A Mother’s Journey

As I look at these pictures of the last 4 years of Mother’s Day’s past, I can’t help but be amazed by the journey God has taken me on. I am completely in awe by this wonderful, overflowing joy of the Lord!

Mother’s Day 2018

I remember taking this obligatory photo 2 weeks after being told my body couldn't have babies anymore. I was heartbroken and grappling to accept this reality. Actually, I forgot it was Mother’s Day because in Thailand, Mother's Day is celebrated on August 12th on Her Majesty Queen Sirikit's birthday. We were also set to move back to Oregon at the end of that May, so there was lots going on. We remembered so last minute that this day Evie and I simply grabbed some iced teas after church and then I took a selfie. Through tears and sorrow, I set aside that desire for more children and promised myself that I would solely focus on this beautiful girl God had given me. She deserved everything I had to offer as a mother, even though I couldn't give her the baby sister she'd been praying for.

Mother’s Day 2019

I was in awe! I was 21 weeks pregnant and only 3 days prior to this Mother's Day, we found out we were having a baby GIRL! Eloise Pauline was on the way and Evie was getting the baby sister she longed for. My hope has been restored after a lot heartbreak. I was completely overwhelmed with joy because I knew this was what God had destined for me in motherhood. God answered my prayers and I was determined to enjoy this crazy amazing and completely unexpected journey with Jesus.

Mother’s Day 2020

The day we announced Baby D #3 was on the way. I took no pictures with my girls that Mother's Day because I was so sick. Truthfully, I was still in shock that we were pregnant again. Everything seemed crazy, having just moved overseas, a global pandemic, and lockdown. Nothing in 2020 had gone according to plan, but Baby D #3 was undoubtedly a miracle. I remember taking this pic, not entirely sure what the future held regarding back-to-back pregnancies, birth overseas, and being so far away from family. But I also remember having complete peace that this was 100% God's timing for this child. I was in awe that God had created new life where doctors said life would never exist again. TWO year in a row!

Mother’s Day 2021

Three girls !!! I still can't believe it. This Mother's Day I find myself celebrating what Jesus has done in my life the last 4 years. It's so much more than God's miracles. I was broken and believing the lies of the enemy. Jesus restored me and continues to reveal the beauty of His character. These sweet miracles babies were a launching point into deeper faith and understanding of who Jesus is. God saw me. He heard me. He transformed me. He continues to use the gift of motherhood to teach me about the depths of His love. I remain in awe! I pray I never forget His goodness.

"Your awe-inspiring acts of power have everyone talking! I'm telling people everywhere about your excellent greatness! Our hearts bubble over as we celebrate the fame of your marvelous beauty, bringing bliss to our hearts. We shout with ecstatic joy over your breakthrough for us. You're kind and tenderhearted to those who don't deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness." Psalm 145:6-8 (TPT)

Jesus, You replaced my ashes with beauty. You traded my mourning for joy. When my spirit was faint, you wrapped me in a garment of praise and planted me firmly in Your Word. Thank you for never giving up on me and remaining faithful in spite of my lack of faith. May I always remember the journey you've taken me on and praise You for who You are and all that You've done. In Jesus' Name, Amen.