Never Dreamt...

When I first learned that I was about to become a mother, I never dreamed the crazy places my life would take me.

I wouldn't have thought I'd be in a town hit with a devastating tornado (Enterprise, AL) and narrowly miss being in the tornado's path, I never thought I'd become pregnant again less than a year after having my first child, I REALLY never thought that pregnancy would result in TWIN (!) BOYS (!) coming into my world, and I didn't dream that before their arrival I'd essentially become a single mother, and that after their arrival that it would become official before they turned a year old.

Most of all, I never planned on doing this motherhood thing alone.

Although that can seem really sad and depressing to some, I'm perfectly at peace with where God has me. When life throws us a curveball, and in this case, a REALLY curvy one, God is always trying to teach us something.

What have I learned?

Patience beyond understanding. Empathy at a whole new level. I've turned my "judgement" button off, no matter how serious a situation might seem. I've learned to value friendships and relationships with family with a reverence I've never before understood, especially with my former-in-laws. Endurance. Endurance. Endurance.

So, don't pity me. Celebrate our resilience as God's people with me. After all, it is our "signature move". True faith produces all of these things in us naturally, and when those blessings come, we can't help but celebrate with even more joy.

This past semester was the most challenging to date. I felt overwrought; between school, children and work I could barely keep it together. Thankfully, this semester will yield a much more manageable schedule of a half-time school schedule again. I have such a short time left with the children being so young, and I want to be able to be my best self for them before they become school-agers and are only a part of my day when school is through.

Sometimes I feel like I am failing despite my strides. They are painfully slow. By now, I'd hoped to have so much more accomplished, and I have to constantly remain on my knees in prayer in order to keep my eyes focused on God's plan for me instead of my earthly goals. I know exactly what He wants of me right now, and it is to be there for my growing sons.

That said, I've had some of the most incredible situations present themselves lately. I'll be sharing some of them with you very soon. :)

Regardless of what life throws our way, we have to remember that we are PHENOMENAL, inside and out. God knows our triumphs, our struggles, and our heart's desire. When we simply talk with Him, read His word, and enjoy His presence, hope reigns in our hearts. Hope powers our day when circumstances take the joy out. He created us for a purpose. When we recognize that purpose and prayerfully submit to His will, everything begins to flow naturally. We don't just step, we glide.

Phenomenal Woman

BY MAYA ANGELOU

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size   

But when I start to tell them,

They think I’m telling lies.

I say,

It’s in the reach of my arms,

The span of my hips,   

The stride of my step,   

The curl of my lips.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,   

That’s me.

I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,   

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.   

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.   

I say,

It’s the fire in my eyes,   

And the flash of my teeth,   

The swing in my waist,   

And the joy in my feet.   

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Men themselves have wondered   

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can’t touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them,   

They say they still can’t see.   

I say,

It’s in the arch of my back,   

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.

Now you understand

Just why my head’s not bowed.   

I don’t shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.   

When you see me passing,

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It’s in the click of my heels,   

The bend of my hair,   

the palm of my hand,   

The need for my care.   

’Cause I’m a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That’s me.