Mariposa Kisses (aka Dianne's Blog)

This title gets you thinking about Disney's Pocahontas, right? But, this piece actually has very little to do with Disney movies at all. It is about my little four-year-old and her precious ability to say the right thing at the right time. After big-kid-drop-off today, she and I were heading home when I heard a funny noise in the backseat.

I was feeling stressed about the day ahead and trapped inside my own thoughts about a hundred different things. But when I heard her cute little noises, I paused to ask her what she was doing. She confidently replied, "Blowing kisses at the trees."

She frequently brings me back down to reality and out of life's "what-ifs" and worries with some kind of silly word or deed. A mom's day certainly gets hectic for a plethora of reasons, from health issues, to finances, to child-rearing challenges, etc. But, we should all be abundantly thankful that our kids are here to make us smile and laugh through it all.

To think that my daughter really cares for the trees that we drive by while sprinting towards a red light makes me sit back and remember that I'm not alone. No matter what challenge I face, she's there for me with sweet little hands to hold and twinkling eyes.

She's ready to give a comforting hug or a bubble gum flavored kiss. She never turns down the chance to have a refreshing tea party or to snuggle on the couch to read My Little Pony for the hundredth time.

She races up to the play-set to play tic-tac-toe at a moment's notice and feels like a true genius when I let her win. I hardly mention a soccer ball and she's ready to set the cones up in the backyard to kick the ball around with me.

Think about the little ones in your life and try to enjoy the precious minutes you have together. If your life is incredibly stressful today, then it's the perfect time to take a break and enjoy some quality time with your child(ren). Read a book together. Take a walk! Watch a Disney movie, maybe even Pocahontas.

My little princess is a true gift to me, and I'm so thankful to be her mommy. Share your thoughts about life, motherhood, and "blowing kisses at the trees." We'd love to hear from you. :)

Labels: family, kids, life, stress

No matter what you are going through, at least you are still alive. You might feel dead sometimes because of life's overwhelming struggles.

But, when push comes to shove, you can be thankful that you are still alive today. No-one besides God Himself knows what tomorrow holds.

So for now, let's be thankful for the day that we're in. Let's have gratitude no matter how crappy things get in this crazy world. For in this moment, we get to be a part of this day and the wonderment that it holds.

The sun rises anew today. The moon casts its cool glow upon us. The stars twinkle brightly in a song to the universe around them. The ocean's tides ebb and flow as our hearts beat to their own melodic tune.

You never know if you'll be here to complain about tomorrow because your clock might stop ticking tonight. So instead of dreading the fear of hurts and sorrows or the mysterious unknown, let's be thankful for the moment that we're in.

No matter how devastating your circumstances get, keep your eyes upon the moment that you are in, for all we have is one moment and then we are gone!

Keeping it real! Share your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you! :)

Labels: faith, family, life

"Just go for it" is my new motto. Why not? Life is short, so there's no reason to hold back from your dreams, passions, and your god-given talents. If you were to die tomorrow, wouldn't you want to know that you gave this life your best shot in every area?

In psychological terms, one observes a response mechanism called "fight or flight." If you are faced with a threatening situation, you either stay there and fight or you put on your track shoes and flee the scene. I occasionally experience this with surfing.

Awhile back, when a huge set of waves surged in, I had two choices: to fight and catch one of the big gnarly looking waves or to duck-dive under it at its calm point, escaping the thunderous crash.

Since my surfing skills are sub-par, when I'm faced with a large set, I usually go for the flight option. The reason I decide to chicken out is because I realize I'm gonna get hurt if I try to take on a set that's more awesome than my skill-set (which happens a lot).

In life though, you sometimes have to fight! We frequently shy away from certain situations because avoiding imminent danger seems like a rational choice. But, what if by fleeing the scene all the time you are actually suppressing a big part of who you are?

You can't always be an observer. Sometimes you just have to charge it, even when the outcome means possible failure or even physical or emotional pain. For those glorious waves that I do catch, the adrenaline gets pumping and I feel empowered and alive.

Maybe you’ve always wanted to start a band. But, you're too old, right? You’re too busy deciding between tuna casserole and Hamburger Helper to pursue that pipe dream, huh? I think it’s time to call the babysitter so you can head out to the karaoke bar. If not now, then when?

What about that beautiful butterfly tattoo you've been contemplating for the last decade? Why haven't you done it? There won't ever be a better time than the present and the longer you wait, the more rolls you’re gonna have to deal with. Remember that your life is just a blink.

Don’t end up at the nursing home wishing you could tell your grand-kids how cool bungy-jumping was back in the day. Take your loved one on a hot air balloon ride. Dance your heart out at that upcoming wedding or holiday party. Sign up for that karate class or those scuba diving lessons. If you don’t go online to sign up today, you probably won’t ever do it.

If you have a significant other, be thankful that you do. You should kiss him like you really mean it. Don't let him guess how you feel about him, as if you’re unsure. What if tonight was your last kiss? Don’t settle for a little peck on the cheek. Go for it!

Truth be told, as a parent of three young kids, sometimes my most exciting decision of the week is which pizza place to call for take-out. Occasionally, it's which movie to rent from Redbox.

Many of us feel like we went from teenagers to thirty-somethings over night. We’re in shock about the wrinkles and the achy joints. But, here’s my challenge to you: Do one thing for yourself today that celebrates your passion!

Before you go to bed tonight, start a blog. Submit that book idea to your editorial contact. Order something fancy on the menu instead of a bean and cheese burrito. Rent that motorcycle for the weekend. Book that flight to Italy that you’ve been postponing for the past decade. “Just go for it,” while you still can!

Labels: family, life, parents, passion

When you're in a tunnel of darkness, you reach for the light as if you can already see it... or you close up in terror to protect yourself from imminent danger. You feel blind, unable to move.

When it's pitch black, you can't fathom the distance around you, except for its immensity and its vastness. You don't know how long the darkness will hold you captive in its evil grip. However, when your eyes capture a glimpse of the light ahead, you gain perspective and the obscurity begins to fade away. Depth perception is regained. You can see the world around you. You begin to hope.

When we go through tough spiritual or emotional experiences, we can feel we are falling indefinitely through a dark abyss. We try to cling to the truths we know as the deep chasm engulfs our hearts and minds. We grasp for air... but we can not feel it in our lungs. We look for the light, but we simply can not see it. We hope for a better perspective to save us from the pain that crushes us. But, we can't find it.

Is there true hope amidst the darkest hours? Many people feel that there is no true hope in this life. So, they turn to alcohol, drugs, medications, an affair, or even plain old busyness... to numb their pain. Unfortunately, those things only offer a temporary and dissatisfying source of relief. The giver of light tells us that He offers true hope: from the Bible and through the Holy Spirit.

The Bible says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness..." (John 1:4+5). Subsequently, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). The Bible anchors us during uncertain times, especially when our feelings deceive us.

The Holy Spirit also offers His peace: "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. PEACE I leave with you; my peace I give you...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (26-27). The Holy Spirit guides us when we can't find our own way. Even though it is hard to surrender to Him, we must turn to Him in faith.

It's hard to turn to the Bible and to trust God's Spirit when we feel like God just doesn't care. Sometimes, we don't believe that He even hears us. Or, it seems like we're simply going to get a busy signal forever, since we don't see signs of an escape! So, we just give up on God.

But, as my five-year-old reminded me this morning, God is the ONE to turn to. First, she asked me at the top of our stairs, "What's this story about (meaning our lives)?" "Is it about God?" she inquired. Then, a few minutes after we navigated our way downstairs, she hid a book behind her arms and asked me if I'd read her a story.

As I sat down on the couch next to her, she revealed the book she was hiding. It was my Bible...the one book I did not feel like reading. But, once we opened it up together, I was reminded of its power to give light, life, and hope...through the Holy Spirit. This morning, my daughter, Grace, helped me to see the light when my heart was trapped in darkness.

After we read for a bit, I explained how the words written in red were the words that Jesus spoke. She then grabbed her "Build-A-Bear" teddy bear that has a hole in his back. She removed the cloth shaped heart from the bear. Then, she placed it on Jesus' words with her whole hand over the heart. It was her way of trying to show Jesus that she loved Him, by giving Him her teddy-bear's pretend heart. If only we could show our faith so simply and so resolutely!

Labels: darkness, God, hope, life

Sometimes, life is just really hard. You might not feel like getting out of bed. That laundry pile that's starting to take over half of your room might get put off for one more day or week. The weeds may not get pulled at all this month. You might even put your kids in front of the television for an extra hour because you just can't deal with them right now. And guess what? It's ok.

When life feels overwhelming, sometimes you just need to accept yourself right where you're at. Instead of putting on an even bigger smile and brighter make-up to cover up what's going on in your heart, you need to keep things real.

Earlier today, I had a very honest conversation with a good friend. She shared about some difficulties going on in her life and I responded with a few of the struggles I'm having in mine as well. I always remind this friend of how I appreciate her sincerity.

As moms, I feel that we need to share that authenticity with one another. It's not a show or a competition, so there's no point in being fake with each other. We're all just doing our best to be good people and to get the most out of our short lives here on Earth. When going through a tough time, we're pretty much the same; we just need a good set of listening ears and a few big bear-hugs.

If you know someone who's going through a tough time, try to be there for her by sharing a few of your own struggles as well. Whether she's dealing with financial issues, loneliness, stress, emotional pain, or something else even bigger, just remind her that she's not alone. Even the people who look the best on the outside have got some cruddy stuff going on deep down. So, be real with them as well.

Try to take a gentler view of yourself too. Be a friend to yourself by remembering that it's ok to simply put things on hold for awhile to take care of yourself. Your washing machine might enjoy the break as well. And if you're too tired to cook, the fast food chains will love your business too. Pizza night, anyone?

Share how you've been there for a friend in need or how someone has served you during a difficult time. We'd love to hear from you.

Labels: difficulties, family, life, parenthood

Moms know that when life throws you a curveball, you either hit it or get out of the way. Sometimes, events occur that are simply out of your control. When you've done all you can do to handle a situation, you long for a resolution; however, you might feel powerless to get one. You can't handle the curveball since it's way too far inside. So, you have to do your best to dodge its attack.

Maybe you have a financial need that goes unmet. You try to tackle the crazy ball coming at you but you're not quite sure how to pull it off. You take it one day at a time and do your best to cut back in other areas of spending. Ultimately, you conclude that you are way too blessed to complain about what you don't have. You get caught out on your front foot, but you still hit a double in the gap.

A neighbor holds problematic parties for most of the summer and you excitedly await the fall to catch up on some much needed zzzzs. Your respectful approach to set boundaries and limits on the troublesome noise during week-nights results in further mistreatment. Curveballs are hard to read, so, you step into the batter's box and dig in. You just do your best to survive this one.

Sometimes, someone's health continues to throw an unruly pitch in your direction. Your response is to get the best medical help possible and to try to maintain perspective, even when that's really hard to do. You go to a friend. You share your heart. You cry. This one might feel like a fastball, but the pitch is yet to be determined.

Being a mom is difficult because life is hard. The ball is thrown and you see that you and the pitcher have gotten your signals crossed up. You're thinking curveball, but it jumps up and then down and then does something else totally unexpected. You don't anticipate certain hardships, like the car breaking down or like a good friend passing away. You don't expect someone to hurt you in a totally undeserved way. But curveballs and even a few knuckleballs are just part of the game.

As moms, we need to be there for those experiencing trials during this tough season. Let's lend a hand. Even better, let's lend a pair of listening ears. Sometimes, a friend demonstrates true love just by letting you know that you're not crazy and that life is going to be okay.

Any thoughts on how to show someone you care? Any curveball stories you've survived? Share them here.

Labels: curveball, life, moms