It’s funny how sharing one bit of your life compels you to spill it all.
I love that about blogging–about writing.
It’s so, so very peculiar to me that I’ve not shared much about parenting on my blog. About family, yes, but not as much about parenting. It’s something Matt and I are so, so passionate about. We know that God has entrusted us with our little ones for such a short time.
Such a short time.
For us, this means, after our marriage, they come first–before other ministries, before sports, before his work or mine, and our free time (minus our date nights) is spent with them.
It doesn’t get much simpler than this: we don’t want to miss a thing.
And we surely don’t want to look back wondering where all the time went, or regret any missed opportunities we had right in front of us to minister to their hearts.
Man, God has been working on my heart and my mind this year. He’s brought me to a place of renewal, and a place where trust in Him is all that matters–and I’m learning that sometimes that means stepping out in faith.
Like loving Honduras, and knocking down the walls of your comfortable life.
Like sharing a little more of my heart here. And getting really real.
So here goes. We don’t want to miss the real thing–you know, go to church, host a pot luck, lead the Bible studies…and miss the real thing.
And the real thing is this: Number one, it’s peace. The ever present feeling I have that I’m not enough and “this is too hard” is daily swept away by the knowledge that He’s enough. So I am. Number two, it’s about making sure that every single person I encounter feels that from me through Him.
Period.
And if I’m going to start anywhere, it’s going to be with my babies. They deserve (because we all do) to live this life of purpose, of knowing their worth from the get-go, of accepting peace that flows over life’s twists and turns…peace like a river.
It’s probably why we have “rules” about how much time we run around during the week or how many events we attend on the weekends. It’s certainly why we do things like Family Movie Night and talk about scripture with Ava like she can actually comprehend it.
Because one day she will…and I want them to remember from a very, very young age the knowledge that they are made whole through Him. They are enough.
And loved beyond measure….in the purest form.
Because when we believe that, we live that way.
God’s goodness gently flows out of us in a way that’s not pushy or over-eager. We feel rescued and honestly, just grateful to be along for the ride. That kind of faith–it’s natural and easy, a go-with-the-flow, flexible kind of faith. It moves with us and our struggles, and gives us room to breathe easily, to forgive (more easily), to accept others right where they are, and to love lavishly.
So, from time to time, we’ll get real on parenting & faith, as He moves in me and makes me a little bit better everyday…and I pray so, so very sincerely, that whether we’re talking about chalk paint or pillows or perseverance under trial, it’s all for Him.
He’s sort of the reason I’m here, after all. I’m one of those mucky people He chose to love anyway.
And, man, am I grateful.
Ohhhhh Shaunna I am crying! This is such a beautiful post and so very much this very thing has been on my heart!
You have truly blessed me this morning. I needed to hear this. Children are such a precious gift from the Lord and they are entrusted to our care for such a short, sweet time. I read a quote recently that said: Today they are catching the bus, tomorrow they are walking down the aisle. Don’t blink. That’s me. Sitting here with tears in my eyes.
Trying not to blink.
Have a wonderful and blessed day.
karianne
Thank you so much for sharing. That is beautiful and so true!
Beautifully written, Shaunna! I love seeing the way you put your love of Jesus into things like making your home a special place for your family.
Thanks so much for sharing your heart! Such great encouragement of how the Lord is working in your heart and through your life!
Thanks for sharing! I’m about to become a parent for the first time this summer and this was really encouraging!
This is a beautiful post — thank you Shaunna.
Thanks so much – I have been on quite a faith journey lately and I have struggled with how much or whether to share it on my blog or not – thank you for doing just that in such a beautiful way.
So beautiful, you inspire me every day!! I for one appreciate the “real life, deep stuff”. Just wish we lived closer, because I would totally stalk you until we became best of friends! (just kidding, kinda:)
Keep up the great posts! Kim
Wow Shaunna thank you for your story and your transparency! I initially began reading your blog for months because of your amazing design and DIY skills, but I knew from your words you were a woman of faith – and to read it in such a compelling way in this post, makes me enjoy it even more – and made me want to comment for the first time to let you know it’s appreciated. Keep it up!
Kara
It’s wonderful that you put and keep things in perspective. Hard to do sometimes when you’re spanking bottoms all day. Children really are such a gift from God.
Very sweetly written and so very true. Thank you for sharing…
Beautiful! So, so true! Excited to see the “really, real” heart you have…afterall- that’s who He created us to be!! 🙂
Blessings!
Colleen
Shaunna, of all of the fabulous posts you’ve written, this was my favorite. You hit the nail on the head~~beautifully.
Chrissy
Amen, sister!
What a blessing! Like others your faith is woven in the tapestry of your writing. His love is clear in your living. Living inHis love in all you do….. Doesn’t get any better!
Awesome post, exactly what I needed today. God sure does work in mysterious ways, thank you!!
Beautiful post! Amen and amen.
Awesome…….Lovely………Always inspiring……….. 🙂
A beautiful message. A beautiful heart. Amen.
Shauna~ What a wonderful post! Yes…you have them for such a short time. We have the same view with our children, and they are all three now teenagers. So glad we haven’t missed a moment and had those Family Movie Nights, Family Nights, Mom/Son Dates, Mom/Daughter dates, etc. We now see the fruit of those times daily….and I wouldn’t change it for anything! 🙂
Hi Shaunna, I’m loving this post and I thought you might like this saying that I came across the other day because it’s so true “It is easier to build up a child, than it is to repair an adult”…..B:) xo
Such a lovely post! It’s so nice to remember the source of all our inspiration. Thanks for sharing what is most important to you. It’s so nice to know that other people are striving and sacrificing for the same reasons I am. I am grateful that others see the world the same way.
Shaunna,
Thank you so much for sharing this! Such a great reminder!
Amen! Wonderful post!
love this sister! can’t wait to meet you someday, to look you in the eye and say thank – you. 🙂
I love your blog.
I read Layla’s and your each day.
Sometimes you read or see something that is so important
you did not even know how or why.
Your post today struck me that way
A message of joy and hope shared through your very simple and pure faith.
Love it.
Shaunna,
Thank you so much for sharing your heart and boldness for standing up for Christ!
Your right on and your such an inspiration!
Thanks for sharing this Shaunna, it was just what I needed to hear. He used you to speak peace to me today.
Beautifully written, Shaunna! Parenting is so hard and it’s refreshing to read blogs like yours after they go to bed. As hectic as the day can be, it’s refreshing to put life into perspective by reading your words. Now I want to go and hug my babies all over again (even if they are finally asleep)!
Happy Easter to you and your precious huband and children! 😉
Thanks for sharing Shaunna! I’m a mother of four lil loves & God has blessed me beyond anything I would ever dream of. In the tiring, sometimes mundane “work” that comes with mothering, God has given me a constant peace. I know He created each one with a special purpose. Its so encouraging to hear a lil bit of your heart for Him. Be encouraged. Well done Good & faithful servant. Keep seeking Him & He will always supply!
So beautiful Shaunna! Thanks so much for sharing your heart with all of us. I try to cram way too much into my days sometimes and then…after my kiddos are in bed…looking back on my day I’m MAD i didn’t see and value those little moments. Thanks for the reminder to savor those precious opportunities to share Jesus with our kiddos daily! 🙂
A beautiful post from a beautiful soul. Thanks for sharing more of yourself, and your heart for the Lord. I, too, am grateful for grace.
this whole weekend I contemplated his work on the cross for us…for me.
I’ve spent my entire walk with him, while doing full time ministry nonetheless, trying to earn my way…keep my way….be good enough. It’s been exhausting. In the past 5 or so years, he has had me on this beautiful journey of understanding and accepting his grace. I’m such a work in progress, but grasping his grace sure has helped me and is helping me to give it more freely to my husband and children and others that surround me.
I needed this post this morning.
beautiful post….and so inspiring. My daughter is 13 and as she had entered the teenage years, I hope and pray that the time invested pays off and she makes good decisions.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
I’ll be looking for your posts on parenting and faith! Very cute kids.
OK, I just sent you an email, and then read this post. I knew I liked you! I’m so happy to hear of your love for our AMAZING God! Sharing Him w our children is the biggest gift we can ever give them. And Yes, they will remember the time we spend w them talking about scripture and the love of Jesus!