Hey My Beautiful Heart Sisters,
It’s a soft, rainy day today, as I sit here with my tea. The house is quiet…my kids are off  in high school and one in college. I’m awaiting a text from my 2 girls letting me know whether or not tennis is postponed and if so, I am sure their will be requests for friend pick ups etc. Four of them! My wild, wonderful crew. I’m curled up in this cozy corner of my living room. A taco casserole is baking in the oven, as the gray light is outside my window, and my heart feels full but a little heavy too. Being their mom, a wife, a daughter, and someone who loves creating in the heart of my home—it’s everything to me. But today, with the rain keeping me company, I’m slowing down, looking inside through prayer and stillness, and wondering: How’s my heart doing? I want to be the example for them…not just talk about it, but live it, and that means taking care of my own emotional well-being with the same love I give everyone else.
I’ve been reading The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips, and her powerful, soulful words hit me deep this morning : “Just as gardens thrive in good ground, the abundant life you’ve been seeking can only be grown in the soil of your own heart.” Wow. It’s so true, isn’t it? Whether you’re a working mom—full-time or part-time—a full-time homemaker like me, or even an empty nester, I’m talking to you. We’re the ones holding it all together, wiping counters, cheering on our people, keeping the love flowing. But some days, I feel like I’m running low, grinning through the piles of laundry and teenage sass, wondering if I’m enough. That’s why I lean on my morning ritual: lighting my candle and sitting in prayer. Before the house wakes up, I watch the flame flicker, and settle into quiet with God. It’s simple, but it’s been the best thing for my heart—keeping me steady, and filling me up first thing in the morning.
So, straight from my heart to yours, here are 3 little steps I’m doing to tend my own garden. They’re easy, they’re real, and you can start today—rain or shine—wherever you are in this big, beautiful, messy life.
- Take a Quiet Minute
Mornings here are full as I prepare a nourishing bite for them to eat before they head out and of course—someone’s rushing her sister out the door,  another’s leaving way to early and eating on the go so he can pick up a friend for  school. But I light my candle, sit still, and breathe. That tiny glow calms me as I pray or just soak in the silence. It’s quick, maybe five minutes, but it’s mine. Grab a minute for you—by the window, in your car, anywhere—and just breathe. It’s like a little hug for your heart. - Say Something Nice to Yourself
I used to look in the mirror and see tired eyes or messy hair, feeling small. But Dr. Anita’s book and my candle time remind me to be kind to me too. Today, I whispered, “As Jesus states…You’re doing good, even when it’s hard.” It feels silly at first, but it sticks. Try it—say something sweet: “You’re enough,” or “You’ve got a big heart.” It’s a little seed of love for yourself. - Let Something Go
With four teens, there’s always a mess—shoes and school bags everywhere, a forgotten pile of dirty clothes in the bathroom, a grumpy vibe I can’t fix. I used to think I had to handle it all. But this morning, after my prayer, I left the dishes and sat here with the rain instead. Nothing fell apart, and I felt lighter. Pick one thing today—let it be. You don’t have to carry it all.
This is me, straight from my heart, on this rainy day. Some mornings, I light that candle and feel like I’m shining too; others, I’m still the mom fussing about ALL the towels. But I want my kids to see me trying—to see that caring for my heart matters, that my quiet time and Dr. Anita’s wise, life-giving words are growing something good in me. And sweet mamas—working moms, single moms, homemakers, empty nesters—I want that for you too. We’re in this together, growing strong, soft hearts. My candle’s burning for me—and for all of us.
So, let’s start today—take a minute, say something nice, let something go. The rain’s falling, but we can grow anyway. From my heart to yours, you’re not alone.
From my heart to yours, Stacey ❤️
