Praises of a Wife and Mommy

It was a worshipful night, and I felt privileged to simply watch and join in. There was a stillness over the room, the kind that only settles when hearts turn toward the Lord. The worship team was preparing a new song for Sunday, and as they practiced, a calmness—almost a holy hush—filled the space. The talent in the room was undeniable, but the presence of the Lord was felt even more. It was loud but not dramatic. It was quiet, steady, and peaceful—like God was reminding us that He often moves most deeply in the gentle moments. I was tired that night, so instead of pushing myself, I just sat and rested in the seeking moment. And even that felt like worship. Sometimes worship looks like singing loudly. Sometimes it looks like raising your hands and dancing and even screaming or crying or laying on the floor.   And sometimes it simply looks like sitting still and letting your soul breathe again. Scriptures that came to mind: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 “I...

We are those people… the ones who put the Christmas tree up before Thanksgiving. Honestly, the last few years we’ve put it up on Halloween because—why not?! But this year we were out of town for Selah’s cross-country meet, so we planned to decorate the first Sunday after. That Sunday ended up being a really rough emotional day for me in this healing process, so we postponed it. Last weekend finally became the day, and it turned into such a beautiful evening. Hot chocolate was made with lots of add in choices. We watched “Elf” after the tree was done, my husband has been asking to watch it for weeks already. The house was buzzing with movement, laughter, and Christmas music. And I just sat back, taking it all in. I watched everyone put the lights on the tree and hang the ornaments… though I did direct my husband about where to place the first ornament. I mean—some ornaments are favorites and need to be exactly where I can see them, right? As I watched my people decorate, I felt this dee...

Last week was something I’ll never forget. We got to see the Northern Lights right here in Iowa, something I’ve always dreamed of witnessing. Science explains that a solar storm made it possible for the skies in our area to light up… but I can’t help but see the hand of God in it all. Psalm 19:1 kept echoing in my heart: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” And wow… they truly did. It started when I stepped out onto the deck and caught the faint glow in the sky. That was all it took—we grabbed the boy and headed to the school football field where it’s a bit darker and more “country.” Even on the drive there, we saw soft streaks of pink glowing across the sky. When we finally parked and looked up, the sky began shifting with greens and pinks, dancing slowly, almost shyly, but so full of wonder. Yes, I know the cameras can pick up colors and movements our eyes can’t fully capture… but I will forever carry a handful of images in my mind that I...

This week I found myself standing over my beautiful purple flowers, now beginning to wilt. Their petals were drooping, their strength fading yet somehow, they were still stunning. The purple still glowed. The softness still invited a closer look. Even in their down-trodden state, there was beauty. It struck me as a simple but powerful reminder: Even in broken moments, there is still beauty. Even in seasons where God is pruning, refining, or breaking things off of us, there is still goodness worth praising Him for. Jesus said, “Every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit” (John 15:2). Pruning doesn’t feel pretty. Wilted seasons don’t look strong. But they are part of a holy process, one that leads to deeper life. Those purple flowers reminded me of a few things:  1. Purple is the color of royalty. (I know I have said that a few times)  Even wilted, they carried royal beauty. It’s a picture of the truth that our identity in Christ is not based on how s...

  It was Flannel Day in town — you know, one of those small-town events to get more to come to town to go to the shops. The boy and I put on our best flannel and headed downtown. I was determined, crutches and all, to enjoy the day! We stopped at the gas station where they were giving out free donuts (who doesn’t love free donuts?). I only had a couple of bites, but the boy? Let’s just say he had no problem finishing two donuts and was very proud of it. Then we wandered into one of the local shops and sampled some dips — and let me tell you, I could have stayed there all afternoon “sampling.” Titus actually bought a couple Christmas presents at this shop!   The weather was warm, the fall colors were putting on their best show, and Titus made it his personal mission to find every crunchy leaf on the sidewalk. There’s just something about those fall sounds, the crisp crunch of leaves, laughter in the air, and the rustle of wind through the trees  hat makes you slow dow...

My husband, being the personal trainer that he is, saw me gaining more mobility and immediately went into full “trainer-engineer” mode. Before I knew it, our treadmill had a brand-new weight assist attachment! (Who needs fancy gym equipment when you’ve got a husband with tools and determination?) In all seriousness though my husband finds a way to recreate things when they normally cost thousands of dollars... I truly am blessed!  He rigged it up so I could walk safely and build strength without overdoing it. I took my first slow, careful walk on it, then proudly showed it to my physical therapist. She smiled, nodded, and gave me the green light—so that officially made it PT approved!  I think I started with 30 pounds of assist and then went to about 45 pounds off. (When I got off I felt so heavy... I quickly realized how nice it was to walk with a lot less weight.)   And then it happened… I walked—with a limp, yes—but I walked. I walked slowly—but I walked. I held t...

  My scooter again became loose and was moving my knee all over the place.  My son was the fix it again and I am so glad my knee is not moving all over the place anymore.  I guess a screw came out so he ended up finding the screw I think in his car and was able to get it back in and safe for me.   Thanks Titus... Also, I am pretty sure you are learning how to be an amazing husband with this injury recovery time for me.  Thank you for always helping me and just showing love in action to me!