We all grew up

Life has a way of changing how we connect with others. Once, it was as simple as, 'Come to school tomorrow, and I'll tell you everything!' Now, it's become, 'If you have time, maybe we can meet someday and talk.' We all grew up, our lives got busier, and our carefree conversations turned into rare moments of catching up.
Growing up is beautiful, but it also reminds us to cherish the bonds we once
took for granted.
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#grewup #connect #school #talk #carefree #conversations #raremoments #growingup #beautiful #bonds

I’m not the person I once was.
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Not the same woman, wife or friend.
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I’m the mother immersed in early motherhood.
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I struggle to make it anywhere on time. I’m always covered in children
or some sort of stain. And I regularly have to leave early.
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I don’t have as much time to give my husband. I forget to tell him how
much I love and appreciate him. Yet I rely on him so much more.
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I haven’t seen some of my friends in months. I regularly forget to
check in with them or message them back. I can’t remember the last
time I caught up with them without children in the middle.
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And this adjustment hasn’t always been easy.
Some days I miss parts of the woman, the wife, and the friend I used be.
The reliable one.
The consistent one.
The relaxed and carefree one.
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But the changes have been worth it.
Because I have gained so much.
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I have experienced growing, birthing and feeding babies. I’ve seen a
mental and physical strength in myself that I didn’t know I had.
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I have felt the privilege of being an entire world to another human.
To have the honour of helping them on their path to create their own.
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I understand what it is to be loved in a way only a mother knows. To
be wanted and needed so deeply. So purely and without condition.
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Since becoming a mother my priorities have changed.
My values have changed.
I have changed.
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But it’s the best sort of change.
Every single change is, no matter the difficulties that come with some of them.
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These changes have been the making of me.
A new me.
The mother born into me.
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And I will keep changing.
I will keep evolving alongside my children, as we move through the
seasons together.
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Because that’s what it takes to be a mother.
That’s what comes with a love like this.
It’s growth.
It’s adapting.
And above all, it’s moving in the direction of your heart.
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✍🏻 Emma Heaphy
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Art: Art by Chloe Trayhurn

I once was steel, unyielding and cold
A fortress of independence, my heart untold
I dared the world to try and bring me down
My armor polished, my spirit renowned

But then you came, with eyes that saw
Beyond the walls I built, to the soul I'd hid away
You touched the fire that burned beneath my skin
And melted the ice that guarded my heart within

I softened, like clay in gentle hands
My edges smoothed, my heart expanded to stand
In the warmth of your love, I found a peaceful nest
A place to rest, and be myself, and be blessed

My boasts and bravado, they faded from sight
As I discovered a new strength, in the love we ignite
For when we're apart, I'm still the lady I adored
Unreachable, untamed, with a heart that's still implored

But with you, I'm transformed, my love, my guiding star
You're my weakness and my strength, near and far
In your love, I find a twisted, beautiful game
Where vulnerability is power, and love is the aim

How mysterious, indeed, this love we share
A dance of contradictions, a bond beyond compare
For in your arms, I'm free to be me
A paradox of strength and softness, wild and carefree.

"Unshakeable Heart"

In the face of fear, we find our might,
A courage that's born, in the darkest night.
It's the voice that whispers, "Do not flee,"
A heart that beats strong, with a spirit free.

Like a rock that stands, through the raging sea,
Courage holds its ground, wild and carefree.
It's the fire that burns, with a passion pure,
A soul that's unshakeable, forever secure.

With every step forward, with every fall,
Courage rises stronger, through it all.
It's the light that shines, in the darkest place,
A beacon of hope, that guides us to our pace.

So let courage be our guide, our shining light,
That leads us through, the darkest of nights.
For with an unshakeable heart, we'll face each test,
And emerge victorious, with a courage that's blessed.

"Unshakeable Heart"

In the face of fear, we find our might,
A courage that's born, in the darkest night.
It's the voice that whispers, "Do not flee,"
A heart that beats strong, with a spirit free.

Like a rock that stands, through the raging sea,
Courage holds its ground, wild and carefree.
It's the fire that burns, with a passion pure,
A soul that's unshakeable, forever secure.

With every step forward, with every fall,
Courage rises stronger, through it all.
It's the light that shines, in the darkest place,
A beacon of hope, that guides us to our pace.

So let courage be our guide, our shining light,
That leads us through, the darkest of nights.
For with an unshakeable heart, we'll face each test,
And emerge victorious, with a courage that's blessed.

It was a beautiful Sunday morning in the small town of Willow Creek. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the streets and homes.

Emma, a young girl with curly brown hair, woke up early, feeling excited and refreshed. She loved Sundays because it was the one day of the week when her family didn't have to rush around.

After getting dressed, Emma ran downstairs to the kitchen, where her mom was already making breakfast. The delicious smell of pancakes and bacon filled the air, making Emma's stomach growl with hunger.

"Good morning, sweetie!" her mom said, giving her a warm hug. "What do you want to do today?"

Emma thought for a moment before answering. "I want to go for a bike ride with Dad!" she exclaimed.

Her mom smiled. "That sounds like a great idea. Your dad is already getting the bikes ready."

After breakfast, Emma and her dad set off on their bike ride, enjoying the fresh air and the scenic views of the countryside. They rode past fields of golden wheat, sparkling streams, and colorful wildflowers.

As they rode, Emma felt carefree and happy, enjoying the quality time with her dad. She realized that Sundays were special because they allowed her to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of the world around her.

After their bike ride, Emma and her dad returned home, tired but content. They spent the rest of the day lounging in the garden, reading books, and enjoying each other's company.

As the sun began to set, Emma snuggled up close to her mom and dad on the couch, feeling grateful for the wonderful Sunday they had shared together. She knew that she would always treasure the memories of this special day.

The moon's soft glow, illuminates the sea
A path of silver, where the waves dance free
The tide's gentle whisper, a lullaby to me
As the ocean's vastness, sets my soul free

In the dark of the deep, where the pressure's high
There's a world of mystery, where creatures touch the sky
The bioluminescent sparks, like stars in the night
A magical display, of the ocean's delight

The waves crash on the rocks, a soothing serenade
As the ocean's fury, is tempered by its shade
The salty scent of the air, invigorates my soul
As the ocean's vastness, makes my heart whole

In the ocean's roar, I hear a gentle voice
A reminder of the power, that makes my heart rejoice
A symbol of the beauty, that the ocean brings to me
A sense of connection, to the wild and carefree.

Rising sun, land of the free,
Japan, a world of wonder, awaits you and me.
From Tokyo's neon streets to Kyoto's peaceful shrine,
A journey through Japan, is a travel divine.

Mount Fuji's majestic peak, touches the morning sky,
As cherry blossoms bloom, and petals start to fly.
In Osaka's food streets, flavors dance and play,
A culinary adventure, every single day.

In Hiroshima's peace park, history's lessons are told,
A city reborn, with a story to unfold.
In the Japanese Alps, nature's beauty shines so bright,
A haven for hikers, and a peaceful sight.

From bustling cities, to serene landscapes wide,
Japan's diverse beauty, will be your travel guide.
So come and experience, this land of rising sun,
A journey through Japan, has just begun!

In Fukuoka's ancient temples, secrets of the past,
Are whispered through the stones, forever to last.
In Sapporo's snowy winters, hot springs warm the soul,
A haven from the cold, making the heart whole.

In Yokohama's Chinatown, flavors blend and merge,
A cultural melting pot, with a fascinating emerge.
In Nara's ancient forests, deer roam wild and free,
A symbol of Japan's spirit, wild and carefree.

From north to south, Japan's wonders wait,
A journey of discovery, an adventure to create.
So pack your bags, and grab your camera too,
A journey through Japan, is waiting for you!

In Japan's vibrant cities, technology meets tradition,
A fascinating blend, of old and new with each condition.
From robots to ramen, Japan's got it all,
A country of contrasts, standing tall.

So come and experience, this land of wonder and might,
A journey through Japan, will ignite your delight.
With its rich culture, stunning landscapes and more,
Japan is a destination, you'll forever adore.

Part I

As a believer reflecting on my personal experiences, I've come to understand the nature of demonic forces. Demons are rebellious spirits that require constant vigilance. They're extremely intelligent and manipulative, demanding a firm stance. Pampering them is not an option. No one can pray or fast them away on your behalf; your help comes from the name of the Lord. Demons employ dirty tactics and are notoriously stubborn.
To overcome these forces, one must start by acknowledging sinfulness and repenting (as Peter advised). Then, placing faith in Christ, trusting in His redemptive work, leads to regeneration, being born again, as described in John 3:3. This transformation is crucial, as demonic forces will fiercely resist one's newfound faith, especially if they've previously influenced an individual.
My personal experiences attest to this reality. As a young Christian, I encountered terrifying phenomena. They'd try to pull me out of my body, and I'd dread being alone or facing the night. Sleep was a luxury, as I feared being attacked by an unseen force. These encounters began when I was just five years old.
At 12, they launched a vicious attack, choking and squeezing me. I had no one to turn to but God. I'd attend vigils, refusing to sleep, hoping to find solace. The experiences were worse than I can describe.
My family, seeking help, took me to white garment pastors, who claimed I was 'Omo elegbe' (a child of the spirits). I was taken aback – how could this be? I'm a child of Jesus!
I soon discovered that even close allies were involved in these dark practices. They'd astral travel and attempt to take me with them. While I enjoy being carefree, when it comes to those malevolent forces, I'll fiercely resist them. I despise them.
Esu se mi, mi o de le da ri jin... (Satan hurt me, I will never forgive him). My experiences have left an indelible mark, fueling my determination to confront and overcome these dark forces.

Part I

As a believer reflecting on my personal experiences, I've come to understand the nature of demonic forces. Demons are rebellious spirits that require constant vigilance. They're extremely intelligent and manipulative, demanding a firm stance. Pampering them is not an option. No one can pray or fast them away on your behalf; your help comes from the name of the Lord. Demons employ dirty tactics and are notoriously stubborn.
To overcome these forces, one must start by acknowledging sinfulness and repenting (as Peter advised). Then, placing faith in Christ, trusting in His redemptive work, leads to regeneration, being born again, as described in John 3:3. This transformation is crucial, as demonic forces will fiercely resist one's newfound faith, especially if they've previously influenced an individual.
My personal experiences attest to this reality. As a young Christian, I encountered terrifying phenomena. They'd try to pull me out of my body, and I'd dread being alone or facing the night. Sleep was a luxury, as I feared being attacked by an unseen force. These encounters began when I was just five years old.
At 12, they launched a vicious attack, choking and squeezing me. I had no one to turn to but God. I'd attend vigils, refusing to sleep, hoping to find solace. The experiences were worse than I can describe.
My family, seeking help, took me to white garment pastors, who claimed I was 'Omo elegbe' (a child of the spirits). I was taken aback – how could this be? I'm a child of Jesus!
I soon discovered that even close allies were involved in these dark practices. They'd astral travel and attempt to take me with them. While I enjoy being carefree, when it comes to those malevolent forces, I'll fiercely resist them. I despise them.
Esu se mi, mi o de le da ri jin... (Satan hurt me, I will never forgive him). My experiences have left an indelible mark, fueling my determination to confront and overcome these dark forces.