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Jacque Watkins

finding grace through the mud

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On Being Affectionate and Tender-hearted

by Jacque Watkins

The other day, I cared for one of the most difficult patients of my career. She was jaded and volatile, hot-tempered and reactionary. She had chosen to respond to the pain and hurt of her life by maintaining a drug habit and building a rigid wall around her heart—a wall that she made impenetrable to […]

My Motherhood Journey of Love and Fear

by Jacque Watkins

It was sixteen years ago now, and I can still remember the beginning of my motherhood journey– them handing him to me for the first time. And I remember the feelings that flooded me in that moment, like a tidal wave crashing down. And they all stood around me smiling, our parents so happy to […]

Seeing the Gifts in the Mess

by Jacque Watkins

Why is it so easy to focus on what isn’t? To fix my eyes on what is lacking in the now, failing to see what is really before me? I easily notice the mess of toys on the floor, and I’m irritated. And internally I escalate. I just cleaned that area and hour ago! And I am […]

Vivid Grace {Five Minute Friday}

by Jacque Watkins

Vivid: strikingly bright or intense, clearly perceptible. There was a time in my life where my view of God’s grace was dulled–blurred by my arrogance and pride. The problem was I thought I had it all together. Oh, I knew that technically I was a sinner because God’s word says everyone is, but I didn’t […]

Join us! Sisters in Bloom is Launching Today!

by Jacque Watkins

I have the incredible privilege of witnessing birth. And birth is hard. It is uncomfortable and painful, and labor just plain hurts, especially without that epidural! But the joy at a delivery is palpable. And what emerges from all that work, is life–new life with potential, hope, and new beginnings, all wrapped up in smooth pink skin. That new baby a representation of the hope and […]

Choosing to Awake to Joy

by Jacque Watkins

Most Fridays I join Lisa-Jo over at her site to write amidst a beautiful community. She gives a one-word writing prompt every Friday at midnight, and most of us wait with anticipation for what the word will be. When it is announced, we set the timer for 5 minutes, and we write without worrying if it […]

A Refining of Priorities

by Jacque Watkins

This new year has arrived in full bloom, and as it begins I’m sensing a need for some purposeful pruning–a refining of my priorities. There are so many things that are important for me to accomplish, and my to-do list is a mile long. I check one thing off and another just hops right on, […]

We Need our Roaring Lions

by Jacque Watkins

Roar. A lion roars. And I know all about lions. I am married to a lion. In fact, for some time I thought I was part lion, until I took the test again—the animal personality temperament test, by Gary Smalley and the more in-depth test, Leading with Your Strengths. Did I ever mention I am crazy about […]

Returning Home {Visiting with the Giants}

by Jacque Watkins

I can’t think of any better way to initiate the New Year than returning home and visiting my family. My parents have lived in the same house for almost 40 years and returning there brings comfort from the familiarity and memories it holds. And there is something to be said for living in one place so […]

Open {Trusting in ALL He Has in Store}

by Jacque Watkins

If you would have told me one year ago I would be homeschooling my children, blogging, and have like-minded social media friends who I met through Twitter, I would have never believed you. First of all, I thought homeschoolers were weird and out of touch. Second, I had no idea what a blog even was. And […]

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Hi and welcome! I'm a Grace-clinger, Mercy-lover, wife, and mom to five ... a writer, part-time labor & delivery nurse, and podcaster of Mud Stories, who believes we are so very loved, and never, ever alone! I'm so very glad you're here! Read more about me here...

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