Paige Barnes

Everyone reading this probably has been watching some part of the Olympics. I have never been an athlete myself, but I love watching the games. It amazes me to watch these people who have worked so hard for so long execute these amazing feats of physicality. I particularly enjoy the women's gymnastics. These young ladies never cease to amaze me with what they can do. Last night I so enjoyed watching Aly Raisman's parents watching her. In fact the whole world was watching them. They were so involved in what she was doing that they had a physical reaction to her every move. It looked crazy, but they were completely oblivious to anyone around them. Just in the moment. They could not do it for her, but they wanted so bad for her to do it well. I think of this and can't help but think about Jesus. Does he do that as he watches us on this crazy journey called life? I can just picture him twisting and turning as I struggle to make it through the tough situations. I see him r...

I had all these plans for us this summer. Nothing extra fancy, just activities close to home that did not cost too much money so that we could spend time together this summer. Just me and him. My boy and I. And then June got so busy because of a few things and that set July back. I purposely worked my July around having the time to be here for him, and because of events in June, none of my plans for July have gone as planned. None. And it makes me sad. I just want to cry at the way this month has turned out. So many things that I do not have control over. I have been wishing for August because August will be better. And yet, August brings the reality that school starts again. And there goes the time I had planned with him. And he will be in the fifth grade. He is growing up. I am trying to be everything he needs me to be. And yet, most days I feel like a failure.  I know the enemy is spending a lot of time telling me this. Because a few months ago God spoke a couple of things ver...

 I have always been a perfectionist. I am the kind of person that thinks I should already be great at something the very first time I try it. I mean, how is that even possible? The stress I have put on my own self over the years far outweighs any that has been placed upon me by anyone else. I have lived a life in the small town spotlight, always involved in everything. Always that girl that "had it together". And for the most part I did have it together all those years. Then something happened. I believe it is called life. After several years of marriage and two kids I woke up and realized that I did not have it all together anymore. What happened?! So, I spent many months grieving the loss of my old self. You know the one who was not really living in reality because she had it so together. (Insert sarcastic smile and rolling eyes). Then I realized something. It's ok to not always have it together. It seems to be on those days that I rely on Jesus so much more for the sim...

Tonight I got the immense honor of leading worship with my husband. He has been the protector of my heart for over 11 years now. Just the other day we realized that it was 20 years ago that we first met! We have not always had it all together, but we have always tried to honor God with our marriage. I am so thankful that God is our foundation. The Bible tells us, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not easily broken".  God designed marriage to be more than just a partnership between husband and wife, but a union of man and woman who submit under God's authority and seek to worship and serve Him. Watching my sweet husband tonight as he was singing praises reminded me of one of the reasons I love him the most -  because he loves Jesus. Paige

     It was a crisp, clear fall morning circa November 1995. The halls were filled with the hustle and bustle of teenagers shoving books into lockers, and couples trying to steal a few more minutes of hand holding before class began. I was a sophomore. Fifteen years old and completely naive about most everything. The sound was sudden.  Pop!  Pop!Pop! I thought someone had set off fireworks in the hallway. Until the screaming began. Then students were running everywhere. The head football coach began screaming, "get out of the hall"! My friends and I ran inside the side door of the auditorium, just as a shot was fired about two feet directly in front of us. That bullet hit a classmate in the throat. The say she died on the way to the hospital. Two other teachers were shot, one fatally. The rest of us were left living in a world where we would never again feel safe.       For years (about 12 to be exact) I suffered from post traumatic stress synd...

Yesterday completely out of the blue, God placed me in a position to counsel a young wife and share the gospel with her. She, who I barely know, shared some struggles she is having. She has been married about a year and loves her husband, but she told me that she just doesn't know if there is hope for their future. She told me she is "religious" and believes in God and does not believe in divorce. After only a few short minutes of listening to her, I could tell that God is tugging at her. As she continued to pour out her heart, it was clear to me that she and her husband need one thing.  Jesus. I found myself wondering when in the world did I get in a position of having wisdom in marriage, but after eleven years, we have learned a few things. (Thank goodness)!  As I sat there and listened to her, I prayed that God would give me some sound, godly advice to pass on to her. He reminded me of some of the things I have learned in the past eleven years of being a wife. I ne...

     You know there are just some seasons in life where you spend a lot of time wondering when this season will end and the next one will begin. I am there. Sigh.  I don't want to be here. I am not the most patient person in the world, so waiting and watching and savoring is sometimes difficult for me. I am a Martha. No doubt about it. When you see me I am mostly likely fixing, planning, or organizing several things at once. I used to do this flawlessly. What happened? I can't seem to keep all the balls in the air anymore.  Recently as I have spent time pouring out my heart before the Lord and really straining to listen, I have heard Him say over me to "do less, and be more" . I am trying. Lord help me, I am trying. And all the while, resting like the Lord has told me to do, I am struggling with immense feelings of guilt over my being and not doing. I am also a little frustrated that I do not seem to be as graceful at this being thing as Mary was when she sat at...

Good morning boy moms! Welcome to my humble blog. My name is Paige, and my blog is used to encourage and inspire others. I am an ER nurse, a worship leader, and a teacher of nurses. I also mentor and counsel teenage girls and young women. Blessed does not begin to describe my life! I am wife to a wonderful, godly man who has had my heart for 11 years. Together we have two amazing children, The Princess who is 2 1/2. She is curious, independent, and determined. She has the brightest smile and loves to snuggle. You will often find her singing "You are my sunshine". We are also blessed with Red, our son, who is 10. He is compassionate and has a tender heart. 4 years ago he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes . It has been a wild ride since then! He is so brave and strong. He is my hero. He is an amazing kid, an amazing son. I know he will be an amazing man someday. That is my responsibility - to teach and shape and mold him into a godly young man. This makes me SO thankful for Th...

My daughter, the princess, has a nightly bedtime routine that consists of mommy or daddy laying beside her bed and holding her hand until she falls asleep. It does not usually take long for her to get settled in and drift off to dreamland. During those times in the dark and quiet I usually find myself praying over her. She is a vivacious and fiercely determined little girl. She has marched to the beat of her own tune since conception. I pray so many things for her. Mostly for God to help me be what she needs me to be! In those times, she will sometimes let go of my hand. I stay at my post because I know she is not yet sleeping. Every now and then, I will see her sweet little hand reach out through the rails of her crib. She is reaching for me, to be sure I am still there. If I do not immediately grab her hand in mine, she will wave wildly until I do. She never speaks or cries, just reaches. I cannot help but feel that this is me so many times with God. I know He is there because He sai...

I love The Mob Society ! They are a wonderful resource for mothers of boys. Today is link up day to share a funny picture or story of your boy(s). My picture today is the first time Matthew got to hold his baby sister. It was about 2 weeks after she was born before he could hold her. She was sick and had to be in the NICU. One night, the NICU nurse cheated a little bit and let him hold her. I cried, my husband cried, and even the nurse cried! It was a precious moment. Kate is 2 1/2 now and has the most amazing big brother! Proud mother of one amazing boy, ~Paige