A Reflection of Motherhood

A Reflection of Motherhood

There’s a holy rhythm to motherhood—a divine dance that begins with that first cry in the delivery room and continues long after your children have children of their own. As I have journeyed through the seasons of mothering, each phase offered its unique challenges alongside moments of indescribable joy. For me, the title “Mom” is perhaps the greatest honor I’ve ever been given, a responsibility bestowed by God that transformed me in ways I never imagined possible. I have experienced my mothering phases like this…

The newborn fog – Those first precious months were a blur of midnight feedings and overwhelming love. Your body is healing, your heart is expanding, and sleep becomes a distant memory. The challenges are real—the physical exhaustion, the constant worry, the feeling that you might be doing everything wrong. But oh, the joy of those tiny fingers wrapped around yours! The miracle of watching your baby’s first smile, knowing that God entrusted this perfect soul to your care. In those exhausted moments, remember that you are exactly the mother your child needs.

The toddler whirlwind – As your baby grows, so does their determination and curiosity. Suddenly, everything is “mine” and “no” becomes their favorite word. The challenges shift from physical demands to emotional ones as you navigate tantrums and boundless energy. Yet this phase brings the delight of witnessing your child discover the world—their contagious laughter as they splash in puddles, their pride in mastering new skills, their uninhibited joy in the simplest pleasures. These are the days when a kiss truly can heal all wounds, and when you’re reminded how God sees each of us through eyes of unconditional love.

The shepherding years – The days of sending them off with lunchboxes and watching them forge their own friendships brings a new complexity to motherhood. They are able to dress themselves and brush their own teeth and most days feel like you are on repeat. You’re guiding them through friendship troubles, academic pressures, and growing independence. The challenges can be heartbreaking—you can’t solve every problem or shield them from every hurt. But witnessing their character develop, their confidence grow, and their unique gifts emerge brings immeasurable pride. In this season, you’re really guiding them to hear God’s voice alongside your own.

The teen years – Perhaps no phase tested my mother’s heart quite like adolescence. The push-pull of wanting independence while still needing guidance can create tension in even the closest relationships. Yet these years also bring deep conversations about faith, values, and dreams. The joy comes in glimpsing the adults they’re becoming—their convictions, their compassion, their courage. Trust the foundation you’ve built and the God who loves them even more than you do. I know, easier said than done.

The adult children blessing – The relationship shifts again as they build their own lives, perhaps becoming parents themselves. The challenge becomes finding your new role and navigating this adult relationship with grace. But oh, the profound joy of friendship with your grown children! Of seeing them walk in their purpose and perhaps passing on your legacy of traditions and faith to another generation. Remembering to allow them to make their own mistakes which leads to their mark on this world.

Through every season, I have found that motherhood is a mix of ordinary daily tasks and a sacred calling. Whether by birth, adoption, fostering, or mentoring, the privilege of nurturing the next generation is a reflection of our Heavenly Father’s love. On the hardest days and the most beautiful ones, you are doing meaningful work and your investment matters. You are leaving a legacy – because once a mom, always a mom.

To every mother reading this—you are seen, you are valued, and your love is making an eternal difference.

Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Blessings!

Sherri

Prayer: The Quiet Backdrop of humanity

Prayer: The Quiet Backdrop of humanity

The other day I walked past a chain link fence in downtown Nashville adorned with prayer ribbons gently moving in the breeze. In the midst of honky-tonk music, traffic, and tourists, these silent wishes stopped me in my tracks.

We rush through our days making noise, chasing goals, scrolling feeds—while prayers like these form the quiet backdrop of our humanity. Whispered hopes, silent gratitude, desperate pleas—they’re happening all around us, even when we can’t hear them.

In our loudest moments, these threads of connection remind us what matters most. The noise fades, but our prayers remain, tying us together across time and circumstance.

What’s your quiet prayer today?

Springtime Musings

Springtime Musings

I love the changing of the seasons and springtime provides such beautiful metaphors for life…

In the heart of every person lies a cycle much like the seasons, where winters of doubt and hardship inevitably yield to the springtime of possibility.  The cherry blossoms that explode into pink clouds after months of bare branches remind me that our moments of greatest beauty often follow periods of apparent emptiness, teaching us that patience is not merely waiting but the invisible work of renewal happening beneath the surface.

Are you ready for spring?

 

 

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons

Ingredients

1 1/3 cup shredded coconut

1/3 c. sugar

3 Tablespoons flour

1/8 teaspoon salt

2 egg whites

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions

Combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt in a mixing bowl.  Stir in egg whites and almond extract.  Mix well

Lightly grease cookie sheet and drop from teaspoon the cookie dough onto the sheet.

Bake at 325 for 20 – 25 minutes until edges of cookies are lightly browned.

Cool cookies and if desired drizzle melted chocolate on top of cookies – delicious!

ENJOY!

Garlic – Ginger Chicken

Garlic – Ginger Chicken

Garlic – Ginger Chicken

Ingredients:

4 Large boneless/skinless chicken breasts

1 C. finely sliced red onion

2 Tablespoons minced garlic

1 Tablespoon dried thyme

1 Tablespoon dried rosemary

2 Tablespoons minced/peeled ginger

1/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. fresh orange juice

1 tsp. fresh ground pepper

Directions:

Mix all of the ingredients together in a large plastic bag until the chicken is fully coated.  marinate overnight.  This chicken tastes best grilled.