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Who am I?
I am Human. Flawed. Passionate. Overwhelmed. Creative. Tired. JoyFilled. Messy. Colorful. Sinful. Redeemed. As a woman living in a world that seems to spin faster with each passing day, I wear more hats than I care to count, but there are a few favorites...I am the wife of an all-too-human Prince Charming and the mother of two beautifully-imperfect children. My soul belongs to Jesus, and He is the reason I am able to find Petals of Joy in this journey I call Life.
Tag Archives: depression
When I Wish for a Different Life
Lately? I’ve been feeling harried and haggard. Frayed at the edges and rushed in the middle. Because life is ballet mom, flag football mom, wife, teacher, migraine sufferer, committee member, writer, all the other things and somewhere in there—me. Have … Continue reading
Posted in Gratitude, Motherhood, Struggles, Teaching
Tagged contentment, depression, Gratitude, Motherhood, working mother
7 Comments
Finding Shelter in the Shade
I’ve lived in Florida my entire life. The Sunshine State. In my born-and-bred-here opinion? It needs another name. Maybe something like the Frizzy Hair State? Or the Sweaty State? Possibly the Hotter than the Fiery Pits of Hell State? It’s … Continue reading
Posted in Hope, Relationship with God, Struggles
Tagged anxiety, depression, Hope, oak trees, resurrection fern, Shelter
2 Comments
Mothering in the Dark
Ella and Caleb, My sweet ones. I knew all summer I’d write this letter. But now that it’s here, now that it’s time to write, I hesitate. Fear creeps in and I wonder what you’ll think of me. Because depression … Continue reading
Posted in Hope, Joy, Motherhood, Struggles
Tagged children, depression, fight, Motherhood
30 Comments
Slipping and Sliding and Finding a Rhythm
Sometimes I go slipping and sliding over the rhythm of a day, a week—never finding a cadence, a beat. Recently my Court Jester has been all about the basketball. He carries it through the house. Bounce. Bounce. Bouncing. The muffled … Continue reading
Dear Momma Fighting Depression,
I know. I know what it’s like when the bravest moment of the day is when you crawl out of bed. I know what it is to stand in the shower longer than you should—willing yourself to face the day. And … Continue reading
When You Need a Do-Over
Some days I just need a do-over. A can-I-take-it-back kind of day. Days when the mommy guilt rubs my heart raw. I’m exposed, bleeding from expectations I set, yet can never meet. And if I’m honest, right now I need … Continue reading
Posted in Joy, Motherhood, Relationship with God, Struggles
Tagged darkness, depression, Joy, lies, Light
7 Comments
Journey of Joy
Ornaments gently wrapped. Nativities lovingly stored. Lights carefully packed. My heart tightens as Christmas becomes a memory. Winter sets in and harsh winds blow. The New Year is always difficult for me to bear. Depression seems to loom during the … Continue reading
You Are Not Alone
I still rock Caleb to sleep. I do it, not because I have to, but because I want to. He’s two and a half, and I know what all of the experts say, but it doesn’t matter. I relish my … Continue reading
Posted in Relationship with God, Struggles
Tagged alone, depression, hold, Jesus, Prince Charming
14 Comments