Howdy, Siestas! I feel like I should introduce myself again because it’s been so long since I’ve written. Our summer was b-u-s-y but wonderful. Curtis preached at a Bible study gathering called Metro and at a few churches in our area, I led the Ruth study with some blogging girlfriends, we hosted out of town family members, went to Galveston a couple of times, and did lots of swimming and playing with the kids. Tomorrow Jackson and Annabeth will start pre-k and mother’s day out, so I suppose summer is coming to an end for us. Our normal Wednesday church schedule picks back up tonight and I can’t wait to see all the fellowship supper crowd. We have been missing everyone! Jackson gets to join the kids choir as of tonight. I think he is going to love it.
I have a little story to tell you that will explain my recent absence here on the blog. One day in June I was trying to get some work done and I went into the dining room (away from the kids) so I could concentrate. A few minutes later Jackson came running over to me and said, “Annabeth is on the TV!” What in the world? I ran in the living room to find my 16-month-old walking on the console behind the flatscreen and about to dive off into a pile of toys. Needless to say, I was horrified. I brought my laptop back in the living room and tried to finish whatever I was doing. A few minutes later I looked down and saw Annabeth sitting on our golden retriever’s back. All she needed was a saddle and she had her own little pony. I was horrified again! Beckham is a very patient dog and he loves the kids, but that was not okay. I was bit in the face by our family dog as a child and I know better than to trust any animal completely. This happened three feet away from me and I didn’t see it because of my computer screen.
I knew my days of working at home were coming to an end. I either needed to return to the office or stop working. Not only was it becoming unsafe for my children, but I constantly felt frustrated and discouraged as an employee and as a mother. I’m sure many of you can relate to how I was feeling. It was maddening because the world tells women we can have it all – career, romance, family, friends, leisure, and a peaceful home – but the truth is we are all making sacrifices in one or more of these areas in order to carry the others. I felt like my entire family was revolving around me and my needs, when what my soul really longed for was to have the time and energy to serve them.
After many conversations with Curtis, a long heart-to-heart with my mom, and lots of prayers shot up to God in desperate moments, we decided that I would take a step back from my job at LPM for the next year. I have 12 months left with my son before he begins kindergarten and I want to make the most of that time. Next fall we will reevaluate our situation.
I confess I was really nervous to talk to my mom about this. It can be complicated when family members work together. But in my heart I kept hearing my mom say, “No amount of success in ministry can make up for failure at home.” My mom has kept to that after all these years and I’ve benefitted from it in countless ways. Now it was time for me to decide on my own. Would I choose what was best for my family? I could not have imagined how graciously my mom would respond to my cries for help. She was 100% mom and 0% boss in that moment. She told me that when she’d kept the kids the weekend before, she’d sensed that this was coming.
Once Curtis, Mom and I were on the same page, I felt a flood of relief and joy. For about three hours. Then the seriousness of walking away from my job of 8 years came crashing over me. Satan told me the disgusting lie that I wouldn’t be important anymore. As if I should need to be important anyway! I was pretty emotional – swinging from extreme happiness and relief to sadness – for a few weeks. In fact, during that time I wrote two other versions of this post that I deemed too melodramatic to publish.
It’s been two months since the decision was made and a little less time since I handed over my administrative responsibilities to my co-worker, Kimberly McMahon/KMac. She is an awesome lady and I’m very thankful for the gifts God has given her.
Our family is definitely enjoying the harvest from this change. I feel a lot more peace. And that’s a pretty big deal! My relationship with Jackson has improved dramatically. He needed me to say yes more. I’ve been cooking, which my husband appreciates. I will say, though, that motherhood is hard any way you slice it! Can I get an amen? Did this make my life perfect? Uh, no. Did I magically become Supermom? I wish. But do I like motherhood more? Yes. Definitely.
Mom has invited me to keep writing here whenever I have something to share and I look forward to doing that. I will finally have some alone time now that Annabeth is starting mother’s day out and Jackson will be inPre-K. Praise the Lord!
I know that many of you reading this are desperate for your situation – whatever that may be – to change. Please know that when you cry out to the Lord, He hears you! He knows what you are going through. He is your Shepherd and He cares for you. Pray, pray, pray. First Peter 5:7-8 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (NIV) I am asking God to show you His love, power and care right now.
Siestas, thank you for loving my family and for supporting us. We love you very much.
Sincerely,
Amanda
Amanda, we are going to miss you posting on the LMP blog so I can’t even imagine how much Jackson and Annabeth miss you when you are dedicated to the ministry.
You will have lots to share when you return.
There is a season for everything.
Enjoy this precious time with your little ones.
I can’t even quit bawling enough to see the screen right now…I am a mom to a precious 18 month old baby boy with a (surprise)baby girl on the way. I teach elementary school and have been blessed to have the opportunity to do so part time (a a job sharing position). However I the school where I teach is a place of extreme negativity and stress. I am often made to feel guilty about my part time work and exptected to ‘volunteer’ lots of extra time. I also teach online classes to supplement our income. I am overwhelmed with it all. At school I feel that I am not able to give my students what they deserve and when I am at home I feel that my little one gets neglected. AAAh What to do? My husband is a teacher/football coach, thus I must work. I am just feeling like a failure! Whew–maybe I feel better after writing it all down (mini-therapy). Your prayers would be so coveted. I am happy for you and the decision you made.
Thanks for encouraging my heart with the reminder that God hears our cries!!!!! I am most definitely DESPERATE for change! Can’t see how that will come about at this point, but I am watching and waiting for what my sweet Savior has in store for my family.
So happy that you have the privilege of being fully focused on your role as a wife/mother for now.
I can relate more than you know! Before I had my daughter I was an elementary school teacher. I LOVED my job. But, when I had Cori Belle, 8 months ago, I knew I couldn’t do it all. I couldn’t give 100% to my students and 100% to my daughter. Not to mention, my husband too!
There is SO much pressure for women to work. We are told over and over again that a career equals value and self worth. Thankfully, God reassures us that our value and self worth comes from HIM alone. Because of that, we can choose to stay home with our children and know that we are still important. Our job as a mother and wife are the MOST important jobs we could ever have. I commend you for stepping out in faith. You will be rewarded! 🙂
Yes, an AMEN to motherhood being hard. I just read this quote yesterday and I have been pondering it ever since. “It is more important that we help our children reach their potential than it is to see our own dreams come true.” What a tremendous sacrifice, but what a reward we will receive in the long run! I remember trying to work from home and the difficult time I had in saying good-bye to my job of 9 years for a well-known nonprofit. But God has been so faithful and is teaching where my importance comes from…HIM! I have been blessed with the highest possible calling – that of being a MOM.
Ha.. I just realized that I left the “e” off the end of my own name. Good thing my self worth isn’t in spelling or I might be sulking the rest of the night! 🙂
Amanda, what an inspiring post, my dear. You will not regret making this difficult decision. We’ll all look forward to your return when the timing is right for you and your precious family.
I know our Lord does not want us to “regret” however, when regret hits me, it usually has to do with putting my children behind some so called opportunity when they were growing up.
You are an impressive young woman. My opinion is that motherhood is the most challenging job and the most humbling experience in my 61 years. God bless you and we are so glad you will keep in touch during your “leave of absence” Lots of love and blessings
Great post Amanda! As much as I love your mother and sister, your posts speak to me the most b/c I am at home with my two little girls. I am SO happy for you and your new season of life. Your two kiddos will be greatly blessed by your decision to stay home with them. I sometimes feel like the world looks down on stay-at-home moms, but I know my working-mom friends feel like people are looking down on them. Satan definitely uses whatever he can find to get to us! And yes, you can get a big AMEN from me…staying home is not always easy! But it’s definitely worth it! We are shaping the future. I’d take that trade off any day!
Hi Amanda!
It’s great to “see” you again.
While I will miss seeing you here as often, I greatly admire and respect your decision. Your kids are so blessed. You inspire me to step back look at ways I can better serve my own children (10 and 6).
Thanks and love,
Anne
WOW Amanda…what timimg. About a month ago, I made a very similar decision for the very same reasons. I resigned from my position as children’s pastor because my children needed me to say yes more…because I needed to cook dinner more…and because I needed more peace in my life. I was very nervous to tell my pastor, but he respected me for it. I, too, was told the lie that I was worth nothing now, and that I was putting my calling on a shelf.
My situation has worked out a little differently…all 4 of my kids are in school as of this year. The hard part about being children’s pastor was that my working hours were weekends & evenings, basically. God heard my desperate cries for help, and for Him to work it out anyway he chooses. The verse He placed on my heart once I resigned & cried for 8 solid days…was “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37: 4.
Turns out, God opened a door for me to remain on staff, but work during school hours only. It will be a different world for me, and yes I’m still a little nervous as to whether this is THE best thing for my family, but I’m walking by faith & not by sight.
Lord BLESS YOU for your decision. You will never, ever, ever regret having made it.
Thank you for sharing your decision with us.
For those of us without children, who are having to work for reasons of the economy or husband’s illness, I think it also strikes a chord.
My desire is for God to bestow work on our household and health on my husband, so our roles can be reversed.
I wonder how many other women feel as I do? How many would rather be caring for the home, cooking and tending to things even in the absence of children whether through empty nest or never having any.
I am so weary and overloaded and unable to keep up around the home.
I’m praying your story shows us all to trust Him to provide for our needs…..
It’s something I very desperately need to believe in.
Dear LL, my children are gone but I have had to go to work for my husband, and his health issues (insurence), my sister is in the same boat with her husband and a chronic illness. Hang on dear sister, you are not alone. And go home sometimes and put yourself straight to bed. Get some sleep and eat healthy. You are part of a community. Shalom
Thank you for sharing that, I don’t have kids and have been married for 25 years and my hearts cry is to be at home taking care of the ones I love and not allow the enemy to steal my time while I must work full time for insurance for me, I know that there is grace but I do long for a home life!!!Economics play into it also!!!God bless you sharing as well!!! It helped me too
Good for you Amanda! I think in some ways we all somehow crave validation. One observation I’ve made is that there is no greater validation than being a mom who is present in her children’s lives. I think that looks different for each family, but I know in my personal experience when my baby entered first grade I began to feel the tug to do something–I’d spent eleven years as a stay at home mom and believe me, I relate with how stinkin’ HARD it is! I wondered if I got a job would I be able to still be a present mom to my kids? After much prayer, with the support of my man, I entered college as a freshmen at the age of 37. I’m about to start my third year and while it’s been the absolute most challenging thing I have ever done in my life, I feel that the busier we are as a family, the better I prioritize my time in order to be present in my kids lives. Is it a perfect situation? No. But we keep depending on the Lord, and cleaving to one another. It’s working splendidly, and I’m continually blessed by how close we are as a family, despite our hectic schedule! When I lay my head down on my pillow at night, and feel my husbands arms wrap around me, in the quiet communication that happens about a day well lived, I feel truly validated.
I am so happy for you, Amanda. That internal stress over failing your family is HORRIBLE. Your Mom is absolutely right. First things first. I say you made the right decision. The job will be there when AB goes to school in a few short years. Way to go!
Amanda,Bless you, Dear One for making such a difficult choice. Honoring your Lord through honoring your family is an amazing journey.
God bless you! Thanks for being so honest with us!
I’m just beginning this journey. I have 1 week left of maternity leave before I go back part time from home for work. I’m already a little nervous about juggling my baby, work, and keeping my 21 month old niece. But I’m sooooo very thankful for the opportunity to be at HOME with my baby girl! God is so good!
Woah… i am not a mom, nor even married, but that middle paragraph where you said you swung from one extreme of relief and joy to sadness I can TOTALLY identify with… decisions kick my tail. I like to just avoid them…but, i can’t. I CAN speak of PEACE that passes ALL UNDERSTANDING even when i stand, with knocking knees, in my decision with the extreme swings… doubting myself. (Duh, don’t you notice that peace Tam?) Well, yeah, I do… and that has kept me grounded on the Rock, My Gentle Shepherd…and the decision I made at the beginning of my decision. I am trusting HIM to undertake in my vulnerabilities and fears…. in His Salvation and Strength (Isa. 30:15). Thanks for sharing and glad to hear from you!!
The job will still be there if and when you decide to go back. But your children are only little once. I was a stay-home mom for five years, until my daughter started kindergarten. How many precious memories I have from that time! Ironically, there were no moms’ groups in our area then. Now that my daughter is an adult, there are young moms’ groups everywhere! My church has one — sometimes I feel like asking if they would accept an “old mom”. Best of luck, and I’m glad your mom said you could still post here.
Good for you, Amanda. My baby starts kindergarten tomorrow, and the 11 (!) years since I started caring for babies seems like a breath. You are wise to try to press the pause button and soak it in. I am thankful for the sacrifices all of your family makes on my behalf and pray that God will bless you in this new endeavor.
‘In due time’…. I needed that Word today Amanda. I hope to be a mom someday and your Mom-hood ministry has blessed me!! Enjoy your littles!!
Amanda,
Thanks for penning down exactly how most working moms feel at one time or another. I went through those exact emotions late last fall and took a leap of faith that God would continue to provide for our family if I quit my job and would protect my husbands job in this terrible economhy and not only did he protect his job he actually got a even better position with more potential for upward promotions. I can now give so much more of myself to my family who is growing up way too fast for my taste and my stress level has gone down so much! I just praise God for how blessed we are. Know that you are not alone in all those emotions and I am so happy you are going to have the time with your family especially before Jackson goes to Kindergarten!
Amanda, You will reap so many benefits from this decision. My husband and I made that decision 16 years ago when we had our first child. My husband graciously has worked 3 job in the past to make sure we kept this commitment of me staying home with our children. I can say to you know that even though we have teenagers my commitment to them is still as strong. This time is going to go by so fast you are going to blink and their young childhood will be gone. God bless you.
Amanda,
I will certainly miss your frequent posts on this blog. I love how you write and how you convey to us your heart. But Jackson and Annabeth are treasures that will in no time be 17 and 23. Oops, those are my kids’ ages! I’m sure many of us have been in your situation and alot of us didn’t or don’t have the same opportunity that God is giving you. Enjoy it, girl!! Love those babies desperately! (They don’t much like that when they’re 17 and 23… not the same way anyway!)
Blessings to yuo and your sweet family!!
Bravo Amanda – Bravo! Been there, done that and it was worth it!
This post got me worse than any I’d read on this blog. I too have small children, and I work and it clearly isn’t the best balance for our family. I am convinced that God has a new plan for my life that will enable him to wholeheartedly serve him, and will far better suit my family BUT God’s timing is ‘slower’ than I would like. I feel frustrated in that I no longer want my current life but that the door to the new one isn’t quite open.
I KNOW that God loves and cares for me – and that his plan will be perfect for our lives (and that the ‘delay’ is part of that plan and a time of developing me/ us to be the people we need to be)…. but right now I am struggling to leave my girls with my Mom (who helps me) and drive to work. I think the summer is harder as everyone else seems to be at home.
Satan really is a prowling lion who does a good job at making all moms feel guilty.
I just drove my “baby” girl to her freshman year of college, 4 1/2 hours from home. I am so grateful for the time I had her at home and very proud of her and her readiness to go to school. What a blessing to have this time with your children! Happy for all of you! You are a great Mom!
I am so happy for you Amanda, and proud of your decision! I am a stay at home mom of 2 ages 8 and 10. It is worth it! You are honoring Him by honoring your family.
Amanda, what a luxury to be able to stay home and serve your family. I always said when my kids were little (and big) my family worked because I didn’t. Be assured you are missed and we look forward to many Jackson and Annabeth stories as well as spiritual insight from a very godly young mother. Shalom
Amanda- Good for you!!! Thank you for sharing your story as it will give many women on the blog comfort. Especially the part about being attacked by Satan. I think sometimes we don’t even realize the attacks in our head are Satan. We actually believe they are the truth. You did what was right for you and your family and that is important.
Well, darling girl, I’m glad the Lord heard your cries. You can always have a career later, but your kids are little only once. I stayed home a very long time and managed to squeeze 15 cents out of every nickle. And it was such a blessing. It’s no guarantee that your kids will turn out perfect, but it is a blessing to have no regrets, that you gave the best of yourself to God, your husband and children instead of the leftovers. I don’t think many women can have it all at the same time, but God assigns us our portion and cup, and blessed is the woman who obeys His direction for her life in each season.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post! I am a mother of 2 and recently stepped back from my position in ministry. We are having a tuff time adjusting, all of us! This was so encouraging and your quote about the success at work, not making up for a failure at home has really resonated with me!
Thank you Amanda for sharing. I’ll be leaving my job of four years in December and I’m axious to move on now and it’s encouraging to know that God is there for me. Thanks for the reminder!!
Great choice amanda! I know I had to do the same thing when I had little ones.. I had two little ones and I made the choice and then before you know it… I had FOUR little ones. But I had so much peace and I could concentrate on the job at hand… raising my children. There was no time for devotions.. at least not the kind I was used to, and really no time for anything but taking care of them.
But God was so very present in my home. I used to feel his presence especially strong when I would stand and wash dishes (we couldn’t afford a dishwasher) I would literally have verses… that I had never memorized … pop into my head. He fed me.. And one day I saw in Isaiah 40:10-12
He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; HE GENTLY LEADS THOSE THAT HAVE YOUNG.
And I KNOW we will all hear from you from time to time. You will be inspired now and then and we will all be blessed as the LORD touches your heart.
Bless you Woman!!
Heidi
in Fayetteville, GA
Oh my word!! I am so glad you posted that! I was a teacher and recently quit to stay home with my children. With school starting back I have been dealing with the emotion of, “Now what do I contribute?” and “Why can’t I make it all work?” Thanks for putting in perspective. And… I am with you. Motherhood is the best! I do love being home and love being with my kids!
Amanda,
I am so happy to hear this blessing for your family. I have been there and totally understand. May you enjoy your home and children more and more! I am praising the Lord because He is working out some similar situations in our home. We have been in a long waiting period but things are turning around. Step by step He’s working so many details out! Praise His Name!
Wow Amanda! I commend you for you are wise above your years. I know you made the right decision. I thank you for your honesty and I thank you for reminding me that God is hearing our desperate cries for change. I personally have been crying out to the Lord for encouragement in my situation and you certainly were a part of that answer to prayer.
Good for you Amanda! and for your family! These years fly by soon enough! May God bless your family as you continue to serve Him by ministry to your family!
Amanda,
I hope you jump in a post still. I love the dynamic between you, Melissa, and your mom. I can relate to all 3 of you in so many different ways, and I will miss your new mommy insights…where so many of us reading are today. I totally get your decision as well. I just recieved 2 books from Amazon that I can’t wait to get started on, one of which is called “The Ministry of Motherhood.” I am not sure what it is about other than the Lord said “that one.”
There are so so so many lies that we can do it all…but the Lord did not make me to be able to get it all perfectly done. I guess he knew how horribly prideful I can be…so he keeps it real for me by making me crack when I come under to much pressure. My husband would rather be strapped for cash than live with a nutjob-over stressed wife.
Enjoy your freetime while your children are away. This siesta in small town TN loves when you speak.
We chose for me to walk away from my Nursing job and stay home with our children. I have NEVER regretted it. Were there hard days? YES. Physically, emotionally and financially….but I wouldn’t change the time I was able to spend molding my children’s hearts for anything. (Or the extra time I got to pamper my husband!) Now my children are grown and I have gone back to Nursing part time.
Enjoy it, Amanda, they grow up so fast. My mom told me that, but until I experienced it I just couldn’t believe it…..especially when the days seemed so long. 🙂
“The years teach us much that the days never knew.”
Wow. Great quote! I also left the nursing field when mine were babies. Part of the difficulty for me was the loss of respect from my nursing buddies. They seemed to think this was the least intelligent move I could make. Though I knew they were wrong, I often felt tempted to view myself as loosing IQ points somewhere between the Gerber jars and the Huggies. I believe God showed me I was worth far more to Him than just my contribution to the GDP.
Amanda –
Your mom has changed my life. I cannot put down her bible studies and am on my 6th one this year. She has taught me so much about the Lord and the bible. God has done so much through her.
I had to giggle when I read your post. I quit my job of 10 years TODAY! Amen sister – you can’t do it all. It’s the craziest thing – whatever is going on in my life, God seems to magically put the perfect message – written by your mom – for that day in my hands to raise me up and give me the strength to face the challenge.
Savor every moment – mine are 6 and 9 and it flies so fast! I’m so excited for the days ahead!!!
I am so proud of you! I think you made the right decision.
Amanda,
I don’t think you will regret this decision. Time goes by so fast. Before you know it your kids will be grown. I too am a working mom, and I long to be home with my girls (16, 11, 2). I have tried to think of everything and anything to get me home, but so far there is no possible way. I know that if it is God’s will, He will show me the way. Your post today made me cry. Maybe it was because I know I have not spent enough time pouring my heart out to God in prayer. Thank you for your encouragement. Enjoy your children!
Mindy
Oh my!! How timely is the Lord for all our needs! I so needed to hear your story Amanda. May God continue to bless your family and your journey w/peace and resting in Him. Was not able to focus and complete the study of Ruth and knowing God wants me closer felt saddened and knowing the enemy allowed myself to feel guilty. Reminded by your post to stay focused and reminded I am HIS!! Thanks for being real sharing your lives. Thank you Lord for meeting our needs!!
Amanda,
I hear ya, sister! Motherhood is hard! I have recently gone back to work close to full time for the first time after having kids. My husband and I both agreed that our kids young years were very important years, so I would stay home. I babysat to add to our income, and my husband was gracious enough to ignore the fact that babysitting money didn’t add a whole lot of money. All good things must come to an end. My youngest is in school full time now, so it was time to stop ignoring the fact that the checkbook was moving in a negative direction. But God gave me a job at my kids’ school, so that when they’re off, I’m off. I love my job, but it’s exhausting. My husband farms, so his hours are long and not very flexible. But God is giving me energy! I know it’s from Him, because it wasn’t there a couple weeks ago until I started begging Him for it. God is so good! He has given me a great family, a job that I (usually) love, and (for now) enough energy to make it through the day!
Amanda,
Way to go! Your children will have so many wonderful memories of things they did with their mommy! I’m sure much prayer and thought went into this heart-wrenching decision. It sound like you have a lot of support from everyone around you, so don’t give the devil a second thought! Enjoy the time with your children! We love you no matter what! Looking forward to hearing from you from time to time, Love, Joan
God bless you, sweet Amanda! My heart UNDERSTOOD everything you posted. Keep on being your sweet self, and know that we all love you. You are a fantastic Wife, Mom, Daughter, and Friend to all of us here on the blog. Thank you for your encouragement to all of us!
Oh Amanda, you have made the right choice!!! I stepped away from a so-called fabulous career with a nice salary to take care of my two children when they were just a bit older than yours. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. I only regret that I missed even one day of their childhood. God will honor you for serving others before yourself. We will all be praying for you and waiting for updates on your new adventure. I hope you know we love you out here in blog-land and we think you’re SUPER important wherever you spend your time.
Oh how your words have spoken to me! What an incredible and very brave decision you made! I am facing this very decision. I have not been on this blog in a very long time, and yet I came tonight and read this. I can’t help but wonder is God speaking to me? I have a business with a dear friend so I face that akwardness like you did with your mom! Praying for you to have a blessed year with your children!!
We will miss you Amanda but congrats to you for making the decision you feel is right for your family. I made that decision almost 18 years ago when I had my first child. Now I have 3 children and the oldest is now a Sr. in high school. And yes, I’m so thankful that I have been able to stay home with them and you will defnitely get an “AMEN” from me…it’s not easy at times. However, it is rewarding. Do I sometimes question? Of course, I do. Don’t believe Satan and his lies. Treasure all those moments you get to have with them. Those will last a life time:)
You go, girl!! The main thing is keepin the main thang the main thang!
“And God is able to make ALL grace abound to you, so that in ALL things, at ALL times, having ALL that you need, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Cor. 9:8
Dear Amanda,
You go girl. I know how you feel. I just became a new mother in May and quit a very successful 10 year career as a Ph.D. level Christian therapist. It was a very rewarding ministry and I gained a lot of confidence through it. On top of that adjustment, I also felt called out of church-related ministry for this time while my baby is young and needs me to nurture him. I had been my church’s women’s director and active in various interdenominational community events that my husband and I founded. I can relate to your feelings of relief, then peace, then sadness…some moments I have a pity party about feeling that God has taken so much away (especially when my son has his days with colic and the raging fussies and I am isolated at home). But, I know that this season will pass and I will only have him little for such a short time. Besides, he is the greatest blessing ever and I want to do my best with him.
Thank you for your candid post. It has helped me realize that I am not the only woman who believes in being successful as a wife and mother means giving up other areas of great fulfillment for a time to honor God and my husband and my child as a servant.
Thinking of you and knowing I am not alone,
Jenni