the embracing chaos blog
Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 6
These questions really hit me as I have my next doctor’s appointment in a couple days. This is the appointment that I’ve been waiting for since December 2023. The one to see if the parathyroid tumor has grown, stayed the same, or miraculously disappeared. When I look back over the last eight months of waiting, I see all the wrestling I’ve done with the Lord. The questions I’ve asked, the anger at times, the fears and the countless days of crying out to Him. But God is so kind because I have finally landed in such a place of peace and strength the last few days. Ultimately, it comes down to this: I want whatever brings Him the most glory.
Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 2
I looked at life through the lens of numbers and achievements, speaking events, book sales and social media engagement, all while knowing deep in my soul that none of that truly matters and isn’t even up to me. I thought if I did a, b and c, then x, y and z would happen. As if I held my life in my own hands and if I did all the things, then all the blessings would follow. But I knew better. Instead of “must respond as soon as possible” being the resounding drum in my head, it slowly switched to “you can’t save anyone.” Ouch.
Humility comes when you understand all of your trying is entirely dependent upon the Lord’s will and that man can never undo or thwart God’s intended purposes. I began to feel a peace that I didn’t know could come from surrendering. I was lighter. Not that I didn’t care anymore, but I finally saw that it wasn’t my responsibility to do everything and be everything to everyone.
Choosing the Good Portion Series - Part 1
Choosing the good portion. - But then, the hope follows for us. Because we know that as Christians, we don’t walk through trials and suffering for nothing….but that God will use it for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28) and that He will also produce in us character, endurance and hope because of what we face (Romans 5:3-5). We have great hope since we serve the only One who can use all the awful things we go through to develop us and make us more like Christ.
A Timeless Four Generation Photoshoot!
The three of us have experienced some of the hardest things you can go through in life, but because of that, you see the JOY of the Lord in our smiles. We have all suffered much, but we've also come to know God in a deeper way because of it.
Cozy, Fashionable, and Affordable Clothes For The Busy Mom
Comfortable clothes for the busy mom!
The Best News and a Family Update!
Goodness gracious, it's been awhile since I've posted on here. Some great things are happening, some difficult things, and some normal every day things....but that's life, isn't it? :) Here's a little family update with what's been going on lately!
Best of 2020
I understand that life is filled with both the glorious snippets and devastating circumstances sprinkled throughout a calendar year. But I challenge you to look back and find the GOOD of what God did each month. Maybe it was that you had some time to yourself to really invest in your passions. Or maybe you had a really bad month but it was the same month that you caught up with a lifelong friend over Zoom. Maybe you bonded with your kids or had a baby in the midst of COVID. Whatever the case, I want to end 2020 with a heart of thankfulness and always see what God did rather than what I think was missing.
Homeschool Update
If you're doing the homeschool thing this year, you know that some days are just flat out rough. Then, some days we do all the things and I go to bed feeling so content and thankful. And then some days are in between. Regardless of how crazy the week may be, I see now more than ever that we are doing holy work.
Suffering to Sanctification
I'm not joyful in my sufferings nor am I happy when they come my way. But I can have the nearness of Christ, sharing in a suffering that He already took to the cross, and then rejoice with the hope I have in Him. I don't want to live my life "waiting for Jesus to return," but I can experience a part of Him that I'd never know if it weren't for the trials I've faced.
Baby GIRL!
So, here we are, with a baby girl on the way almost 8 months after my initial journal entry. Not because we "deserve" it, not because we did anything right or prayed all the right things... but because this baby is a gift, and so He deserves to be praised. We are so grateful. We are so thrilled. And we can't wait to kiss her precious face!!!!