Happy Friday,
I spent Wednesday thinking it was Tuesday. And not the good kind where you have such a great vacation week that you are lost in time. Nope, I am just in a bit of a funk. But that is life, right?
Do you ever get in a funk and try to work backward? Like how did I get here? For me, it always feels like a mixed bag. Things I can control and things I can’t control are swirling together.
This is why the internet can feel so unrelatable at times.
Who is flipping on a camera or posting when they are depressed? This is why I share. If you have these days, you certainly aren’t alone.
So here is a mix of things I am enjoying, learning from, and what could help you on a depressed day or week:
Ideas for Intentionality
Joy in the Battle: This 3-minute podcast is a daily inspiration to my husband, and he sent this specific episode over to me this week. Why do we think JOY will come when we finish the specific battle we are in? Life always turns a page, and somehow we have new issues, and new battles. Joy is possible in the middle of a storm. Even feeling depressed this week, I was trying to be on the lookout to choose joy. Snuggles from kids, giggles from babies, birds chirping, even crazy stuff like my 8-year-old catching a chipmunk and getting bit. Impressive and kinda funny and the stuff family stories are made of. Apple Link and Spotify Link
What is Stored Up: When I am super low I don’t have the bandwidth to go super deep. That is where what is stored up, shows up. The verses I have been memorizing with my kids were really ministering to me. We just don’t know when the storms of life will come, but they will come. Seriously, I can’t urge you enough. Start storing up God’s word in your heart and mind. This is a simple resource to start with, and this other little guide is invaluable as well.
Nutrition: I realized that one thing I have slacked on is taking my supplements and not eating as many fermented foods lately (gut health is key for battling depression). I bought some sauerkraut last night, and I am going to start taking this probiotic and this organ complex again. Telling you will keep me accountable. If depression is a thing for you, nutrition really could be one piece of the puzzle.
Summer 💦 Hack Comes Through: The day this email came out last week we went to Shacktown Falls, my absolute happy place with my homeschool group. And I am telling you, having an air pump in your car for tubes is a summer HACK. It made my day that mamas were lined up at the van to air up their tubes for their kiddos. The cheapest tubes I have found are at Walmart and if you have a plug in your car (mine is at the back of the van near the rear passengers), this pump is great, or you can use a battery pump (just make sure to get some extra batteries in case one is out.)
Make the Call/Text: I let 3-4 women know by either text or a call that I was struggling. We are all Needy and Needed. That is life. I had all kinds of reasons why I didn’t need to let them know, but in the end, I am always so glad I reach out for prayer and to let someone know I am in a funk. Jesus never intended for us to walk through life alone. If you don’t have someone you can call and are in the thick of it today, shoot me an email anytime. But if you aren’t currently in a funk, make the investment in relationships, go first, plan something, and risk being rejected. Someone out there needs your friendship! And you need theirs. 🫶
Psalms: Have you ever opened up the book of Psalms in the Bible? It is full of heart cries for help and proof that people who loved God and still struggled. Psalm 5 was a comfort yesterday. And did you know even Mother Theresa went through many years of depression? We all struggle from time to time. ❤️
Sending love,
Lana
P.S. BOOKS 📚: If you missed last week’s NEW YouTube Video 🌈 it is 10 Books That Are Sure to Improve Your Motherhood and here is a HUGE list of 54 books in different categories for your marriage, parenting, finances etc.
Pregnant P.S. Welcome to Labor Without Fear to all the women who joined the birth course this week. I am one email away if you need any extra support! And if you are pregnant, consider not being a bystander at your birth, but actively preparing and educating yourself beforehand. Modern medicine acts like we need to be saved from birthing our babies, but God made our bodies for birthing. Yes, assistance is sometimes needed, but 95% of the world’s birth stats show no interventions are needed. So why so many interventions? Get ready for your birth today 🙌