by Taylor Gardner | Feb 13, 2016 | Family + Relationships
When it comes to Valentine’s Day you either really hate it or you really love it, there is no in between. If you are like me, you could do without it. However, this year I have been trying to be a lot more positive, so I am going to give this lovely holiday my all. Instead of reveling in my singleness, I decided it would be better to focus on how loved I am. I mean that is what Valentine’s Day is about, L-O-V-E. So, here is how I plan to spend my Valentine’s Day.
- Spend time with Lord
- Here’s the thing, no one and I mean NO ONE can love you like the Lord can. And with Valentine’s Day being on Sunday this year that gives you an even better reason to spend time with the greatest love of all time.
- Enjoy you family
- Family is there when things hit the fan and they usually pick up the pieces. This Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to take time out of your busy schedule and spend it with your family. Everyone needs a little family time to feel better.
- Kick it with your friends
- As life takes over, careers start and change, people move and start families; it can be hard to keep up with your friends. So, take this time whether it is over the phone, video call, or in person, to check in with your friends. Because let’s face it at one point they were really important in your life, so don’t let time distance you too much.
Whether you are single or deeply in love, everyone can enjoy Valentine’s Day, because I guarantee that people love you. So it only makes sense to spend time with those people! Reminisce, laugh, eat, watch movies, do anything, but do it with those you love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Taylor G.
by Taylor Gardner | Feb 9, 2016 | Family + Relationships
While I have not yet been blessed to be a Mom, which I know will come in the future, I have been fortunate enough to be a big sister to two young men and three young ladies. And as much as we fight and they certainly can get on my nerves, I would not be the person I am or be as happy as I am without them. So to express my love for them since siblings don’t usually do that, I wrote my young queens a little letter. (The one for my brothers is coming a tad bit later)
To my darling younger sisters,
Let me start by saying that each of you holds a special place in my heart.
You are spontaneous, caring, funny, loving, optimistic, intelligent, and beautiful.
DO NOT let one single soul, male or female, steal your joy or devalue you.
There will be naysayers and haters, because they are jealous of all the things that you can and will do.
NEVER doubt yourself, because anything that you think you can accomplish, you will.
KNOW and BELIEVE that your skin, body and hair are beautiful! I know you may not see many people that look like you, but you are perfect the way you are, no matter what anyone says.
Embrace the fact that you are different, because that is what makes you so special.
And most importantly, if you feel like you have no one, understand that I love you more than words can explain and that I am always here for you.
My life was a lot less fun before each of you entered my life and I am determined as your big sister to make sure that no one ever breaks you down, because the world and most definitely me needs each of you.
Love always,
Taylor
by Kiersten Homalon | Jan 8, 2016 | Family + Relationships
Most know that parenting a strong willed toddler, especially a girl toddler, is well, trying. I am blessed with a two year old daughter that has somehow bottled up the vigor of a lion inside of her little frame. She is hilarious beyond her years, and stubborn to the point of maternal mental break downs. Yes, she is going to be a woman with grit I have no doubt. I am so thankful for her just the way she is! I constantly pray for wisdom as her mother, and I am one to hold my parenting to a standard that sometimes, well most times, has to be replaced with the Grace and Forgiveness of God. And after a moment that happened in the shuffle to get my daughter to bed in a timely manner, I heard the whisper of the Lord remind me what my roll is in her life right now as her mother, and that is to “Remind her what she IS”.
This may seem like something a little intense when raising a toddler however, I have found that its actually the simplicity that makes it so difficult. With there being billions of parenting books, blogs, suggestions (most often times unwanted) from family members and friends, and the stigma that haunts most mothers: our compulsion to compare our parenting to others. With all of these forces combined it seems impossible to know what path or style to choose for your child. We all have this idealistic way we want to parent, because we have the idealistic way we want our children to turn out in our heads. Honestly, what parent doesn’t WANT their children to be Happy and Ambitious about their faith and their life! That is the best as a mother, to have happy children! But in the midst of a Toddler melt down, and trying to steer the discipline boat, I ran onto a mound that encouraged me to redirect the sails of this ship.
When my daughter gets tired there is a FINE line between going to bed peacefully and the tipping point where all emotion, and reason fly out the window and she becomes a mess. Last night was one of those nights. As I put her in the bed and tried to reason with her, I told her “You are not listening to mommy, you do not scream at mommy, you are not being kind, you are not doing what mommy and daddy are asking you.” And then she stopped crying, looked at me and quivered her little lip and burst out, “I don’t have Jesus in my heart anymore!?” With a questioning look on her little face. I lost it. I cried out and scooped her up. And in that moment God whispered, “Tell her what she IS!” So I expressed to her that even if we do things that are not what we should that NOTHING and NOONE can take Jesus out of our hearts, not even ourselves! One he is in our hearts he is what we call “Happily Stuck”. She calmed down and we were able to snuggle, I felt so compelled to tell her how much she is loved by me but by Jesus EVEN MORE! I couldn’t believe that at her age she is already thirsty for these type of reassurances and answers in her life. I don’t think that it was wrong to discipline her in the way I did, but now when I want to correct or direct her, I want to do it by reminding her WHAT SHE IS, and that is a Child of God. THAT is the most important thing I can do as her mommy.
3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in Truth.”
Have Grit Sweet Ones,
Kiersten
by Altimese Nichole | Dec 20, 2015 | Family + Relationships
It’s holiday season is a time when many of us travel to be with loved ones, family and close friends. We show kindness to the ones we loves through great food, time, laughter, and gifts. We’re sounded by Christmas Carols, eggnog, and beautiful lights on the Christmas tree.
On the contrary, this is also a time of year where people are reminded of loved ones who have passed away, relationships that didn’t last, and dreams that haven’t yet manifested in the time desired. People who are going through these feelings and moments of pain suffer in silence. They smile and share laughs through standard conversation and cry silently behind closed doors. As those around them share sentiments of joy, they wear a mask to hide tears and sadness. Through the pain, they allow thoughts and memories to dig a deeper wound of pain—which makes their silent turmoil almost unbearable.
As we prepare for Christmas and the New Year, let’s make it a priority to be kind and intentional toward all of those around us. Let’s hug a little longer, show care and concern with authenticity, and give love freely and in abundance. Those suffering rarely open up to cry for help, so your love could be the very thing to help them get through this season.
by Torrie Oglesby | Nov 24, 2015 | Family + Relationships
Dear Daughter,
I know you look at me and see Super-Mama, as that is what you call me when I fix your boo-boo’s or find your toy that you thought had gone missing forever. You feel safe in my arms as I read bedtime stories to you and pray over you before we go to sleep. You feel confident when I say “Great Job!” or “Wow! What an awesome idea.” You feel brave when I remind you that God makes you mighty and strong and you realize that you can conquer anything, even your stinky little brother. I know through your eyes I am unbreakable and super even when I have to correct you, you look at me with those forever hopeful eyes and understand why mommy got upset with you. I have a major secret to tell…are you ready?
My superhero armor is only this strong because of you. You see before you I really only thought about myself. My days were filled with what I wanted to do and when I wanted to do it. I was pretty lost, just doing what everyone else was doing and felt so empty. Then you came into our lives, forever changing it by adding more color, boldness, and truth disguised in tutu’s and singing. I feel super when I get to help you in any way. You make me feel safe when you ask to cuddle up with me or kiss my head when you know I have a headache. You give me confidence by asking me questions and truly wanting to know the answer. You fill me up with bravery every morning that we are blessed to wake up and start our days. I feel unbreakable, I feel strong and powerful because of you. All my superhero qualities are a product of you.
So I guess what I want to say is thank you. Thank you for finding me, believing in me, trusting me and molding me into this confident Super-Mama! Thank you for all the lessons and the plot twist that you often bring about and thank you for being you so fearlessly and unapologetically. Thank you for pulling out the Super hero in me. I love you daughter.
Love mama!
Torrie Oglesby
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