural nurturers we are, we often cross that thin line between motherly guidance and God’s plan. We do our best to shield, protect, and instruct our children forgetting they have some bumps on their journey that have been strategically planned just for them. They have some tears to cry, and they’ll have some challenging situations to endure. These things are designed to draw them closer to their Heavenly Father and strengthen them, but a mother will block the battle, the challenges, and the trials and tribulations thinking she’s doing what’s best for her child. 

I have to continually remind myself that my sons belong to God and He loves them way more than my mind can imagine. Not only do I have to trust the training I gave my sons, but I have to trust God with my child’s life. All the seasoned mothers, with adult children, have walked this path before and some are probably still learning to stay in their lane and to stop blocking. Yes, it’s much easier said than done, and I cross that thin line more than I care to admit. God gently whispers to remind me that He knows what’s best to prepare His children for the life He has for them. 

As Secondborn prepares for college and is DJing at parties in places I’ve never heard of, I’m reminded to stop blocking. Sigh…blocking is so much easier and makes me feel better, but I don’t want to get in God’s way or block the blessings divinely designed for my children. After all, I want what’s best for my sons and only God knows what’s best. Have a marvelous day and stop blocking!