A letter to junior moms about the fleeting time
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Holding on Before the Year of Letting Go

Byshaleneroberts

Light shone down from a cyan sky as we parked the car in the college admissions lot. It was a beautiful day. Seventy degrees. Sunny. February in Texas is like that. It can be the best of times, and it can be the worst of times. Thankfully, it was the former. 

Ochre rays warmed our skin as we walked toward the building. He was all smiles. Confident yet humble. He gave a firm handshake. He spoke with a mixture of assurance and nerves. And I wondered, when did my little one who used to delight in dump trucks and mud puddles grow into this? When did the child who was obsessed with a certain tank engine mature into the young man who now sat beside me speaking of his hopes for the future? When did my little boy become a young man with only a year and a few months left at home?

Italy Family Travel Guide Part 4 – Florence & Tuscany

Italy Family Travel Guide Part 4 – Florence & Tuscany

Byshaleneroberts

Step into the enchanting region of Tuscany and Florence through the eyes of our family’s adventure! Join us as we navigate the cobblestone paths, savoring every moment of art, culture, and cuisine. From the iconic Florence Cathedral to the breathtaking views of the Arno River, immerse yourself in the rich history, exquisite architecture, and vibrant atmosphere that make Florence, Italy a timeless destination.

Italy Family Travel Guide Part 2 – Venice

Italy Family Travel Guide Part 2 – Venice

Byshaleneroberts

The salty sea air saturated our senses as we stepped out of the airport, a stark contrast to the stale air circulating through the plane from which we’d just disembarked. It was late in the evening, and darkness had descended as we stepped aboard our water taxi and sped towards Venice. Part 2 of our Italy Family Travel Guide is LIVE! Hop over to the blog and indulge in a little Venetian wanderlust!

Thoughts on the Asbury Revival

Thoughts on the Asbury Revival

Byshaleneroberts

Today, in the humble town of Wilmore, KY revival is unfolding. The Asbury Revival has been ongoing for 9 days now. But you don’t have to travel to Kentucky to experience it. The same Holy Fire that is burning at Asbury is available to YOU! The Holy Spirit that is filling the Asbury worshippers can fill you. Just ask the Lord. He is faithful to answer.

When They’re Grown … Who Might I Be in the Next Stage of Motherhood?
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When They’re Grown … Who Might I Be in the Next Stage of Motherhood?

Byshaleneroberts

As I stood there alone, one thought crossed my mind: “This is what it will be like when they’re grown. Who will I be then? I don’t know who I am without them.” This is the question I’ve been pondering the last few days. And the Lord’s gentle answer has been so gracious.

The Gift of a Holy Pause

The Gift of a Holy Pause

Byshaleneroberts

There’s a certain quietness that settles in during the days after Christmas. The beautiful chaos of Christmas morning is tidied, and there is a quiet aftermath following the glorious raucous. It’s natural to feel a bit let-down. But what if there’s more to this in-between? What if we’re missing something? What if these few days between Christmas and New Year’s Day are a precious gift we’ve yet to unwrap …

Advent – Christmas Eve

Advent – Christmas Eve

Byshaleneroberts

I don’t know where you find yourself today. I don’t know the state of your heart or the feelings you may be battling. I don’t know if you’re struggling with a loss or grappling with a death or swallowing the lump in your throat when you see the vacant seat. I don’t know if you’re on the street or in the cold or hopeless and heartless. I don’t know where you stand today, but I KNOW there is a manger beckoning you to come and stand before a baby. A baby who came to the cradle so he could go to the cross … for you, for me, for us all.

Advent – Day 13

Advent – Day 13

Byshaleneroberts

Throughout history God has used the marginalized, the cast-aside, the weak and the oppressed to bring about ransom, rescue, reconciliation and redemption. And he’s going to do it again through Mary. But this time, he won’t just bring about ransom and redemption for the Israelites. He will usher in salvation to the ends of the earth for all who believe. This time, the Lord is going to use a lowly girl from the unlearned region of Galilee to bring about the Savior for all mankind. Come read along with us in Advent Day 13.

Advent – Day 12

Advent – Day 12

Byshaleneroberts

Have you ever been the recipient of a gift or a promise so astounding you could scarcely believe it? Perhaps it was perfect provision when you were in desperate need, a miraculous healing, or a gift for which you had been longing. What was your response in that moment? Was it shock, doubt, wonder? When we receive an extravagant gift or the long-awaited answer to a desperate prayer, our reaction is often incredulous. We find ourselves wondering if it’s true. 

Today in Advent Day 12, we’re talking about Zechariah’s response when Gabriel appeared to him with the news that Elizabeth would have a son. Come read along with us!

Advent – Day 11

Advent – Day 11

Byshaleneroberts

Zechariah and Elizabeth waited for a child. The Israelites waited for Messiah. And you and I wait during this Advent season. We wait with the hope and expectancy of answered prayers and miraculous interventions, because we know God has done it before, and he can do it again. Advent Day 11 is live. Come read along with us!

Advent – Day 10

Advent – Day 10

Byshaleneroberts

Zechariah and Elizabeth had prayed for a child, but God was going to give them something so much more. God was going to give them a son who would be the forerunner to Messiah, the promised messenger who would confirm the arrival of God’s son. In their season of waiting and hoping, God was working out a plan for redemption that was beyond what they could fathom. Today for Advent Day 10 we’re studying Luke 1:5-7. I hope you’ll join us and hear how waiting on God is never wasted.

Advent – Day 9

Advent – Day 9

Byshaleneroberts

Have you ever been plunged into total darkness? Perhaps a moment when the electricity went out or a light suddenly died? The few times we’ve lost electricity during the night, my children have screamed from fright. It’s always jarring to go from light to utter darkness. Sudden darkness is paralyzing. Sudden darkness is fearful. Sudden darkness is disorienting. Today we’re talking about darkness and the light that overcomes it all on Advent Day 9. I hope you’ll join us!

Advent – Day 8

Advent – Day 8

Byshaleneroberts

For thousands of years, the Lord had revealed prophecies concerning his son throughout time. These prophecies spurred the Israelites on and kept hope alive. Then around 432 BC, the prophet Malachi pens his book. In Malachi 3:1, he writes a prophecy concerning the coming of Jesus. And then the prophecies went quiet. Four centuries of silence. Four centuries of waiting and hoping. Can you imagine the doubt? Can you imagine the long-suffering ache. Surely they wondered if perhaps the Lord had forgotten his promise? Come find out how this ancient prophecy pointed to Jesus and encourages us now in Advent Day 8.

Advent – Day 7

Advent – Day 7

Byshaleneroberts

Jesus Christ fulfilled every Old Testament prophecy, beginning all the way back in the book of Genesis. He was and is and forevermore will be the promised savior, sent to save the souls of man. Today in Advent Day 7, we’re talking about all this and Isaiah 9:6. Come join us!

Advent – Day 6

Advent – Day 6

Byshaleneroberts

Nearly 700 years before Gabriel would appear to Mary to reveal the news that she would conceive and bring forth the Son of God, the prophet Isaiah foretold of this miracle. Today we’re looking at Isaiah 7:14 in Advent Day 6. I hope you’ll join us!

Advent – Day 5

Advent – Day 5

Byshaleneroberts

Little town of Bethlehem. We sing it in our carols, and we teach it to our children. It’s where the hopes and fears of all the years are met, where the morning stars proclaim the savior’s birth. And today we’re talking how Jesus’ arrival in that town impacts us all. Come join us for Advent Day 5!

Advent – Day 4

Advent – Day 4

Byshaleneroberts

Jesus didn’t come to establish his own position of kingship. He came to save us from our position of depravity. And he didn’t come to save the Jews from the oppression of Rome; he came to save us all from the devastation of hell. Read more in day 4 of our Advent study!

Advent – Day 3

Advent – Day 3

Byshaleneroberts

Today is day 3, and we’re diving into a difficult passage. As a mother, it hits me especially deep. I can’t fathom the weight of the burden upon Abraham. How could a good God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son? To fully answer this question, it’s important to look at this passage through the lens of Advent. This wasn’t merely a historical event, this was another Old Testament prophecy that clearly pointed to the coming of Jesus.

In the End Only Two Things will Matter
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In the End Only Two Things will Matter

Byshaleneroberts

I attended the homegoing of a friend the other day, a friend who battled cancer and ultimately beat it when she walked into glory and into the presence of Jesus. And as I sat in that service and looked around at everyone she’d touched, at the sanctuary full of hundreds of people whose lives are richer because she knew Jesus and they knew her, it hit me … in the end, the only things that will matter are how we loved Jesus and how we loved others.

Kindness and Conviction
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Kindness and Conviction

Byshaleneroberts

Throughout the last 14 years, the Lord has graciously used my children to refine me, and this situation was no different. In that moment I was keenly aware of the power of my words and my reaction. But just as quickly as the Lord convicted me, he also reminded me that His mercies are new each morning and his grace is sufficient. Because when the Lord convicts, he also comforts. It’s his kindess that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

God Qualifies the Called

God Qualifies the Called

Byshaleneroberts

Whoever she is, wherever she is, there is a woman who needs to hear this. God doesn’t call the qualified; he qualifies the called.

He called a shepherd boy to slay a giant. He called a stuttering man to command freedom for His people. He called a prisoner to interpret dreams, a young girl to save her race, a virgin to deliver His son.

Friend … He’s calling you too.

Remembering Kim Jones & Wedgwood Baptist Church

Remembering Kim Jones & Wedgwood Baptist Church

Byshaleneroberts

Twenty-three years ago, my dear friend Susan Kimberly Jones (Kim) was taken from us too early in a shooting at Wedgwood Baptist Church. And yet … Kim’s story doesn’t end with tragedy. Hers is a story of victory! Because through it all … through the loss and the blinding heartache and the searing pain, there is an unexplainable peace that comes with the knowledge that Kim’s departure on this earth heralded her arrival into the arms of Jesus!

Mourning and the Nearness of God

Mourning and the Nearness of God

Byshaleneroberts

Nearly 23 years ago, a man walked into a youth rally in Fort Worth and opened fire. I lost my friend that night, and I am forever changed because of it. Two decades later, I still carry around the trauma. Sometimes it is passive. Other times it comes charging back with the same anguish and fear. This week it all came roaring back with another headline, another shooting and another incomprehensible tragedy.

Dear Friend, Your Resurrection is Coming

Dear Friend, Your Resurrection is Coming

Byshaleneroberts

As I read this passage today, I was suddenly struck by the reality that there are many right now who feel a bit like Tabitha before her resurrection. You’ve suffered loss, defeat, discouragement, and you feel a bit like death is closing in. Maybe not literally, but indeed metaphorically. You are heartbroken and hopeless. You wonder if you will ever feel alive again. Your soul is shattered. Your spirit is broken.

To you, dear friend, I just want to say … I believe your resurrection is coming. By the power of Jesus Christ, Peter resurrected Tabitha. He brought her to new life and then presented her alive and well to those who were mourning her loss and “many people believed in the Lord” because of it.

Dear Moms of Littles … Here’s the Secret to the Next Stage: It gets even better!
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Dear Moms of Littles … Here’s the Secret to the Next Stage: It gets even better!

Byshaleneroberts

I took the girls to one of our favorite coffee shops last week, and all around me were parents of babies and toddlers. Their little ones toddled up and down the lawn, when it suddenly hit me with perfect clarity: the sun has nearly set on this season for me. My children are getting older, and there’s sadness in this reality. But there’s also joyful anticipation, because the dawning of this new season brings with it a surprising awareness that there is so much sacred beauty ahead.