Michelle Warner | Texting the Truth

I dug this text out of the archives today and reread it. And it was exactly what I needed to hear. ? (Good thing I have such wise friends.?)

My hubby is a very-hardworking guy and he currently is in a really busy stretch at work. I’ve had to carry much of the load for us both as well as much of the other tasks for the last 30 days by myself. It’s been challenging, I won’t lie.

But the hardest part has been making sure we stay connected and on the same page in this crazy stretch. And if I’m honest, my biggest challenge has been not letting resentment grow when it feels at times like he’s choosing work over me and my girls. But I’m learning the minute I entertain those grievances instead of giving him the benefit of the doubt, a seed of resentment begins to grow and I completely forget we are on the same team.

But let’s be real, when there are layers of emotions in marriage (which are in all marriages?), fighting to stay on the same team sometimes feels like a ton of work. And maybe at times a little hopeless because you don’t know where to begin again.

As I’ve prayed about this so so much this last month, I am realizing how much the enemy wants to keep us divided. To stay annoyed. To give the silent treatment. To say strong words. To not engage so I’m not disappointed. ?

But as I’m tuning my ear ? into what God wants for my marriage, I hear words like peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self control…you know, things of the Spirit. This doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye or don’t speak up when it’s needed. This doesn’t mean we don’t get professional advice to help us navigate the layers…

But I am learning that what this means is asking God to fill me with His Spirit, and that He would draw me closer to my hubby and to Him. And that my words would build him up and my heart, tone, and body language would match. ? And when that doesn’t happen, that I would apologize with a sincere heart. Sometimes all it takes is a little humility to get the ball back in the game. ?

This is a loaded topic and our heart on our blog is that we tell the truth but do it in a God and husband honoring way. And at the end of the day, we can only take charge of our own responses. And I know for a fact that God will heap grace upon us as we ask for His help and strength. ?

I do want to take a moment to say that although there are moments I’ve felt like a single parent, I recognize I am not…but I know some of you rockstar mamas are. ❤️ Please know we see you and are saying an extra prayer of grace for you in this season. ? You really do rock!!!

So all of this to say – let’s ask God tonight: what step can I take to help my hubby and I stay on the same team?

To read the text convo, “Whose Side Are You On?” ?

Right there with you ~ Michelle

You may not have qualified for the Olympics, but you certainly deserve a spot on the podium in our eyes. There are no “perfect scores” in motherhood, but if you had a discipline breakthrough, managed a middle school meltdown, or found time in your day to pursue a dream, then we want to take a moment and celebrate alongside you. Even the little “victories” add up to be big wins in the long run; so let’s champion each other–after all, we’re on the same team.

Michelle

Today we are excited to feature military wife, MOPS mom and author, Sara Lewis.

Sara

Hi everyone! The picture with all three of my kids was a pure luck shot on the 4th of July. They were all truly so happy and I can’t believe we got our little guy to hold still for that split second.

Picture of me and my hubby was our first weekend away in over a year. We celebrated our ninth anniversary in June.

Michelle

Wow, you could basically finish up this text conversation now because those two feats are major mom wins! A photo where all of your kids are looking and time away with your hubby? WIN, WIN! ? Do you wear any other hats in addition to your [big, gigantic, hugely significant] Mom Hat?

Sara

As you mentioned, I’m a Military Wife which in part means periods of solo parenting, and the rule is that whenever they leave something is bound to go wrong. My husband had a short trip a couple weeks ago and the day he left our basement flooded. ?

This Fall will be my fourth year as a MOPS Coordinator. Encouraging other moms is one of my great passions. I recently started my own Virtual Assistant (VA) business. This is phenomenal work because at my core I am a helper. I’ve also rekindled my passion for writing.

You can get a taste of my writing at saralaurenlewis.com or email me at saralaurenlewis@gmail.com if you want to know more about my VA business.

Feel free to connect with me on your favorite social media sites:

www.facebook.com/gracegivingmom
www.instagram.com/saralaurenlewis
www.pinterest.com/saralaurenlewis
www.twitter.com/saralaurenlewis

Michelle

Yay for a shared passion to encourage moms! I, too, am a (co)coordinator for MOPS and have found such encouragement through a group of women coming together with the commonality being motherhood. That is definitely one of the reasons this blog was formed because three of us got to know each other through MOPS and have so needed the connection it brought us lonely moms!?

So tell us about your kids!

Sara

Claire is my oldest at 6 1/2. She’s super smart, ultra creative, and somehow great at reading AND math.
Evie is 5 and feisty, but also one of the most cuddly and compassionate little girls you will ever meet.
Victor is 15 months and although he’s a pretty chill little dude, he’s beginning to delve into that strong will attitude of toddler hood. He’s my ray of sunshine and completely doted upon by his older sisters.

Michelle

So sweet! What is a recent mom win you experienced that took time and perseverance to accomplish?

Sara

Getting our little guy to sleep through the night, finally at 13 months. Our poor boy cut teeth constantly from 3 months until just past his year birthday. Right before the 13 month mark his 12th (yes you read that right) popped through. It was an insane year of almost no sleep.

Michelle

Oh my goodness, that is so challenging! I am definitely realizing that I need sleep to function. That is one of the hardest things about being a mom in these early years, I think, is not having enough sleep to function!
What is a mom win that you would text your best friend?

Sara

My kids ate their dinner without complaining! ? ?

Michelle

That is definitely a Mom Win!! What are you learning as a mom right now?

Sara

I’m learning to give my kids more grace. They are imperfect little human beings learning from imperfect big human beings. Hug more, laugh more, life is too short for all the little things to be big deals.

And let’s end the comparison game and build community. No one has it all together and we’re all learning as we go with each kid that is literally unique from any other kid. Grace and kindness go a long way in making this world a totally better place.

Michelle

Amen to all of that! We are right there with you in these desires. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us today. ?

If you would like to be featured as a Gold Medal Mom or you know someone who would, please contact us here!

Author: Michelle Warner

Staying on the Same Team with My Hubby

Mom Win Wednesday: Sara Lewis