Just A Mom from Ohio

How would you answer this application question that was recently asked in a women’s Bible study: “How attached are you to your reputation? To your stuff?” In high school I wrote a poem called “Strange Popularity” and that phrase is one that makes so much sense to me. I was known more than popular. I was hardly noticed and then I was being talked about. It was uncomfortable to go from being almost invisible to being so exposed.  God has reminded me in life that my reputation is not mine to manage. I have no problems being vulnerable to a point it might alarm people. As I keep re-writing this blog, I recognize that I never could really manage what was said of me or how my life was going to go. If it wasn’t an option then, it hardly seems worth hiding now. However, I also am aware that at times our story can be taken and used in ways that do not end up reflecting well upon God. At the end of the day, that is truly all that matters.  Miriam Webster Dictionary defines “exposed” as ...

 At the moment I am writing this it is nearing the end of the infamous "love day", the one, the only, Valentine's Day. Bam! You either love this day or you hate this day. Usually. Depending on what you may be focusing on. More often than not, I have been single on Valentine's Day. I wonder if that has shaped how I feel about Valentine's Day or really any romantic anniversary when I have been "attached".  I'm not that sappy. I tend to want to move past these types of days quickly. I don't want anything jinxed. This lady has trust issues.  Tonight I was so happy to have Bible study to go too. And that wasn't about my relationship status. Or maybe it is. My relationship with Jesus is growing as I study the Bible with these women. I'm noticing a hunger for the Word. It's awesome and sometimes intimidating. Application questions are no joke! In a larger group, I am aware of how unique and wonderful God made us all. Noticing all of the ways...

Attempting to finish my  the homework in Bible study workbook before it starts tonight - anyone else relate? This is my second study at the church and I am loving it. Regardless if I can completely keep up with the homework, I am growing.  This week we reviewed  Matthew 18 and that is where I am pausing to reflect and write this blog.  Answering questions about The Parable Of The Lost Sheep right after the conversation of Who Is The Greatest impacted me. The little ones Jesus spoke about hits a nerve. I had been reviewing these questions at my son's soccer practice while my daughter tried to occupy herself. She was looking through her True Girl subscription box for January and it included a journal. I was telling her my study was kinda like the study we get to do with True Girl. If you never heard of True Girl, check it out .   She wanted to know more about what I was answering. We ended up talking about the Lost Sheep. My daughter really...

COFFEE. Coffee. Coffee. Remember the blog I wrote, The Best Part of Waking Up ? I think there is a common thread among moms and people in general about coffee. Its a big deal, isn't it. Why is that? If you take a look at your Instagram feed or even the end isles of a Target, you should recall seeing some shirt or mug with a phrase about coffee on it.  I've been contemplating this specific blog topic for a couple of years now. I wasn't sure how to write it when I was still daily consuming my coffee. That is until a couple of weeks ago. But before I get into that, let me share more of my heart's desire in this message.  For these years, I have been noticing the marketing of coffee and aware of my own love of coffee, I wondered if it had become an idol my life. Could I or would I willingly give up coffee? And if I couldn't give up coffee, what did that mean to me? Morning time is commonly suggested to be the time to do the thing that you need to do the most. Its ...

Lonely?  Tired?  Not happy with your physical health? Ummm. Yea, that's me. Can you relate? Often in the car, I'm tuned into Moody Radio and I thoroughly enjoy the variety of programming and conversations that come on. Today, I heard a topic on loneliness and one of the callers spoke about his personal experience of feeling alone and his attempts to reach out with a church. The author of the featured resource mentioned finding a safe space to talk and that might be a Christian counselor. I also am a fan of seeking a safe space to process and especially appreciate the Christian counseling option. But, that also sparks my desire to write this little blog.  DON'T GIVE UP! Getting help requires a lot of effort. I think the author speaking mentioned it takes about 8 to 10 years for a person to seek help for mental heath and to compare that with something physical like cancer. Yikes! That is way too long to suffer and go on without a proper care plan. We really need to get rid...