uptomytoes

Tag: parenting

  • Be Brave

    There is a piece of paper I taped to the window in front of my desk that says, “Be Brave Enough to Disappoint” because I’m a people pleaser. Someone who breathes for affirmation. Someone who seeks love and acceptance probably a little like a crazy person.  I’ll do almost anything to make someone else feel…

  • Fidgety

    On a recent afternoon, my youngest daughter and I took a walk by the river (above picture). It was beautifully serene and peaceful. My chest ached with a longing to be that peaceful…to be quiet inside. I shared with my daughter how I longed to feel the way the water looked. She said, “Momma, why…

  • Held By The Word

    Ever have that one song that speaks profoundly to your heart?  You turn it up louder the moment you hear the first chords on the radio.  You google it, play it at full volume, close your eyes, and lift your arms, either in praise or surrender to God.  You work out chords in an effort…

  • Too Many Words

    Last Sunday I excelled at words.  They poured forth from my mouth like a fountain. Unfortunately, they were not a fountain of refreshment, but rather a fountain of refuse.   I remember some time ago I read a parenting book that described nagging as using a lot of words to convey a point.  Good gravy!…

  • Fire from Heaven

    I’m praying for some serious fire from heaven, but not for the reason you might think. In the past several years there have been moments I’ve been tempted to pray that God would rain down fire on someone or a couple of someones, but thankfully God has brought me past that phase of this journey.…

  • Love Like Crazy

    Oh am I having a pity-party today or what?!. I’m all sad and lonely and feeling unchosen and unloved. And I can’t for the life of me figure out how to get out of this funk I find myself in. I’m trying to get into shape so I can’t sneak chocolate or drink a Coca-Cola…

  • Shake it UP

    I finally did what I’ve wanted to do for a long time.  I didn’t bring work home and I spent some beautiful moments thoroughly enjoying my kids. We spent the evening together without homework, work, or chores. The best, most enjoyable thing was dancing. Seeing my little girls’ faces light up while I danced like…

  • Taking 4 Steps Back

    Once upon a time… There was a little girl who dreamed of being married and raising beautiful little children who would love the Lord and each other.  There wasn’t a white picket fence, but there was a big oak tree with a tire swing, a creek with tadpoles, a kitchen counter with a fresh loaf…

  • Up to My…Head

    When I started this blog I wanted to offer hope with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure.  I can, at times, be a little funny.  My amusing side has been slipping a bit lately, and I’d like to find that voice again. As I begin this new year, I’m thinking I want…

  • Advent for the Overwhelmed

    For a little bit longer….today is December 12th – I am officially 12 days behind.  I’m always behind when it comes to Advent.  It’s not like December 1st surprises me or that I haven’t thought about Advent in November.  I just all of sudden get overwhelmed by the days and nights and before I know…