Month: September 2019

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“Well Done, Mama!”

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” Matt. 25:21

As mothers, so many things we do each day seem to lack significance, immediate results, and appreciation from others. So many days we collapse into our pillows at night, just wanting a hug or reassurance that we are doing a good job. Many times, instead of receiving this comfort, we either receive no response from others or else we receive judgment.

Our current culture either tells us 1) You aren’t doing enough or 2) You need to go back to work. We are often told that we need to always feed healthy meals to our kids, not let them have any screen time, read to them all day long, spend countless hours outside, etc. So at the end of a hard day of changing diapers, wiping noses, cleaning up messes, and answering questions, instead of feeling accomplished and fulfilled, we end up feeling defeated and tired.

So I want to encourage you, mama. If you are trying your best…you are doing a good job. If you love your children with all your heart…you are doing a good job. If you are learning and growing each day…you are doing a good job.

Also, please remember that your day should not be measured by your own, or other people’s, approval and accolades.  Instead, your day should be measured by your faithfulness to Jesus, and His faithfulness to you.

First of all, Jesus gave you these children as a test of your faithfulness. From the Bible, do you remember the parable of the talents in Matthew 25? This parable is referencing how to be ready for the second coming of Jesus. To one man he gave one talent, to another two talents, and to another five talents. Both the man with two talents and the man with five talents invested it and made more money. In response, Jesus told both of them, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:21)

When you ask Jesus to guide your parenting every moment of the day, and you try your best to follow His promptings, you are showing yourself to be faithful. And He is ever so proud of you!

Secondly, to Jesus, you have the most important job on earth – molding children’s character into His likeness. Also, in Matthew 25 Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt. 25:40)

Many times it feels like 95% of things we do as moms goes unrecognized or unseen, but to Jesus, NOTHING you do or endure with your children goes unseen. Every nose you wipe, diaper you change, mess you clean up, tear you wipe…Jesus sees it all. He sees that you were up all night long taking care of your sick baby (when you could’ve slept and ignored him). He sees that you talk sweetly to your child even when you feel like yelling. He sees how you get up out of bed early each morning to make your kids’ breakfast (even when you’ve been up most of the night before). He sees your faithfulness each moment of every day. He also sees your difficulties, your tears, your anxieties, etc. He sees it all. He is your faithful witness.

Lastly, some days you won’t be as faithful. Some days you will get impatient, lose your temper, slack on things, but remember, Jesus says, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9). Jesus doesn’t ask for perfection. He just asks for growth and for your best intentions. Ask forgiveness from him (and maybe your children if appropriate), and accept His grace. He sees your heart. He sees how much you love your children.

In conclusion, perhaps on the hardest of days, instead of focusing on how tired or overwhelmed you are, or how little you feel appreciated, focus on going to heaven, looking into Jesus’ face, and hearing Him say, “Well done, Mama!”

Please comment below if this article has been an encouragement for you.

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What I’ve Learned as a SAHM: How to Cope When Feeling Overwhelmed

I’ve never felt so overwhelmed as I have since becoming a stay-at-home mom (SAHM). Currently I have two boys (2 years old and 7 months old) and many days it’s all I can do just to get through the day. Staying at home may not be the high intensity type of stress as a medical or corporate job. However, it is the constant, no break nature of the job that makes it so stressful – constant demands of your time, energy, and attention. Whether it’s cleaning up a mess or responding to a child’s cry, you are needed 24/7. You don’t get a break to eat, sleep, or even use the bathroom. (In fact, these necessities of life become luxuries when done alone.)

In addition, you don’t have time for your previous coping strategies. For example, maybe you used to cry when you felt overwhelmed, and now you don’t even have five minutes to yourself to sit down and cry. As a result, many SAHM moms often end up feeling drained and overwhelmed.

So if you are a SAHM (or any kind of mom), here are a few tips to help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Many of these I have either learned from experience, or from the advice of other women who have been mothers much longer than I have.

  • Turn to the Lord – pray for patience and strength all day everyday. Also, quote Bible verses regarding God’s provision and the strength He provides. For example, “My Grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Cor. 12:9) helps me when I’m feeling overwhelmed. (Refer to my page on my favorite Bible verses that I quote when I’m feeling overwhelmed.)
  • Take daily breaks – if possible, take at least one break every day, and by “break” I mean time alone and without the children. Maybe it’s during naptime or maybe it’s when your husband gets home. Even if it’s just thirty minutes of sitting in your car and reading a book while you sip a hot drink, take the break. If you don’t, you will lose your sanity and patience. Just a short amount of time away from the kids can revive and renew your spirit. And for the days that you don’t have time for breaks, drink in each of the three quiet minutes here and there throughout the day. During those fleeting moments, make time slow down by closing your eyes, taking a deep breath, and sipping on your drink. Trust me, it works!
  • Leave the house – As a SAHM, I’ve learned to leave my house at least once a day on most days. Otherwise I end up feeling more overwhelmed due to a messy house and kids that are bored and acting out. It also helps my sanity to get out of the house and see the bigger picture. If it’s nice out, go to a park or on a walk. If it’s raining or snowing, go to the play area at a fast food restaurant (ex. McDonald’s, Burger King) or the nearest mall, or you can go to the children’s section in the library. If you live in a bigger city, consider investing in a yearly pass to the local children’s museum, zoo, or aquarium.
  • Look at happy photos – sometimes on the hardest of days it really helps me to look at happy photos of my children (or me with my children) to remember that they are happy and also to remember how much I really do love them 🙂
  • Make a to do list – when household chores and errands feel overwhelming, get out a pen and a paper and write them down one by one. And just tackle one chore or errand at a time. Some days all you will get done is one thing, and that’s okay. Some days you’re tired and in survival mode, and you’re a hero for just keeping the kids alive.
  • Lower your expectations – it’s hard to feel very productive when you are caring for children all day every day. It’s an odd feeling to constantly feel busy and overwhelmed and yet to have few completed tasks to check off a list at the end of the day. As a result, I have learned to lower my expectations for productivity (which is difficult for me). Otherwise, I end up feeling more overwhelmed with long to do lists of uncompleted tasks.
  • End of day relaxing – if you’re able to (like don’t have to work a job), have a cut off time at night where you stop working and stop doing the chores. Because you are a SAHM, your home is your work place, and so you need to have boundaries with work at home, or you will be working 24/7 and never relax.
  • Set boundaries – with kids, husband, friends, family, acquaintances, etc. It’s okay to not answer your phone, cancel a play date, or to say no to people more often. It’s also ok to even say no to holding church offices. While I strongly believe in ministering to others and being involved in your local church, I also believe that being a mother to young kids is the highest calling and greatest ministry.
  • Ask for help – some mothers have trouble asking for help, but it takes a village to raise children, so ask for help whenever you can, and especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Develop a support group and turn to them often. This could include your husband, parents, in-laws, siblings, friends, etc. It also may include paying a sitter to come watch the kids for a couple hours so that you can get some things done around the house. In the end, it is worth the extra money, if you have it.
  • Phone a friend – many days when I’m feeling very overwhelmed, I like to phone my sister or best friend. Confiding in them about my stress or just laughing with them about silly things often takes my mind off of the overwhelming feelings.
  • Listen to music – on the hardest of days, I turn to music. I will either try to sing a soft, calming Christian song (which helps to calm me and my children down) or I will listen to a similar type of song. Sometimes the words of the song speak directly to me, and I know that God is calming and uplifting my spirit.
  • Buy a Bluetooth – When you have to clean up messes and carry children all day, it helps to have a hands-free device. Being able to plug into my phone wirelessly has really helped me on the hardest of days. Sometimes I’ll call a girl friend; other times I’ll just listen to my uplifting music in one ear while I listen to and respond to child needs in the other ear.
  • Exercise – If you’re able to, try to do some sort of exercise at least a couple times during the week. It really helps with those overwhelming feelings, and it may actually give you a break from the kids! Consider a gym membership with a daycare program, or commit to walking/running with them in the stroller.
  • Time-outs – sometimes it’s perfectly appropriate for you to take a time-out from your kids, which sometimes means that you may have to lay them in a safe place, like their crib or bed, and let them cry for awhile while you go into the other room. Alternatively, someone suggested to me to take the kids for a drive as a way of giving yourself a time-out.
  • Calming slogan – repeat to yourself silently or even out loud so the kids can hear some sort of calming slogan (ex. “Everything is all right” or “Everybody just calm down”), and remember to say it in a soft, slow, calming sort of way. It can really help to lower the blood pressure and the intensity of the moment!
  • Be confident – one of the hardest things for me as a mom is to believe that, with God’s help, I will be able to handle the most difficult situations. As a result, many times I psych myself out and feel more overwhelmed by perceived or actual situations than I should. Remember that you are not alone and God is right by your side. My favorite verse to claim is Isaiah 41:10 where God says, “I will strengthen you and help you.” That’s a promise. Claim it!
  • Temporary – try to view the hardest situations (ex. temper tantrums, teething, sickness) as temporary. Usually these child phases last a few weeks or months and then you’re on to the next challenge. Come up with some sort of mantra, like “This too shall pass” or “Nothing lasts forever”…whatever helps you to keep it in perspective.

Please comment below with what you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed, or how one of these tips has helped you!

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Recipe for Lentil Soup

This soup is great because it is quick, healthy, and so versatile. It can be served by itself, over rice, over chips (taco salad), or in a wrap. It’s also a great way to get your child involved in helping you cook. My two year old son loves to help me pour the ingredients into the pressure cooker, and then he will eat it because he helped to make it!

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

2 cups of brown lentils

Water (to your liking)

2 Carrots (diced)

1 Green Pepper (diced)

1 Onion (diced)

3 blocks of Knorr Vegetable Buillon

Salt (to your liking)

Instructions:

Put lentils in pressure cooker. Add water a couple inches above the line (depends on how thick you like your soups). Add carrots, green pepper, and onion. Add vegetable buillon and salt. Press button for “beans/lentils.” Release pressure when done. Mix soup really well and add extra salt if needed.

Please leave a comment below for how you liked this recipe!

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Regaining Perspective

“As we look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18

I love my husband. I love my kids. I prayed for a long time to find and marry a man as wonderful as my husband. I prayed for years to be able to have children. So why is it so hard to remember my love and to have a grateful attitude when days are tough? Why is it so hard to regain perspective?

Perhaps many times my emotions are an idol for me. When I’m tired and irritable, I snap at my husband and forget all the ways he’s blessed me. When I’m overwhelmed and at my wits end, I forget that my children are such a blessing for me.

I guess God knew that many of us would make an idol of our emotions, and that’s why he put the verse in the Bible that tells us in 2 Cor. 4:18 to “look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen.” Notice that He gives it as a command because it is our choice to CHOOSE what we look at or focus on, and that does NOT have to be dictated by our emotions.

So what things are “seen” (temporary)? feeling fatigued, overwhelmed, lonely, or irritable

What things are “unseen” (eternal)? Jesus’ death on the cross for me, eternal life, unconditional love, commitment

So practically speaking, how do I make sure to look to things that are unseen/eternal within my relationships?

With my husband:

  • Remind myself how God brought us together
  • Reminisce often
  • Focus on his best attributes
  • Focus on the good times
  • Thank Jesus for him every day

With my kids:

  • Remind myself how “children are a blessing from the Lord”
  • Remember how long I prayed for them
  • Thank Jesus for them every day
  • Smile, sing, dance, and play often

So I want to encourage you today to CHOOSE to focus on the things that are unseen, rather than the things that are seen (or so often felt). CHOOSE to regain your perspective and to not make an idol out of your emotions.

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Broken Together

Key Text: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, oh God, You will not despise.” (Psalms 51:17)

What does it mean to be “broken”? And further, what does it mean to be “broken together”? These words are the title of a Casting Crowns song that really personifies a core value for me – vulnerability with one another, as well as the purpose for my blog.

All of us are “broken,” but many of us aren’t yet aware of it. We can try to look nice on the outside and say all the right things, but deep down there is “nothing good in us” (Romans 7:18). Deep down we are flawed, and we are also in desperate need. We need help to be happy, help to truly love, and help to be at peace (to name a few).

If you are a Christian, then you have recognized and admitted your need when you accepted Christ as your personal Savior. You have followed the aforementioned verse, “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, oh God, You will not despise.” (Psalms 51:17).

Despite this fact, admitting your need and reaching out for help is not a once in a lifetime occurrence. Paul says, “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31), implying an ongoing sense of “brokenness.” On a daily basis, do we recognize and admit our need of help and healing? For example, would you be able to answer the following questions: What are the biggest areas of temptation in your life? Which Ten Commandments are you more inclined to break? As Christians, we should have on ongoing sense of our struggle with the sinful nature.

Secondly, though you may practice repentance to God on a daily basis, do you experience brokenness with those around you? James 5:16 says, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” It’s interesting how part of the healing process comes in the community experience. Additionally, Galatians 6:2 tells us, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” So not only is transparency part of healing, it’s also a mandate for us as Christians!

In one of my favorite books, “The Naked Soul,” the author, Tim Gardner, talks about the importance of being vulnerable with other people. In this book, he poses an interesting question…if God could have fulfilled all of Adam’s needs, then why did He choose to create Eve? Could it be because God chose to create Adam with a need for community? A need that God Himself chose not to completely fill? God values authentic relationships so much! That’s why He exists within a triune relationship Himself – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. That’s also why when He was on the earth, Jesus needed His disciples to pray for Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He was hurt and disappointed when they failed to do this.

If God Himself needs relationship, then how much more do we flawed human beings need relationships? And by relationships, I don’t mean a simple “How are you?” or “Happy Sabbath” greeting and wave. Instead, I mean naked, unashamed, soulful relationships, the kind where we confide in each other about our fears, temptations, and worries. Just like the early church, we are to be “in one accord.” We are to “break bread and pray together daily” (Acts 2:46). When we enter those church doors each Sabbath, do we know the heartaches of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we daily confess to one another, pray for one another, and bear each other’s burdens? If not, then I encourage each one of us to start today. Experience this healing that only comes within the community experience. It has been life-changing for me, and I know that it will be for you as well.

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The Power of Connection

“Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” (1 Cor. 13:12)

As a child, we long for the days when we can be free and do whatever we want. As a young adult, we long for the days when we can travel and see the world. Hopefully, by middle age, we have figured out that having more freedom and seeing beautiful sites only take us so far in life. For you see, while these attributes are wonderful blessings in life, we were created for more. We were created for connection, connection with God and with others.

By “connection,” I don’t mean small talk or friendships that come and go. By “connection,” I’m referring to deep, personal conversations with people who truly love AND accept you for you. Have you experienced that kind of connection? Do you know what it’s like? It’s amazing! It’s powerful! And it’s what we were created for! That’s why we feel lonely sometimes, because deep down we long for this type of connection, with God and with others.

As a counselor, one of the most common presenting problems for my clients is loneliness (either past or present). In fact, I find that many times this loneliness and lack of connection leads to many types of addictions, such as pornography or food addictions. And doesn’t that make sense? Because if we were created for connection, then a lack of connection creates a void in us. So then we try to escape that disconnection through momentary pleasures that ease the pain.

Perhaps you’ve experienced this type of loneliness, where you actually ache inside and don’t feel like you belong. It is an awful way to feel, and at some point in your life you WILL feel it…because we live in a fallen world, and we were made for more.

After personally experiencing this type of loneliness, I have been reminded: 1) To pour out my heart to Jesus whenever I am sad or hurting 2) To seek out close connections with others whenever I can (and appreciate the ones I already have)  3) To be more compassionate towards others who may show their ugly side because of their own loneliness 4) To realize that in this world we will always have some sense of loneliness and disconnection.

Recently I listened to a podcast called “Relational Longings” by Janet Aucoin on Revive our Hearts, which helped to inspire some of my thought processes in writing this blog. In this podcast, Janet brings up a good point…do you think that Adam and Eve were lonely as they walked with God in the garden each day? No of course not! Janet postulates that they probably didn’t even know what the word “loneliness” meant. Could you imagine never feeling lonely for even a split second in your life? That’s what it means to walk with God in the fullest sense.

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul says it perfectly: “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” As you think towards heaven, can you imagine seeing God face to face, and feeling 100% completely LOVED and ACCEPTED by Him? I can guarantee you that no one else in your life fully knows you and yet fully accepts you the way God does. Even those closest to us don’t fully know us, often get irritated with us, and many times just put up with us as best as they can. In contrast, God fully knows us and never “puts up with us.” Instead, He cherishes, loves, and sings over us – our sense of humor, our personality, our quarks, all of it!

So while we are on this earth, let us appreciate those who do love and accept us, strive for deeper connection whenever we can, but ultimately realize and look forward to the day when we shall “know…(and be) fully known.” Amen!

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Look at Mama

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:2-3

Since my two-year-old boy is very active and easily distracted, I often find myself struggling to get his attention. One thing that really helps me to get his attention is to grab his face and simultaneously say (in a soft, sweet voice) “Look at mama.” In response, he will usually stop what he is doing and look at me right away. (He is usually eager to hear what I have to say, as if he knows its significance and the power of the words.)

Once I can get him to look at me, and our eyes meet, it’s as if his whole self relaxes – he is still, calm, and focused. Even if he is in the middle of throwing a fit, looking into my eyes will usually calm him down (presumably because he knows how much I love him and that I want whatever is best for him). But the key is that he first has to LISTEN to me say “look at mama” and then he has to OBEY by intentionally fixing his gaze on me.

This relationship dynamic between a mother and a son often reminds me of my own walk with the Lord. How often are my emotions out of control and Jesus is whispering in a soft, sweet voice “Look at me?” Sometimes I respond, but most of the time I don’t. But wow, what if I were to look at Him each time that He bids me to come? Can you imagine the difference that would make in my life? In your life?

In Matthew 18:3 Jesus says, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” Perhaps in this verse Jesus is asking us to become as trusting and responsive as a little child in our relationships with Him.

My challenge to you today: next time when you’re feeling frustrated or defeated, humble yourself as a child and fix your gaze immediately on Jesus. In response, Jesus promises “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” (Isaiah 66:13).

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All Your Needs

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

What does this verse mean to you? Recently this verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me, as for the first time in my life I have really been claiming its power in my own life. Perhaps when we are most worried and dependent do we then trust God the most to meet our most pressing needs.

In reading through the last few verses of this chapter (Phil. 4:14-20), it is evident that Paul claimed this promise for the Philippians, in response to the gifts (likely monetary) that they had given to him and to his ministry. Although I’m unsure of the exact needs of the Philippians, I find it inspiring that they focused on giving rather than receiving. As a result of their generosity and trusting spirit, God promises here (through Paul) that He would supply their needs.

As with any promise in the Bible, it seems that this promise is contingent on our trust in God, as evidenced by our continued focus on and service to others, rather than focusing on ourselves.

Prior to having my second child, I was quite anxious about taking care of both a newborn and a toddler. During the last couple months of my pregnancy, I was inspired to claim this verse and to let go of the worry. Though I didn’t let go perfectly, I believe that God is now fulfilling this promise for me. Since having my baby, now all I can see is God’s provision and blessing. I am ashamed for the time that I spent worrying, as God has surpassed my wildest expectations, and I want to give Him all the praise and glory.

So how has He fulfilled this promise for me? He has fulfilled this promise for me in many ways, some of which I will list below:

  • During my pregnancy, He led me to read a book called “Newborn Promise” which encouraged me to write out and claim scripture (hence this Bible verse) as part of the preparation process.
  • He allowed me to have a challenging last three weeks of pregnancy, which has helped me to appreciate the newborn phase so much more than I would have otherwise. The challenging last three weeks of pregnancy also helped me to have a smooth labor and delivery.
  • He has helped me to have a smooth recovery period (both mentally and physically).
  • He has given me a good baby who eats and sleeps well.
  • He has given me a calm, helpful husband, which is exactly what I need during stressful times.
  • Even though I live in a new town, he has given me amazing support through long-distance close friends/family, as well as people here who love and care.
  • He purposefully has my husband on night shift right now so that He is home more during the day and more available to help.
  • He worked it out for my husband to take off some time from work to help me during this adjustment period.
  • He has given me such a loving family that has been able to come out and help me.
  • We are blessed to live four hours from my in-laws, and my mother-in-law is a big help.
  • He has provided for us financially so that I’m able to stay home with the kids.
  • He worked it out so that we met our out-of-pocket family costs for this fiscal year (my son had to have emergent surgery) so that our insurance will cover all of our labor and delivery costs.

As you can see, God has literally provided for ALL of my needs, including materially, physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. I do NOT say this to brag or to make anyone feel bad, but I say this to give Him praise for what He has done in my life.

Through this experience, something else I’ve realized is that we must CLAIM God’s promises and then LOOK for His fulfillment of those promises. It is a choice that we make each day whether or not to see God working in our lives. Similar to the way some people can see a sunset and deny God’s existence, we can also experience God’s blessings but yet neglect to give Him the credit or praise. It all depends on our focus.

In summary, if there’s anything I can impart to you today, it is 1) to not worry but to trust God in all things 2) to claim His promises as they apply to your life and exact situation and 3) to look for His fulfillment of those promises. Choose to take a second look and see His handiwork in the tapestry of your life.

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Expect Good Things

“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the God is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” (Is. 30:18)

Currently I’m pregnant with our second child. Having been through the newborn stage once before, I know its difficulty – the unpredictability, the stress, the sleepless nights. As a result, instead of enjoying this pregnancy, I’m frequently lost in my anxieties and worries for this upcoming stage of life.

In the book SOS Help for Emotions, the author Dr. Lynn Clark talks about several lies that we tell ourselves which contribute to our feelings of anxiety. One of these lies is that I can prevent or improve bad outcomes by worrying about them ahead of time (my paraphrase). If I’m honest with myself, I know that I often give into this lie with my thoughts and my behaviors.

Due to my anxieties, I plan ahead. As a planner, that’s what I do. When I’m anxious, I make preparations in hopes to minimize future stress levels. Even though I logically know that planning ahead doesn’t actually control or prevent all future negative outcomes, I still do it.

Part of this behavior is good because it helps me to be responsible and conscientious. However, part of this behavior is bad for several reasons. One, it steals my joy from today. Two, it negatively affects my relationship with the Lord when I don’t actively trust in Him. And three, it robs me of the rewards that come with waiting expectantly in Him.

Many verses in the Bible talk about the rewards that come for those who not only trust in God, but also hope in Him. As they are often listed separately, there seems to be a difference between trusting in God and hoping in Him. Trusting in God means to rest in Him, but hoping in God seems to be more active. It seems to mean expecting good things from Him.

Throughout my life, I have always struggled with the concept of “hope” in the Bible. I seem to grasp faith and love much easier than hope. In fact, many times the idea of hope makes me mad. Perhaps my carnal nature associates hope with flightiness and “head in the clouds” type thinking. Despite this fact, I can’t deny the many times in the Bible where hoping and waiting expectantly for God are met with reward, blessing, and honor.

For example, Isaiah 30:18, which says “Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion. For the God is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him!” Also, Lamentations 3:24, which says “The Lord is good to those who wait on Him, to the person who seeks Him.” And then of course the more popular verse Isaiah 40:31, which says “but those who hope in [or wait upon] the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

If I believe in God’s Word and in His promises, then I will not only rest in Him (by not trying to plan everything), but I will also expect good things from Him. Therefore, instead of dreading the newborn stage (or whatever stage of life you’re worrying about), I will meet it with hopeful anticipation, knowing that He has good things in store for me and for my son. And in so doing, I will be able to experience the completeness of His blessings and love.

*This content was inspired by Joyce Meyer’s YouVersion Devotional study “The Greatest Gift”