worshiper, wonderer, writer – seeking to encourage faithfulness in Christian women
I was struck by these words through the Message translation of Philippians 1 recently. Since motherhood is the course that marks most of my days, it caused me to pause and consider: how often do I go to bed at night and awaken each morning with this perspective? Now, I don't mean to liken motherhood …
Continue reading "Can we hardly wait to continue our course?"
I would have considered myself an active, athletic youth. Both of my parents were coaches and I grew up watching my sister's games and then participating in my own. Until the age of 20 I played organized, highly competitive sports. I loved it. And, sidebar...I miss it. (The above pic is just an excuse for me …
Time. I've used this reason and heard this reason used by others more than any other. It legitimately seems to be a good one. There are often days where I feel like I don't have enough hours to get done all I need to get done. But there's a heart issue with that perspective, …
Continue reading "The Time Issue: Selfishness or Stewardship?"
I was about fifteen months postpartum, tired and overweight. Although I'd lost some baby weight since my first was born, I had already gained it back and felt too overwhelmed to know where to start with losing it again. The worst part, though, was my lack of energy. I kept excusing it as just "being …
Dear Future Daughter-in-law, It may seem strange to be writing a letter to you right now. After all, B is barely a year old, and I know I am not promised to see him live even another day. I know it's possible that you don't exist and that he will never marry. But I know …
I hope from time to time to be able to share some thoughts directly from some friends and other mothers. This is one of those occasions. Emily is a dear friend who encouraged me during those first difficult weeks of breastfeeding. Pictured below is Emily, her husband Ky, and their son Jackson. This photograph was …
Continue reading "Postpartum Thoughts: A Friend’s Input on Breastfeeding"
"Isn't it sweet?" My Mom poised this question to me as I nursed my newborn. Although I nodded my head and replied with a weak "yes," I felt quite the contrary to my response. Sweet was not the word I quite had in mind. Painful? Ouch! Difficult? Yes! Exhausting? Terribly! With this post I simply …
Continue reading "Postpartum Thoughts: What I wish I’d paid attention to concerning breastfeeding"
Whose life is this? I have no independence. When is there time to exercise or drink a cup of coffee or even finish a bowl of cereal? I might as well not even wear a shirt since this kid wants to nurse so often. My schedule suddenly revolves around naps and feedings. And I thought …
Baby blues. I heard the term multiple times while pregnant. I won't struggle with that, I arrogantly thought. That just isn't my personality. Then I had a baby after 33 hours of labor. And that baby was rushed back to the hospital following a choking spell. Emotions? What do you think? There are endless variations as …
Okay, Moms - pay attention: This is my list of what I've learned to be essentials and nonessentials for my family (or at least for kid number one!). I'm not claiming that this will work for yours, but simply sharing with you what I've learned works best for us. Here are a few good principles to …
Continue reading "Dear Expectant Friends Part Three: Newborn Essentials"
jami lee gainey 