My God Will Supply All Your Needs (Even the emotional ones)

I've been feeling a little off balance lately. 

It could be the fluctuating pregnancy hormones. It could be work responsibilities and struggles. It could be I feel like I haven't had time for my marriage. It could be that I haven't sat and read a book to my kid in who knows how long. It could be that everywhere I look there's more sickness and death and mourning and struggle and loss. 

It could be fear. I'm not entirely sure yet. 

So this morning, I walked into the office, lit some candles, put on my new favorite chill playlist and started reading. 

My only agenda was to be refreshed. 

Whenever I'm doing a no agenda Bible read, I usually start with a passage I know will refocus me and then read the chapter before or the chapter after. Or both.

Today, I read before. The passage I started with was a verse I memorized as a child:

"Fear not for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

As a child, this verse brought me comfort in both dire and silly situations. It is my life line. 

So I started there and then read one chapter back. Isaiah 40; a chapter that goes in deep about God's comfort for His people, His promises and how they'll never waiver, and then into His greatness.

It's as if He knows our human minds and tendencies toward doubt and therefore validates Himself, probably unnecessarily, to remind us, again, who He is. 

I read verse one. Verse two. Verse three, four, five, six. Verse seven and eight. Nine and ten. 

I didn't know what I was looking for. All I asked for was a word. A word that would comfort whatever felt off balance. A word that would remind me of what mattered. 

And then verse eleven. 

"God will tend His flock like a shepherd, He will gather the lambs in His arms; He will carry them in his bosom and gently lead those that are with young." Isaiah 40:11

Like jumping into a crisp lake on a blazing, humid, hot Summer day, I got my word (words, really) and my soul was refreshed. 

Why? I found myself asking. Why do you just show up like that when we ask? 

It's simple really, He replied. Because I love you. 

He loves us. All of us. He wants us to ask Him and He will give. He wants us to seek Him and He will be found, pouring out love, security, peace and joy in our hearts, minds, and souls.  

So Jules, and any other girl, wife, mama, student, woman who needs them, here are your words: 

• God is a God of action. He tends, carries, gathers, leads. 
• The actions begin with Him. Alone. He initiates movement.
• His people are His responsibility. Not yours. You show up, but He moves them. 
• The burden is His. He carries. You support. 
• He sees you, young mom of toddlers. He sees your babies and He sees that you have no idea what you're doing. He will teach you. Trust Him again today.
• His mode of operation with His children is gentleness. Always. 

My family is taken care of. My work situations are taken care of. My home is taken care of. My friends and family struggling with life and health and love are taken care of.  There's no need to fear as long as my eyes and ears are open to how He's asking me to step in.

Anybody else need that today? Just me? Ok :)

"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Mo Christmas Starts Now

You know what time it is: Christmas Music at the Mo's. 

It starts tonight. Latte's. Cocoa. Blankets. Socks. Dancing. Sugar cookies. #crapineedtogotothestore

I made a playlist that we'll be starting our season out with, if you care to listen along. It's got a good mix: Colbie, Buble, Sufjan, Amy, Kelly, and an addition from last year, Penatonix. 

I'm excited that our girl is getting older and can understand music and dance along with us. It'll be fun to add some of her favorites to this list as the most wonderful time of the year approaches. 

Click here to listen to our CHRISTMAS MIX

Our other playlists:
2011, 2012, 2013

Original Photo via

Dear Parents of Teenagers, We Need You to Stop Freaking Out

Dear Parents of Teenagers, we need you to stop freaking out. 

I'm not talking about "we" as in the world in general. I'm talking about "we", the parents of toddlers. Little ones we're raising in the world you're posting about going to hell in a hand basket. 

Do you remember what it was like to be us? To be young and dumb and yet grasping for any and every book on parenting and discipline and organic food choices?

Do you remember how panicked you were that you'd screw up your kid's nap time routine or that the pacifier would get packed in their high school Jansport? 

We're there. Somewhere between mommy shaming and daycare options, organic and non-organic, co-sleeping and crying it out, we need you to turn around, look us square in the eye and tell us this:

It's going to be okay. 

Of course that's not a hard fast promise. No one really knows when it's going to not be okay any more, but when you post things about the rapid decline of civilization via gay marriage, Trump's wig taking over the world, porn and pot being experimented with at younger and younger ages, we need you to also communicate what Jesus did: H O P E . 

It's true, we need to know the facts. We want to be prepared. Dear sweet Jesus we'd do anything to be prepared. But more than that, we need to know that no matter how dark it may feel in the moment, the world is getting brighter because of parents, God-fearing parents like you.

We need you to show us, not tell us, show us that no circumstance, trend, industry, politics or dating fads can change what Jesus Christ says about us and how He will redeem our world. #fistbump

We need to know you've got our back.

We need to know you're blazing trails ahead of us. 

We need to know you're not curled up in a corner around the bend because more than the porn and the pot and the wigs, that is our worst fear.

That someone won't be there to help us out of the ditch when we get stuck or be at the top of the well when we're ready to move on. 

I know this may feel like a rant, but trust me when I say it's not. It's a plea, from a young mom who has no idea how to do this parenting thing. 

We need you to speak life and hope and power into our parenting. 

We need you to cheer us on because I'm not sure we'll make it without you. 

- - - - - - - - - -
If you're new to this space, I usually reserve Mom talk for Thursdays. This isn't a mom blog. But I do blog and I am a mom. So naturally, it leaks through.

Girls Rule, Boys... | Baby Reveal

Are still awesome but few and far between in the Mo House. We're excited to announce that Baby Mo #2 is a growing girl!

Some of you are saying, "Of course the Mo's baby reveal was with Starbucks!" And I'm not entirely sure if you're referring to the unhealthy obsession we have, the frequency of free drinks we get, or that most of my blog posts are written either about, in, or around coffee. No idea. ;) #iseeyourinstagrams

Also, not gonna lie, I've been so hungry and cranky with this one, I would have bet my life it was a boy. Nope. Just a very aggressive girl. Maybe there's a chance this one will be like me after all ;)

My favorite moment of the day: Me: Yay! They can share a room! Ty: Holy crap we're paying for two weddings! Sym: More coffee please!  #priorities

So...Chalk Anyone? | A Baby Surprise!

Guy Version:

We're having a baby!

Girl Version:

It's true. Totally unexpected, but totally true. AH! Ty and I were actually in a fight the day we found out. We'd just moved into our new home, sang at a wedding, had a mini-anniversary/mini-birthday celebration for us and Sym, and did a full weekend at church. 

Needless to say, by Monday I was exhausted. According to Ty, I was irritated, grumpy, and distant. The jury's still out on that... 

Things finally bubbled to the surface when he asked "Babe, you ok?" for like the 17th time. You know that meme that says I was fine until you asked me if I was ok for the 17th time, it was like that. 

Yes, babe, I snapped. I'm fine, I'm just exhausted, hungry, my stomach is bothering me and...we should probably stop by the store on the way home. 

So we did. Got home, peed on that silly stick and so many memories came flooding back. 

I handed it to Ty and he just stared. 

"So, if it has a + sign, it's positive?" he asked. 

WHAT?!

The moment my eyes met the stick I had the same exact feeling I did when I found out with Sym. My stomach dropped the same way and my eyes welled with tears at the same pace. Instantly. 

OK. I looked at Ty, still reeling. This isn't possible. This isn't supposed to be possible. 

But God. :)

It seems His favorite thing to do is the impossible, because then we know, without a shadow of a doubt, it's from Him. 

It always is. 

Also, fun fact: The day after we told family, our old pregnancy announcement on FB resurfaced...but of course we couldn't say, "HEY GUYS NOT PREGNANT!" Because we totally were. #gotcha 

We're so ecstatic (and a little nervous) to add to our little family. Life in Austin has been amazing. This community has quickly become family. We're forming our tribe, and now we're gonna need them more than ever. 

I Want My Daughter to Know Why We Sing

I have a fear that one day my daughter might come to despise the church, without ever really knowing or discovering for herself what it stands for.

I've seen my fair share of pastors' kids or kids with any connection to the Church, turn their back on it all because of any number of reasons. Some, because of all the things it took away from them--recitals, dad at their ball games, family dinners, vacations, Sunday morning doughnut runs. Others, because of the chaos it comes with--fishbowl lifestyle, open home, early mornings and late nights.

I know some parents completely missed the signs; the warnings and cries for attention or help from their children. But some really, really tried. Like really.

That's what terrifies me.

I'm afraid I'll try my hardest to be balanced and still miss the mark.

So I started a journal. For her. Hopefully the first of dozens that I'll write in, pray over, cry through and laugh about.

It's just one more attempt to go out of my way to let her know, to let you know, sweet Symphony, why we get up early and stay up late, why we spend most every Christmas and Easter in the walls of a Church.

This is why you know your way around the sanctuary and church halls and where every bathroom and trash can are. This is why everyone you waddle past knows your name.

Because Jesus loves us.
He saved us.
We, me and your Dad, we shouldn't be here.
He wasn't planned.
I was supposed to be a sexual abuse statistic.
We are not supposed to be here, in this place, physically, emotionally, spiritually.

We made some bad decisions.
Destructive decisions.
Petty, self-righteous, and sinful decisions.

AND GOD'S GRACE WAS STILL SUFFICIENT.

Trust me, that's some crazy good news.

We sing because we have to. 
We have to tell the world about this magnificent grace and love.
We have to show you that it's the most real thing you'll ever experience.

This is why we sing, and dance and act like crazy people on and off the stage.

Grace, love, peace.
Redemption, restoration.
It's all because of Jesus.

- - - - - - - - - -
Our family worships and serves at Shoreline Church in Austin,TX. If you're local we'd love you to join us! And tell us when you're here. Obvs :) 

I'm in Love With Us

I love my family. This isn't as much bragging as it is me being in awe of how much God knows and cares about the details of our lives. The three of us, we're perfect for each other. Everything about us feels too natural and charmed. 

Don't get me wrong. We are human. We're flawed. We're temperamental and we each have our innate bends towards selfishness and stubbornness. Some a little more than others. #notnamingnames

But even those, the flaws and setbacks, they seem to come in perfectly timed waves amongst one another. We're never all down and out at the same time. We're never all stubborn at the same time. We're never all throwing tantrums at the same time. There's always one that is steadfast. And since we're being honest, sometimes it's the littlest of us. #notkidding 

The realist side of me goes to bed fearing it won't be like this forever. And maybe it won't. But we can't know that, until, well, forever comes and goes. 

So until then, we're going to eat way to many fruit snacks, giggle while reading something about a pig and parade, and talk and gawk at the "funder" storms outside our apartment. 

We're going to continue bending out patience and kindness and sweetness and love. 

We're going to tell each other "sowy" when we've hurt feelings or disobeyed and not fear repentance.

We're going to talk to Jesus through songs and prayers and listen to what He might be telling us.

We're going to take random drives down dream neighborhoods and end up on totally last minute dates to super unhealthy pizza places.

Because that's us. And I'm in love with every last bit of us. 

- - - - - - -

600 Degrees Pizza is one of our family favorites. If you're local or visiting Austin, Texas, make sure to try the #3.

What My Daughter Taught Me About Needing Her Daddy

I packed our bag while my one year old was well into her first nap of the day. 

God, I prayed aloud, can I have an extra measure of grace this weekend? 

I was feeling tired, having just recovered from a 24 hour flu bug and the mere thought of walking through security with my toddler made me want to get back in bed. 

But it came. The grace came in floods and flurries at the right moments. 

I knew this weekend would be tough for Baby Girl Mo, seeing new people and new places. People that knew her and her story, but faces she wouldn't recognize. So I did my best to walk her through who each person was. But "This is 'so and so'," was only good for so long before her little body started pressing further into mine with uncertainty and anxiety. 

I knew her sleep schedule would be off, so I did my best to compensate with extra naps and "down time" away from the crowds and gatherings. 

However, what I never anticipated was how off balanced she became every day we were away from her Daddy. 

With each day that passed, she became more and more emotionally unsettled. There was a sense of fear that overcame her every time I walked out of the room. (A girl's gotta pee at some point!)

Initially, I couldn't figure out what was going on. But on about the third night, Tyson sent us a video of him singing to her and she instantly lit up! She was beaming from ear to ear and giggling through the familiar song she's heard a thousand times.

As the video ended, she turned to me with a look of worry and a whimpering tone to play it again and it hit me. 

She needs her Daddy! She misses his love and affection. She needs to be held by him. There was an ache in her for his presence and she didn't know how to identify it. 

Right now, her sense of balance and security rests largely on the presence and love of her Daddy. 

It occurred to me how very real this need is, not only in my daughter's life, but in mine as well. (And maybe yours too?)

I need my Heavenly Father, everyday or else I get off balanced and unsettled.

I get worrisome and fearful when I cannot remember how strong and safe my Father is. 

There is sometimes an ache in me that I can't identity until I've spent time in the love and song and presence of my heavenly Father. 

There is peace in His presence. There is joy in His presence. There is balance and understanding in His presence. There is freedom in His presence. 

Whatever you need right now, it can be found in His presence. It may not all be tangible, but it's there. The wisdom, the direction, the breath, the life. It's there. 

Sym and I were only gone a total of five days. Not that long. But I'll tell you what, I ain't never taking her away from her Daddy for that long ever again. 

- - - - - - - - - -

What do you need right now?

Is there an unidentifiable ache in your soul? 

- - - - - - - - - -

My Momma use to write verses on index cards and stick them around my life, my room, my car etc. Here are some verses you can stick around your space to remind you to press into God's presence every moment of everyday. 

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. 

Psalm 16:11

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek, inquire for, and [insistently] require: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord [in His presence] all the days of my life, to behold and gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to meditate, consider, and inquire in His temple. 

Psalm 27:4

Have not I commanded you? Be strong, vigorous, and very courageous. Be not afraid, neither be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. 

Joshua 1:9

And behold, I am with you and will keep (watch over you with care, take notice of) you wherever you may go, and I will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done all of which I have told you. 

Genesis 28:15

I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing.

John 15:5

I will bless the Lord, Who has given me counsel; yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 

Psalm 16:7-8

Giving Up Stability...For Now.

The season in Austin just turned overnight. It went from gorgeous days of sunshine and crisp air to windchill and freezing temps. Where are we?!

This California girl is realizing how inadequate her family's wardrobes are. Shopping anyone? 

We're in the busy season of church life: women's conference, Thanksgiving, Christmas, so home cooked meals and daily laundry days are a rarity these days. Who am I kidding, they're pretty rare regardless, but even more so now. Haha.

But I love my family. I love that we are us and we do things our way and it works. It's too easy to compare lifestyles with the families next door (or on Instagram). (Click it to tweet it!) But I am so grateful to have a husband who loves Chic-fil-a and a daughter who laughs just because she's with us. 

It's the small things ya know? 

“It's not hard to decide what you want your life to be about. What's hard, she said, is figuring out what you're willing to give up in order to do the things you really care about.”  

- Shauna Niequist 

Amen. 

Fresh laundry, clean floors, use of our kitchen table and the rhythm of routine are definitely things I want for my family. Someday. However, for the Mo's, in this season, we're giving up the stable stereotypes for the flurry of fast-paced ministry. 

It might change in the next few years to accommodate coming shifts, and I'm okay with that too. 

But for today, we eat out way too much, watch movies late, have Starbucks dates with our one year old, make up loud silly songs about everything and laugh all the time.

It's our normal and I wouldn't change a thing.

- - - - - - - - - -

What season are you in? Are you ready for a change or are you rocking it? 

- - - - - - - - - -

If you're new to this space, I usually reserve Mom talk for Thursdays. This isn't a mom blog. But I do blog and I am a mom. So naturally, it leaks through. 

Happy First Father's Day

"Men should always change diapers. It’s a very rewarding experience. It’s mentally cleansing. It’s like washing dishes, but imagine if the dishes were your kids, so you really love the dishes.” —Chris Martin

To the Dad who loves doing both; dishes and diapers, that is.

From day one, you have served our girl with your whole heart. Before she was even a thought, I knew you were a man with an insatiable ability to love and a bottomless well of servanthood.

But when she arrived, when I saw you calm that little screaming squishy newborn with just the firmness and gentleness of your voice, I knew I was about to experience a new you. 

You were still you, but fuller.

Fatherhood has made you more whole. 

I know I frequently tell you I can't image our life without Baby Girl Mo, but today I want to tell you I can't imagine you without her. 

The way she snuggles your face and smiles the instant you catch her eye. I love watching her, but these days, I love watching you more. 

You're different, and she's the one who changed you. 

I look through pictures of pre-dad Ty and smirk at that baby face, la-la land, love bird. He's handsome, he's ambitious, he's determined and courageous. He's the man I fell in love with. He's the man that swept me off my feet at 1000 miles per hour. And I love him for it. 

But the you of today--the father, the husband--I love him more because he's all those things in a much more fierce, yet anchored way. 

She caught you. She grew you. She moved you in a way no one could.

You are the father Symphony will be proud to call her own. You will find the balance between being the good cop and bad cop. You will bust down the cultural norm of "dumb dad." You will stand guard over your family like a lion and his pride. You will walk our family through any dark valley and carry us up and over any mountain you aren't able to move with your bare hands. 

Why am I confident of this, you ask? 

Because I know that God is for you. I've seen it. I've watched it. I've seen you sift through faith and faith sift through you, and you've come out the other end, brighter. It's as if, like the writer of Psalms, your face radiates your communion with God. 

I am honored to be raising our girl alongside you. I couldn't imagine doing it any other way. 

Happy First Father's Day babe ~ We'll try to make it a good one.