My Baby's Turning 11!

Just 2 years shy of becoming a teenager. And all too fast for this mom. Tomorrow, my one and only, turns 11. She has really been through a lot. Too much for an 11 year old.  Yet in the world we live in maybe not. The world says "kids adapt easily". She shouldn't have had to. We live in a selfish, "me-filled" world. I know - I used to live in it. But, that was then. This is now. Then, I was worldly. Now, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I'm godly. I used to worry and be filled with anxiety. Now I'm joyful and filled with peace. I know that I messed up BIG time. God knows it, too. He can turn things around. He's already started. I think about Mary Magdelene and how 4 simple words from Jesus changed her life - "your sins are forgiven". I know, that because of my sins, there will be consequences but I know that God can take my mess and make it my message (famous Joyce Meyer saying). So, yes, my little girl is turning 11 tomorrow. And, yes, her little life has been through a lot. BUT now Jesus is in our lives. So, I don't look behind me. I look ahead with hope. I know that He has things covered. I know that my precious daughter is a gift from God for me to raise in Him with the best of my ability and know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phillipians 4:13).  I place her in His loving hands and know that He has a good plan for her life. A plan to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give her hope and a future! (Jeremiah 29:11). So, Happy Birthday sweet princess. Go on and turn 11...mommy loves you but Jesus loves you more!

My Heart on Mother's Day

Mother's Day! For most is a happy celebration. But for a lot of women it's a sad day.
A day of feeling worthless. A day of mourning. A day of remembering shattered dreams.
This is what it was for me up until 11 years ago. After suffering four miscarriages this
was not a joyous occasion. This was the one day I wished would have not been celebrated.
My heart was broken and this was just a reminder of things that might never be.
I wasn't ok with that!
For the women that have suffered the loss of a child,
the women that have had miscarriages,
the women hoping to adopt their 1st child or the women that had an abortion
this can be a reminder of the pain they feel inside.
Please be kind to the women you know that have gone through these things!
Don't wish them a Happy Mother's Day
because they have a dog so deep down they are really a mom - to some yes,
but to others this is just a cruel comment.
I don't mean to be a downer on this day but felt that this had to be said.
Now, Mother's Day is a happy day because I do have a child.
But to the women that still don't or never will, please know that I'm thinking and praying for you on this day!