Reviews & Musings

Balanced as a Bookshelf

January 15, 2023 by Monica 1 Comment

The takedown of the Christmas decorations brings about a serious sadness in our house.

Where there once was light and bright, there is now dust and drab. However, instead of getting stuck in a state of depression this year, I decided to invite the girls to help re-do our bookshelves. I hoped it might bring a bit of excitement, change, and a possible trip to Homesense or Hobby Lobby if I played my cards right. While Mattie was the only taker, truth be told- letting go of the control and watching her artistically place things here and there with a smile, brought some much-needed joy my heart was yearning.

I have been asked many times over the years about staging and styling a home, and while observing Mattie at work, I pondered the possibility that styling a bookshelf might be somehow connected to working on our hearts. I started making a list ( I love lists…) and before I knew it- my t-chart revealed something: they ARE related! And with a little of this and a little of that, all stitched together, one might achieve the ultimate goal- Balance in BOTH!

So, here we go. My attempt to prove that bookshelves and hearts might just be able to use the same “fixer uppers.”

1) Surround yourself with those you love.

In your home: Have those funny, sweet, cherished memories in frames and right on the shelf for you to see and remember. Baby pictures, trips, gatherings, heartfelt notes and sketches- all that you hold dear. They are the pages of your story, and what has made your life worth living!

In your heart: We have many circles of people in our lives. My dear friend, Jonelle, referred to those closest to us as “kitchen friends.” Those are the folks you can invite to your inner most part of your home and heart where the mess is very much ever-present. It’s so important to have such people in your life. Your spouse, your family, a neighbor, even friends from high school or church. Keep them close and try to put in the time. These relationships are going to need more effort, but they are in your life as a gift, so truly treasure them.

2) Reflect the light.

In your home: Since Christmas lights are all put away, (sniff, sniff) try adding a few extra candles, lanterns and mirrors on your shelves. The flickering lights can warm us and give off a sense of coziness we crave. Pair with a gorgeous little mirror and you’ll send that beautiful light dancing across the room, all year ’round!

In your heart: “In the darkest days of the year, the light of a candle is a striking and powerful symbol of hope and good things to come. Light and darkness cannot exist in the same place at the same time, making the moment that light pierces the darkness both stirring and breathtaking. Every light in a dark place can dispel despair, illuminate hope and provide needed perspective of things as they really are.” – excerpt from https://www.deseret.com/opinion/2019/12/22/21029929/opinion-the-lights-of-christmas-bring-hope-to-a-darkened-world-george-bush

In a world full of heads down, be the reason someone looks up. Throw kindness like it’s confetti! Hold a door, smile more, surprise a stranger with a compliment, look someone you know straight in the eyes-and tell them that they are doing a good job. You’ll be amazed to see how it can warm a hungry, hurting soul.

3) Stay motivated and encouraged.

In your home: My husband and sister have a running joke that my house is a library- on the premise that there are things to read EVERYWHERE. This is 100% true. I even have coffee mugs that say “coffee”, just in case you forgot what you’re drinking. One night, my husband started sweetly saying things to me out of the blue about love and family- and I thought after 15 years of marriage he was finally speaking my love language. But when I focused on his glances and followed his eyes, I realized he was literally reading the signs around our living room. Well played, hubby. But really, to me- it’s more than the decor. I do love a good whitewashed farmhouse sign with the words “Blessed Mama” accented in gold foil. It’s so, so pretty! It also serves as a constant reminder of how even the yucky days-the ones when I can’t seem to get anything right- ( yesterday… last week… the whole month of December…) are still a gift from above. Bible verses, books, framed art- keep yourself inspired by all you see!

In your heart: According to Google- the top resolutions for 2023 were as follows:

Exercise more.
Lose weight.
Get organized.
Learn a new skill or hobby.
Live life to the fullest.

Raise your hand if you’ve attempted one these?

Raise your hand if you stopped one of these around Groundhog Day?

No judgement here! Let’s focus on the positive! What if, instead of expecting a head-to-toe overall, we work towards making small steps in the right direction? And a huge pat on the back when there is growth made? In lieu of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. day,

Celebrate the little things! Be the best bed maker, diaper changer, laundry folder, or trash-taker-outer the state of Virginia has ever seen. And then grab that momentum and keep on going…

4) Think happy thoughts.

In your home: Think of your favorite place to be- a store, a restaurant, a destination. What colors are you surrounded with? What textures? If you’re a flower person- I recommend having loads of plants and faux peonies on those shelves of yours. If you love traveling- have many pieces that reflect the world: little globes, maps, trinkets from places visited. These items make you smile when you see them, so don’t keep them tucked away. Put them on display!

In your heart: If it’s Yoga, painting, ax-throwing or binge watching Hallmark movies- create time for you to be in your “happy place.” You are filling your bucket and, therefore, preparing to fill others. I cannot help but think of the scene from Legally Blonde when Reese Witherspoon’s character, Elle Woods, sweetly states that, “Exercise creates endorphins and endorphins make people happy and happy people don’t just kill their husbands. They just don’t.” Maybe not biblically sound advice, but the theology behind these words might be worth holding on to…

5) Embrace the negative space- it can be a positive thing!

In your home: I have found, after staring at my newly ordered shelves while eating my breakfast, that the occasional blank space highlights the wonderful things I already have. Not to mention, leaving room for a new piece I might just find in the future. Ahhh hemmmm, shopping trip?

In your heart: Those of you who know me well probably just spit out your coffee reading about I am suggesting that you free up your life a little. So, to clarify, I am not claiming to be good at this- I am actually in recovery. From 42 years of being a “yes gal.” But I am working on this. Daily. I’ll never forget the time I received an email asking for a last minute volunteer from one of the girls’ teachers many years ago. I read the email and immediately thought, “I can TOTALLY do this…” Meanwhile, I should totally NOT do this. After approximately 8.2 seconds of thought, I was writing the reply to the teacher and my email made the ding noise again. I minimized my note and saw it was from my husband, who was working in the basement. I opened it to see the word “NO” typed in capital letters at the top of the teacher’s forwarded email. I forgot that I had added his name to the class list serve. Another solid point for the hubby. He KNEW I would respond with a quick and typically overzealous yes, and without any idea of what the cost was. And it always comes at a cost… So my advice for the new year? Learn from my mistakes and keep those free moments free. You might need them someday soon for something spectacular and unexpected.

My last New Year ‘s home and heart nugget is probably the most important. So I’ve saved it for the end.

Remember how IKEA has the warnings on all their shelves and dressers to be secured to the wall so that they won’t fall or collapse with all the weight? The truth can be said for our hearts, too. While we can’t possible predict what each day or the upcoming year will actually bring, I encourage you to anchor yourself with a firm foundation. What would happen if we didn’t rely seven days a week on our own strength and abilities, but rather stayed tethered to the steadfast love and resurrection power available to us each morning?

Remember that having an anchor doesn’t ensure smooth and perfect waters- for a boat or our hearts. In fact, the mere presence of one guarantees there will be serious rocking while the waves and world toss you back and forth. But rest in it’s purposeful promise, His promise- you’ll never be swept away…no matter how great the storm.

Balance in life doesn’t mean YOU have it all under control… quite the contrary. It means you have a secret weapon.

And my heart could use a little of that…

I pray as you enter this New Year, you feel more confident in your decorating skills and excited about what the future holds.

In 2023, surround yourself with those you love, reflect the light, stay motivated and encouraged, think happy thoughts, embrace the negative space, and stay anchored to the source. Who would have thought our hearts have so much in common with our bookcases? Here’s to a year of beautiful, bountiful balance in both!

Happy New Year, dear friends.

A Second Chance at Joy- and Lots of Singing

December 15, 2022 by Monica Leave a Comment

On any given night in my home these days, there are multiple renditions of the beloved classic, “A Christmas Carol,” being performed. One night, it was with an army of nutcrackers. On another, with Barbies and a cameo from Olaf. Last night, a star-studded cast of stuffed animals. Why is that this year my children are all a-glow with this cherished of Christmas stories?

It could be because we were invited, so kindly by a church member, to see the live performance at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, “Tiny Tim’s Christmas Carol.” It could be the many times they have watched the Muppet or the darling Mickey Mouse version. But, if I had to really put my finger on it- I believe the credit goes to the new movie, “Spirited.” To those of you who have not had the privilege of watching it, this isn’t a spoiler alert- just an old fashioned plug for this new fangled twist on a classic.

My fascination for the story of grumpy old Scrooge came early in my life. My dear father’s favorite movie is the 1951 version with Alastair Sims.

The truly treasured time with my family was not simply in watching Scrooge upon the small Tv screen, rather it was the happiness that was written all over my father’s face throughout. To witness the unfolding of the main character’s crass, crooked ways- turned loving and loyal. What an opportunity it would be! And could it possibly be the dream that haunts us all deep down? To have a second chance at joy?

In the new adaptation, “Spirited,” the premise is taking Ryan Reynold’s stiff, stone-cold, selfish character – marked an “unredeemable”– and teach him that people can, indeed, be changed. You find yourself cheering for him the entire movie to have that true Scrooge moment- when he sees his waywardness, and with repentance and a renewed heart yells, “I’ll change, I’ll change…”

However, his response in a song (yes- there’s SO much singing to my joy- it’s a musical!) has brought upon much reflection in this house…

“So try to do a little good
Maybe give a little more
Work a little harder than you did the day before (Work a little harder)
It only takes a little good
And some doin’ what you can
Takin’ every chance to make the choice to help your fellow man

[Post-Chorus: All]
So do a little good (Hey)
Just a little, just a little, just a little (Hey, hey)

[Bridge: All]
Maybe there’s no magic wand
Maybe there’s no switch to flip (Oh)
Some days you may soar beyond
Some days you may soar beyond
And some days you start to slip

[Pre-Chorus: All]
You can give the world some good
In the daily give-and-take
With every ripple, ripple, ripple that you make”

It it at this beautiful junction that I paint the picture of watching this movie for the first time fireside with the girls and my sister over Thanksgiving and when the words “ripple” were being sung and danced to for five minutes straight- my face was…

And no, dear friends, I certainly did not invent the word. But I did, with the encouragement of my husband and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, write a children’s book about the simple act of getting up out of bed each day and trying to spread a little kindness. And Yes, it is entitled “The Ripple.” But it isn’t just a word, or just a song, not even just a story. It’s a way of life. A decision to “be changed and BE the change.“

The magical feeling we get with any version of A Christmas Carol is watching someone receive the gift of a second chance at life. At righting the wrongs. At finding the joy that can be found everyday.

But, only believing it’s simply a Christmas classic- is to set it high on a shelf the other 364 days of the year, rather than convicted by it’s true message.

Little things make a big difference.

And, I’m going to say it…

People. Are. Good.

I believe it with every fiber of my being.

It’s why I do love my sweet story so much. It’s full of hope.

And I think it’s why we love all things Christmas.

We have been invited to play a part in this beautiful world- not just on December 25th, but each and every day. To be a ripple and spread kindness, cheer, and “just a little” good throughout the darkness and shadows. What will we say to someone? How will we react? What will we do with our time? What stirs in us, motivates us, moves us? “Goodwill” is a moment by moment choice.

On one day recently running around doing errands with Quinny:

A man at the dollar store built us a box from scratch to hold our items because they wouldn’t fit in the stroller. And then carried the box out to my car. With a smile.

At the grocery store, a woman bought June a balloon because she was reaching for one.

At McDonald’s, the server came running out to grab us as we were driving away because we didn’t have the toy in the happy meal.

We, as humanity, will certainly “take one step forward and two steps back.” But as long as we are moving forward, not relying only on the strength of ourselves to keep on this journey, but continually reaching outward, upwards.

Each of us can live a life of redemption. Every single day.

It’s His gift.

Who’s you ask?

That sweet, tiny baby born in the manger.

He came to bring you the joy you’ve lost, to right your wrongs, to light up the world, to redeem us with love and hope.

Draw close to the tiny hands, that will someday be pierced for you.

Listen to His sweet, soft breath, that He will give up for you.

There is no stopping His love.

He came for You.

To stand with you on your best days and hold you on your worst.

He came to give you a second chance, a third, as many as you need until you come home.

May the 365 days of peace on earth and goodwill towards men start today, with me and you.

Merry Christmas, dear friends.

Mo’vember: a different kind of challenge- plus a BONUS CRAFT

November 18, 2022 by Monica 2 Comments

Hello friends! Just to set the record straight: this is not a post about a good old mustache-growing contest, ( sorry, hunting hubby) but about the idea of MORE.

More hugs, more calls, more hellos, more thank you’s, more “I understand,” more “It’s going to be okay,” more I’m sorry’s, more I love you’s, more hope.

Because with a heart filled with MORE- there is LESS room for the deceiver. Who brings strife, stress, confusion, conflict, chaos, with each door we leave open. And he loves the holidays. We’ll touch on that in a minute…

More can also help us get into gear- the right now– the “I should…”

There was the most beautiful maple tree on fire with color in my neighbor’s yard, and I kept telling myself to stop and take a photo of it. Day after day, I would try to take a moment and soak in awe of its beauty – but I was always busy running around. One day, on a particularly quiet morning, I went out with my coffee, phone in hand, ready to finally take that photo. Only to find that every single one of the gorgeous leaves had already dropped, prompted by the cool nights and hurried wind. I had missed it.

What else are we telling ourselves can wait, but the true moment flies right by? A phone call? A smile to a sad stranger? A letter to a long distance friend?

The devil wants us to think on it, mull it over, add it to the bottom of the list. He’ll push you to kick-start with what can only be seen first… then, if and only if you have time- to tackle the unseen… the interior work of the day… the stuff you believe no one will notice…

But truth be told- those are often times the most important things ever on a list.

I heard this quote the other day and it stopped me in my tracks. I suppose in my case- if I am perfectly, painfully honest-I could end up waking up with a very organized house, with gorgeous pillows and paintings on the wall, but, depending on the day before, with no one actually living in it.

Am I thankful for each moment for the messes my children make? The endless laundry? The sassy attitudes? The dishes left in the sink for me day after day? The conflict a busy work schedule brings between a man and wife?

What if it all went away? The good and the bad? The things I took for granted?

I know many holiday movies are made with the premise of the main character being utterly overwhelmed and making a wish they could live it all over again- because it must be better on the other side…

*in a new home- that is a blinding color of white, complete with chandeliers in every closet and self-vacuuming sofas

*with a new job- one that comes with perks like a corner office of windows and a personal secretary that brings you coffee and shows up with a notebook in hand, and is also your secret best friend

*even with a new spouse- the hunky, high school quarterback that winked at you before the homecoming dance

And at the end of every movie- there is a moment of clarity: that it wasn’t so terrible the way it used to be. The good and the bad. Because it’s what life is made of. And how we charter these waters of imperfection and the ups and downs are what makes us truly live. Our attitude of gratitude can save our souls…

What if we, before it was too late, also had a moment of clarity like the pinnacle of a Hollywood movie? With tearful conviction and heart pounding, that what surrounds us– the things that annoy us, make us frustrated, bring us to our breaking points are many times the things that bring other people on their knees for in prayer?

Will we wake up on Thanksgiving, tummy grumbling, empty and ready to be filled?

I love a good turkey and pumpkin cheesecake-

But what if we arrived on the day of Thanksgiving already FULL … of the REALLY good stuff?

Of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control?

How blessed would our time together be? How great would our GRATEFULness be?

Life changing… and leaving very little room for anything unfortunate to sneak in.

As I read these words, a new perspective is put in place for this day of gathering, thanks and giving.

I pray each of your tables are brimming with turkey and all the trimmings- including a dusting of love, a sprinkle of kindness and a dash of forgiveness. Is there really anything better we could use a little more of?

Happy, happy Thanksgiving to you, friends.

BONUS-

A Thanksgiving Craft- thankful pumpkins

Supplies
All you’ll need to make these cute pumpkins from paper is listed here:
Paper: one sheet of 8.5×11 card stock or 9×12 construction paper for the smaller pumpkin
Glue Stick
Green Pipe Cleaner
Hole Punch

To begin, cut your paper strips. For a small pumpkin (about 4 inches in diameter) you will need 4 strips that are 1 inch wide by 11 or 12 inches long. Write one (or more!) things you are grateful for on the strips.

Glue two strips together in the middle, creating a plus or “t” shape.

Then glue on each of the two other strips at a diagonal. The paper strips should be evenly spaced like spokes on a wheel.

Use a hole punch to punch a hole at the end of each paper strip. Leave about a quarter of an inch between the end of the strip and the hole.

Beginning with the top strip, thread the pipe cleaner through the holes on each end of the strip. Next, you’ll continue by bringing up the ends of the next strip and threading them onto the pipe cleaner as well. Repeat with the last two strips to make a pumpkin shape.

Twist the pipe cleaner and create another small loop to secure the strips. Curl the rest of the pipe cleaner around a pencil or your finger. Display and enjoy!

More Than a Feeling: Reach Out and Touch Someone

October 19, 2022 by Monica 3 Comments

As I sat and played with sweet baby June the other morning, I couldn’t help but be amazed. She was picking up different shaped blocks and trying to find where they went into the roof of a wooden house. I was truly fascinated. The troubleshooting going on was impeccable. She would rotate and twist the bock until finally, it smoothly slid into the shape’s window and clunked into the bottom of the house. June’s face was pure joy.

It was at this time that I decided to download an early admissions application to Harvard, and began filling in the required fields.

However, my thought process was halted moments later as I was suddenly hit with a flying object. A red plastic cylinder.

I turned to June, who didn’t even look the least bit sorry. She had more on her mind. Armed with another block in her tiny little hand, her expression said it all. She was beyond frustrated. Instead of twisting and turning with finesse and focus, she proceeded to slam the block into the wooden house repeatedly while screaming at the top of her lungs.

Oh, dear, sweet, adorable, fit-throwing June… don’t you know you can’t force things in life? The square doesn’t go in the circle… and it never will, my darling. Please, let’s try it this way… Oh, oh, ouch! So we’re throwing things again? I see how this is going to play out… I guess I’m putting a pin in this Harvard application, missy. It’s time for a nap…

For both of us.

Time and and time again, my moments with June are teaching me about moments in life. MY life. If I am honest with myself, I have definitely tried to fit some circles into square holes, twisted and turned my attempts and then slammed, thrown and screamed when it doesn’t go as planned. I am 100% guilty of relying on my own ways.

I guess I still have a tendency to be a giant baby when it comes to reaching out and handing things over.

By contrast, someone who is known for her extraordinary trust can be found in Luke chapter 8.

In church this past Sunday, we read about the woman who was hemorrhaging for 12 years. She shuffled through the thick crowd in hopes of simply touching Jesus’ clothes. 12 years of suffering… not just a hard day here and there. But rather- what seemed like a lifetime of turmoil, hurt and isolation. I’ve heard this story dozens of times, and I’ve always focused on her physical condition. But this time, I found myself honing in on the condition of her heart. And as a result, a new version of hope and encouragement found its way into mine.

My pastor approached his sermon with this angle- WE are just like that woman, at her core. We are all in crisis of sorts, and therefore, holding an opportunity for faith in the palm of our hands.

We. Us. Humans. For over 2000 years.

We, too, have “heard” of this Jesus character. We’ve been told stories of his amazing feats, miracles and power. Some of us know much of him, some very little. Some of us have given him whole hearts, some are paralyzed with fear and hurt.

But is he worthy of our trust? Does his resume simply peak our interest or earn our complete surrender? Will we run to him first? Or only as a last resort?

The woman in this story was the later, on all accounts. But my take away from the sermon was that this woman acted with less knowing about and more trusting in, even when all looked lost and it seemed far into the second act. The battle was not won by the strength of her faith, it was the mere presence of it. It was enough…and great was the reward.

We, too, might be searching for the answers in all the wrong places as this hurting woman was. But let us never forget that 2000 years after this story, Jesus is here for us now. We don’t have to fight the crowds or search far and wide. He’s been there all along, right beside you. Try to feel him at this very moment. In whatever you are experiencing- prologue, intermission or finale.

What if you, too, reached out for the loose hem of his clothing, (with even a mustard seed of faith) trusting in what he can do, believing that He is everything you’ve heard of? This beautiful account reminds us that it’s never too late.

Close your eyes and breathe in these lyrics…

( it’s a video- so just click on the picture)

He is more than a feeling. Let him be your healing. It all starts with a simple touch.

A Labor of Love

September 6, 2022 by Monica 3 Comments

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been frustrated? A tiny bit angry? A tad on the edge of blowing up? A hair away from a breakdown?

If you answered “yes”- then I’m right there with you. If you answered “no” – well, hats off to you! You must have the patience of a saint!

Labor Day can be, in theory, a day off from regular life. A holiday- from work and the demands of a stressful daily schedule. It’s on every calendar and commercial- it’s the real deal! However, I say “in theory” because in my home, this did not actually happen. I can proudly say that I’m 100% guilty of a completely unrealistic goal to have a stress-free day without the normal chaos of motherhood.

I had hoped for a blissful family day, one where there was helping with the dishes after breakfast, a picnic lunch in the backyard, followed by a final swim in the pool and a movie night!

I know, what on earth was I thinking? ( I do this a lot.)

While my expectations were obviously miles off, my husband’s were not. He had a day off from work and a to-do list to start tackling. That’s what he was excited about! Leaf blowing and a garage pick-up. And that makes perfect sense! When else was he going to do it?

But this is where the tension, frustration and slight anger on my part began…

Just because the post office doesn’t deliver mail, that hot dogs are BOGO, and that you can get couches and refrigerators for 75% off doesn’t guarantee a peaceful day in the home. It was quite the opposite! More people, more snack wrappers, more arguing over the TV remote, more “I thought YOU were watching June…” (I’ve seriously heard that 10 times this morning.) Eek.

Ladies- and gentleman…there IS no such day off for moms.

BUT- there also is no such things as a day off for Love.

And I’m just starting to realize they are intrinsically and eternally connected.

Labor- by definition-

verb

work hard; make great effort.”they labored from dawn to dusk” Similar:work (hard)toil, slave (away),grind, sweat, struggle Opposite: rest, relax, laze
have difficulty in doing something despite working hard.

Ahhhh… “to make great effort”, “struggle”, “have difficulty despite working hard”. Wow. I believe that pretty much describes my general day.

When I decided to take a moment (and step outside because I was legitimately throwing a toddler fit that I was ” laboring” and doing dishes by myself and everyone was and “resting and relaxing“) I breathed in and out and wondered what God thought about this idea of work.

So I googled.

And this is a verse that came up.

Okaaaaay, so that was humbling.

God ALSO doesn’t ever take a break. Or get a day off… or relax and rest…when it comes to us and our salvation. He WORKS. ( present tense) Hard. Each and every day- pouring His love into us- even on the days when we don’t quite deserve it. ( ahhhhheemmmm.)

He has also given each of us gifts- unique abilities- that He knows will propel us into a life full of happiness, joy, and for His good. And a Holy Spirit to call on to give that extra boost of patience, kindness and fortitude. Our “labor” can, in fact, be a gift. To our families, to our friends and neighbors, to our Heavenly Father.

Then, for kicks and giggles, I looked up the verse that followed. I thought to myself- if that verse was spot on- I bet there’s some serious wisdom in the following verses.

Mic drop.

So… I think what I’m hearing is that I should put on my big-girl pants and quit my crying.

My life, my children, my marriage, the dirty dishes…( It’s just coincidence that those two followed each other, BTW…) it can all be labored with love. It just takes a little less grumbling and a whole lot more Jesus.

I am off to open my heart, mind, and hands to the work of Him who loves me.

Now, if you’ll excuse me- I need to go find June.

Yes! But, now what?

August 15, 2022 by Monica Leave a Comment

Mary, Joshua, Noah.

Not just known as epic names, but also for their epic choices.

Mary- a teen with a dream. And her dream was shattered with a visit from an angel. Did he deliver news that rocked her world? Sure did! Did she run and hide, tell him to check his list twice, and that she must not be the girl for the job? Thankfully not. She, without so much as a fraction of an idea as to what was coming- the pain, the heart-ache, the loss, the lessons-she agreed. And the greatest love story of all time was set in motion.

Joshua- the chosen one to tag-team Moses and lead a band of newly-freed, desert-weathered wanderers to defeat the impenetrable city of Jericho. His odds? About a million to 1. He had to rally the troops, remind them how mana was still considered food- albeit more Keto than carb-y in flavor, and deliver the good news that the city walls would fall to rubble after they circled the city 6 times in 6 days and 7 times on the 7th day, concluding in a loud trumpet blast and shouting.

But Joshua’s “yes” helped execute God’s somewhat-crazy plan, and just as He said they would, “the walls came a-tumbling down.”

Now, on to Noah.

I feel his story is one overshadowed by a monumental, epic rush of furious flooding, followed by a picture-perfect rainbow hanging centered in the cerulean sky.

But there is a story of a very faithful “yes” tucked in those pages.

From what I’ve come to research, and many sources vary, our main character was a 500-year old farmer, in the desert.

Not exactly Chip Gaines.

But all God needed was a nod and a mustard seed of faith. And approximately 377 days of patience on a the salty seas.

The girls and I love talking Bible stories in our morning Bible and Breakfast. Time and time again, you see a common theme woven in these stories- God loves to take the underdog, the outlier, the smallest, the frailest, the ones you might never have known before- and unleash GREAT things within them.

The key ingredients? A willing heart and the faith to enter into something completely unknown without all the answers.

I took a moment to look up the word “yes” and found its origin to be quite interesting.

I found, “…old English gēse, gīse, probably from an unrecorded phrase meaning ‘may it be so’.”

“May it be so…” When I say those words out-loud, there does seem to be a slight hesitation, but with an ever-present attitude of agreement. Almost as if to say, “Well, ( eyes closed, heart pounding, open arms) here we go!”

I find this to be 100 % how I have always envisioned the stories in the Bible going… Moses, Joshua, Mary, Joseph, Noah, and many, many more. I picture their initial “yeses” to be full of trepidation, hesitation, worry, fear, and doubt. Yet, that isn’t the end of their story. With more faith than fear, their willing hearts help mould them into mountain climbers.

Heading into the school year in just seven short days, I am finding myself plagued with anxiety. When I homeschooled my children a few years ago, I was stricken with the same anxiety, but its reasons- dramatically different. I was about to be home. With my children. And teach them. Every day. Yet, I was only worried about doing it well– not the actual journey. For that adventure, I felt completely called.

So what is paralyzing me this year? I had a full on panic attack in my sleep last night. I dreamed of having the perfect Kindergarten classroom, but I couldn’t find my planbook. I looked and looked, even sat down to a meeting with my colleagues equipped with a sharp pencil and fresh notebook, all to be disrupted and never writing a thing down. Now, I’m no dream specialist, but I gather that I’m having trouble with the idea that I cannot predict, plan or control how the upcoming school year will go for each of my sweet babies.

They can be as prepared as can be- have all the right clothes, all the best school supplies, even with their math facts tucked into their new jean’s back pocket. But will it all be okay? Will they have enough friends? Will they get into a bit of trouble? Will they remember what 7 X 8 is? Will they help out when kindness is needed? Of that, my friends, is what we cannot be 100% sure. This is where our faithful, “may it be so”, comes in.

Our children are loved- certainly by us but also by our Heavenly Father. And when we cannot hold their hands, pick them up, whisper encouragement and positive reminders, HE can.

God isn’t asking us to let our children go this year… He’s asking us to let Him GO into their lives. Full charge, each morning, bus-rider and walker, kindergarten and senior, Geometry and lunch…no bars hold. He’s all in.

But are we?

Today I am working to breathe more, hug more, smile more, declutter the backpack closet without losing my mind, and focus on my favorite verse…

A lamp. Not stadium lights- illuminating all things near and far. Rather, His word is a hopeful, glimmer in the dark, with a warm glow, guiding me on my path. My children’s paths. One small step, then another.

So, it is with my eyes closed ( teary as they be), my heart pounding, my tired arms open, that I say- with more faith than fear- “Yes, Lord.”

And now, let the greatness begin…

Motherhood: A whole lotta laundry, a surge of soap and a courageous cacti

May 3, 2022 by Monica 3 Comments

Funny motherhood quotes. | Quotes about motherhood, Mother quotes, Mom life quotes

Funny Mom Quotes That Will Have You Cry-Laughing | Reader's Digest

Ha- did I get your attention with this blog post title? It came to me in pieces, but the final part was on a neighborhood walk… keep reading for that story…

Now, Motherhood. What job on earth compares? Not many, I dare say. I love the memes and images that come up when you google Mothers.

A few of my favorites: ( seriously get ready to spit out your coffee)

https://www.boredpanda.com/funny-mom-memes/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic

I chose the title to highlight a few things about Motherhood that have been on my heart. Two truths and some encouragement.

A whole lotta laundry: I was fighting with the laundry the other day ( the clothes were winning) and as I struggled with a sore back and aching arms to successfully move what seemed to be 30 lbs of soaking wet pants, soccer shirts, underwear and towels from the washer to the dryer, something smacked me in the face. And it wasn’t a loose baby sock. Each time I leaned in to transfer the heavy load from one machine to the other, I found myself mumbling, “I do NOT remember putting ALL this in here… jeesh, this is utterly ridiculous…and it’s HEAAAAVVVYYYY.”

Okay, am I alone on this one? Has that happened to anyone else while unloading the washer? I think I reached in 10 times and pulled out everything our family owns. How did it all get in there? I know I don’t love to sort, but I can’t imagine throwing all of that in. In fact, the washer can’t wash and the dryer can’t dry if it’s overloaded… See, Adam, I do listen when you talk :O) The “chunka chunka” noises coming from my laundry room are certainly sounds of a something extremely hardworking, but also the very sounds of something that could break at any time…

ooooooooo.

You see what I did there? Huge metaphor for Motherhood. Right. In. Front. Of. Us.

We don’t always realize the burden and weight of all we’re doing until it comes down to the wire. The machine buzzer, or in Mom terms: the child who asks us to find their favorite shirt as the bus is coming down the street, the email asking for one more of your already-packed hours, the shopping list that keeps building, the overdue library books, the gym membership that’s collecting dust, the Amazon order you were counting on thats now somehow “lost”… and I could go on and on.

It’s a lot. And it’s heavy. And it certainly didn’t start out that way, did it? We had really good intentions. But we’re only one person.

Matthew 11:28 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, a...

On to the next metaphor…

I was cleaning the bathroom the other day, ( another highly relatable moment in a Mother’s life) and I was refilling the beautiful soap dispenser I had recently purchased from the Magnolia section at Target. Full disclosure- sometimes I go there and sit on the couch and pretend Chip and Jo are sitting next to me and ask for my help on their next project. Then, someone throws something at me and wakes me up from that dream….

So, I slowly and carefully tipped over the extra-large refill container and started to gently squeeze and let the soap flow into the pretty one. All went well, I filled it perfectly! Then I went to put the dispensing top on and the soap erupted like a volcano on all sides. Now I had a huge mess. I may have added the perfect amount of soap, but I had forgotten to leave room for the most important part…

Lastly, some encouragement.

I went on a walk in my neighborhood yesterday and I was stopped by the sweetest older gentleman. After exchanging “Good Mornings”, he pointed up his driveway and asked me to watch the cactus sitting by his porch.

I took off my sunglasses and stared at it intently. The sweet man smiled and let out a little chuckle. He told me that he didn’t mean watch it right now, but be on the lookout for what would happen soon. He went on to tell me that this particular, amazing cacti only blooms once a year and when it does, its only for a day.

Once a Year These Cacti Will Flower for 24 Hours » TwistedSifter

This, my friends, is our challenge and blessing all in one.

Motherhood- a vocation, a load that is heavier than we thought it would be, a life where we are overflowing with our commitments to our families, our communities, our world. There are many times when no one will even see us at our best, how hard we are working behind the scenes. Most will walk right by and only see the pokes and spikes of our un-showered, un-caffeinated exterior. We will be tempted to measure ourselves by all that we’re not. But rest assured, you have a greater purpose. There is a beauty in it all, and we can bloom nonetheless. You are brightening the world- one day, one heart at a time.

Happy Mother’s Day!

I am who I am

April 14, 2022 by Monica Leave a Comment

I once found myself stuck on the floor of my oldest child’s bedroom, completely paralyzed between two squeaky floorboards. This was all after my forearm was caught behind her pillow for ten minutes as she had put the tooth fairy pillow on the wall side of her bed. My hand was completely stuck holding a teeny, tiny envelope with a teeny, tiny letter inside with teeny, tiny handwriting and an origami dollar bill. Once freed from that ridiculous position, I tried to quietly exit the room with ballet movements I had only seen in movies. When all of a sudden, as I was almost home free, I stepped and heard a creak so loud my daughter’s head popped up. I hit the deck like a spider monkey- spread out on all fours, hovering above the rug and loud floor. Sweat was dripping down my furrowed brow, as I contemplated my next move. But the light from my bedroom was illuminating my whereabouts so I couldn’t slowly crawl and with each new movement I made- hand or foot- some new creak came out. The creaky floor boards were multiplying..is that even possible? Instead of crawling, I decided to channel something I had seen on Bear Grills about being stuck in quicksand… I laid completely flat on the floor to distribute my weight and tried to shimmy like a snake out of the room. I barely made it into the hallway before the snorts of hysterical laughter hit as I wondered what had gotten me into this mess.

Sneaking around boots fence GIF - Find on GIFER

I am Me.

That’s why I was in this mess.

It’s why I’m always in a huge mess.

I truly believe I can be all things, do all things, complete every task at hand, and nothing will fail.

It’s a blessing and a curse, really- my obscure and sometimes out-of-touch positivity.

And in the case of the “stuck in spider monkey position on a child’s creaky floor at midnight,” it’s definitely a curse.

The other day my husband, bless his heart, had enough of my hi-jinx, ( this time- a late St. Patrick’s eve debacle with a Barbie pool being filled with green food dye and green glitter…) and looked at me with his sweet eyes and said, “Monica… this is ridiculous. We can’t be everything. It’s Santa, it’s the the tooth-fairy, it’s the Easter bunny, it’s the elf, it’s the wishing owl ( something I made up, of course, with a creepy fake owl on a farm fence post…) Honey- you can’t keep doing this.”

Ouch.

Wait, did it hurt because he said it? Or did it hurt because it’s true?

Probably the second one.

Why is it that us moms feel the need to BE all things? It’s not humanly possible, yet we try with all our might. It is that we feel our worth is riding on all those titles? The imaginative and the real-life?

Not only are we fairies and elves, but we’re volunteers, directors, drivers, chefs, nurses, party-planners, politicians, and every other hat we can fit on our heads.

And it’s draining. On us, and on our families.

So, if we can’t do it all, then who can?

No, dear ladies- the answer is not our husbands. Try as they may, they are incredibly prone to being “fast fixers” but they are certainly not fairy material…

GUEST COLUMN: A Review of The Tooth Fairy — Every Movie Has a Lesson

And it’s not our neighbors, friends, or co-workers either. Although asking for help is a bold, beautiful thing. See post from many years ago….

The Bare Necessities…The Simple Bare Necessities

The answer, I’m learning, is God.

He can be, and always will be ALL things.

If we let Him…

My children and I watched the movie Prince of Egypt the other day and something hit me like never before. Growing up well-versed in all the Bible stories, Moses and the burning bush was certainly not new to me. But watching the scene in that movie connected to something I had just heard in a sermon just days before.

An expert on the explanation of Exodus 3:14…

The phrase translated “I am who I am” in Hebrew is ehyeh asher ehyeh. The word ehyeh is the first person common singular of the verb to be. It would be used in any number of normal situations: “I am watching the sheep,” “I am walking on the road,” or “I am his father.” However, when used as a stand-alone description, I AM is the ultimate statement of self-sufficiency, self-existence, and immediate presence. God’s existence is not contingent upon anyone else. His plans are not contingent upon any circumstances. He promises that He will be what He will be; that is, He will be the eternally constant God. He stands, ever-present and unchangeable, completely sufficient in Himself to do what He wills to do and to accomplish what He wills to accomplish.

https://www.gotquestions.org/I-AM-WHO-I-AM-Exodus-3-14.html

When God told Moses, “I am…” he was stating his complete power and perfection. Last time I checked, I could not be summed up with that same statement. When I begin with, “I am…” I usually follow it with “mother”, “wife”, “friend”, “sister”, “diaper changer”, “temperature-taker”, “dog poop picker-upper” and these days-and I quote “mean mom who won’t give an 11 year-old an I-phone 13.”

By stark contrast, in a beautiful sermon I heard at the funeral of a dear friend’s mother, the pastor went on to say that what follows when God says “I am,” is everything. “Father”, “friend”, “comforter”, “leader”, “guider”, “provider”, “the Way”, “the Truth”, and “the Life.”

And even though I go through my days willing my plans and relying on my own strength, (all to the tune of, “I want it that way…” by The Backstreet Boys playing in my head), I know that I have a choice, every single day.

There will always be disappointments, letdowns, changes, losses… battles we can’t win with our #tweens.

There will always be more to sign up for, places to be, things to achieve, titles to hold.

But, again- the question is- Where is my worth?

How can I answer, “Who am I?” without all the madness above?

I’ll leave you with this short scene from one of favorite recent movies.

I highly recommend viewing the entire movie, especially as a family.

The next time you have a chance to answer, “Who am I?” – resist temptations to define yourself through your achievements, titles, accolades, or prove yourself with your last post-able picture. And ignore the world telling you that you are only as good as your imperfect parenting, worst flaw, or classic short-comings compared to unreal expectations.

Slowly, take off each of those hats, one by one, and then take a moment of quiet.

When you find yourself wondering what is left when all else is gone, listen hard to hear His gentle, comforting, life-saving words. The only words that truly matter.

He is whispering, “I am.”

“Enough is Enough” plus a Valentine’s door wreath DIY

January 31, 2022 by Monica 3 Comments

June is in the new baby phase where we find ourselves constantly handing her new things to hold- which she initially marvels at and keeps her attention for approximately 13 seconds. Until she hurls said object across the room or hits herself in the head with it. We frantically scramble to put something else quickly in her little tiny hands before she throws a tantrum, which she then marvels at and loves for all of 13 seconds. Oh, babies.

She hasn’t yet developed “object permanence.” That’s a term I remember from child psychology- (smarty pants) where just because a baby can’t see the object, she doesn’t think it exists anymore.

Ooooo, you want to hear something funny? I think I am slightly guilty of this, too.

Burn.

Happy life, happy wife, things go away…cry, pout, insert new shiny object. Happy life, happy wife, things stop being happy, can’t quite reach…pout, cry, throw something across room.

Am I the only one?

I was reading in a morning devotion the other day- according to the Catechism- “…our thirst for another’s goods is immense, infinite, and never quenched. Thus it is written, “He who loves money never has money enough.”

If it’s not money- what is it? Fill in the blank with your vice/ goal/ desire.

For me – it’s books.

My mom asked me years and years ago, “When you get an agent, or once you have a book out there, then what? Will you be happy?” I, of course, answered a cheerful and naive “yes.”

But the reality is, the taste and joy of having published a book only made me want to hold another… and another. And there’s nothing wrong with writing – if I’m using God’s pen. And participating in His plan. But if I’m driving my own car, on a one way street to MY destination- then I’m not quite getting the gist. I’m asking God for his occasional advice, (on song choice and good eats to stop at) but not exactly asking him to take the wheel and navigate. If I’m never satisfied, fulfilled or happy until I have another book, well then…

A wanted animation....Edited — Elder Scrolls Online

We all remember the beloved tale by Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree.

10 Things Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree Taught Us (Besides Giving, That Is) 10 Things Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree Taught Us (Besides Giving, That Is)

It’s a poetic play on what our human nature does once we seek out and taste happiness. It highlights and spells out how momentary happiness can be and how it also often times leaves us yearning something new to quench that feeling…

Fusenews: And the tree was moderately amused - A Fuse #8 Production

More lbs. shed, more things bought at Homegoods…

(The following excerpt is purely fictional. Any relation to myself, the writer, or my actual current living room is simply coincidental…)

I need a new lamp . … now I need a new painting to match the lamp. Now I need a new throw to match the painting to match the lamp … now I need more pillows to match the throw that matches the painting that matches the lamp . Now I need a new couch …. Possibly a new house? Holy heck, this whole thing started with a lamp! 😭
*Maybe my husband is right- lamps are the tools of the devil 👿 *

Or is it more fame? More job titles? More “likes”…

When will enough actually BE enough? Will there be a level achieved that sends my happy hands high in the air? Will there be a beautiful, behemoth, blissful moment – that will finally satisfy that deep, constant, unsettled hunger we have? I’m only talking from personal experience here, but I’m starting to realize by myself- I will never be enough. And get ready, the devil will capitalize on this epiphany and whisper, “That thing you just achieved… that thing you are holding…it’s not going to last. It’s not enough. YOU aren’t enough…”

And do you know what will slap the devil right in the face? To get off the wheel and yell back, “You’re right. I’m not big enough, strong enough, wise enough…”

“But do you know where you’re wrong?”

“I have Him.

And

That

Enough.“

When I saw this verse, it made me think of a beautiful testimony I heard back at the beginning of the pandemic. A woman from my church shared how, through the lack of yeast in all the markets during that particular unprecedented time, it caused her to see “daily bread” in a new light. And ever since I heard her speak, I have never thought of those words in The Lord’s Prayer the same either.

“…give us this day our daily bread…”

This day.

Not next week.

Not next month.

Not next year.

This day.

Our daily bread…

The graces, strength, wisdom, energy, patience, fortitude, love and faith.

” …He will bless you abundantly, and you will abound…”

It’s all we need.

It’s all we’ll ever need.

Hebrews 1:11

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.“

This is where my job starts ( and a chance to really stick it to the devil)… seizing the opportunity to separate myself from the thoughts and actions of my sweet 6-month old baby June. Instead of throwing a tantrum, I need to exercise the muscle that is flexed when things get tough, trials come, and the journey seems long. When whatever shiny object I am temporarily occupying my time and happiness with seems to have suddenly disappeared or is slightly out of reach, I have to stop looking around. I must look up.

Object permanence… or in this case, a daily dose of faith-filled footsteps.

It is enough.

And I’ve decided that His enough is enough for me.

CRAFT TIME!

Friends Yay GIF - Friends Yay Excited - Discover & Share GIFs

Valentine’s door wreath DIY

Hello crafty friends! It’s been too long since I’ve added a tutorial to the blog posts- so here we are- step by step instructions to create this super fun Valentine’s door decor! *I want to thank the blogger who inspired this creation- Craftaholics Anonymous. I loved her wreath and took the idea and ran with it!

Materials: (all from my local Michaels)

foam wreath form – 2 inch X 15.6 inch
foam wreath form- 1.7 inch X 11.7 inch
variety of ribbons – I used black & white striped, lacy pink, and ended up going with a red tulle that I had stashed away from Christmas- the ones I had planned to use on the smaller wreath were not long enough! Oops!
large wooden plank
wooden letters 2 “X”, 2 “O”
last minute addition- *some greenery I had in my craft room*
scissors
hot glue

Step 1) I wrapped the larger wreath form in the black and white striped ribbon and hot glued the ends.

Step 2) I wrapped the smaller wreath form in the red tulle- bunching it as I wrapped to create a deep crimson color that sufficiently covered the green form. Secure ends with hot glue.

I love the texture!

Step 3) I hot glued greenery to the wooden plank for some dimension. This is not a must- but if you have anything fun laying around, try it!

Step 4) I hot glued the wooden letters to the greenery.

Step 5) I nestled the 2 wreath forms into each other and secured them with the pink lacy ribbon.

Step 6) I hot glued the wooden plank to the larger wreath form.

Voila! Hang and enjoy!

More Perfect Than a Partridge in a Pear Tree

December 28, 2021 by Monica 2 Comments

My father told me a story while I was up in Philadelphia last week about a little radio excerpt of the famous “Twelve Days of Christmas.” However, in this version – it was a letter being being read from the “True Love” recipient to the kind giver of the many gifts.

The letters start out with much affection and in much gratitude for the “partridge in the pear tree”, the “turtle doves”, “french hens” and “calling birds.” The love within the written words starts to dwindle as the “swans a swimming” and “maids a milking” arrive to the scene. The endearment is but a tiny ember as the “lords a leaping” take effect, and by the time the “pipers are pipping” and the “drummers are drumming,” the chaos climaxes while the frustration erupts. It is simply too much for the True Love to even handle. It is a very humorous insight into what might happen if these impractical, (albeit thoughtful) presents were actually received together under one roof. * And paints a pretty perfect picture of my house on any given Tuesday morning…*

On this 4th day of Christmas, ( Yes! The song refers to the 12 after!) with its 68 degree weather, I am finding it somewhat hard to keep that “Holly, jolly”, “weather outside is frightful”, kind of feeling. However, is there truth in what the songs and movies tell us- is Christmas just a feeling?

The Top 10 Christmas Songs You Never Get Sick of Hearing | Glamour

I’m going to argue that it’s not.

When I was growing up, the weeks leading up to Christmas were nothing short of hustle and bustle. My father was busy writing sermons for Sunday, Christmas Eve and Christmas day. My mother was leading the floral festivities of church decorating. And I was deep in drama- coordinating the children’s Christmas pageant. Time seemed to fly by as the doors of our chocolate-filled Advent calendar were opened each morning. Next thing I knew, it was Christmas Eve, and I was standing in the chapel with 10 minutes ’till show time, 3 extra shepherds, 2 broken halos, and a half-swaddled baby-doll Jesus tucked under Joseph’s arm like a football. And somehow, it went off without a hitch. It always did- like God himself was shining down on our 2-star production of the Nativity- guiding the shepherds and their dinosaurs, the half-dressed angels, and the audience’s hearts to that lowly manger in Bethlehem.

The highlight of it all would be when later that night, amidst a quiet, candle-lit congregation, the baby Jesus was lovingly cradled and walked down to the life-sized stable in the back of the church to the solemn singing of Silent Night.

Nothing else mattered in those very moments. Not the un-wrapped presents, the many wardrobe changes ’till I had found the perfect pieces to wear, the weather, or even the world.

I was completely transfixed on the face of our Lord, dimly lit by the flickering flames of those gathered around him.

And all was right.

Then, why- do I find it so hard to keep that in my life- all season long- all the year’s long?

Because I am attaching my Christmas joy to a feeling. A few fleeting moments of happiness when everything seemed right. The tree looked magazine-worthy, the cookies were baked to perfection, the weather was chilly and snowy, the carols echoed through the stores and streets, and people smiled while greeting each other with gifts.

What isn’t there to love about this time of year?

Alas- all those things do go away. The tree gets taken down, ( some day- if you get a chance- ask my mother about how I would practically chain myself to the tree in a complete boycott and meltdown of its deconstruction…I handled it with such maturity…but, honestly- I’m thinking of starting a support group because it’s my least favorite day of the year and I have a feeling I’m not alone…) the cookies get eaten or tossed, the snow melts – or in the case of NOVA- never comes, and the music goes back to Pop while the stores slash prices and start pushing candy hearts.

That scene does not bring me joy.

But we need to find it- no matter the holiday, the weather, the condition of our homes, attitudes of our kids, and state of the world.

We need to find the JOY.

But how?

Detach.

I am not just talking about letting go of the trunk of the tree… uhhheemmmm, Monica… although, that would help.

I am suggesting, per a powerful sermon by Bishop Barron, that we get off the roller coaster taking us on the ups and downs of our days and focus on the thing that never changes- Jesus.

He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And we cannot say that about anything else in our lives.

I know many people like to head into the New Year with a mantra, so I’ll lend you mine for 2022: “Let Go & Let God. Repeat.”

I know you’ve probably heard the first part before, but did you happen to notice how I enhanced it? Repeat! I’m super amazing at giving God a few problems here and there, but I also tend to hold back some things, too- relying on my own strength, abilities and vision to get out of a jam. Spoiler alert- I’m not God. And I have no idea how to get out of 80% of my jams. And to deal with the daily chaos that is my life. My goal this year? To fully rely on God ( FROG). And you guessed it- REPEAT!

Dear friends, that is certainly going to be the challenge. To constantly give Him the loads of laundry, the sassy sarcasm from ‘tweens, the traffic, and all the unknowns. Are you up for it? There’s going to be a ton of failure, so get ready for it…

Just as we make a plan to lose the Christmas cookie weight or finally organize the spice drawer-both alphabetically and by height- let’s make a plan that’s meant to last.

Jesus did not come on Christmas Day for us to barely hang to the safety bar on the whipping, whirling roller coaster of feeling. He didn’t come to save the world only for us to be happy once a year. He came for us to live, and live to the fullest. With Christmas JOY. Each and every day.

Sent with more perfect love than “a partridge in a pear tree” or even those “twelve drummers drumming,” you’ve got the greatest gift in your hands. Now, what happens next is up to you.

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What Is the Meaning and Significance of the Manger?

Merry Christmas to all and a Happy, JOYful New Year!

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