#tenthousandreasons

i think i may have found the secret to being content.
ready for it?

staying thankful.

okay, okay so maybe that's quite obvious, but it doesn't always seem so, especially when we're struggling to find contentment, no?

but i think the reason, at least with my experience, for struggling with finding contentment, is because we keep striving for something more.

more house, more trendy wardrobe, more vacations, more followers (yes i said it), more tidyness, etc, etc. the list could go on.
and all the while we are wishing for more, we completely become blind to the many blessings we already have.

because you know, waking up IS a blessing, seeing your kiddo(s) and spouse wake up and being able to see a smile on their face IS a blessing.
the cup of hot coffee we pour ourselves, the home we live in as small as it may be, the shoes we wear, the food we eat, i could go on, everything IS a blessing.

just because we receive it everyday and we've become accustomed to receiving them or expectant of them, doesn't make them NOT a blessing.
because you know what?

we don't have to receive them. we haven't really done anything or given anything deserving of any of it.
but we do because of mercy that renews each morning.
and THAT in itself is the greatest blessing.

that makes me so extremely happy inside. we are blessed beyond measure friends.

there are ten thousand reasons for our heart to find gratitude towards the Lord, as matt redman sings.
and when we feel yucky or discontent, or that we have nothing good in our lives, i encourage you to sing this at the top of your lungs, mentally or physically listing everything we have been given, knowing none of it is deserved.

i promise, it will change your attitude dramatically. because sometimes we HAVE to remind our soul that there are indeed ten thousand reasons to remain thankful. there are ten thousand ways and forever more in which He shows His goodness.

XOXO,

LEAH

just free.

grace is free yall. completely free.
and each time that i'm reminded of it, it's as priceless as the time before.


yesterday morning, i lost my temper.

teenage years are no easy feat to deal with, and in the early hours of the morning? just no.
i yelled unnecessarily. i dampened my spirit and as i walked out of the store we had stopped at, with a look that clearly told everyone to get out of my way, an older man came up to me and told me:

'i know you are mad, and i know it's hard with the kids. believe me, i know it's hard, but there are ways we can handle our anger. the bible has answers.'

he proceeded to give me a little pamphlet inviting me to seek God's Word.

humbled much? yep.

had i read the Word that morning? no.
had i prayed that morning before leaving the house? no.

and i felt horribly small. defeated. failed. ugly.

i apologized to my kids, but still on my way to work, i couldn't shake it.
i prayed and within my prayer, i asked the Lord to forgive me even though i couldn't give him anything in return. to forgive me, even though i struggle with losing my temper so much.
and yet still driving in to work, i didn't feel forgiven.

i stopped at a gas station to return a redbox movie and i saw him.

looked like he hadn't showered in days, hunched back, lonely.

i don't always, but right then and there, i felt that nudge. you know that nudge. go. buy him breakfast.

somewhere earlier in the week i had read somewhere, coffee might be the only taste they get on their lips all day.

so i went into the store, bought him some fruit and coffee and took it up to him.
he had such beautiful blue eyes. but his face showed signs of a lifetime of struggle and pain.
before accepting the coffee and fruit, he pulled out of his coat and small body spray and handed it to me.

'it's for women, it's for you. take it.' he said.

as i left, i thought of how he must have wanted to offer something in exchange of what was being given to him. because if we accept something without exchanging something, it feels to good to be true. and i thought to myself, i should have told him he didn't have to give me anything. that grace to him was free. and then. boom.

God reminded me. Grace is free.
when we come to Him and ask forgiveness, because of grace, it is given.
no need to exchange anything for it.
no need to beat ourselves up over a lost temper and not being a great parent that morning.
no need to feel like we'll never measure up.

when He offers grace, it's free for taking. just free. no questions asked.

oh how my heart swelled and the tears flowed.

amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saves daily a wretched like me.

 

 

XOXO

LEAH

 



on being mom.

well life's just flying by...again.

it's a good life. busy as heck. but a good life.

thinking that life was going to somehow slow down once the kids were back in school, was definitely just a wish upon a star i guess.
it's probably gotten much busier.

because, i mean the housework doesn't stop, my job cannot be placed on hold, my ministry is still going on, but on top of it all, now there is an immense amount of paperwork to be signed, supplies to still be bought as new projects come up, children to be picked up at different times because of different schools and activities, homework to be checked, kids to get to bed,...

if you felt a tad exhausted from that run on sentence, then you can probably catch a glimpse of the busyness around here and may i say, exhaustion.

but you know what?

i like it.

no, i haven't lost my marbles. at least not yet. but sometime in the last two weeks i had an epiphany of sorts.

as i was making various phone calls to the school nurse, my pediatrician's office, running around to get some paperwork signed, and getting last minute supplies, i realized: i'm needed. i'm depended on.

my kids rely on me to get these things done.
dad works full time, but even then, doesn't mom usually get this privilege?

as their mom, they KNOW they can count on me to run around like a chicken with its head cut off for them. to make sure they can get enrolled in athletics. to make sure they can join an after school program without worrying if someone will be there to pick them up, or to help them in that tricky math problem.

sure it may be exhausting at times. Lord knows that i don't always have a big ol smile on my face as i'm running to the store because someone forgot to tell me they needed something. BUT to know that they know that i'm mom and they can count on me, it's priceless to me.

so the rest of the year may never really slow down, because then again, what mom does?

 

 

XOXO,

LEAH

 

 

 



out with the old, we say!

 

 

 

surprise, surprise!

 

i've changed my name friends. 'tis one of the reasons i kinda have been mia from blogging and social media.

i'm sure every blogger will get to some kind of crossroad when it comes to their online identity or their brand, and i came to mine.

 

 

beautifully molded for me represented where i was in the beginning of this blog journey and my spiritual life.

i wanted to be molded, i NEEDED to be molded by the Lord. 

 

by no means does this mean i am entirely molded as we are constantly being perfected by Him to reflect His heart, however where i am now, i need to be reminded that He molds me because I am loved.

 

He molds me, refines me, works in me, gives me beautiful blessings for love of me, of us.

and for love of Him, I want to share my love for His Word, my family, my passions to give Him glory.

 

i'm pretty excited to embark in this new journey and i'd be smiling a lot more if it wasn't for the darn benadryl i took this morning that is making my body beg for a three hour nap!!

 

i've also changed my handle on all the social media i use. you know instagram was first! ha.

 

so here we go, let's get this party started!

xoxo, leah 



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summer days.

today i saw on someone's ig, a little girl holding up her backpack for the first day of school.
could it be?
yes, summer is slowly starting to come to an end!

it went by so quickly, but then again, doesn't it always?

this summer was the no plan summer. we planned nothing. no vacation, no trips, no activities.
i kept on telling myself each week, i would finally get around to doing some things from my boards on pinterest. and one or two things did get done, but that was about it.
we just winged it.
grandma's during the day.
home in the evening with a little game here and there. church on weekends. and sunday funday every so often, which mostly constisted of pool time and/or walking around the city.

even though there was nothing fancy planned, i gotta say i feel like i enjoyed my kids more this summer. maybe its the sense that comes with getting older that everyday is truly a blessing. fun activities or not.

i think it's safe to say with kids back in school and a sense of routine coming back, i might be using this little space a lot more.

what have you been up to?

thirty three.

i met my husband when he was nineteen, almost to be twenty.
and this weekend we celebrated his thirty third birthday.

we had such a good time with friends and family.
we met up at this Spanish restaurant that one of his friends had recommended. it was so delicious. they had various tapas, which are small dishes to be enjoyed with drinks.
think of like a wine tasting with cheeses, but this was with savory dishes.

there were albondigas, lamb, goat cheese with honey, seared tuna with watermelon. it was deee- liccious! i was one happy girl to be next to my husband and filling up my belly!
as the waiter came by bringing more and more tapas that we could all sample, we lost count in the midst of good conversation and laughs.

word of advice, when at this type of place, don't lose count. always be counting otherwise you'll end up with a $600 bill! #where'sthecovermyeyesmonkeyemojiwhenyouneedone

but all in all, he felt the love. our friends are good ones, i tell ya.



the rest of the weekend was great too. church, date night, celebrating with my parents, and pool time on sunday. i was ready to come into work this morning, but now? i'm ready to go home!

what did your weekend look like?

exploring austin

i live in a great city.
we moved to austin, when my oldest was just two months old from houston and my other two were born here. so essentially, i consider our family austinites.

but we're not nearly as austin as i'd like us to be. it might be particularly my fault, as being an introvert comes with being a homebody too and it also might be that as they were younger, carrying around diaper bags, and various changes of clothing didn't seem appealing.
now though, the cards have changed. no diapers, no bottles, no strollers.
we can just at the last minute decide to go and walk around the city withliterally no planning, and i'm loving it this new season.

so this past sunday, we just got up and went. went down to amy's ice cream, sat in their little set up they have just enjoying our treat and trying to ignore the scorching sun.
then we just walked with no plan, no route. went down to town lake and walked some more.

although like i said, the sun was brutal, we enjoyed being out there. exploring, enjoying, just passing the time.
then we came to this little part of town that you'd miss if you just drive through it, but a little quiet neighborhood of shops and eateries.
a few of them had bowls of water outside their door for dogs walking with their owners to quench their thirst. i mean, is that the cutest!





there's so much more to do in this city and i'm determined to explore more of it. i foresee more photos of our adventures soon!

do you explore your city pretty well? what has been your favorite place to see?

summer eats: apple 'cookies'

well summer is definitely in full swing around here. yesterday we hit our first day with triple digits. Lord, help us.

 

that will mean less time outside and more time indoors, which leads to more snacking.

or is it only in my home?

and with the temperatures being so high, we crave something fresh and yummy.

i'm not one to crave baked goods in the summer. leave that for sweater weather with a good cup of hot cocoa.

now i won't take credit for these. i saw them on pinterest, of course.

seeing that i had most ingredients in my home already, we gave it a whirl. and honestly, these were so yummy and just sweet enough to give any sweet tooth craving a good punch.

 

well summer is definitely in full swing around here. yesterday we hit our first day with triple digits. Lord, help us.

that will mean less time outside and more time indoors, which leads to more snacking.

or is it only in my home?

and with the temperatures being so high, we crave something fresh and yummy.

i'm not one to crave baked goods in the summer. leave that for sweater weather with a good cup of hot cocoa.

now i won't take credit for these. i saw them on pinterest, of course.

seeing that i had most ingredients in my home already, we gave it a whirl. and honestly, these were so yummy and just sweet enough to give any sweet tooth craving a good punch.

you'll need the above. simply spread peanut/almond butter on the apple slices, and then top with raisins and coconut.
you can do as many or as little toppings as you like! my daughter tried to even do mini marshmallows. nice try little one, nice try.

what snacks has your crew been snacking on this summer?

update from my desk.

well hey, happy monday to you!

you ready for some rambling thoughts from me today? because be forewarned, i'm writing this on a whim. just to check in, ya know.
that way this space doesn't collect cobwebs and dust.

so since my last check in, i kinda went mia again. believe me, i had every intention of picking up the pace and start writing, but can i just tell you, this summer has been so hard to adjust to!

and i'm kind of bummed about it, because i was really, really looking forward to summer but i find myself at times looking forward to fall. maybe because my mood lately matches the season of fall. i don't know.

anyway, when the day ends and my thoughts gravitate to this little space, i begin to think again on the purpose of it.
don't get me wrong, i love blogging and connecting with so many of you. but lately, i haven't felt that umph. you know?
i've felt like i don't have really anything worth sharing, because i'm sure my never ending sweeping the dining room and piles and piles of laundry are not what you are dying to read about, since you have your own.

all of us have our own.

yet, that reminds me of the purpose of this space. i remember the reason i started this space was to share my stories. even of the endless piles of laudry ones. because in the thick of my own, i need encouragement.

one of the things i've found when i share a message at church, is that i'm not only sharing it with the congregation to minister to them, but it also ministers me. every. time. so why would sharing my stories here be any different. even if i'm the one living them, i will find encouragement from it. writing them out sometimes does that.

and that's what i want to receive from here. my want is to be able to encourage women in the middle of their own laundry piles, knowing that i, being far from perfect, need encouragement as well.

i will never claim to know everything because i don't. i'm still trying to figure out myself. but if i can do that while making some kind of difference, then i'll make the attempt to still write and share.
even if it's once a week, although i'll try to pop in here more often than that.

so, on that note, how has your summer been?

sweet motherhood: the series recap.

you may remember the sweet motherhood series that wrapped up here a few weeks ago.

i had the pleasure of having sweet mothers share their thoughts on motherhood and conducted a little interview with each of them. let me tell you, i loved it.
i'm not exaggerating when i say, each week as i received a new post it blessed my heart.

if i can tell you a little secret, i've never considered myself good at this mom gig. i've had my fair share of mom fail moments times three. moments in which i've thought, okay there they will hate me forever.
and countless moments where i've cried rivers asking God for help as i cannot do it, i just can't!

i can be a bit dramatic sometimes.

but in all seriousness, motherhood can feel like that at times. exhausting, frustrating and lonely.
some days may seem like going into a battlefield. some days may feel like we've failed. heck some days we just want to eat a chocolate bar without sharing for crying out loud!

which is why this series really blessed me. not only did i realize that i'm not one bit alone. not only because mothers everywhere struggle the same, but also because there is a lot of Grace that can sustain us.

'But you are doing a great work! Kingdom work! Raise your babies, love your babies, teach your babies, day in and day out. God will sustain you and give you grace, oh so much grace, to keep on going despite your shortcomings.' - andrea wolfe

 

that encourages me! this motherhood gig is kingdom work. it's not just another mundane task that we have to wake up to. it's Kingdom work!

what we do is for the long run. what we do with them has a bigger impact that we could imagine.

 

My vision in parenting him is for the long haul. I'm not only trying to raise a good kid, but more so an amazing man. – shannon quiqley

 

Be present and in the now...all most kids really want is your time...so give it to them...they will be grown and gone before you know it. - christina schergen

 

and although that might sound scary, knowing that what we do has a great impact, it isn't. when we come to realize that the immense love we have for our kiddos, does not compare to the love He has for them, and for us mamas, it places a comfort on my heart.

He sees our fears for them, our dreams for them. He sees the feeling of falling short as mothers and He fills it while we do the only thing we can do.. cling on to Him.

 

While I have the privilege of caring for her and loving her imperfectly but constantly, I am humbled by the realization that a parent's love for their child(ren) is but a mere shadow of God's deep and perfect love for Christ. – helen hong

 

Being a mom goes way beyond caring for a child. Through motherhood I've come to truly understand God's love for us. – cindy medrano

As she grows, I pray that she knows Whose she is - erika

we, mothers sometimes beat ourselves up more than we should. in fact we shouldn't beat ourselves up. whatever we are doing is good work, because honestly as long as we love our children with all our heart and pray the best for them, it will show. and they will know.

 

Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes. We have to stop comparing and start embracing each other and where we are at. – ruthy taylor

 

We tend to assume these "supermoms" have some kind of secret to motherhood that we don't have. We are so wrong. There's not one mom in the world who doesn't have struggles. – becky haight

we're all in it together, the struggles, the worries, the tickles, the cuddles, the ever growing pile of laundry. it's sweet, this motherhood. in the bigger picture it is sweet and we got this. mamas, we got this.

 

#momyougotdis





 

a huge thank you to all the beautiful ladies that participated in this series! i love your heart!

 

 

a little M.I.A

 

 

well hey everybody!

it's good to be back on this little space after being m.i.a for a little bit.

so how's it going for you lately friend? summer is in full swing here and i'm trying to adjust to it.
which is partly the reason why i've stayed off this space.
not really knowing what to share.

looking back through some of my posts i saw lots of heart. lots of exposing the hardships my family was going through during those dreary winter months.
thankfully, some of those hardships are gone. hallelujah! but it almost feels weird without them...

they were of character building, of tear filled prayers and now that they've been answered, i'm kind of standing in this awkward position adjusting to this new season.
isn't that weird? it seems like we were on our knees for so long that now it seems strange to get up and dance.

nonetheless, i'm happy to see the Lord's blessings, to see His goodness.

other than trying to awkwardly adjust to the season, we've been enjoying the beautiful weather which up to this point has been bearable heat. i'm afraid it may not last for much longer as we've already been hitting mid nineties! but until we can, we will.

well, i'm hoping i can get back on the wagon this week. i've got a few things in mind i wanna talk about, including something exciting that's been brewing on my mind.

how have you been doing?

Sweet Motherhood: Helen Hong

 

 

so sweet, encouraging and a creative mind is how i would describe helen. she is one incredibly sweet mama, and i'm so happy to have connected with her.

the way she loves on her little family is so encouraging, and this girl can do party decor in the most charming way.

today i have the pleasure of having her here while she shares her thoughts on motherhood.

 

 

blog / instagram

helen, tell us a little bit of your story and who you are a mom to?

I'm Helen, a sinner saved by grace since 2005 who attempts, by God's grace, to find her ultimate joy in knowing Him. I met my husband, Alex, at church that same year. I was 17 and he was 18. After becoming friends and serving alongside one another for years, I never fathomed that we'd be anything more. God had other (always better) plans: we began dating in 2010 and got married in 2012. God constantly reveals to me His great love for His church through the covenant of marriage. Life with Alex has been so sweet, which only became sweeter upon the birth of our daughter, Serene Joy, in 2013. Now we're a beyond blessed little family of three, and eight month old Serene has changed our lives in the most joyful way!

motherhood isn't always what we expect, what about motherhood surprised you or has been different than what you expected it to be?


 
Once Serene entered the world and was put into my arms, the love that I had for her that began when we discovered she was being fearfully and wonderfully formed in my womb, became ever-growing, fiercer, more powerful, and heart-bursting by the day. While I have the privilege of caring for her and loving her imperfectly but constantly, I am humbled by the realization that a parent's love for their child(ren) is but a mere shadow of God's deep and perfect love for Christ. I could not have understood this as tangibly before I became a parent. I am now more in awe of God's great love for us that He would give up His beloved Son for us who are so undeserving, because, let's face it - I can hardly leave Serene with a baby-sitter without stressing!




 being a mom is hard work, isn't it? but always rewarding. what do you enjoy most about motherhood?

 







After graduating from college, I've worked in the entertainment industry, as a classroom teacher, and now in education non-profit. I am convinced for myself that none of these jobs have been as rewarding as motherhood. Trusting in what God says in His Word that being my husband's helper and being my daughter's mother is my highest calling makes motherhood, on the whole, rewarding beyond compare. Since I currently work full-time, I cherish coming home to my sweet daughter most, whose already joyful disposition reaches new heights whenever I do. She grins madly, giggles gleefully, lunges towards me forcefully, and kicks her legs wildly. I cherish moments with her when I'm able to be home, through the sweet and the hard moments. Even though I fail to always rejoice in the hard moments, and instead, give in to impatience, anxiety, and anger, God uses motherhood to refine me in ways that I need. Which is why my aspiration is to be a stay-at-home mama someday (soon, Lord-willing)!
 


 
let's talk balance. how do you find balance in tending to your daughter and also caring for yourself emotionally and physically?

 

I'm a proponent of a consistent bedtime routine, not only for Serene's well-being, but also for Alex's and my emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Serene knows what to expect once 8pm hits, and once she gets bath time, story time, prayer time, and bedtime nursing, she goes down for a good night's rest (most of the time). Then Alex and I get to unwind, which includes spending quality time together, and spending quality time with the Lord individually and together before going to bed ourselves. We also set aside an afternoon or evening during the week reserved for family time. We'll usually go out for a meal or go on a mini adventure, with the aim to spend quality time together as a family. We tend to get so busy and frazzled during the everyday that family time protects and fosters our love and priority for one another.

 

 as moms we strive to teach and show our children lessons shaping them as they grow, however, what is the one thing that you would want your children to grab on to and never forget?

My prayer is for Serene to know Christ and to make Him her ultimate source of unsurpassed joy. To find joy in who He is through His word. To find joy in what He has done for her on the cross. To find joy in how He can use her to make Him known for the joy of all peoples and for His glory.

helen, mothers need encouragement always. what words of wisdom or encouragement would you offer to other moms?

 
As moms, we feel like we have to do it all and do it well, which is absolutely not true. When these feelings of inadequacy arise, they point us to our need for the Savior, who grants us the strength and grace we need to raise our little one(s). Our adequacy is in Christ, and our child(ren) ought to see that in the way we live our lives and care for them. At the end of the day, God is the ultimate, perfect heavenly Father who has our child(ren)'s lives in His sovereign hands, and we are privileged that He is entrusting them to our care for the time being.

..............

 



'I am humbled by the realization that a parent's love for their child(ren) is but a mere shadow of God's deep and perfect love for Christ.'

okay, that hit home in the best way. how wonderful to be reminded that God's love for His son, for us and our children will always greatly surpass the way we love.
sooo thankful for that!

you can find helen's writing and her beautiful photos at her blog or through instagram: @mrshelenhong.




 

Sweet Motherhood: Shannon Nichole

today i have the pleasure of having a beautiful friend for this series. it's hard to say, how long i've known her, but i want to say it's been almost two years. i met shannon through blogging and i've loved connecting with her on motherhood, marriage, faith, and everyday life. her story is a beautiful one, and i'd encourage you visit her space (which she just revamped and looks gorgeous!), and get to know her. you can thank me later.

i asked shannon to share her thoughts on what motherhood means to her, and when she sent me her piece...let's just say, get your tissues out ladies.

blog / instagram / twitter

 

 

 

As moms we are overwhelmingly blessed with nearly countless special, bonding, tender, proud and if we're honest hard times with our children. Within all those special times we all have those few really, really....REALLY special ones. 

If you were to ask me what the most special time with my child was...immediately you'd see my face light up, and while I'd share with you that there obviously have been many, I'd tell you that the most special day...the one that makes my heart swell, is one that my son and I have not yet technically lived.

I'm a mom to one incredible, big hearted, clever and amazing nine year old not so little boy. . 

As a mom, I've always looked at my son, not only for who he is today...but who he will be in the future, as an adult. My vision in parenting him is for the long haul. I'm not only trying to raise a good kid, but more so an amazing man. A man that will one day fall in love and marry an exceptional woman.

Love is a big topic in my house. It's basically the center of the way I try to guide our lives. 

Numerous conversations are always rerouted back to love, and loving well. 

We love each other because he loved us first.

1 John 4:19

While there is on occasion an eye roll that I'm talking about love yet again...I continue to do it anyway. We talk about love not as a wimpy, lovey dovey subject but one of great power. Powerful people love people. 

The primary reason Jesus died for us.....love. He loved us T-H-A-T much. At the end of the day, he chose us, over himself. That's a powerful and selfless love. 

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us

Ephesians 5:2

One of the biggest examples of walking this love the way Jesus did...marriage

So with that....what will be my most cherished memory?

The day my son will marry his wife.

Why? Why this moment?

On this day I will watch my son devote himself to loving someone for the rest of his life in the loving and selfless way that Jesus did for us. 

This is the day that I'll watch my son vow, before God to voluntarily will lay down his life for another, 

in the name of loving well. 

There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends. John 15:13

When you live your life out of that type of love, something amazing happens. 

You change.  Your relationships change. You never lose when you love this way. 

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

Matthew 10:39

The amount of respect I will gain for my Jay, watching this moment of time will be immense. 

His marriage signifies his selfless heart. 

 He and I will both be aware that at times in his life, this choice could quite possibly be the hardest one of his whole life to walk out. Yet he vows anyway. 

 He vows to honor his wife and place her before himself. 

He vows to love like Jesus.

And to see this...my heart will be incredibly proud. Proud that the incredible, big hearted, clever and amazing young boy that currently rolls his eyes when we talk about love, has ultimately chosen to stand for it in such a powerful way. 

 

..........

 

this puts motherhood in a whole new perspective, huh? i pray that my sons will also grow up to be men of the Lord, laying their life down for others and for their future wife. *tear*

 

you can read more of Shannon through her blog, or follow her through instagram: _shannon_nichole_

Sweet Motherhood: Erika from Seventeen Perth

i met erika, i want to say, almost a year ago, if not more. i liked her instantly. this girl is super sweet and so encouraging to me and when i heard she was expecting, i was so thrilled for her.
today she is sharing her thoughts on her new role as a mother. if you don't know her, please get to. she's pretty great!

now here's erika:



blog/ instagram

erika, tell us a little bit of your story and who you are a mom to?
I am a new mom to a beautiful baby girl. Little E was born in February of this year! My husband and I waited until our thirties to have children, so we are beyond blessed and excited to welcome this little girl into the world!

My whole life, becoming a mother is definitely something that I looked forward to. After I held her in my arms for the first time, that instant wave of emotion and love came over me and life as I knew it would never be the same. (as cliche as that is--it could not be more true!). I can honestly say it is way more than I ever anticipated in the best of ways. Everyone told me I would love her more than I could imagine, but it was definitely something I could not fully comprehend until I experienced it myself.

motherhood isn't always what we expect, what about motherhood surprised you or has been different than what you expected it to be?


Being a mom is fulfilling yet hard!! I never expected it to be easy, but the constant questioning of myself was shocking! I've always been pretty confident in my decision making abilities, but the understanding of the impact I have on her life was is overwhelming. (So thankful for God's grace!) And thankful for all the mommas that surround me for the help, advice, guidance and shoulders to lean on as only other mommas can understand. Community is such an invaluable tool!

being a mom is hard work, isn't it? but always rewarding. what do you enjoy most about motherhood?
How can I decide on one thing? I love it ALL!. The sweet, quiet moments stand out the strongest; specifically those moments when it is just me and her, and she wants to be snuggled or when she breaks out into a full on grin. I can't imagine anything better in the world. 


 let's talk balance. how do you find balance in tending to your daughter and also caring for yourself emotionally and physically?
After about 2 1/2 weeks, I realized I needed to do something for myself. As an avid runner before I got pregnant (and partially while pregnant--until I got an asthma induced by pregnancy diagnosis), it was time to hit the pavement again.
Even though I wasn't "cleared" for running just yet, I began walking an hour about 4 times a week leaving little E at home with my husband. I needed a little time to turn on some music, soak up the sun and let nature rejuvenate me.

Nature is food for my soul. More importantly, it is where I connect with God the most.

 as moms we strive to teach and show our children lessons shaping them as they grow, however, what is the one thing that you would want your children to grab on to and never forget?
As she grows, I pray that she knows Whose she is. I pray that she knows she is perfectly imperfect in every way and made for a specific purpose; to have confidence in herself always! My hope is that she knows Who to listen to and Who to follow and that her dad and I be good role models in Trusting Him. And most importantly and above all else I pray she trusts her Heavenly Father more than anything else in this world.

erika, mothers need encouragement always. what words of wisdom or encouragement would you offer to other moms?
As a newbie mom:

*Ask for help! (Don't be afraid to ask for help and to ask questions!)

*Don't feel like you have to have all the answers.

*Don't feel like there is *one* right way to do things! Think out of the box.

*Seek first the Kingdom.

*Encourage other moms. We all struggle at times! It is encouraging to hear others struggles and to provide encouragement and love during those times.

 

 

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ah yes, those sweet quiet moments with the babes is surely one of the sweetest moments. and i agree with nature being food for the soul. erika takes wonderful photos of nature, which you can find on her blog and/or by following through instagram @e_lynch3

mother's day.

so i thought i would stop by this space of mine, that i've been neglecting over the past few weeks.
honestly, it hasn't been my intention. i love blogging, but it has somehow taken a back seat for the moment as i try to be more present at home and placing my time on other things that have taken priority.
it's funny, because i've noticed the same among other bloggers i love. i guess life has a way of doing that, huh?

while i'm here i just wanted to share my mother's day. it was a sweet one and my littlest one said happy mother's day like twenty times throughout the day, it was the sweetest.

my mother came over for breakfast and the kiddos made her some cards. on one of the cards my daughter made her she thanked her for being like a mother to her as well. i loved that.
my mom has always been there and literally has raised my kids alongside me. to know my children don't view her as a grandmother only, but as a mom as well, really is such a blessing to me.

after they left, i napped for a few hours, which if you know me, i like my sleep. however, i always feel like i wasted hours of the day if i take naps, so i try not to. i don't know what it is though, sunday i was so tired!
my daughter set out to pamper her mama. she grabbed my face mask and applied it on my face. gave me her own version of a back massage with karate chops down my back, and insisted on doing my make up. as a girl, she truly knows what a girl needs to feel pampered!

finally in the afternoon, we went out for dinner. i love our family dinners. i love seeing my family around the table, chatting, eating endless bowls of chips, and just enjoying each other.
this motherhood gig, it's never really come easy for me. i've struggled, felt guilty at not doing it right, felt like pulling my hair out on numerous occasions, and felt i was truly screwing things up.

but it's in those moments, when i see their smiles and i realize they truly are happy kids, and they truly do feel loved, that i am reassured that it's okay. i'm doing an okay job which is filled with God's grace. otherwise i would've gone crazy by now! haha.

how was your mother's day?

on my playlist.

bethel music on repeat. lyrics from it is well. 

grander earth has quaked before
moved by the sound of His voice
seas that are shaken and stirred
can be calmed and broken for my regard

and through it all, through it all
my eyes are on you
and through it all, through it all
it is well
and through it all, through it all
my eyes are on you
and it is well
with me

far be it from me to not believe
even when my eyes can't see
and this mountain that's in front of me
will be thrown into the midst of the sea

and through it all, through it all
my eyes are on you
and through it all, through it all
it is well
and through it all, through it all
my eyes are on you
and it is well
with me

so let go my soul and trust in Him
the waves and wind still know His name
so let go my soul and trust in Him
the waves and wind still know His name.

and it is well with my soul
and it is well with my soul
and it is well with my soul
it is well with my soul!

 

 

..........

 

 

i really love some good worship music and this album is blessing me so much. it is the you make me brave album, and whoa, it is speaking to me loudly and clearly.

 

trust me on this one. it is good!

 

what album are you loving right now?

 

 



Sweet Motherhood: Ruthy Taylor

 

i gotta say, this motherhood series has been blessing me tons. i've loved reading about all of these mothers and their take on motherhood, and today i have the pleasure of introducing ruthy from discovery street. ruthy is such a sweet mom and i have loved getting to connect with her and reading her blog, in which she shares life with her husband and little one, parker penny. don't you just love that name?
and she lives in the PNW which gives her extra cool points, since i love that place of the country!
here's what ruthy shared with us:

 

 

 

blog / instagram / twitter / facebook

ruthy, tell us a little bit of your story and who you are a mom to?

I'm Ruthy, mama to my 20 month old daughter Parker Penny and due with another girl this summer. I became a mother a little later in life, I had my daughter when I was 34. Becoming a mom was never a lifelong dream, I wasn't sure if I actually wanted kids. Those who know me well think it's crazy I'm pregnant with my second!

motherhood isn't always what we expect, what about motherhood surprised you or has been different than what you expected it to be?

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed motherhood in the beginning. I read all the horror stories and was mentally prepared to go to battle so to speak. Although my daughter was born with hip dysplasia which made the first few months exceptionally challenging and emotional, I was enamored with motherhood. The toddler stage however, yeah, well I'm not so enamored with this stage. It's a daily struggle!




 being a mom is hard work, isn't it? but always rewarding. what do you enjoy most about motherhood?

 


Honestly, it's so freaking hard. But I think God renews my spirit every time I see my daughter delight in something. Whether it's bubbles, an animal at the zoo, throwing rocks, or seeing her daddy walk through the door in the evening. Her shrieks of joy and laughter kinda make up for the tantrum and tears. 

 
 let's talk balance. how do you find balance in tending to your daughter and also caring for yourself emotionally and physically?
 
 Is there such a thing? I've let go of the concept. I don't think balance exists. I think there are seasons of life that are rough and seasons of life that are renewing. I'm just grateful every morning is a fresh start.
 
 as moms we strive to teach and show our children lessons shaping them as they grow, however, what is the one thing that you would want your children to grab on to and never forget?
 
 Confidence. Self doubt looms over women and prevents them from so much. I want my girls to grow up confident in who they are, which in turn will lead them to be courageous and have a voice for those less confident. I want them to stand up for what is right, speak up for themselves and for others. I desire for them to know they are daughters of the MOST HIGH KING...how can they not draw confidence and courage knowing that? 

 

 
ruthy, mothers need encouragement always. what words of wisdom or encouragement would you offer to other moms?

 
 
Motherhood comes in all shapes and sizes. We have to stop comparing and start embracing each other and where we are at. I quit my career to be a stay at home mom and I loved it for about a year. But I've come to the realization that I'm not really wired to be a stay at home mom. At first I felt guilty about these feelings, but the fact is I'm gifted with talents and abilities outside of the home. With another baby on the way I won't be going back to work right away, but I'm pretty sure I won't be a stay at home mom for long. And that's ok. We have to stop judging each other and start encouraging the choices mom's make that is best for their families. 
 

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 ruthy, you're speaking to my heart girl. motherhood is so hard, and balance can be so difficult to find! though, thankfully we can run to God to renew our spirit, like you said.

you can find ruthy at her blog or following her on instagram too! @discoverystreet.