In the days and weeks leading up to the birth of my second baby, I began to experience PTSD. My first labor, emergency C-section delivery and transition to motherhood was traumatic and shame filled for me on many levels, affecting me more deeply than I had realized. Journaling and praying with Kris in pre-op before surgery. I’m going to share …
A Milestone Birthday Valentine for our Mama!
It’s no wonder our mama bear was born on the sweetest, most sparkly day of the year. I always felt so warm and special on Valentine’s Day. I loved the thoughtfulness of creating pink and red cards for my classmates and the simplicity of looking through a pile of sweethearts to find my favorite message. There is something magical in …
Now I Understand Anxiety
I used to think you could control anxiety through your thoughts. I used to think anxiety was worry. I thought anxiety only happened in your head. But now I understand it is not simply something you can control through an affirmation or a deep breath. Have you ever noticed that the Lord has a way of giving you compassion for …
A Miss USA Stands With Miss America
A letter from Cara Mund to previous Miss Americas leaked recently and spelled out mistreatment from the Miss America Organization, even bullying. My heart broke for her, but I also felt nervous for the response she’d receive internally. No one has ever publicly unmasked manipulation and feelings of being silenced while they were a titleholder…in any pageant system. How many …
His First Father’s Day: Surprise Tribute
I wrote Kris a letter the day we went to the hospital to have baby Aurora. I told him about all the reasons I thought he would be a wonderful father and the reasons I needed him to be. I just knew he would be the best daddy, especially to a daughter because he is very gentle and adoring. But …
Has Women Empowerment Led To Beauty Shaming?
Part of what makes us is our outward appearance. Is that wrong? Is beauty bad? An evening gown or outward beauty has never been the determining win factor in any pageant or part of life.
When You Don’t Win: Three Encouragements To Help Process The Hurt
The loss of a dream like this feels like a breakup when you have invested so much energy and thought-life every day for so long. The grieving process is a little different than other let downs because you don’t get another chance to try again. There can be questions like, “How could I have felt so strongly that I was ready for this and I didn’t win?” “How did I hear God wrong?” “What direction will I go now?” “Did I not prepare the right way?” “Am I not a winner?”
10 Power Phrases To Beat Your Anxiety
Have you been experiencing anxiety on the road to your dream? Or in dating? Can I tell you something? Situations that trigger anxiety aren’t going to go away in life. But the good news is, you have the power to conquer anxiety.
Six Ways To Make A Social Media Break Work For You
I just took a seven day social media break that turned into a 17 day break. It was hard the first few days. After sending an email, I noticed my thumb would habitually go to open the instagram app in the spot I had deleted it. But I started seeing such rich benefits that I wanted to extend it! These days, it seems …
Declarations of a Queen: Confidence In Your Next Pageant
It wasn’t until I started learning how to think and speak AS IF I were already a queen that I started winning. It became my secret weapon. Behind closed doors, with my family, in the dressing room, walking through my school hallway between classes, in the wings, in my thoughts, I spoke like a queen. It changed the game.
Nine Promises To Declare Over Your Hard Time
I just went through one of the hardest seasons in my adult life. Before that, I thought I really knew and believed the Word of God. But when I was in that pit, scripture and God’s promises didn’t come to mind so easily. I thought I was strong to battle against feelings of worry and despair, but I was weak. …
A Key To No Jealousy Even When You Are Falling Behind
The world is fast paced. Our friends and peers, or more realistically, people we follow on instagram are accomplishing successes left and right. I have felt like I’m drowning in my unrealized dreams while others seem to be living theirs.
From Princess To Queen: What I’ve Learned In A Difficult Season Post Baby
This has been one of the hardest years of my adult life. I no longer feel like a princess in the spirit. I’ve found myself in the tension of choosing between hardening and deepening, shutting down or getting stronger and becoming bitter or better.
When You Don’t Know What God Is Doing
One cool thing about having a baby is you get to talk through things with him or her. And you won’t experience interruptions (aside from coos). I’m leading my women’s group tonight and working on preparing a message. I decided to process my thoughts with Aurora. She did a great job listening and totally inspired me. I’ve been in what …
A Letter To My Seven Week Old Daughter
Wow, I can’t believe you’re only seven weeks. It feels like you are your own little personality already. I feel like we’ve already gone through several stages and phases together. People say this season flies and I’m sure it will feel that way in hindsight, but right now it feels like we’ve been doing this life together a long, long time. …
