You Incredible Mama, You!

October 23, 2018 by

This momming thing is no joke, folks.

For serious. Just the half-millisecond I think I have it sorta-kinda-figure out, ka-chow! Something new pops up and I feel clueless.

(Sorry for the Lightning McQueen “Ka-chow” reference. My son has watched Cars 3 no less than 14 times in the last two weeks. #NotExaggerating)

But me feeling clueless is so stinking weird. I would say I am reasonably intelligent human. Some might say I’m even nerdy book-smart. I’m working on my PhD and I’ve always tried to get the best grades possible.

So how can it be that the things my children do (and don’t do) throw me for such a big loop? [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: childhood Tagged With: , ,

Get Real with all things False

January 30, 2017 by

Yesterday was quite the “special” day.

Notice how I put “special” in quotes… Because that is my 38-week pregnancy sarcasm shining through.

Now, this isn’t a pregnancy blog by a long shot, but that IS my current season of life. And as we have established over the last few years, God has a way of speaking to us in our everyday moments– the good, the bad, and the painful.

Long story probably still long: Yesterday, we spent some quality time in the hospital, per midwife’s orders, because I was having legit, organized, consistent and painful contractions.

We are talking like several consistent hours of contractions, 3-4 minutes apart and 90+ seconds in duration.

It totally looked like the real deal… We were excited (and sort of relieved) that Baby-go-time was potentially up on us. The bags were in the car, we were ready to make things happen.  [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: encouragement Tagged With: , , , ,

My OneWord for 2017: PEACE

January 18, 2017 by

This year, 2017, will mark the sixth year that I have been doing the OneWord Challenge.

Considering this will also be my sixth year of blogging for Jesus here at 7 Days Time, you can imagine I have a variety of posts on the subject.

But, in case you are new to this faith-based party, let me catch you up…  [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: One Word Tagged With: , ,

10 Commandments of Pregnancy: For the General Public

November 30, 2016 by

So I’ve been blogging for a hot minute. See also: Over five years.

And in that time, we’ve experienced a lot of life changes, especially in the family realm of things… A miscarriage, the birth of our daughter Charis and now, the 3rd-trimester-point-of-in-process-cooking of another Tiny Human.

One of my favorite mini-series of all time here on the blog are the “10 Commandments of Pregnancy.” They are funny, because they are true.

So today, I want to re-share the first installment of the mini-series: 10 Commandments for the general public, aka friends, extended family and strangers.

Because if I am going to put on weight and wonder how/what my body is doing, I might as well try to laugh in the meantime. (And I invite you to do the same.)

Oh. And if you are a friend/family member or just a random stranger who interacts with a preggo at any point in your life– please heed these guidelines. Trust me. You will thank me later.

[Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: Family Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Power of an Apology in Parenting

November 16, 2016 by

I’ve been an In-Real-Life parent to this Tiny Human for more than three-and-a-half years now.

And almost every day, I am reminded that parenting is not for the faint-hearted. Especially now as I am growing another Tiny Human in my currently occupied uterus. 

Maybe you are a current (or future) parent sitting out there wondering what my issue is. I mean, perhaps you were born and bred to keep Tiny Humans alive, all while raising them up in the way they should go, complete with daily Pinterest projects that would make Joanna Gaines from Fixer Upper envious.

If that is you, congratulations. Teach me your ways, Yoda. Because parenting is still very much a learning curve for me– even when I intentionally leave out all things Pinterest.  [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: forgiveness Tagged With: , , ,

When God Moves #WilcoWednesday

January 20, 2016 by

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Today let’s welcome my friend Shamberly as she shares her testimony about how God moved in her life– literally.

***

“We’re moving WHERE??” The words stumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them, almost immediately followed by the tears I was fighting with everything in me to hold back.

My husband had walked in the door and in the time it would have taken him to say, “Hi Baby, I’m home,” and tell me about his day, he announced that he had received orders to PCS. For those who aren’t part of the military community, PCS stands for Permanent Change of Station. In other words: *home* is no longer *here* and we’d better start packing.

I’d known it was coming. We’d been at his current duty station for over 4 years, and it was definitely time. Truth be told, it wasn’t the moving that bothered me. It was where. We had been told so many possibilities in the months leading up to this moment, all of which I had thoroughly researched and mentally prepared for, but then, in true Army fashion, he came home with the news that we were going somewhere completely unforeseen. Honestly,  I was a little shell-shocked. I had done plenty of planning for all the known possibilities. I wasn’t prepared for the unexpected. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Holiday Perspective & Abundantly More #WilcoWednesday

December 16, 2015 by

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Welcome today one of the most insightful, humorous writer-y friends I have ever met, Lindsey. 

***

I’ve been struggling a lot with time crunches and stress this month, which is disappointing. This month was supposed to be set aside for calm. I had plans to shop for my loved ones slowly and with intention. I was going to sit at my kitchen table with tea and watch the rain. I was going to read short Christmas devotionals to my kids every night leading up to the 25th. I even took time off work to enjoy the season.

Has any of that happened?

Ha! Replace “slow” with “rushed.” Replace “tea” with “3rd cup of coffee.” Take out “read short devotionals” to “try to get a bath in once a week.” Did work leave me alone? Nope—last minute deadlines that my smooth-talkin’ boss talked me in to are piled on my desk. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: , , , , ,

Our Pants… And Our Purpose #WilcoWednesday

November 18, 2015 by

Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!” Welcome today one of the most insightful, humorous writer-y friends I have ever met, Lindsey. 

***

By Sunday night, I was a wreck. I curled up into a ball on my side of the bed and stared at the wall, contemplating life’s meaninglessness and ultimate inevitably. Tears ran down my cheeks as I tried (unsuccessfully) to quiet the deep snortles coming from my tantrum-caused stuffy nose. Dust in the Wind played monotonously in my head… “all we are is dust in the wiiiinnnddd….” and I nodded. How right you are, Kansas, how right you are.

My husband came in and lightly touched my shoulder, startling me out of my pout-fest with Kansas. He asked me if I needed a hug. I venomously snarked that a hug wouldn’t solve my despair! Wouldn’t give me purpose! Wouldn’t stop my one-way ticket to becoming dust in the wind! He put his hands up as surrender and slowly backed out of the room. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: Wilco Wednesday Tagged With: , , , , ,

Too Close to See the Fruit

November 16, 2015 by

Sometimes reminiscing is one of my favorite things to do.

Especially on days when the present is just a little much for my heart/brain/everything to handle.

I loved the days when we were young, growing up in rural Kansas. The days when my biggest worry was how angry Mom was going to get from our muddy clothes or if a horse drinking a bucket of tadpoles was actually dangerous.

Those were the days.

As I recently sat pondering about my current roles involving marriage, motherhood and ministry, my mind drifted back to another of our favorite past times.

Climbing trees. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: perseverance Tagged With: , , , ,

26 Things I Learned Training for a Marathon #EverydayJesus

November 5, 2015 by

Welcome to another week of our Everyday Jesus link-up. Be sure to link-up below this post, comment on your neighbor’s blog and share with your friends… Because Jesus is everywhere, every day! 

***

Last week, I experienced a miracle.

I ran an official full marathon. And didn’t die. 

I am not trying to be all “look-at-me-I-am-awesome,” but for a former (very) fluffy asthmatic gal, who, eight years ago couldn’t even run a quarter-mile to save her life, running 26.2 miles (with hills!) and living to tell about it is kind of a big deal.

And ALL the glory goes to God. Every. Single. Ounce. [Read more…]

Like what you see? Share it!
Filed Under: Everyday Jesus Tagged With: , , , , ,
Next Page »