Mothers Are.....

In tribute to Mother's Day 2016

From my heart to yours, a special tribute to ALL Mother's, and those we love dearly

Mothers are gracious. Do you notice her? The mother who puts others before herself. She might not have even entered the room yet, because she is making sure all is right for her guests. She might sit down last, because it is in her nature to make sure others are taken care of first. Deep in her heart, she automatically has this way of serving first.

Mothers are lovely. Have you noticed how amazing she looks? She might be covered in drool, flour, or even dirty handprints...but she is lovelier than any model! She smiles and it is a genuine reflection of the light that radiates from her soul. She can dress it up or dress it down, but she is a picture, that sometimes can't even be snapped fast enough to upload to Instagram or Facebook. Her spirit is pretty and her face outshines that because her beauty is timeless.

Mothers are quick! Wait a second, how did she even get that done? Seemingly in two places at once. She is discipline and she is comfort. She cooks and she cleans up the mess that we leave. She schedules and she shuttles us back and forth. She wakes up for late night feedings, and she paces until curfews are met. That special type of energy that is only fueled by unending love, that is one of her superpowers.

Mothers are gentle. I deserve a really good pinch for that crazy mistake, why did she just look at me instead? This world is harsh, so mind numbingly mean sometimes. But she resists that at every turn. She speaks and you listen. She summons and you get there. She shares a better way and you follow her. She is kind and treats all like they are hers, she is amazing, and soft, and not ashamed of that fact.

And, just one more....at least for this year. She is hilarious:) Did you hear what she just said? Sometimes you just shake your head because her jokes are just a bit corny, but you could never tell her that! She brings up funny memories from the past, and she is the one that can make you giggle.

So to all of the mothers out there. The new ones with "arm babies", the mature ones whose babies have their own babies now. To the mothers who can still run around the yard and those who are pushed in a wheelchair from place to place. To mothers who have lost and those who have gained. And especially to two special groups, so near to my heart. To the women who want to be mothers. To the silent struggle, to the desire that is unanswered yet. Have faith my warriors, know you are loved and I am praying for you. And to the women, the aunts, friends, family who are just like my mother. They are the women who assisted my amazing mama and daddy in raising me into who I am today. They are the women who still spoil me now from time to time.....and I appreciate that !  Thank You all!

30 was....

Welcome May!
In my typical early-bird fashion, I have been up and about for hours this Sunday morning.

Before May starts up, I wanted to look back on my 30th year. A milestone birthday for sure! Here are just a few thoughts on the year I turned 30 and the life that played out.

30 was private....
I am big on communication. I love to talk, laugh and share, almost all of the time. But, as I look back, I see and know that I found the balance of private thoughts and time. Everything can be shared, but it does not need to be. Working though the loss of my grandma, I had to have some private moments and memories along my 30th year. Navigating professional life and decisions and grace in the workplace. I had to live out some scenarios and practice working on the "me" and not the "them". Growing through missing someone and taking life as it is, not as I wish it to be.  There were some very new and private feelings I had to work with. But, as 31 begins, my spirit knows that this private time, helped stabilize me. And I appreciate that.

30 was others....
I am grateful for the abundant family and friends in my life. I need them and their love, and support. Each so special to me, in so many various ways. The ones that make me giggle, and the ones that bring out the counselor in me. The ones that call me Maude, and the ones that call me Brina. The ones who shine a light, and the ones who need my prayers. 30, was a year when I tried to think and love outside myself. I had multiple occurrences of encouraging phone calls at just the right moment. I tried to be thoughtful of the new family dynamics without my grandma, and take extra time with my mama. One of my dearest friends got engaged, and being a maid-of-honor is a whole amazing experience that is other focused.  In large and small ways, I tried to remember this little saying..." There is a boss or someone who is in charge, and it is Not you Sabrina, not you!". Humbling but necessary for an A+, future minded, planner such as me.

30 was carefully budgeted like a real grown-up....
The money, Oh, the money. I could do a happy dance I am so proud of how I have grown in this area. I have a 30th year of Excel sheets, that show me that I for one, need a budget to keep me in check. I have had seasons of great travels, and frivolous purchases. But that was not this year. I was full of purpose, and it just feels so good to be getting my financial life cleaned up. Us, single girls in our 30's have to be money smart. And, for me to reach my 5 year plan, I needed success in this 30th year. Mission accomplished!

31, I have a feeling about you. I think you are growing a bright, independent, wise kind of Sabrina. And that feels good to me.