After countless conversations over the last couple of days I have determined that the summer struggle is real. Every single mom friend I've talked to has complained (including myself), about the constant battle against bickering. Even friends that have one child have laughed saying that their child won't stop bickering with them! 

But on a more serious note, after a talk with a friend tonight, I was reminded that the mom struggle is real for everyone all throughout the year - and it can be debilitating. Every mom has, and will, experience periods of grief, a trial that tests the limits of their humanity, a heartache, a tragedy... the list is endless. That's why it's so important to find a tribe of "mom faith friends" and fellow prayer warriors. You just cannot do this "mom-thing" alone.

Jesus calls us into community for a reason. No (WO)man is an island, especially when she has a brood of crazy, yet lovable, little people in her care 24/7. The foundation of our happiness relies on whether our relationships with God and each other are thriving. God places these special women in our lives to bring us hope, peace, and ultimately closer to Him. It's a win-win situation, so make these friendships a priority. 

On a final note, once I was thinking about all of the different struggles and trials my friends and I have faced, or are currently experiencing, I realized that the root of anxiety for every cross that we bear is lack of trust. Whether we've bore the cross of death (of a loved one, or a dream), disease, financial disaster, or unexpected hiccups along the way, it all comes down to trust. No matter how close a relationship we have with Jesus we all have to continually (and intentionally) practice the art of trust, which leads me to another song I find myself frequently blaring from my car's sound system...

Do you have any songs that just make your heart sing? This one is mine, and even when I'm having a hard time trusting in God's plans for me I belt this song out and by the end of the song I find myself feeling much better. I hope this can help you too when you feel lost, exhausted, uncertain, anxious, desperate, pissed, hopeless, hopeful, joyful, happy, well just about anytime. 😊