The other night after I tucked in the kiddos for bed, I had a brief phone interview with a local magazine. One simple question she asked stuck out more than the others:
Why do you blog?
I write because I’m learning.
I’ve had a lot of experiences over the last 20 years of parenting and I remember what it felt like to be a new mom and completely terrified and clueless.
I remember being exhausted, hopeless, frustrated and hormonal…heck, I still am most days.
I write to encourage other moms, fight with them in the trenches, and to let them know there is someone out there who believes with you that through Christ, you can do this job.
But most times, I write because I am preaching to myself.
When I write to dress nice and wear your makeup, I do so because I have to remember to take care of myself too.
When I write about the importance of a routine, I do it because I see that I have become too lax around here and need to button up my ship.
When I preach on purpose, I am reminding myself why I do this job day in and day out — to make a difference in this blessed country!
When I talk about fighting for our children and our families in prayer, I’m really preaching to myself, because it isn’t always rosebuds and butterflies in our household either.
When I share a personal devotional, it’s because it’s what the Lord spoke to me in my quiet time and I needed to keep a record of it and I’m hoping it encourages another mama too.
When I tell you that writing a letter is a great way to communicate with a child that is having a difficult time, it’s because I’m using the technique myself and thank God, I see fruit.
Folks, I can only teach you what the Lord is teaching me. I can only share with you what I have learned…many times the hard way…through mistakes, misgivings, and misunderstandings. I share with you because if I can help you, encourage you, and perhaps you avoid some of those bumps and bruises I have encountered because I share them here, then all the late nights and effort spent on this blog will have been worth it.
I write because I am with you. I am for you. And I believe in a God who loves all of us infinitely and desires this:
“Therefore, encourage one another, build each other up, just as in fact you are doing…”
I Thessalonians 5:11
Photography courtesy of Brian Schindler
Amanda says
Thank you for ALWAYS encouraging us,loving us and giving us HOPE!!!
Lyette Reback says
Thank YOU Amanda for being a constant source of encouragement! We always have hope when we have Jesus…even on the toughest days!
Sarah G says
I am right there with you, Sister! Talking to new moms as I wade through the turbulent teen years with my two. Asking those moms to pray for me, as I pray for them. I have a teen who isn’t following Jesus anymore. I am constantly in prayer for her. I have days of great discouragement. I have days where all I do is cry out to the Lord for her to return to Him. I love your blog, as it’s an encouragement to me. Thank you for writing.
Lyette Reback says
Sarah G, thank you for sharing with us about your daughter. Let us know how we can pray or if there is any subject in particular you think may be helpful to other moms. I recently wrote a blog post about writing letters to your teen….that may be a great way to keep communicating. Either way, we are fully believing that your child will come running to the feet of Jesus who loves her infinitely more than we will ever comprehend.
Lynda caudill says
My children are grown, but I really enjoy everything you write. You write from your heart and it makes me think. What you say is applicable to any season you may be in your life. Thank you for your heartfelt words of advice and encouragement. Actually, here is another reason to blog, you are affecting others.
Lyette Reback says
Thank you so much Linda! I really appreciate your encouragement and I am glad to have you join us! With your grown children I really appreciate your input because so many of us with small kiddos need that perspective.
Michelle says
Amen! Love the diversity of your ministry and how I can refer ANY parent to your blog and know they will be fed GOOD PARENTING FOOD!!!
Lyette Reback says
I love how you always take time to encourage me. Thank YOU Michelle!
Rachel godin says
Thank you!
Lyette Reback says
Thank YOU Rachel fro always encouraging!
Vickie Estler says
Thank you for your encouraging wise words that are spot on! Encouraging others to stand firm and to keep your bible open can never grow old. Keep on, Beloved, keep on!
Lyette Reback says
Thank YOU for your encouragement! It’s a tough beautiful mess but it is so worth it. God bless you and yours!