A Simple Journal

A Simple Journal

My youngest son just turned SIX this past month and I am very sentimental about it this year.

SIX.

How is it that he is already six years old?!

One of my favorite traditions with my boys is to write to them on their birthday in a 5×7-ish spiral notebook that I got at the local Target or Walmart. It is simple and not fancy in the least.

My mom was the one who started this, and I have kept up with this tradition. When she was pregnant with me, she wrote to me in the same type of spiral notebook and would update me on all of her cravings, what the weather was like, how they were preparing for the big day, the showers, etc.

It is her handwriting. She passed away when I was 13, and this journal is one of the most valuable items that I have because it is her talking to me. It is her.

So when I learned I was pregnant with our first son, I replicated what she did and bought the exact same spiral notebook, and started writing as much as I could to our son. When the big day finally arrived, I wrote all about his birth story and then decided I wasn’t going to stop there. I continued writing to him on his month birthdays and then his first birthday.

But I couldn’t stop.

I wanted to keep it up and continue writing to him on his birthday every year, and so that is what I do. It is not always on the actual birthday, and I have forgotten to write once (and I am sure I will forget another time, too) but I do my best to remember to write to him on his birthday.

When we found out we were pregnant with our second child I bought another spiral notebook just for him. And the tradition continues.

Last night I wrote to our youngest all about the past year, what he is interested in, where we traveleled, how much he has grown, and as much as I could remember about the past year without getting too wordy.

As I was wrapping up my letter to him, I got a bit teary-eyed.

My youngest son is six.

My oldest is almost ten.

We are out of the toddler phase and have BIG kids now that will slowly morph into teenagers and eventually young men.

And I am proud.

And sad.

I am proud of the little men these two boys are becoming. They are learning more about God every day and love Him so much. I am so blessed to see these two little guys grow up and have a front row seat to their discoveries, learnings, challenges, fun activities, and everything in between.

They are pretty awesome.

And so the journal continues.

Another birthday in the books.

Another journal entry was written.

And I pray for so many more.

What is something that you do with your kids? Share your traditions below!

One Final Word . . . 

One Final Word . . . 

This past week I fought the flu, and my body wasn’t pleased. While lying in bed, one has much time to think and reflect. And a thought kept occurring to me as I lay listening to my boys play. 

I don’t want to miss it. 

I don’t want to mess this up. 

I don’t want to look back when I am 80 and think about all the should-haves.

Social media has many benefits, but for myself, I have noticed a significant drawback: time.

Blogging, posting, podcasting, and the like take time. I have pulled back from social media many times and have yet to regret that time away. 

Over the years I feel that society has put pressure on women that being a mom is not enough. We must hustle. We must work. We must do something other than just being a mom. But being a mom is the biggest, most important job God has given us. We are physically imprinting and raising the next generation. When I look around at the world now, I think we are seeing the effects of the lack of parenting has had. The negative impact of both parents working full-time, putting off raising kids onto nannies, teachers, daycares, schools and babysitters, the lack of stability and good Christian foundations . . . we are seeing it now. And I don’t want to be a part of it. I want to return to June Cleaver’s time and be that housewife caring for my family. Go back to basics and be one hundred percent present in all aspects of my children’s lives. Cook and bake. Homeschool. Read the Bible together. Not concerned about what to post or how many people ‘liked’ an image or seeing what someone else is doing. 

My direct influence is here in my house. With my kids and my husband. I kept telling myself that I am sharing the Gospel so that is ok to post and stay on social. But I must pay attention to this nudge that it is time to step away. Maybe permanently? I am not sure, but I am sure that I get one shot at being a mother and raising Christian men who respect their future wives and know how to be great fathers. Who will go into the world strong and resilient against temptations and know the Truth. This world is so corrupt and the messages being funneled into our brains and feeds are primarily lies. We are being misled little by little, desensitized more and more. When I am 80, I am not going to look back at my social media and think, well done! But what I will look back on is my time with my kids and my role as their mother. I want to see my boys fully grown with wives and children of their own and know that I did the best I could and raised them entirely focused on them and God. 

I am personally reclaiming my role as a housewife and stay-at-home mom fully and proudly. And to say that most women cannot do that, I think, is a lie we tell ourselves. We just can’t homeschool because it is hard or our kids are challenging. We can’t afford to lose a paycheck. Yet we spend gobs of money on preschool, dining out and coffees, on homes that are out of our budgets, on décor and parties that are only temporary. 

We get one chance. 

Our kids are worth our time. They DESERVE our time and full attention. They deserve a mom who cooks meals for them and reads to them. They are not burdens we are to put off on someone else and just hope they turn out okay. It is our responsibility. God has given us these children. Let us reclaim motherhood and all that it entails. Step back to the 50s role of the housewife and abandon these feminist ideals that we must do it all. That we can have it all. That we can work and raise kids and do it both equally well. WE CANNOT. One will always get out of balance. And where will the pendulum swing? 

I don’t share all of this to make any mom or woman feel bad, but I do hope it sparks a thought. An evaluation. Why are we so busy? Why are we striving so hard for things that are not of great importance? Is it for wealth? For stature? For recognition? What is the driving force behind what we do? I have done it many times and found myself in the wrong place. And thus, why I am back to this same thought of it is enough. It is time to stop trying to busy myself and hustle because I have put this pressure on myself. No one else has but only myself. I have told myself that being a mom is not enough. I must do something else – sell this or that, write this or publish that, blog about this or podcast that. Work or do something more. 

But enough is enough.

I would love to say that this is the last blog post that I write or that my book was the one and only, but I can’t say that or promise that. But I will say that currently, in this stage of my life, my role as a mother is the most significant and heftiest role that I have, and I will do it thoroughly and entirely with no more interruptions. No more social media to distract me. No more things of this world to compete for my attention. For now, I am done.

I pray that wherever you are today, in whatever role you face, you acknowledge Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and turn to Him. Because He is all that we need. 

Blessings to you all,

Lauren


Mercy in the Mess Available Now!

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 26 with Lisa Hernandez

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 26 with Lisa Hernandez

My guest for the Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 26 is Lisa Hernandez. We recorded this episode a few months ago but our conversation is still so relevant! Lisa shares some wonderful insight and wisdom. You are going to love this conversation!!

CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

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CONNECT WITH LISA:

Facebook


A Lineage of Grace: Biblical Stories of 5 Women in the Lineage of Jesus – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, & Mary by Francine Rivers


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© 2022 Lauren Greci

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Why We Don’t Do Santa Anymore

Why We Don’t Do Santa Anymore

Honesty is something that I try very hard at, especially with my children. I want them to know that they can always trust me and believe what I say is true.

A couple years back, though, it slapped me in the face . . . my eldest son, who at the time was just six years old, came running in from playing with a friend and told me that I was growing poison in our garden. He was adamant that my newly sprouting cilantro was poisonous because his friend told him that it was. I told my concerned six-year-old that, no, in fact, it was not poisonous and was an herb used in food and cooking. He was determined and informed me that it was poisonous. I finally got him to stop yelling at me and told him that no, it was not poisonous but not only that, I would never lie to him, and he can trust me. 

Santa.

Immediately Santa popped into my head. I will never lie to you . . . unless it’s little fibs about Santa.

I knew in my heart of hearts that I didn’t want to tell him any tall tales about Santa and wanted him to form his own opinion on the matter, but I also didn’t want him to miss the excitement of Christmas morning and see the tree packed with neatly wrapped presents and the ever-exciting new bike sitting by the fireplace ready to ride. So, I started answering his questions with an open-ended question: “What do you think?” I would nod along, never affirming or denying his thoughts. But after that poisonous cilantro incident, I became much more aware of being honest with my children. I want them to trust me and know that they can come to me for honest, real answers. When they ask me about Jesus, I want them to know that He is real and everything in the Bible happened, not just a tall tale that someone made up. 

A friend of mine shared her experiences with her parents and Santa and I will never forget it. She was very much like my oldest son: quick, smart, keen, observant, and literal. Her parents always told her about Santa and how he would deliver presents to good girls and boys, how he would fly around the world quick as light and would eat everyone’s sweetly decorated cookies and drink the cold glass of milk . . . oh and don’t forget about the reindeer! They always enjoyed their carrots, too! But when she found out the truth, she started contemplating everything her parents had told her . . . “Well, if Santa is fake, is Jesus? Is Mary and Joseph? What about Adam and Eve?”

Boy, that hit home. I don’t want my kids to think that I fib and tell lies to them and exaggerated truths. But again, I wasn’t quite ready to throw Santa out to pasture either. 

Last summer, my then seven-year-old asked more questions about Santa. Honestly, at this point I was ready to just sit him down and tell him the truth. I was tired of the litany of questions and smiling and nodding and just going with it. Yet again I asked him, “What do you think?” To my surprise he said, “I think moms and dads leave the presents under the tree and say that it is from Santa.” 

YES! 

This time I replied, “You’re right, dear.” He wasn’t shocked, disappointed, or upset. He simply replied, “I thought so.” 

I began really contemplating Santa and the Elf of the Shelf . . . why do we do all of this as Christians? Christmas is not about Santa or the Elf on the Shelf . . . it is about God sending His Son to earth, born in a manger to one day take our punishment for sin on the cross. Yet Santa and the elf get almost an entire month of fanfare when Jesus gets one day. We tell our kids to “watch out” because the elf will relay info to Santa . . . how about they just be “good” because we are watching and God is, too? And not only are we just fibbing about Santa one time – it is drawn out to such great extents: moving the elf daily, dragging out about how Santa is watching, leaving cookies and milk . . . I’ve done it, too! I even wrote a letter from Santa to my son! But again, this has been a work in my heart, and we felt moved as parents. And to continue to do it just because it is a “tradition” just doesn’t fly with me anymore. My kids will have a wonderful and joyous Christmas regardless . . . and Santa doesn’t get any of the credit for the awesome gifts they receive (haha!). I took my boys to get pictures with Santa this year for the pure sake of lining up the photos to see how they have grown, but not because of belief . . . and honestly, this is probably our last year.

I want to remind my children that Jesus came as a baby, held tightly by his mother, to save the world from sin so we may live in Heaven with God forever. In addition, this verse hits home: “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”

The Bible is true. Jesus is true. God is true. Everything that we read in the Bible happened and it is real. 

I want my children to remember that when we read the Bible, that it is real. That it is true. I want what I say to matter to my kids. I want them to know that mommy tells the truth. So, when they ask the hard questions, even if it is awkward or hard to say aloud, I will say it. I will tell the truth because that is what they need. The world is sinful and already full of mistruths and lies. I want them to know that they can come to me to feel safe and secure. By lying to them about the little things, I am not being the example that I want them to be to others one day. So, when they ask if a shot is going to hurt, I say, “Yes, it will. But it will be temporary and won’t hurt for long.” One day, when they ask about where babies come from, I will tell them the truth and use the actual words of the body parts. I will have the uncomfortable discussions because I want them to come to me to find the answers instead of asking their confused cilantro-is-poisonous friends. 

Not for one second do I judge ANYONE for doing Elf on the Shelf or Santa – this is just something that has been on my mind, and I wonder if you will pray about it yourself. We can still enjoy Christmas and all its magic without believing that Santa is the one providing it. If we say that Jesus is the reason for the season – than let’s act on it! Let our homes, our actions, the way we live show that we are Jesus followers, not the worlds. No judgement here – I promise! I share all of this with you to just stir some thoughts and questions that stirred in my heart: Why do we still do Santa? The Elf on the Shelf? Is it purely because of tradition? The kids will be sad? Christmas won’t be as “magical”? I can attest, after not doing Santa last year and now this year that Christmas is so much more magical, special, humbling, and awesome. Jesus is awesome!

May you all have a very blessed Christmas!

Book

Book
Cover art by Scott Greci @ Guru Design

God displays His attributes through His Word – He is faithful, merciful, good, holy, righteous and sovereign. Throughout the Bible, God shows His loving character traits to Adam and Eve, Abraham, Noah, David and many others. God sent His Son to walk this earth, to experience everything we experience: temptation, pain, suffering, yet He is perfect in all His ways and never sinned! He came to die on the cross for our sins so we can live eternally in Heaven with the Father. He took our punishment so we don’t experience eternal death, but eternal glory with God Almighty. 

In my book Mercy in the Mess: How God Revealed His Character in My Mess and How You Can Find Him in Yours, I share how God has demonstrated His character traits in my own life. It is not my testimony but how God has revealed His story in my life through the triumphs and trials I have faced. God’s qualities are true, and He is who He says He is. 

This is our book. It’s about how God is faithful and is present in all our lives.

Purchase your copy of Mercy in the Mess HERE!

What People Are Saying About Mercy in the Mess

“Cause I’m just a nobody; trying to tell everybody; all about Somebody; Who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me You gave my heart a song to sing; I’m living for the world to see nobody but Jesus.”

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” 
Gal. 2:20 NASB

No More Self-Care

No More Self-Care

“We cannot give to others unless we fill ourselves up first.”

“It is important to take care of yourself first so you can take care of others.”

Everydayhealth.com defines self-care as “taking care of yourself so you can stay healthy and accomplish all the things you need and want to.”

This buzzword “self-care” has steadily increased over the last few years, and I understand the reasoning: as moms, for instance, we constantly pour ourselves out to our children and husbands, to coworkers, bosses, etc. But the two quotes above can be dangerous if we don’t look at it the right way.

Self-care is often thought of as activities to “fill yourself” with joy, like yoga, hot baths with all the bath bombs (well-played marketing gurus), long walks, manis and pedis . . . the list goes on. But here’s the thing:

WE WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO FILL OURSELVES WITH EARTHLY THINGS. WE WILL ALWAYS COME UP EMPTY.

Unless we are filling ourselves with the Word of God, we will always feel empty, depleted, exhausted.

It will always be a never-ending cycle of trying to fill a void with earthly pleasures but always coming up empty.

God is the ONLY way to true, everlasting joy, peace and contentment.

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)

Trusting our Sovereign God – knowing that He is in control – leads to a life full of joy and peace. 

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

The only source of true everlasting happiness is found in the Lord. 

“These things have I spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11)

When we ask for forgiveness of our sins and truly repent, believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for us and took our punishment for sin, we are given the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, which results in true peace and joy.

The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. 
The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. (Psalm 19:8)

If we are not reading God’s Word, we are ignorant in the way we are to be living. God has given us a clear standard of living that will bring joy and goodness to our lives. But how do we know if we aren’t actively reading His Word?

“We cannot give to others unless we fill ourselves up first” . . . It is better to say, “We cannot give to others unless we fill ourselves up with God first.” Take care of yourself by reading the Bible, which will flow out to others as well. 

Oh, the joys of those who do not
    follow the advice of the wicked,
    or stand around with sinners,
    or join in with mockers.
But they delight in the law of the Lord,
    meditating on it day and night.

They are like trees planted along the riverbank,
    bearing fruit each season.
Their leaves never wither,
    and they prosper in all they do. (Psalm 1:1-3)

As mothers, we are to be selfless – caring for our children and their needs. God gave us these babies to raise on this earth – they are His children, entrusted to us for the time being. They are helpless sinners that need a Savior, but they also need our guidance. They need food, love and care. They need our time. They need our attention. Taking care of our kids is not the problem: the problem is we aren’t living the way God’s Word tells us. We are not living each day by His standards, His way. Instead, we take the bull by the horns and plow our own path, which will only lead to destruction.

If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. (Luke 17:33)

The only way to find life is to find it through God. Life everlasting is only found through Jesus Christ. 

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)

Mommas, hold your babies close and let the Word of God pour from your heart and mouth, but you can’t pour out His truth if you don’t know it yourself. Find real self-care by reading the Bible. Then you will truly be filled.

Attacked but Not Defeated

Attacked but Not Defeated

Sadness.

Anger.

Frustration.

Disappointment.

Anguish.

Maybe you have experienced some of these emotions today, or yesterday, or a month ago, but all of us experience moments in our lives where we feel sad, angry, frustrated and disappointed. We live in a fallen world and until Jesus Christ returns, we will continue to experience hard moments. Hard feelings. Hard people. I have hope in the Lord and look forward to the day He returns to conquer sin once and for all! That will truly be a triumphant and joyous day!! Amen!

Until then, I am in a battle. I have to put on all the armor of God and fight back against Satan and his crew.

Right now I am struggling with a person in my life and it is taking absolutely everything out of me. I feel attacked in so many ways but I do not doubt my God or His goodness.

If you are in the same boat, dealing with a child that pushes your buttons, or an adult that does the same. If you have to work with someone who challenges you daily. If you feel any of those emotions listed above, know that God is greater than your child, your coworker, your emotions. God is Sovereign. He is in control and loves you dearly. And He gives us everything we need, according to His will, on His time, including what we need to fight Satan:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:10-18

Put on all the armor of God and be ready to fight, and pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray consistently and earnestly. Pray for your heart. Pray for your child. Pray for your coworker. Pray without ceasing.

Be strong in the Lord.

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 16 with Alisa Hauser

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 16 with Alisa Hauser

My guest for the Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 16 is Alisa Hauser. I found Alisa through a mom’s blog where she shared a very eye-opening article with four tips about finances from a widows perspective. Alisa’s husband tragically passed away when her babies were little and through her own experiences, she encourages other women to know where and how the finances are kept.

Her story is one that is so informative and inspiring. I pray that this episode blesses you and encourages everyone to have those difficult conversations and plan for the future.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Pintrest

CONNECT WITH ALISA:

Facebook | Instagram | Website


LINKS AND LOVES MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE:

Big Thoughts for Little People: ABC’s to Help You Grow by Kenneth N. Taylor

Alisa’s article: An Open Letter to My Late Husband for Showing Me How to be a Good Dad

Alisa’s article: Collin County Moms Financial Health Series :: 4 Pieces of Financial Advice from a Widow

Prayer in the Night: For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep by Tish Harrison Warren

Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in Everyday Life by Tish Harrison Warren


FIND THE SHOW ON THESE PLATFORMS:

Anchor | Spotify | Breaker | Google Podcasts | Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RadioPublic


© 2021 Lauren Greci

Music was provided for the show by Matt Bowen.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did you miss an episode? Here are the last few you don’t want to miss:

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Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 15 with Johnna Hensley – Part Two

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 15 with Johnna Hensley – Part Two

My guest for the Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode #15 is Johnna Hensley. This is part two of our conversation and I know that you are going to love this second half as much as/if not more than the first half!

In case you missed it – here is part one:

Johnna is a mom to six, wife, D-Group leader, yogi and full of wisdom, experience and insights. Her faith has carried her through many obstacles and her faithfulness is just beautiful. In this episode, Johnna shares more about her faith, adoption and fostering.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Pintrest

CONNECT WITH JOHNNA:

Facebook | Instagram | Website

Want to hear exclusive episodes?

Head over to Patreon and become a member to get exclusive content, full episodes, merchandise and more!


LINKS AND LOVES MENTIONED ON THIS EPISODE

The Voice of the Martyrs

IF: Gathering

Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible by Tara-Leigh Cobble

Know Yourself, Know Your Money: Discover Why You Handle Money the Way You Do, and What to Do About It! by Rachel Cruze

The Chosen

D Group


FIND THE SHOW ON THESE PLATFORMS:

Anchor | Spotify | Breaker | Google Podcasts | Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RadioPublic


100!

As I was editing a recent podcast and creating the blog post for the episode, it dawned on me that over…

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© 2021 Lauren Greci

Music was provided for the show by Matt Bowen.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 14 with Johnna Hensley – Part One

Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci: Episode 14 with Johnna Hensley – Part One

My guest for the Go & Tell Podcast with Lauren Greci Episode #14 is Johnna Hensley. Johnna is a mom to six, wife, D-Group leader, yogi and full of wisdom, experience and insights. Her faith has carried her through many obstacles and her faithfulness is just beautiful.

As she shares on her blog, she is a “wife to an energetic and giving man, Ryan. I was a lost sinner but I found hope and redemption in Jesus. My life is nothing as I expected it to be. It is much better than what I could have thought up on my own…I manage a special needs son and two “typically” developing sons, and an adopted biracial child while homeschooling them all in beautiful chaos we call our own.” In addition, Johnna has expanded her home and is fostering two siblings, which we talk about in Part Two of our chat.

In Part One of our two-part conversation, Johnna shares her faith walk, the birth of her son Hayden, and so much more! I know you are going to love Johnna and her sense of humor, wisdom and the joy she radiates.

CONNECT WITH LAUREN:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Pintrest

CONNECT WITH JOHNNA:

Facebook | Instagram | Website

Want to hear exclusive episodes?

Head over to Patreon and become a member to get exclusive content, full episodes, merchandise and more!


FIND THE SHOW ON THESE PLATFORMS:

Anchor | Spotify | Breaker | Google Podcasts | Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts | RadioPublic


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Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.

© 2021 Lauren Greci

Music was provided for the show by Matt Bowen.

*As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.