Category Archives: #bemomstrong

Very Present Help

Psalm 46 has been a real source of encouragement for me lately. It starts out, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Boy, are we in troubling, stormy days! My grocery order is never available as soon as I seem to need it, all our activities have been cancelled, and I’m suddenly homeschooling my 6th and 3rd graders, all the while trying to keep my 3-year-old quiet while my husband works in the basement! Can I get an amen, anyone!? 

But what about God being our refuge? I can hide “in Him” amidst the storm. I can rest in knowing that He is good, He loves me, there is hope for the future and I am safe. Like a father draws his child into his lap to hold and shelter them, God calls me into His presence to hold and comfort me. This was beautifully illustrated at our house last night during a massive thunderstorm.  As the lightning flashed and thunder crashed, and rain beat against the house, our three-year-old, who normally sleeps soundly through an amazing amount of noise, woke up crying and literally shaking. And she was calling for daddy. Daddy was more than happy to scoop her up, hold her close, help her feel safe from the storm, and rock her back to sleep. Even when I don’t understand the storm, I know God is there with me in the midst of it and I don’t have to be afraid. 

He is also my strength. I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength. He enables me to work and accomplish the tasks I have with His strength in me. Without Him, I would have no ability to do what I need to do, much less be who I ought to be. Every morning when I wake up, I try to remember to ask for His strength for the day. Sometimes I forget and blow it. Usually it manifests itself in being impatient with my kids and irritable with my husband. I’m so thankful that He is merciful and good when I mess up! 

Are you feeling the storm of life pouring down on you? Are you frightened and afraid? Your good Father is there, ready to hold and comfort you. Crawl into His lap and let Him be your shelter from the storm. 

Are you overwhelmed and weary with all the things you have to do? He wants to empower you to accomplish your work with joy. Ask Him for His strength to be and do. I’d really like to be able to look back on this crazy time in history and thank Him for teaching me to walk through the storm with Him rather than trying to do it all myself. 

Love from Janelle 

 

 

 

Whatever is Lovely

How can we focus our hearts and minds on whatever is lovely?  Is anything excellent right now? Is anything praiseworthy? 

In these uncharted waters of a global pandemic that has gone on for over a month now of quarantine, we can get bogged down in our personal pet peeves and stress.  Many mamas are so worried about work and safety, they are in a constant state of hypervigilance. I am not sure if you have experienced a loved one contracting Coronavirus or worse, losing their life to the virus, but if you have, the TtT extends our deep love and prayers. 

This past week, I have experienced death that is not Corona-related, but the way we have to grieve the loss of these special people makes me ache.  For all of you who have lost loved ones NOT Corona-related during the time of social distancing, self isolating, and quarantine, we also extend our prayers to you.  Can you imagine having to make a guest list for a funeral, like a wedding, and having to feel as though you may exclude someone who deeply loved the deceased? I cannot imagine how hard that must be. Drive by visitations seem so insufficient.  The online guestbooks and Amazon Prime are so nice in times like this, but they still feel impersonal. 

Simply put, the only way I know how to survive is to focus on whatever. Whatever is praiseworthy, as Paul writes.  Any other focus feels heavy to me.  So, in honor of those we know who have suffered with Coronavirus or those who have lost loved ones or their lives recently, why not collectively thank God for the “lovely” in the midst of our mess? 

Here is a start on a Gratitude List from our writers with what we are trying to enjoy and think about rather than despair: 

    • Trampolines
    • Sunshine
    • Naps 
    • Hugs from kids
    • Bubble baths with the door locked
    • 90s boy bands
    • Exercise 
    • Marco Polos with Friends 
    • Literally not rushing off to the next thing 
    • Hallmark Movies 
    • The Today Show 
    • Candles 
    • Laughter 
    • Amazon.com 

What are you thankful for right now, Mamas?

Hugs from Jo

 

Resources to Come Alongside You 

Finding God in the Midst of Crisis – Home Training Lesson 

Truth to Inhale

Scripture:

Read the Bible… Anywhere, any time you get!

Other Resources:

Don’t try to find them…. Just read the Bible

As all pediatricians tell new moms: Stop Googling it, mom!

Feeling Safe and Stuck at Home at the Same Time from Parent Cue

Finding God in the Midst of Crisis – Home Training Lesson 

Songs to encourage you: 

Seriously almost any Christian Song applies to this!  Just listen to worship music whenever possible.  Put it on in the background of your life.

Here are two to start with on Youtube: 

Goodness of God – Jenn Johnson 

Mighty to Save – Laura Story 

Truth to Exhale
Just keep Praying, just keep praying… Just keep praying, praying, praying.?