Today, I spent time with just Miss B.

I honesty can’t remember the last time I did that. Or, in fact, if I’ve ever done that. Back when her mama was sick, I always grabbed both kids for outings to give her time to rest or see the doctor. Then, when Katie went to be with Jesus too soon, it was all hands on deck and again it was always both kids together along with my own.

Children grow, schedules get busy and whenever we get together now it’s as whole families. The sisters and their husbands and their kids… it’s kinda chaos actually. The good kind of chaos, but crazy just the same.

This week, God whispered to me that Miss B needed some girl time – some time without big brother – some time not with the grandmothers (I mean they’re girls, but come on, they’re grandmas.) My girl had plans, the hubby had plans, I was available so I schedule a girl day. And, we had a blast.

Lunch.

And a movie.

And then a little shopping.

I took multiple pictures today because I want to remember that smile – the fun we had. I want to remember that I need want to do it again.

I want to hear this sweet girl, who lost her mother so young, bubble with joy and babble like tween girls do about nothing and everything all at once.

I want to look at her face and see glimpses of her mama and remember how much fun we had before our babies were even born. We too went out to lunch and to the movies and giggled and talked about nothing and everything all in the same breath.

I want to remember that God made this precious, precious girl – a miracle child – to continue Katie’s legacy and make the world an even better place.

I want to remember that I made a promise to my Katie to love her babies like my own and that can’t be done at arms length.

You see, I kinda wonder if the reason I’ve not scheduled a girl’s day before is that I was afraid – so very afraid – that it was going to be hard. That it was going to hurt. That I would miss Katie even more when I spent time with her mini-me and remembered the plans we had to raise our kids together.

I was right to be afraid.

It hurt. It continues to hurt. Like a dull ache around my heart.
It’s an ache I recognize as one that will never fully go away.
The pain ebbs and flows, but it will always be.

Do you know what’s greater than the pain?

That girl’s smile.

I can’t wait to see it again.

Remember how I told you a few weeks ago that the HOH ladies were heading on a mission trip!? Well, it’s almost time! So, today, the group had a retreat to do a little planning and have some bonding time.

I’ll tell you the truth. I was looking forward to seeing everyone. I was NOT looking forward to the part of the day that went with this phrase from the email about the retreat, “Be dressed to be outside most of the day.” Ya, it’s June in GA friends. Outside is not where I want to be unless I’m next to a pool with a cold tea in my hand. And, we were going to be at a local church known for the MASSIVE ropes course and Zip Lines they had on their property. Ya, I don’t do heights as a rule.

Pretty bad attitude, right? Terrible really. Here we are about to go on a mission trip with these people, and I’m all cranky about being in the heat and outside and high up. I knew waking up this morning that I had a bad attitude, and prayed my way through the morning. I didn’t want Maggie to see it, and I really didn’t want to have it.

Here’s what God whispered to me. “You’re over-thinking it. Don’t you think I’ve got this? I love you. I’ll take care of it.”

So, I prepped Maggie and my food. I packed a cooler with TONS of water. I packed a backpack to include sunscreen and bug spray. And, I decided to take my good camera.

And, I’m so glad I did.

Because I got pictures that prove that God’s got it. He is bigger than our greatest worry, and He will teach you something even standing outside on a field in GA in June with sweat streaming down your back.

He’ll teach you that your attitude is mirrored in your child’s. And, when you choose joy, so will she.

He’ll teach you that young minds have great ideas too. And, if you give them a minute, they’ll come up with an awesome plan.

He’ll teach you to stop talking and listen so that you can accomplish a task as a group. Even a good leader needs to follow sometimes. That’s how you maintain your balance.

He’ll remind you that truly there is no bond quite like that of mother and daughter, and that every minute together is a special one. (And, I mean, I had to take a selfie so I could tell the Internets what we were up to.)

He’ll show you once again that the child you birthed is created by Him and for His glory. She has skills I don’t, and I need to remember and appreciate those. (For real, she solved this problem in seconds and walked us through what to do. She was amazed that she was the only one who had the idea. “Mom, wasn’t everyone thinking the same thing?” Um, no Maggie, they weren’t.)

He’ll help you tackle your fears so that you can help the group succeed. (I was seriously terrified of swinging on this silly little rope.)

He’ll show you that yes, He can give your child the bravery she needs to actually get on the swing and go up in the air…. even if she doesn’t go far. (I was so proud of her.)

He’ll give me the exact circumstance I need to get over my personal fear of heights and enjoy His creation while enjoying a lovely breeze in my face.

I had a great time today, and I learned a lot, both about Maggie and I and about our fellow team mates. Most importantly, I was reminded that God’s got it.

I don’t have to worry, because He is in control. 

He asks us to only be prepared and do our part. He’ll take care of the rest.

God’s got it!

Maggie and I still need additional support for our trip.
We’re a few hundred dollars short.
To give to Kathy, please visit here.
To give to Maggie, please visit here.

Friends! I realized I’ve never shared this AMAZING resource with you!

It’s the Parent CUE App that my company, Orange, created a few years ago.

There is a section for preschoolers and a section for elementary. When you purchase the app, you get access to both sides!!! Awesome right!?!

There is a weekly video Bible lesson and then activities to do with your kids several times during the week that correspond with that lesson. There’s also support resources for parents. The App is designed to supplement churches that use the Orange curriculum, but anyone can use it.

My favorite part is the videos. They are so well made and perfect for when you just need to distract the little people for a minute at the doctor’s office and also for when you want to sit as a family and watch them together. I mean, if they’re going to watch a video while getting a haircut, even better if it’s a Bible story – right? Oh, and the preschool videos…. every few months there is a cute blonde girl named Maggie that shows up.

She’s my favorite.

If you’ve never looked at the Parent CUE App, you should check it out. It’s a good one.

Disclaimer: I work for Orange, but get no additional benefit from selling the App. I just think it’s great.