uptomytoes

Tag: single 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…

  • Modeling Lovable

  • Inside-Out and Backwards

    Last Sunday, as I sat next to a dear friend at church, something felt off. During announcements, I leaned over to her and whispered, “My shirt feels odd. I think something’s wrong.”  She smiled kindly and rather indulgently, “You put it on inside out.” I leaned back and stared at her. She smiled again and…

  • If It’s Not One Thing, It’s Another

    I’ve had some trust issues. Many of us probably have or do, at least at one time or another. Sometimes trust issues look like not trusting others, sometimes it’s more about not trusting ourselves, and sometimes we just flat out don’t really trust God. I’ve struggled with all three of those at one point or…

  • Audacious Love

    My phone was dinging with texts the other night from one of my dear ones who was dealing with some disappointment. I was writing essay-like texts to encourage and love on my sweet child.  At one point, I texted “Life isn’t about what we get to have or do or even who we get to…

  • It’s All About the Look

    For the past few nights my girls and I have been watching the 6 hour BBC “Pride and Prejudice”. It’s probably the 83rd time. We looooove it.  Last night, the episode we were watching was one where Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth look at each other for a prolonged moment over the piano-forte. Let’s just say…

  • When You Just Want to Hide the Hard

    This past weekend I planted 7 large bushes. Digging the holes ‘bout killed me. I was determined to get through all the roots, rocks, and clay. I jumped on that shovel like my life depended on it. Wrestled those shrubs out of their buckets and into my hard-fought holes. Filled back in the edges with…

  • Be Who You Already Are

    I was sharing with a dear friend some hard things that were happening and she texted me this, “God will provide abundantly and be your Bridegroom. He is King. Be His beloved.” Gentle but powerful words that went straight to my heart.  In those words I heard, “Be who you already are.”  I am Beloved.…

  • 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…

  • Following the Conductor

    There is a rhythm to life now. Although I’m still a tad awkward, I think I’m getting the hang of it. My life like a musical score with all its high notes and low notes and harmonies and minor clashes and key changes…it’s beautiful in its unpredictability and challenging in its complexity. Still, it is…