mother – Amy Linnea

Letting the Children Grow Up

Published on April 2, 2022April 1, 2022 by amylinnea4 Comments

As moms, we pour into our children our very lives.

Sacrificing our bodies, minds, and emotions for their well-being.

Rarely are we thanked or fully appreciated.

Sure, we have moments of redemption, but let’s face it: motherhood is a sacrifice.

We sacrifice for them. For those little people who either came from our bodies or grew within our hearts.

Only when they become parents will they even begin to realize our sacrifice.

But that’s ok, because that’s our job.

As kids grow older, our relationship changes.

We can do anything while they remain under 10.

Overnight, we suddenly know nothing, cannot possibly relate, and are not “with it”.

Finally, as our children enter their 20’s, they regain consciousness, acknowledging our immense wisdom.

Gasp, they even apologize or come to us for advice.

As kids grow, don’t take things personally.

They need to grow up. Without us hovering over them.

The goal is for them to leave the nest. Able to navigate life without us.

So if that life includes choices we would not deem appropriate, it’s their choices. Does not reflect upon you.

While not every child will wrap up their college graduation with a proper wedding, embrace your child anyhow.

So what if they get married before a judge, not telling you in advance?

They have married the love of their life. Hallelujah!

Plus, you just saved on wedding costs. Sigh, I know. It’s better if you’re there.

Give it to God. He knows your heart.

Give your mommy heart to God. You work like a slave when they are young, but when they are older, it’s the big things that can break you.

But remember, God loves your children even more then you.

He’s got them and you. Keep praying, paste that smile on your face, and let them go.

Because when you do, God’s peace will cover your anxiety and your children will text you back.

Maybe not right away, but eventually they will.

Photos by Joshua Reddekopp, Guillaume de Germain, & Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Mowing the Lawn

Published on June 2, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26

Ever made a dumb decision?

I have.

Like yesterday.

Folks, I’ve decided I like mowing our giant lawn.

I see steady progress and it doubles as exercise.

Plus my dear husband loves the help.

Decided to surprise him for the second time.

Yesterday.

With temps in the 90’s.

Sunshine.

Let’s mow for an entire hour in the sun with high temps.

Great idea!

It was not.

This time I did prepare with some water.

Forced myself to stop and drink.

However, I still came in dripping with sweat, and literally collapsed in front of our lovely fan.

Rinsed off and changed.

But that’s when it all went down hill.

I was sick for the rest of the day.

Could hardly move.

Hours later, I decided to swallow my pride and reach out for help.

My neighbor nurse declared me afflicted with heat exhaustion.

My dear mother wanted me to drink electrolytes as that was the only thing that would help me feel better.

I wanted to, but all I could manage were baby sips.

It was so ridiculous.

All because I wanted to mow.

Once I finally managed enough liquids in my system, I began to feel a bit better.

Today, I’m even better, but still not myself.

Good grief.

Life sometimes demands we “do something” to move forward.

We want to, but it’s painful!

Baby steps will get you there just like giant leaps.

Or in my case, baby sips.

I suppose I should apply that to the lawn the next time that brilliant idea pops into my head.

I don’t have to mow the entire thing at once.

I’ve actually been fired from mowing, unless I mow in chunks.

Or in the early morning hours.

Today will be a better day.

I wish I hadn’t lost yesterday!

But, hey, the lawn does looks great!

Photos by Vectorbeast ,amirhossein abdollahi ,Daniel Watson ,& Zé Zorzan on Unsplash

Exhaustion

Published on May 26, 2018June 8, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. Jeremiah 31:25

Wrote this post a few years back, but never posted it. As an exhausted teacher, beginning her summer break, it fits perfectly once again 🙂

Today I’m so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open.

Nothing special, just lots going on.

Driving a child to basketball camp 45 minutes away.

Both ways.

Helping the seven year old get ready for the day.

Dropping off paperwork at the school, purchasing donuts for older daughter’s volleyball game since today is her birthday.

Picking up daughter from summer pe class and taking the entire tribe out to lunch.

Quickly changing clothes to jump into the pool.

Running back home to pick everyone up for daughter’s volleyball game.

Actually 2 games.

Back home, throwing pizza into the oven since the kids declare they must eat dinner, while making boiled frosting for the giant rainbow cake you made and did not have enough frosting for.

Then frosting the extra chocolate cake since that is the flavor your daughter actually requested.

Hosting a birthday party.

Entertaining the seven year old and her cousin for the night.

Oh – and they are sleeping in my room.

So, we need to make a pile of comfort on the floor.

Just need a good night’s sleep.

Or a vacation.

Smile.

Life is busy – but full of life.

When people need you, yes, it’s exhausting, but it’s rewarding.

Making memories.

That’s what this day was all about.

Each day is full of possibilities.

Laughter.

Love.

Don’t create so much busyness that you forget to see the life you’ve created.

You’re tired because you are pouring your life into someone else’s.

You’re tired because your focus is on someone else’s needs.

That is awesome.

Someday it will all be a precious memory.

But for now, go sneak some rest, because the circus will begin again tomorrow.

And you’ll get to do it all over again.

Photos by Chris Lawton , rawpixel , Annie Spratt , Lauren Kay , Jonathan Fink , & Joe Pizzio on Unsplash

Bless Your Mommy Heart

Published on October 22, 2016June 7, 2023 by amylinneaLeave a comment

He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Psalm 113:9

As mothers, we wear our emotions on our sleeve.

We break our backs for our children, desperately crying out to God for their redemption.

Even if that’s not you and instead you have nieces or nephews or care deeply for other children, we all deeply love.

Sometimes, as soldiers, we become solitary, holding all the burdens in our tired hands.God wants to walk alongside you, helping you every step of the way.You can trust Him completely.

A gentle reminder from God for you this day:

I love your children even more than you can possibly imagine.

They are mine.

I see them.

I know them.

I know their deepest sorrows and greatest joys.

I recognize their desires in life and I am present with them always.

Letting go of them is not easy, but as you do, remember I am God and I am their Father.

I hold them in the palm of My hand.

I will never leave them or forsake them.

When you lift them up before Me in prayer, rejoice that I am already working.

Rest, knowing I love them even more than you are able.

Their joys and sorrows are mine.

And as their future unfolds, I am already there.

Audience of One

Published on June 15, 2015June 6, 2023 by amylinnea2 Comments

“You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” Genesis 16:13

Pulled the chicken out of the oven and assembled the many dinner plates.

Peas, macaroni & cheese, and chicken on my blue dishes looked appetizing.

As I said out loud to thin air, “Good job, Amy”, I knew at that moment God had heard me.

I felt His smile.

Then it hit me.

I work for God.

Who do you work for?

Ok yes, your boss who signs your paycheck.

Your sweet spouse as you help each other tackle life.

Can’t forget the little people who depend on you for continuing their very existence.

We could add friends, church, volunteering, and society.

Let’s face it – we work for many.

Lots of people depend on us.

Too bad the amount of work we do doesn’t equal the thanks flowing to our ears.

What?

Most of what we do is unnoticed.

Unsung.

No thank you’s.

And that’s ok.

Why?

Because God sees it.

He notices.

And He’s the One we work for.

Every time you pull dinner from the oven

Fold sweet smelling laundry

Wipe up spills you never created

Greet a lonely neighbor

Go the extra mile at work

Cut out box tops for your child’s school

Soothe a crying baby

You are noticed.

Next time you do something for someone, remember God is well pleased.

Very pleased.

You helped God smile.

And that, in the end, is all that matters.

Because we work for an audience of One.

“….but as we go on in grace, we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, in the present minute. If we have God’s say-so behind us, the most amazing strength comes, and we learn to sing in the ordinary days and ways….” Oswald Chambers