In times like this, we want to know why.  

We struggle to understand how God could allow a tornado to level an elementary school.  I thought about the wise words of my friend Sandra:

Truth is, what hurts you hurts God even more. He created perfection. He called it good. He rested, because in perfection, true rest was possible. Rest from toil, worry, concern, and stress.

In times like these, we must remember God’s heart is breaking as well.

We cling to the  faithfulness of His character, the depth of His love, the truth of His Word … even when, especially when, life is hard.

In times like these, we do what we can.

One of my favorite ministries is Samaritan’s Purse.  I love the many ways this incredible organization ministers in the United States and around the world.  Teams from their North Carolina office are already on the way to Oklahoma to assess the situation and determine the best way they can support and help the victims of this disaster.  Samaritan’s Purse has been a vital part of rebuilding after the 2011 tornadoes here in Alabama and in Missouri.  They were in Moore, Oklahoma, in 1999, when this same city experienced a horrific tornado and they will be there again now.  Learn more about the disaster relief efforts of Samaritan’s Purse and specifically how you can be a part of what they will do in Oklahoma.  {As I was writing this post, Greta Van Susteren mentioned Samaritan’s Purse as one of those organizations always working tirelessly in disaster situations.}

In times like this, we pray.

We lift up parents who wait for news about their children.  We ache for children waiting to be reconnected with their parents.  We thank God for teachers who sacrifice their own lives for the lives of their students.  We pray for churches and pastors who will pray with and counsel the broken and the hurting.  We pray for the safety of first responders who work tirelessly to rescue and recover.  We ask the Lord to guide the government officials who will make vital decisions about allocations of resources.  We thank the Lord for volunteers who will sift through rubble, who will hand out water, who will open their homes, who will make sandwiches, who will hug and listen.  And we ask the Lord to continue to bring to mind these people who have lost so much in the days and weeks and months to come … the devastation and shock will give way to grieving and learning to live in the new normal.

The post In Times Like This appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

GO

All my life has been defined by songs.  

The first song I sang in church alone:  ”I Am a Promise.”

The song we sang as a family: “You’re Something Special.”

The song my brothers and I sang as children: “Kids Under Construction.”

The song I cried through in 3rd grade while standing in front of my grandfather’s church:  ”Mountaintop.”

The song my parents sang that remains my favorite hymn:  ”My Jesus I Love Thee.”

The song I danced my first slow dance to:  ”You’re the Inspiration.”

The song we blared as we were “dragging Main” during high school:  ”Foolin’”

The song we sang on the van after every debate tournament in college:  ”Doxology.”

The song I mocked in chapel during college: “Jehovah Jireh.”

The song that spoke what I wanted to say when I finally really encountered Jesus:  ”Break This Heart.”

The song my husband wrote for our wedding: “I Promise You {Teri’s Song}.”

The song that’s “ours”: “Beautiful in My Eyes.”

The song I sang as a lullaby to and prayer over my girl: “Sanctuary.”

The song that always makes me cry: “I Can Only Imagine.”

The song I listen to every day in my car: “Hometown.”

The song we sing at the nursing home:  ”How Great Thou Art.”

The song my girl sang at her voice recital, even though she was terrified: “Silent Night.”

The song I love more than “10,000 Reasons” by Matt Redmon: “Never Once.”

Songs are the soundtrack of my life.  But I’m finding the most beautiful song has nothing to do with what’s on the radio or playing in my iPod.  It’s this, the song of life …

The brewing of the coffee pot first thing in the morning, the chattering of teenage girls trying to decide what to wear to school, the cracking of my husband’s favorite Woodwick candles, the birds chirping outside the window, the laughing at Sheldon Cooper, and the last words of the day, “Good night, babe.  I love you.”

STOP

Every Friday, Lisa-Jo invites us to write.  Unedited … just pouring words on screen.  It’s beautiful and challenging and the best kind of fun.   You should definitely check out all the amazing writing done by the Five Minute Friday community.

The post {Five Minute Friday} Song appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

Oh girl!!  I wish you were here with me right now.  I’m on my third cup of coffee and fighting a monster of a headache.  This morning I managed {barely!} to keep my cool when my 13-going-on-25 year old daughter yelled at me because her hair wouldn’t go into a ponytail the way she wanted.  As I brushed through the tangled mess of hair, she cried and I wanted to.

We’ve had more bad days than good lately, this girl and her mom.  She snaps at me and I want to snap back {I do snap back more than I’d care to admit}.  It doesn’t get easier, this parenting gig.  My friend Natalie always says the stakes just keep getting higher.  I cry and I complain.  I drink more coffee and eat more ice cream.  And she keeps growing up and I keep wondering what happens at the end.

If you were here, we could swap horror stories … not about our kids, but about us. About the times we weren’t kind, the moments that lacked grace, the days we really {really!!!} wanted to run away. Because the thing about those stories is this, we didn’t quit. As much as we wanted to, we didn’t. We can’t. These kids with their snotty noses and even more snotty attitudes, they are the most beautiful things we’ve ever seen.

The toddler years didn’t kill me … and even though it feels like they might, I’m pretty sure the teenage years won’t kill me either. Neitzsche said, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” I don’t think he was talking about adolescence but I bet his mother heard him say that as an adult and thought, “You better believe it, boy!”

Today, I’m taking Tylenol and drinking coffee. This morning was rough and the truth is, this afternoon, when I pick her up from school, well, it could go either way. But we’ll make it, my girl and me. And so will you! We’ll love these little people who drive us to the brink of crazy and one day we’ll look back and think, “I sure wouldn’t want to do all that again!”

But for this day, for this moment, know this … the God of all creation loves you and you are doing a great job!  

Check out the Dear Weary Mom linkup at the new Hope for the Weary Mom blog {where I am thrilled to be a contributor!} and find all sorts of great encouragement!

What would you tell a weary mom today?

The post Dear Weary Mom, We’ll Make It! appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

But what if one day she was gone?  What if one day she wasn’t in that car line, wasn’t waiting for me at the dance studio, wasn’t there when I stepped out on the porch to tell her supper is ready?

What would I do?  What WOULDN’T I do?

Today, 27 million people are in slavery.  Many of those sold for sex, sold to the highest bidder, sold time after time until all that remains is a shell.  The girl in India who dreamed of raising babies … the girl in Alabama who wanted to live on a farm.  The girls who run away because they can’t imagine life could get worse.  The girls whose parents, looking around at too many mouth and not enough food, believe they have no choice.

I’ve spent years volunteering at crisis pregnancy centers, telling women and girls God can work hope and future from the uncertainty and fear they feel.  I serve the uninsured in our community once a month, making sure they get the diabetic supplies and blood pressure medicines they need.  I am thankful to be able to do those things, to serve in those ways.

But there is more … so much more I can do.  Every month I remind people about the horrors of human trafficking and modern day slavery.  I remind us all we can do something, we must do something.  Sometimes we buy a bag to help free a woman in India.  Sometimes we pray for those who are raiding brothels and bringing 89 to freedom.  Sometimes we give money, sometimes we give time.  But always, always, we must be aware.  We must never think it isn’t happening near us, couldn’t happen to us, to someone we love.

I have a thirteen-year-old daughter.  And I adore her.  But so do mothers all over the world.  Look at this woman in Mumbai, India, holding a photo of her daughter.  She doesn’t love her girl less than I love own.

We all have a part in freedom’s story.  As believers, we celebrate the freedom we have from the yoke of sin … but we must never rest in our own freedom spiritually and lose sight of those who are desperate for freedom literally.  That’s why I blog for The Exodus Road.  That’s why I carry and give FreeSet bags.  That’s why I love the End It movement.  Because it could be me holding a photo one day … longing to know my daughter was safe.

This week, Holley asked all of us God-sized dreamers to share about a nonprofit we support.  There are many, many ways to connect your gifts and passions with organizations who are making a profound difference in the lives and needs around the world.  You can read about many of them by checking out all the dreamers who have linked up with Holley this week.  I urge you to do so.

We need to know … and we need to act.  Because the needs are great and we can make a difference.  Each of us, doing our part, can change the world!

What is an organization you support?

The post We ALL Have a Part in Freedom’s Story appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

Women like this …

unashamed of their realness, willing to bare all and to come alongside others.

confident not in themselves but in Christ who is their strength.

honest, transparent, funny, creative, beautiful.

mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, friends—so many hats, all worn with grace.

bloggers, writers, designers, teachers.

Women like this …

Godly women who are living out Titus 2 and Proverbs 31.

who seek wisdom.

who yearn for stillness.

who love the Lord.

who bake bread and serve the Bread of Life.

who fill sippy cups and drink from the Living Water.

who share their lives through words but base their lives on the Word.

Women like this …

they make me stronger.

they make me laugh.

they make me cry.

they encourage me.

Women like this …

my mom, grandmothers, aunts, sisters (in law), cousins.

friends, mentors, mentees.

in real life and online.

Women like this …

heroes who give me hope and remind me I’m never alone.

who have been there, done that.

who are willing to share what they have learned.

Women like this …

a precious gift.

iron that sharpens me.

a cord not easily broken.

Women like this …

for which I am immeasurably grateful.

So to each of you who read this, thank you—for your encouragement, for your support.  I am better for your presence in my life.  As Paul said to the church at Philippi, “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God!” {Philippians 1:3}

What are you grateful for today?

The post Women like this … appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

“You’ve taught her well.  Trust that,” said the mom I called when I was terrified I’d failed in spiritually training my daughter.

Here’s the deal: we need each other!  Motherhood is a full contact sport and it demands more than we ever have to give.   Join me today on the Allume blog and let’s chat about why motherhood requires sisterhood!!

Also, as a little Mother’s Day gift from me to you … Parenting from the Overflow is free this weekend for Kindle and Kindle apps!  Go get your copy now and if you would, please spread the word on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and wherever else you can!  Thank you!!

The post Motherhood Requires Sisterhood {why we can’t do this alone} appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

Two great books you should check out …

Kidventures* {affiliate link} is a fabulous resource from my friend and mom to four boys (quads!), Jen Murray!  If you have been looking for activities to do this summer with your kids, you need this ebook!  Jen has worked hard to create a fabulous idea book with resource lists and easy to follow instructions.  Seriously, this is the best $4.99 you can invest in your summer plans!

EXPECTANT: 40 Devotions for New and Expectant Moms* {affiliate link} is another great resource for the expectant or new mom in your life.  This thoughtful book written by Julie Sanders offers forty devotions that will encourage and inspire young moms just beginning their journey.  Topics from hormones to nursery decor are covered with the gracious and loving words of a friend who cares about both your baby and you.  Tender and thought-provoking, I highly recommend this devotional.

And a little Mother’s Day gift from me …

Mother’s Day weekend is here … so I’m offering my book, Parenting from the Overflow, FREE for Kindle and Kindle apps!

Rather than focusing on tips and techniques, I explore how our lives can overflow with qualities such as love, patience, grace, and courage, all rooted in God’s work in us, not our efforts or abilities. Parenting from the Overflow is practical, encouraging, and filled with honest stories from my own journey of learning to lean into God so the overflow of Him pours on to those around me.

Other places to find me online …

A few days ago I got this message on Facebook from Christin, who is an administrative rockstar and is also one of the most genuine and caring people I know.  She asked if I’d like to write for the Allume blog.  Duh … write for the blog connected to the conference I adore, the one where all my BFFs gather for coffee, conversation, encouragement and prayer?  Um, yeah, I’d love to do that.  Look, ya’ll, that’s me … second from the bottom on the Contributor page!!  Squee!! And tomorrow, my first post will be on the Allume blog … Why Motherhood Needs Sisterhood.  I’ll post the link on my Facebook page when it’s live.  {Which means now is probably a great time to make sure we’re connected on Facebook!}

Since motherhood seems to be the theme this week, I thought I’d also share the post I wrote for Do Not Depart … if you are a mom with tweens or teens and desire to see them stay invested in Scripture, here are some important suggestions for you.

Finally, two of the best posts I read this week … don’t miss these!!

Stacey, the consummate encourager and truly one of my dearest friends, wrote these words that grabbed me and pulled me in tight to the Father’s love:

God is for us in the most amazing way. We need Him. We need His word and we need other mamas to speak encouragement to our hearts.

from P.S. Mama, He Just Flat Out Loves You

Hands down, the best thing I read this week came from my sweet friend Erin at Home with the Boys

Comparison is not our friend on this motherhood journey, but perspective can be.

from When I Think This Mom Gig Is Hard … 

That’s my recap … what did you read that I need to check out?

The post Don’t Miss This {May 10, 2013} appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

I really have no idea what sacrifice looks like. My life is filled with first-world problems and sometimes when I think about the very real tragedies in our world like human trafficking and orphans, I find myself completely overwhelmed. I wonder what sacrifice really means in my day-to-day, average American life. Today, I’m sharing three lessons I’ve learned about sacrifice on the A Woman Inspired blog. Join me there, please!

Oh and so you know … as my Mother’s Day gift to everyone, tomorrow through Sunday, Parenting from the Overflow will be free for Kindle and Kindle apps.

The post What Does Sacrifice Really Look Like? appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

From The Exodus Road, an amazing organization I am thankful to blog for.

Ever wonder what the inside of a locked brothel looks like? In this short video, covert footage captures investigators with The Exodus Road and Indian Rescue Mission entering a brothel searching for victims of sexual slavery. These brave men consistently gather evidence in the darkest of places, for the sake of raids, rescues, and prosecutions of criminals. Visit The Exodus Road or like their page on facebook to find out more.   Watch this two-minute video of their recent rescue effort.

Looking for some creative spark?

Check out my sweet friend (and fellow God-size dreamer) Elizabeth May‘s new series: Spark Moms, launching today! Go now, you will love it!!

Know any new moms or moms-to-be?

My dear friend Julie Sanders is releasing her new ebook, EXPECTANT: 40 Devotions for New and Expectant Moms.  I cannot wait to share more about this incredible book … but for now, you should find a favorite baby photo of your child and get ready to enter her photo contest.  I’m trying to decide between a couple of my favorite photos of my girl to enter!

What is something awesome you read {or wrote!} this week … I’m looking for some great stuff to share on my Facebook page this weekend!

The post Don’t Miss This {May 3, 2013} appeared first on Teri Lynne Underwood.

It’s hard to always remember those things, isn’t it?  But oh so important that we do … Happy Thursday!

~~~~~  Don’t forget about the Ultimate Homemaking Bundle … 97 ebooks for under $30!  Only available until Saturday! ~~~~~

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