In June a new workout place, called Pure Barre, opened here in Jackson. I have heard things about this franchise for years and always hoped that Jackson would get one. When I heard the news that Jackson was getting one I could not get signed up fast enough. It is much different than the running or interval training I normally do. The classes last 55 minutes and they are HARD!! Just when I think that I can master something I find that they change everything up. It is addictive, challenging and most importantly IT WORKS! My strength and stamina have improved immensely and I truly look forward to my classes!!
The reason I bring up Pure Barre is because in every class we do thigh work. We do all kinds of things but sometimes our instructor will tell us to zip our legs together so tight that "even a $100 dollar bill" couldn't slip through. Everytime I look down at my thighs, squeezing them so tightly and picturing a $100 bill. My mind is constantly wandering and recently after class I was thinking to myself "what are some other things that are important that I would want to hold on tight enough to so that it wouldn't slip through my grasp?" Many things came to mind...My debit card, my car keys, my wedding band. As my mind wandered the things got more personal and more real.
I went from thinking of things I would hate to lose and drifted to relationships, to people that I love. I thought of my kids and then the stabbing pain hit my heart...they painful reminder that they are mine for a short time. No matter how hard I squeeze, no matter how hard i hold on these days of children at home are zipping by. As all of us moms already know; these days are hard but gosh they are such a gift. I am reminded that though I can squeeze with all my might, each day is another day older and another day closer to them leaving my nest and becoming their own adult self.
So today I will hug them a little longer, I will let them see me do something for someone that cannot repay me, I will read them one more story, I will tell them how deep & wide & vast the Lord's love for them is, I will let them help me cook even though it will make a huge mess, I will teach them to love EVERYONE without restraint, I will pray in front of them & with them and I will tell them of the wonderful things that the Lord has done and is doing in my life and in the lives of those I love. And even though I know it won't work, I will keep squeezing tightly.
Babbling Brooke
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Her Village
I recently read a post from a fellow mom friend. It read
"I am in need of encouragement. I don't need or want advice, just encouragement. Between a strong willed, potty training toddler, a new baby & a husband out of town with work I am just struggling. If some of you can just encourage me and tell me that I can do this. I just need encouragement that I can make it through the rest of this day..."
As I read her words I felt the vulnerability in her words, I pictured tears rolling down her face as she typed, I saw her sitting on her bathroom floor with the door shut trying to hide herself for just a few seconds. She had probably considered typing those words before but was worried of being judged for needing/soliciting encouragement. But the time had come, she had reached a point that she was more than ok to admit that she needed her village. And boy did her village show up!
Much like a line to a new release movie, was the line of mom's and friends writing the most beautiful, encouraging words. Mom's confirming that they had been in her very place and now several years later were living proof that she would make it through, mom's offering to keep her kids for a couple of hours so that she could shower and have some time to herself. She had friends that said they might not be a mom but they wanted to share verses that had been just the encouragement they needed on days that felt impossible. This mom who a couple hours before had been on the brink of throwing in her towel was suddenly being flooded with her village. They were filling her up emotionally, spiritually and physically.
In a world where Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook exist it is so easy to see pictures of people's good days and hold them up beside our bad days. In a world where everyone has an answer and a solution it is so easy to feel as though you are the only one failing at this mom thing. In a world where it doesn't seem you could ever take to social media to post about your REAL struggles...the post is there. A vulnerable friend who puts her insecurities aside and asks for help. And as warm as her cup of coffee is to her lips so are the words of her dearest friends. Much like a small village that has to work together to survive she finds her village of friends lining up with encouraging word after sweet encouraging word. She smiles and picks herself up off of her bathroom floor and she KNOWS that she can finish today.
May we all be transparent vessels that share our struggles with our village, for we were never meant to bear our struggles alone. May we all be encouraging to the friends in our village. In a world where it is so easy to tear each other down let us do what feels good and build each other up! May we all work together to have a successful village where I am weak, you are strong.
"I am in need of encouragement. I don't need or want advice, just encouragement. Between a strong willed, potty training toddler, a new baby & a husband out of town with work I am just struggling. If some of you can just encourage me and tell me that I can do this. I just need encouragement that I can make it through the rest of this day..."
As I read her words I felt the vulnerability in her words, I pictured tears rolling down her face as she typed, I saw her sitting on her bathroom floor with the door shut trying to hide herself for just a few seconds. She had probably considered typing those words before but was worried of being judged for needing/soliciting encouragement. But the time had come, she had reached a point that she was more than ok to admit that she needed her village. And boy did her village show up!
Much like a line to a new release movie, was the line of mom's and friends writing the most beautiful, encouraging words. Mom's confirming that they had been in her very place and now several years later were living proof that she would make it through, mom's offering to keep her kids for a couple of hours so that she could shower and have some time to herself. She had friends that said they might not be a mom but they wanted to share verses that had been just the encouragement they needed on days that felt impossible. This mom who a couple hours before had been on the brink of throwing in her towel was suddenly being flooded with her village. They were filling her up emotionally, spiritually and physically.
In a world where Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook exist it is so easy to see pictures of people's good days and hold them up beside our bad days. In a world where everyone has an answer and a solution it is so easy to feel as though you are the only one failing at this mom thing. In a world where it doesn't seem you could ever take to social media to post about your REAL struggles...the post is there. A vulnerable friend who puts her insecurities aside and asks for help. And as warm as her cup of coffee is to her lips so are the words of her dearest friends. Much like a small village that has to work together to survive she finds her village of friends lining up with encouraging word after sweet encouraging word. She smiles and picks herself up off of her bathroom floor and she KNOWS that she can finish today.
May we all be transparent vessels that share our struggles with our village, for we were never meant to bear our struggles alone. May we all be encouraging to the friends in our village. In a world where it is so easy to tear each other down let us do what feels good and build each other up! May we all work together to have a successful village where I am weak, you are strong.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sowing Seeds
Here at our house we are incredibly SAD to see summer go. We will miss the long hours of daylight, my babies being home everyday, swimming everyday, eating our meals outside and just the joy that summertime brings. With each school year that begins it is a sharp painful reminder that my kids are another year older. Every summer seems a little shorter and my kids seem to get bigger, faster with each passing year. The hustle and bustle of daytime activities and chores keep my mind busy but at night when my kids are tucked in, and lunches for the next day are made, I find myself wondering, questioning if I am doing enough?
I hope and pray that everyday I am sowing seeds in my kids garden of life. Seeds to equip them with confidence to stand up in what they believe in, seeds that trigger their little souls to help others...especially the ones that can't repay you. Seeds of empathy for the trials that others are facing. Seeds of faith to know that even when they can't see ahead that God is already there. Seeds of hunger to yearn for more of a life like Jesus and in Jesus.
The older my kids get the more and more time they will have outside of my nest. The more time they will be away from this mamma's watchful eye. I know that the seeds that are planted inside of their garden now are seeds that will remain with them always. I know that every decision I make, every move I make is being seen by little eyes and heard by little ears. It is in my actions and in my words that the seeds are sown in my kids.
" May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You my rock and my Lord " Psalms 19:14 and may my actions be the type of actions that honor God. My hope and prayer is that I can be an example to my children.
I hope and pray that everyday I am sowing seeds in my kids garden of life. Seeds to equip them with confidence to stand up in what they believe in, seeds that trigger their little souls to help others...especially the ones that can't repay you. Seeds of empathy for the trials that others are facing. Seeds of faith to know that even when they can't see ahead that God is already there. Seeds of hunger to yearn for more of a life like Jesus and in Jesus.
The older my kids get the more and more time they will have outside of my nest. The more time they will be away from this mamma's watchful eye. I know that the seeds that are planted inside of their garden now are seeds that will remain with them always. I know that every decision I make, every move I make is being seen by little eyes and heard by little ears. It is in my actions and in my words that the seeds are sown in my kids.
" May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You my rock and my Lord " Psalms 19:14 and may my actions be the type of actions that honor God. My hope and prayer is that I can be an example to my children.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Summer Salads
Cantaloupe Proscuitto Salad
Ingredients:
1 cantaloupe, diced
1/2 lb Proscuitto, cook in skillet until crispy
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
3-4 mint leaves, diced
Mix together cantaloupe, Proscuitto, feta and then garnish with the mint. Delish and easy!
SWEET & SPICY SALAD
Ingredients:
3-4 peaches, diced
3-4 strawberries, diced
1/3 red onion, diced
1 jalepeno, seeds removed & diced
1/3 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
3 leaves of mint, chopped
Combine all ingredients and then garnish with mint.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Daddy Dearest
In the very first days they discovered the safety he provided. From the very beginning they found a sense of calm when he cradled them in his arms. As they grew they would smile when they saw him, they would turn their heads to look for him when they heard his voice. As the years have passed they have cried out to him when they were hurt or yelled for him when they saw a bug that needed to be killed. He is their dad and he has always provided safety.
He works hard for his family. On days when he is under the weather, on days when their little hands are wrapped around his legs begging "please don't leave", on days when it is gorgeous out and it sure would be nice to skip work; even then he works. When he comes home from the office his work isn't done. He mows the lawn, builds pretend forts and throws the kids 'as high as the sky.' His back is tired, he would love nothing more than to sit but the smile they wear when he plays with them means far more than a tired back. He is their dad and his job is never done.
He loves the Lord and more than anything else he wants to show His kids this love. He wants his children to find that same love for the Lord. He goes to church, he prays in front of his kids, and he tells them bible stories. He is involved in ministries at church, he practices what he preaches, and he gives of himself and his possession's to those who have a need. He is their dad and he shows them Jesus everyday through his very own actions.
Dad's you are special! We don't tell you enough just how important you are. Thank you for the safety, sacrifices and love that you show us! You have such an important job. Your sons will grow to be just like you, so live life well. Your daughters will marry someone much like you, so live life well. Remember the little eyes in your house. You are their hero and those little eyes are watching not just what you say but how you live life.
Happy Father's Day to all the Wonderful dads out there!! This weekend let's take time to tell our dad's that we love them and how much they mean to us. Let's also take time to pray for them. Let's pray for them to be strong spiritual leaders!! Thanks be to God for the blessing of DAD'S!!!
He works hard for his family. On days when he is under the weather, on days when their little hands are wrapped around his legs begging "please don't leave", on days when it is gorgeous out and it sure would be nice to skip work; even then he works. When he comes home from the office his work isn't done. He mows the lawn, builds pretend forts and throws the kids 'as high as the sky.' His back is tired, he would love nothing more than to sit but the smile they wear when he plays with them means far more than a tired back. He is their dad and his job is never done.
He loves the Lord and more than anything else he wants to show His kids this love. He wants his children to find that same love for the Lord. He goes to church, he prays in front of his kids, and he tells them bible stories. He is involved in ministries at church, he practices what he preaches, and he gives of himself and his possession's to those who have a need. He is their dad and he shows them Jesus everyday through his very own actions.
Dad's you are special! We don't tell you enough just how important you are. Thank you for the safety, sacrifices and love that you show us! You have such an important job. Your sons will grow to be just like you, so live life well. Your daughters will marry someone much like you, so live life well. Remember the little eyes in your house. You are their hero and those little eyes are watching not just what you say but how you live life.
Happy Father's Day to all the Wonderful dads out there!! This weekend let's take time to tell our dad's that we love them and how much they mean to us. Let's also take time to pray for them. Let's pray for them to be strong spiritual leaders!! Thanks be to God for the blessing of DAD'S!!!
Sunday, May 31, 2015
My God is So Big!!
Every Sunday our church has a time where they call all children 2 years through 5th grade up on stage to sing a song before the church and then they are escorted out to "children's church" where they get to have a kid-friendly lesson during the adults sermon. Today was no different. Our worship leader told the kids to come on stage and like every other sunday some kids ran onto the stage, some walked at a turtle speed and a few were still reaching for their moms and dads as their parents pushed them onto the stage.
The worship leader tells the kids what song they will be singing and a second later it begins. Some kids belting out the words as if they need people in the parking lot to hear, some kids not singing but exaggerating every hand and arm motion that goes with the words while casually punching the kids beside them, and then the kids that are still upset to be up there; the kids that stare off into space and pretend they don't even know a song is being sung. Parents are looking on at their kids and are either beaming with pride or are shielding their eyes hoping that the song ends soon.
Today, May 31, 2015, was different. Today, everyone in the sanctuary watched the children sing, heard their words and did not want it to end. The children sang aloud
"My God is So Big! So Strong & So Mighty! There's Nothing My God Cannot Do!"
the children flexing their arms to show their muscles as they sang "so strong & so mighty" and giggling as they waved their fingers "there's nothing my God cannot do"
"The Mountains are His! The Valleys are His! The Trees are His Handiwork too!"
Today was different because as the carefree children sang their song the adults in our congregation weren't feeling so carefree. One of the precious little kids in the very group that sings on that stage has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. A perfect, innocent little two year old girl now has a brain tumor. As the children sang the adults hung onto their every word. As they sang
"My God is So Big!"
the adults were reminded He is bigger than a tumor. As they sang
"So Strong & So Mighty!"
the adults were reminded He is stronger than any tumor. As they sang
"There's Nothing My God Cannot Do!"
the adults were reminded that there is NOTHING that God cannot do.
A song that has been sung in our congregation a million times before suddenly had new meaning. Everyone needed that song, that reminder. Little Ivey has some important appointments ahead of her and her family. There is a lot of fear and anxiety that goes with her diagnosis but today we were all reminded of the Strong, Mighty God we serve. We were reminded that there is Nothing that our God cannot do.
Tonight I ask that you pray for Ivey and her parents. I ask that you pray for healing and for a calming peace to blanket her family as they wait upcoming appointments.
The worship leader tells the kids what song they will be singing and a second later it begins. Some kids belting out the words as if they need people in the parking lot to hear, some kids not singing but exaggerating every hand and arm motion that goes with the words while casually punching the kids beside them, and then the kids that are still upset to be up there; the kids that stare off into space and pretend they don't even know a song is being sung. Parents are looking on at their kids and are either beaming with pride or are shielding their eyes hoping that the song ends soon.
Today, May 31, 2015, was different. Today, everyone in the sanctuary watched the children sing, heard their words and did not want it to end. The children sang aloud
"My God is So Big! So Strong & So Mighty! There's Nothing My God Cannot Do!"
the children flexing their arms to show their muscles as they sang "so strong & so mighty" and giggling as they waved their fingers "there's nothing my God cannot do"
"The Mountains are His! The Valleys are His! The Trees are His Handiwork too!"
Today was different because as the carefree children sang their song the adults in our congregation weren't feeling so carefree. One of the precious little kids in the very group that sings on that stage has just been diagnosed with a brain tumor. A perfect, innocent little two year old girl now has a brain tumor. As the children sang the adults hung onto their every word. As they sang
"My God is So Big!"
the adults were reminded He is bigger than a tumor. As they sang
"So Strong & So Mighty!"
the adults were reminded He is stronger than any tumor. As they sang
"There's Nothing My God Cannot Do!"
the adults were reminded that there is NOTHING that God cannot do.
A song that has been sung in our congregation a million times before suddenly had new meaning. Everyone needed that song, that reminder. Little Ivey has some important appointments ahead of her and her family. There is a lot of fear and anxiety that goes with her diagnosis but today we were all reminded of the Strong, Mighty God we serve. We were reminded that there is Nothing that our God cannot do.
Tonight I ask that you pray for Ivey and her parents. I ask that you pray for healing and for a calming peace to blanket her family as they wait upcoming appointments.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
The Legacy of June
She is the kind of woman that never has a hair out of place, the kind of woman that always knows just what to say, the kind of woman that exudes class, the kind of woman that could enjoy crumpets and tea with Queen Elizabeth and later that day be digging in the dirt planting herbs and vegetables in her garden.
"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." Proverbs 31:25
To see her you might think that surely she has never faced any hardships. Surely that is why she can look so fabulous and always have a smile on her face. To know her is to know that it could not be further from the truth. Many a hardships she has faced...single motherhood, breast cancer, the closing of her beloved University where she taught for many years. The thing that sets her apart in the midst of such trials is that her hope comes from the Lord. She has witnessed God's faithfulness over and over in her life. Through trials she is able to smile because she knows that resting her trials at the feet of the Lord is always the best place to lay them.
"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness." Proverbs 31:26
She is slow to speak and when she does it is in a manner that honors the Lord and makes those around her feel blessed by hearing her words. In 2009 she was in New York with my grandmother when they received word that my dad had a stroke. The prognosis at the time was grim. June sat at my grandmothers side opened her bible and began reading aloud from Psalms. My grandmother still speaks of the blessing that moment was to her and the way that June was able to calm her with the reading of God's word.
"She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy." Proverbs 31:20
Countless times she has gone to the jungles of Panama to offer her services on medical mission trips. If you have been privileged to go with her you have witnessed her hustle and bustle giving of herself in the service of glorifying the kingdom. At the end of the day when everyone circles up to pray you look around the circle everyone sweaty from the scorching jungle heat, everyone except June. There she stands in the circle in a perfectly starched white oxford shirt, a bandana tied around her neck and a smile on her face. All the Panamanians know and love her for her gentle hands, warm smile and giving spirit.
She has impacted everyone that has been blessed to know her. Whether you have known her from Lambuth, Skyline, Master Gardener's, or just from residing in Jackson; I have no doubt that your life has been blessed. She is a believer of the word of God and she lives out the word of God. Hearing that she would be moving to Missouri to start a new chapter with her daughter and family most were heart broken for selfish reasons but happy for this new phase for her.
While we all miss June, madly, we have all been impacted and inspired to be a better version of ourselves. Thank you June for living a life that serves the Lord and others. Thank you June for the legacy that has been laid out for all of us that know you. June, you truly are more precious than rubies to all that know you!!
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