Raising Youngins

December 2024

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with the horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” Jeremiah 12:5

God never promised a good, happy life here on earth. He promised troubles and stumbling because we live in a broken world. He promises that through the challenges we face He’s got us. When we grow weary or feel like we’re staggering through life – we must trust Him.

“… how can you compete with the horses?…”

This phrase has stuck out to me in my recent Bible reading and I went on a little deep dive into what it means to “runs with the horses.” Something I came upon that was of interest to my phase of life are horse blinkers. Blinkers limit a horse’s peripheral view to keep them focused on the race and avoid distractions. Blinkers are not used when riding horses, but only used when racing horses. Blinkers help a horse run its best race.

As I prepare for my third child’s arrival in a few weeks knowing my family will feel like we’re running a whole new race very soon, I’ve done some self-reflection on how 2025 needs to look different. My boss challenged to me in the next year (and forever more) to prioritize being the best wife and mom I can be. This challenge, coupled with pondering horse blinkers, has challenged me to review my current happenings: events, work life balance, rhythms, exercise/health/sleep, mental load and emotional capacity, things like that. How can I run my best race?

Here are my goals for the new year as I run the race of wife, mom of 3 and full-time employee. I would love to hear your goals and your accountability plan. I plan to rewrite my goals each week in my journal then reflect monthly on how I’m doing to refresh, reengage and possibly reroute the current system if I’m not hitting the target.

1. Pump/nurse for the first 6 months of new baby’s life. I pumped for the first 6 months of all my babies thus far and want to hold that goal for this baby too.
2. Exercise at least 3 times a week. Walk 2 miles a day. There will be major grace in the beginning of postpartum recovery, but I need to prioritize my health and exercise to be a better me.
3. Improve my scripture memorization. My Bible study girls are keeping me accountable. This hasn’t been my strong suit this year and I know if I memorized more scripture, it would be life changing to my attitude and daily rhythms.
4. Write at least one blog post a month. I love writing and need an enjoyable hobby. Y’all will know if I hit this one or not. Thanks for the accountability! I hope you’ll enjoy this goal too.
5. Read 20 books. Keeping last year’s goal because I’m not sure what the year holds with a new baby and family rhythm, but still want a reachable goal.

What are your goals for 2025? How are you going to accomplish them?

To run my best race… my blinkers need to help me: limit phone time, follow a consistent exercise schedule and sabbath, stay in God’s Word daily, carve out intentional time to pump while at work, meal plan to save money and eat healthy, walk and listen to a book during my lunch break and carry a notecard with my weekly verse on it and keep it in focus throughout the day.

How can you run the best race for your family?

What do you need to change to be the best you?

Life will be hard for the next few months as we are welcoming a sweet little face into the family, but I’m trusting God that He has us wrapped up in His hands sharing His patience, peace and strength to get through the possible arguments, hurt feelings, tears, long nights, tired minds and bodies. God is our guide; God is our jockey. He sees the race ahead and He knows the finish line and the journey ahead. I ask him daily to guide me, keep me focused and guard my heart.

Lord, guard my heart and attitude from the social media blackhole, mom entitlement and worldly pressures of motherhood. My first ministry is my family. You’ve entrusted these little ones to me and Connor. Please help us keep our eyes on you, blinkers on… trusting you have our family in your hands and that even if we encounter trouble, you love us and will hear our prayers. We may be tired, weary and wonder what’s next, but continue to give us Your wisdom and help me run the race with eyes ahead and finish strong for my husband and kids. I love you Lord and am thankful for all that you’ve given me. Amen.