Reflections of Terror and Beauty

Author: Janae

  • Garden Bed

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    by

    Janae
    in

    I’m thankful to have this poem featured by the Good, True, & Beautiful Mail Club, a monthly ministry equipping Christian women through Scripture, practical wisdom, and the beauty of faithful living. I’m grateful to have my work included alongside a ministry devoted to helping women not simply admire what is good, true, and beautiful—but to…

  • Tired Bed

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Morning light grows to sound,  peppered feet on the ground—  your brothers,  quickly gathered around.  A triumphant thump;  crowded in bed,  good-morning-bumps  eclipsing her head.  The tangle of laughter,  this music of four—  Our ever after;  this is the core.  “What are we doing today?”  he asks in his way,  words I hear coming  before he can say.  Cooking is certain:  laundry and dishes—  but truly, we dwell  in my deepest of wishes:  These three…

  • For The Church publication – Motherhood: An Unassuming Currency

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    by

    Janae
    in

  • The Treasure of Babies at Church

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    by

    Janae
    in

    When my parents answered God’s call to start a church, our home became a place of meeting for a season. Saturdays were for cleaning. Our crumb-laden, toy-strewn home transformed into a tidy space for our church gathering; my bedroom became the nursery and our family room for corporate singing. My mom managed to open her…

  • Because I love you

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    by

    Janae
    in

    The hours I’ve bounced and paced with my son snuggly tucked in my arms are teaching me something. His cries are often relentless, but so are my arms around him. Tears stain both our cheeks and I wish he could rest in what is true: I love him. I find myself telling him, “you are…

  • These Anxious Humans

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Said the Robin to the Sparrow,  “I should really like to know Why these anxious human beings Rush about and worry so.” . Said the Sparrow to the Robin,  “Friend, I think that it must be That they have no heavenly Father Such as cares for you and me.” Philip Howard Motherhood has revealed in…

  • Rejoicing in the Light

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    by

    Janae
    in

    O come, o come, Emmanuel // And ransom captive Israel // That mourns in lonely exile here // Until the son of God appear // Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel // Shall come to thee, o Israel. I see December nights adorned by light: they glisten in the main streets and along the rooftops of neighboring homes.…

  • The Treasure of a Purposed Home

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    by

    Janae
    in

    I grew up in a home where I was a pirate and princess; running barefoot with my sisters outside in our imaginary worlds. I grew in a home of blankets and books, table work such as math and dictation. I was in a home where I learned to care for my younger sisters, where I…

  • To mothers

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Seeing our baby on ultrasound is as clear in my mind today as in the moment. The detail of his brain, his small mouth – opening to suck his thumb – the perfection of his little fingers and toes, struck unprecedented awe in my heart and praise to God for this miracle. Having this joy…

  • Suttle Lake; a poem

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    by

    Janae
    in

    Four footprints chasing lake’s rim  . You and me – strolling along but not quite in stride . My quicker cadence of little feet and dusty knees . Our footprints together as if we were home . You and me – strolling along but not quite in stride . My cadence steadied, my steps now…