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The C-Section Surrender

A pregnant friend of mine recently emailed me and asked about my birthing experience with the Happy Buddy.  Would I do it again?  What were my thoughts on the birthing process and did I have any advice for her?

Her questions awakened a bunch of thoughts in my heart that I felt the need to share here…

All through my pregnancy I was determined to have an all-natural, no meds, poop-my-baby-out-like-an-Amazon-woman kind of birth.  I envisioned this super worshipful labor where I read Scriptures while enduring contractions, lovingly prayed with the Happy Hubby through the pain, and shared the Gospel with the nurses in between “hees” and “hoos”.  And there would be absolutely NO mention of a C-section.  No siree-bob.

For 9 months I clung to my plan like a kid to his lollipop.

Everywhere I went, people would ask me if I was carrying twins.  My stomach had grown so large that I started to think that maybe there were twins in there and the three super 3D ultrasounds I had had just happened to miss an entire other little person in there.

When my due date came and went and the doctor said that nothing was going on down there to help a head squeeze out, I was referred for yet another ultrasound.  This one was like the ultimate ultra-sound and would take about an hour to complete.

I was nervous.  Why wasn’t I dilating?  Where were those contractions I had so clearly envisioned??  What would the ultrasound reveal???

Well, that ultrasound revealed A LOT.  10 POUNDS OF A LOT!  The Happy Buddy was measuring at 9 lbs 15 oz!  The doctor took us to his office and quickly explained that unless I wanted to risk pushing out a watermelon on steroids, then I’d better go with a C-section.  It was the best option for me and for baby.

No sooner were the words out of his mouth then my cheeks were covered with tears.  I had this wall of expectations built around my heart as strong and tall as the Wall of Jericho.  I had heard enough about C-sections to know that I didn’t want one.  I’d never been admitted to a hospital before – let alone to have major abdominal surgery!  There was no way this was happening!  Where was the Lord and why wasn’t He making me dilate?!?

The Happy Hubby took me in the hall and prayed with me.  I cried and cried through the whole prayer – the “What-ifs” bouncing around in my head like lottery balls.  What if the anesthesia doesn’t work?  What if they don’t sew me up right?  What if they put one of my organs back in the wrong place?  Or worse, what if one of the nurse’s contacts falls out and into the gaping hole of my uterus where it will forever grow and mutate into something that will prevent me from ever having any other kids?  (I am a very imaginative person.)

Then I remembered something that one of my second grade students had prayed for me just a few weeks before school had let out and I was about 8 months pregnant.  He prayed, “Dear Lord, please don’t let Mrs. B. feel any pain when her baby comes out.”

At the time I first heard that prayer, I had thought, “That is a C-section prayer, Lord.  Please ignore it.  I want the pain.  Bring on the pain.”

But that little boy’s words came back to me like the sound of the trumpets before the Wall of Jericho came tumbling down.  I was being stubborn and holding onto something that God clearly wanted me to release.  In truth, it was fear.  I was really afraid of all the unknowns about a procedure that I’d heard plenty of women in my life speak of as if it were the most horrible thing ever invented.  But most of all I was afraid of feeling like a failure of a woman for not being “strong” enough to deliver our baby naturally.

“This is what the Lord says – your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”  Isaiah 48:17

My emphasis – who teaches you what is best for you.  God knew that I needed that procedure – not just to protect my female parts from the excruciating pain of delivering a 10 pound Amazon baby, but also as a way to increase my faith – to cause me to truly rest in the ONE who does indeed know what is best for me.  I had made such an idol out of my “birth plan” that when God called me to His plan, I crumbled like feta cheese.  The more I thought about it, the more I realized that my reasons for wanting a natural birth were selfish – I wanted to be a hero.  I wanted to be able to tell people that I survived childbirth and led a nurse to Christ at the same time.  In His amazing way, God was actually blessing me by removing the things that would have actually caused more sin in my life, and replaced it with something that would actually draw me deeper in my trust of Him.

That C-section was one of my favorite days ever.  I finally got to meet my Hulk Baby – who really was 9 lbs 15 oz exactly as the ultrasound predicted!  I got to experience the most incredible peace of God like never before – seriously, as they rolled me into the surgery room I passed by the hospital bulletin board which had a poster on it that read Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” And my husband and I spoke Psalm 34:5, “I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.  Those who look to the Lord are radiant, their faces are never covered in shame,” right up until they placed the Happy Buddy in my arms.

I was covered in God’s Word and in the truth that His will was being done.

When I wrote my friend’s email, I told her that the most important thing in the “birth process” is to be completely surrendered to the Lord our God who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.  It’s good to have a plan, but ultimately the best plan is a heart surrendered to His good and perfect will.

The “What-ifs” are no longer bouncing around in my brain causing me to fear what’s ahead (will God even give us another baby?  Will we try for a VBAC or another C-section??).  I am confident in God’s hand of direction.  I wouldn’t change a thing about the Happy Buddy’s birth because it taught me more about His love than anything else I’ve ever experienced.

And seriously, the Happy Buddy is here and he’s amazing and in light of eternity, thank you Jesus for a pain-free birth!P.S. The surgery went great – all of my organs are right where they are supposed to be and no one lost a contact. 🙂

Sharing is caring!

Fairy Thoughts
C-Section, Christian, Prayer
23 Comments

About Happy Home Fairy

Julie Brasington is a Preschool Director, wife of a South Florida Worship Pastor and mom of 3 boys. She writes at Happy Home Fairy where you can find easy craft ideas, FREE printables, simple recipes, holiday fun, thoughts on raising kids, and encouragement for moms.

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Reader Interactions

23 Comments

  1. Barb Ingram

    August 16, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    Julie, thanks for sharing this powerful story, so full of God’s truth. I pray it will speak clearly to the hearts of those with whom it is shared through all the mysterious networking possibilities of internet communication. I’m only interested in enjoying grandbabies these days, not giving birth :o), but your story can apply to so many of the plans we concoct and then hold onto too tightly.

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  2. Melissa Elswick

    August 16, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Thanks for sharing Julie! You have a gift for writing! I love you dear friend!

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  3. Aunt DeeDee

    August 16, 2010 at 10:08 pm

    Julie, I loved reading your words and hearing your message. Thank you for sharing it with me. P.S. I’m glad about the contact situation.

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  4. Danielle Fields

    August 17, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    What an awesome story! Thanks for sharing…God gave you such a great gift of writing; I LOVE your blogs, even though I don’t have any kids yet 🙂

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  5. Marcy

    August 17, 2010 at 6:43 pm

    I know what a huge deal this was for you and how you wrestled with such a tangled web of emotions over this issue. God surely did work it all together for good and I’m so glad you were able to write about the lessons God taught you through this experience. Isn’t it funny how so many times in our lives the very things that seem like gigantic trials to us are really the precious gemstones God is setting in our crowns? Love you, Dear Friend!

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    • Tiffany

      January 14, 2025 at 7:21 pm

      Thank you so much for sharing this. I am currently experiencing this situation because my baby is breech and will not turn for anything! He probably knows something I don’t … It’s a lesson to surrender to the situation and trust in Him.

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  6. Katie

    August 18, 2010 at 10:33 pm

    Oh Julie—I SOOOOO relate to this story!!! I have a VERY similar birth story. Thank you SO much for putting into words many of the feelings I was having and still struggle with today even 5 years later!! You continue to bless me in so many ways!! 🙂

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    • Candice B.

      October 21, 2022 at 12:06 am

      Same here, with TWINS!! 🙏💞

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  7. Beth Hendrikse

    August 19, 2010 at 6:22 am

    Sweet Julie,
    What a beautiful picture of how God works in our lives to gently point out things (things we may not even be aware of) that are coming between Him and us. How great is the Father’s love for us!! I know many will be blessed by your c-section trauma!
    In our book club on Tuesday, we were discussing this exact same thing…”It’s good to have a plan, but ultimately the best plan is a heart surrendered to His good and perfect will.” I think you said it better! Love your post and am excited to read more…you are awesome! Love you, Beth

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  8. Angela Mercier

    August 20, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Oh Julie, I just love this! I went through almost exactly the same thing…I was determined to have Jessica MY way, naturally, “poop out like an Amazon woman,” and ended up with an emergency c-section as well, only it was due to not dilating more than one centimeter at more than 24 hours after my water broke, even WITH pitocin. I hadn’t done ANY research on c-sections and had no clue what to expect. But I prayed my heart out (through the tears) and all was well! Thanks for this reminder of God’s hand in ALL things! 🙂

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  9. Kaitlin Masterson

    September 1, 2010 at 11:44 pm

    Hi Julie!

    I know this is a little late, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post especially, although I love them all. Even though, I cannot relate to having children and probably won’t for a while, I can relate to be fearful and having certain events in life so planned out that I can envision them just perfectly! As I quickly approach graduating in December, I have found myself with quite the anxious heart as I am such a little planner! However, there are 2 pieces of scripture that are helping me tame this oh so anxious heart of mine…one is Philippians 4:6-7 as you mentioned and the other is one of my favorites….Proverbs 16:9, “In his heart, a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” What peace it brings to know that our Savior has so intentionally planned out every step we take in every stage of life, PRAISE THE LORD!!

    Take care girl!
    ~Kait

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  10. Joanna

    January 26, 2011 at 10:38 am

    Hi Julie! My name is Joanna, I’m Polish, married to a wonderful Scot. We are missionaries in small town in Ukraine working towards fostering and adopting Ukrainian needy kids I’m also mom of one beautiful girl!I only today discovered your amazing blog but I already love it! Your story about birthing experience is SO similar to mine! My little girl (11 months yesterday!) had to be born by planned C-Section due to breech position. I was SO much wanting to have home birth and didn’t even wanted to think about anything else! I don’t like hospitals and I’m afraid of needles so when the doctors said that I will need to have C-Section I was scared! I was crying and praying asking God to turn around my baby girl! He said: No, and on the 25th of February 2010 I went to the hospital! But… I have wonderful memories from that day! God gave me peace and send wonderful nurses and doctors to look after me! I recovered very quickly and I learnt to trust God, cos He REALLY knows what is best for us 🙂

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    • Happy Home Fairy

      January 26, 2011 at 7:38 pm

      Joanna – I am so blessed that you found out about my little blog! And I’m amazed at the power of God’s work in your life! It’s clear that He has given you some serious STRENGTH as a missionary wife and mommy. I have no doubt that your Home is a Happy one. God bless you and keep stopping by! 🙂

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  11. Mary

    January 24, 2014 at 5:55 am

    Wow! I’m 3 days pre op before my c-section. I have been the same as you my entire pregnancy I have wanted this wonderful natural birth (the same as my first). Fast painless wonderful experience that I had with my first (who will be 12yrs old next Sat) but from constant 5mins apart contractions to her being out was 4hr, pushing 3 times, it was this amazing feeling and I was so happy to experience it again. While early in the pregnancy the diagnosed me with gestational diabetes, my first thought was the same as yours an Amazon Baby. Well from the very beginning I have be able to tame my sugars so well that I was able to lose 30lbs over my whole pregnancy. I was bound and determined to have that natural birth til about 34 weeks when I found out our beautiful healthy baby girl is breech. They kept telling me every visit “oh she will turn”. My Dr is still convinced that she could still turn. I was very upset why and how can God do this to me, take this magical experience and make me doped up and painful afterwards. And just one day it hit me like a 8lb brick, this is Gods plan, this was his plan all along. This is a reason she hasn’t turn, that only him and my daughter will only ever know. I have been trying to read up on c-section so I can be familiar with everything that goes on. When I read your blog, it really struck my heart, this is actually how I feel. Thank you so much for sharing!

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  12. Noelle

    June 5, 2014 at 11:30 am

    Thank you for sharing this. I am in the same boat right now – planned on a natural birth and instead will be having a c-section to deliver my giant boy. It has been hard news to swallow. I am actively working on giving it over to God and this post has been a huge help with that 🙂

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    • Happy Home Fairy

      June 5, 2014 at 5:26 pm

      Noelle – I’m so happy you found this post! I will pray for your baby’s delivery and for your heart to have His perfect peace. He is with you and He loves you. xoxo

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  13. Lola

    July 28, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Thanks so much for posting this and for allowing God to use you to tell your story! I found this blog post (and encouragement) days before my scheduled c-section to deliver my son. At nearly 42 weeks he hadn’t dropped yet and we were expecting a big baby. So on a Tuesday I was scheduled for a c-section that Friday. My son was born weighing a whopping 10 lbs 1 oz measuring 22 inches long!!! We had no idea how big he’d be but God knew! I am once again reminded that:

    Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

    I am now the blessed mother of a healthy baby boy who is 10 days old… and loves to eat 😉 All that matters is that The Lord brought him safely into this world and continues to watch over us. God is Good!!

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  14. Henna Maria

    January 20, 2015 at 10:52 am

    I found you blog through Doorposts…

    Loved this story. It made me laugh out loud (contact part) and cry (your student praying, God is so amazing!). I have read some of your posts and I appreciate the honest way you share how God is working in your life.

    I have a blog in Finnish and this is what I am hoping to share with my writing too.

    btw. I gave birth to a 10 pound baby and survived. Really, it was fine. But I didn’t run for three years after his birth! 🙂

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  15. bless you

    April 4, 2015 at 6:40 am

    I really pray that God will bless you for this post. I’ve been up since the wee hours of the morning trying to fund an encouraging word today because the doctor just scheduled me for a c section because my baby is breech. I’ve been angry at the choice to have my “supernatural childbirth” and Hebrew woman childbirth taken away from me. My husband had been trying to convince me that God’s will Will still be done but I couldn’t help but feel like a failure….or that I must not have had enough faith and was being “punished” by God.
    Your post has me crying buckets now because I realize I must surrender to his will above all and yes, I really did have selfish reasons for wanting the natural birth and I did have fear of c sections.
    Thank you very very much for sharing

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  16. Michelle VanGorder

    September 8, 2016 at 3:47 pm

    Thank you so much for this post…. I’m having my first csection this Wednesday, September 14th, 2016…and am pretty nervous…I still experience morning sickness so I’m afraid of the fasting…but your post truly encourages me…as well as the verses…

    Thank you again,
    Michelle

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  17. Krysta

    October 25, 2017 at 7:28 pm

    “It’s good to have a plan, but ultimately the best plan is a heart surrendered to His good and perfect will.“

    This is so true! I’m in a similar situation- I had to be induced early with my son, and was REALLY hoping for a natural birth this time around…but I found out this week (I’m 33 weeks pregnant) that I’ll need a c section due to the location of my placenta. Your post was exactly what I needed to read! Thank you for sharing your story!

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  18. Eliane

    March 6, 2018 at 7:49 am

    Hi Julie, Thank you for sharing… God’s plans for us are the best. He knows what’s best for us indeed.
    Somehow I needed this. I also had a plan…I wanted the whole natural birth experience too. I had planned everything too…I had all the right Bible verses and prayed for it from the day I knew I was pregnant. Being an African woman from Africa, giving birth by C-section is a no no! Some consider it as a really really really bad thing…my mom has 6 children with no c-section, same with all my aunties and all my friends (somehow we were all pregnant around the same time). So yes, I didn’t want to hear anything about c-section.
    Anyway, it’s been 18 months since MD (his initials) came in our lives, and all I can say is thank you Jesus! He is such a blessing! Every time i look at him I know God loves us.
    Thank you so much for sharing…my sister is about to give birth and although I am not with her right now, I trust God for His perfect plan.

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  19. Yasmin

    January 20, 2021 at 1:18 am

    Tonight I received news that our baby is pretty big as well :,(.. I’ll be notified tomorrow if I will be needing a cesarean birth. Thank you for sharing this post because it is exactly what I am going through, and I realize that it has been about me wanting to prove that I am strong by having an unmedicated birth. I am so scared of having a csection but I am putting it in God’s hands. May his will be done.

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Hey there! My name is Julie, the Happy Home Fairy. I am married to a Worship Pastor, we have 3 boys, and I am a Preschool Director. I love sharing easy, fun ideas to help moms build a happy home! Here you will find simple crafts, FREE Printables, yummy recipes, stories about my journey to trust Jesus with my family, and encouragement for your mama's heart. You can read more about me HERE!

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I like to make people happy.✨ Author of #thekindnessantennae 🎉 💛Psalm 28:7💛
  • Just really grateful that everyone is smiling! We love you, Hollywood Beach! ☀️🌊🌴
  • This passage really encouraged me recently! It comes from Jeremiah 17:7-8.

I’m drawn to passages that describe the fruit of a person who loves and trusts God. This is what we are offered every single day in Christ! But I definitely don’t *feel* fruitful, steady, and confident every single day! I am often tossed around by my circumstances, ruled by my emotions, distracted by worldly pleasures, and basically overthinking everything in the universe.

Interesting that the verses just before it say,

“Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength…he shall not see when good comes…”

Maybe we get so focused on what everyone around us has or is doing that we miss standing confident on all the good he is sending into our own lives. We grasp at “if onlys” and “what ifs” so regularly that we are paralyzed to see good or do any good for Him.

Put your hope in God! Look at Him! Command your soul to remember. Stop scrolling. Look your people in the eye. Do something kind for someone! Choose to not be the main character! Tell the overthinking part of your brain to be quiet and thank God instead. Even when it is hard! Deep roots are never formed without some struggle.

This is where we get to be blessed, sisters. Trusting in Jesus (even when it looks a little desperate and needy) will produce strong, fruitful, and confident women in the Lord! 💛🧡❤️💙🩵💚
  • My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
  • I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. 

I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. 

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is.  He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting.

Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. 

**Only He can satisfy.**

Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
  • ✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️

Easter 2025 Thoughts >>

Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻

This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church.

Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!

I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). 

Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it.

God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
  • Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
  • 🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
  • When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
  • Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick.

I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking.

Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house.

I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.”

But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed.

Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces.

The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces?

Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken.

The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️

We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas.

So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus.

I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley …

(Continued in comments…)
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Just really grateful that everyone is smiling! We love you, Hollywood Beach! ☀️🌊🌴
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Just really grateful that everyone is smiling! We love you, Hollywood Beach! ☀️🌊🌴
5 days ago
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1/9
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This passage really encouraged me recently! It comes from Jeremiah 17:7-8. I’m drawn to passages that describe the fruit of a person who loves and trusts God. This is what we are offered every single day in Christ! But I definitely don’t *feel* fruitful, steady, and confident every single day! I am often tossed around by my circumstances, ruled by my emotions, distracted by worldly pleasures, and basically overthinking everything in the universe. Interesting that the verses just before it say, “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength…he shall not see when good comes…” Maybe we get so focused on what everyone around us has or is doing that we miss standing confident on all the good he is sending into our own lives. We grasp at “if onlys” and “what ifs” so regularly that we are paralyzed to see good or do any good for Him. Put your hope in God! Look at Him! Command your soul to remember. Stop scrolling. Look your people in the eye. Do something kind for someone! Choose to not be the main character! Tell the overthinking part of your brain to be quiet and thank God instead. Even when it is hard! Deep roots are never formed without some struggle. This is where we get to be blessed, sisters. Trusting in Jesus (even when it looks a little desperate and needy) will produce strong, fruitful, and confident women in the Lord! 💛🧡❤️💙🩵💚
5 days ago
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2/9
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
My parents are moving. 😢

The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. 

It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. 

May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨

I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 

Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
@happyhomefairy
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My parents are moving. 😢 The last 2 weeks have been so sweet. Just soaking up time together… in their home… for the last time. It’s weird to see everything empty, but if there’s one thing I have learned, it is that home is where your mom and dad are! It has little to do with spaces and decor and everything to do with hearts and spirits. May we all create homes of love and light and warmth. ✨It travels with you wherever you have to go.✨ I’m grateful they won’t be too far away. And they are already planning to come back for a visit in 2 weeks. 😂 Love you so much, Mom and Dad. You are forever my home! ❤️‍🩹
3 weeks ago
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3/9
I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. 

I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. 

But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever!

If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is.  He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting.

Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. 

**Only He can satisfy.**

Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
@happyhomefairy
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I don’t always share my fries when they ask. It’s been a long time since I’ve stuck a note in their lunch boxes. I handed over a load of stinky laundry that I let sit too long before moving to the dryer for them to put away because I didn’t have the energy to rewash it. I am not the best listener when I am stressed. I sometimes cry in front of them listening to worship on the way to work because I’m desperate and needy. I fuss about the level of mess in the house almost daily. I am not a perfect mom. Most days I’m tired and feel like I am failing. But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever! If I had to stand on one thing in motherhood it would be that I am certainly not enough, but Jesus is. He is filling in every gap. He is meeting every need I don’t. He is working and moving in spite of me. Praise God for that amazing grace! And He loves that I keep showing up and needing Him. He loves that I seek His face always. Even when I’m being fussy and wrestling with the parts of me that are selfish and wanting. Because God is my shepherd - I won’t be wanting. I won’t be wanting to have the perfect home or perfect circumstances. May the Lord find me wanting and hungry for more of Him in my mothering. I hope they will see that hunger more than my hunger for fries. And I pray they will learn to hunger for Him, too. **Only He can satisfy.** Happy Mother’s Day, dear ones! God is enough for you! 💝
2 months ago
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4/9
✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️

Easter 2025 Thoughts >>

Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻

This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church.

Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!!

I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). 

Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it.

God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
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✝️💐HAPPY EASTER💐✝️ Easter 2025 Thoughts >> Been off of social media for Lent and it’s been amazing. Never underestimate the power of a good fast. There is fullness of the Lord to be had! 🙌🏻 This morning we woke up early for Easter service rehearsal. But one kiddo wouldn’t get out of bed, one kiddo was crying about having to wear a collared shirt, one experimented with some Easter basket goodies in the bathroom without my knowledge and there was a strange purple substance all over everything just as we really needed to get out the door, and one was dealing with an upset stomach the whole drive to church. Meanwhile I’m yelling at everyone to JUST BE HAPPY BECAUSE JESUS IS RISEN!!!!! I wish it hadn’t taken me this long in motherhood to learn that the chaos and mess and poop emergencies are the real stuff of life. You can wallow in the badness of it all on such a special morning, or you can remember that all the crazy is really why He came to do what He did. To offer PEACE in the chaos, JOY in the mess, a steady heart when someone’s about to have an accident in the car in their Easter outfit (that they hate anyways). Joy comes in the morning, friends, and joy comes in the MOMENT. He died and rose again to make sure of it. God bless you! ✝️💐🙌🏻😁
2 months ago
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5/9
Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩

My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”.

To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went.

And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate.

So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit.

I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
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Woohoo! 🥳 The kids are at Grammie’s and we went to a wedding! Got to get dressed up, see Ryan rock it as the “professional officiant” (this is what the wedding coordinator called him), eat a free steak, and even dance a little! 💃🏼🪩 My favorite thing that Ryan said during the ceremony was that God made Adam wait for Eve. He paraded all the Mr. and Mrs. animals in front of him long enough until Adam’s longing matched God’s good gift. The timing was then right, Adam was ready to fully appreciate and treasure his Mrs. “Man”. To be honest, I almost didn’t attend the wedding with Ryan! I wasn’t feeling great and the idea of being home without kids all day to catch up on cleaning and laundry was pretty appealing. But the little nudge in me said DO NOT MISS THIS. I wanted to hear Ryan’s message and watch him lead this precious couple’s ceremony. I knew it was important to him that I be there. So because I treasure him, I went. And I wasn’t the only one treasuring today! Ryan thanked me for coming with him, he danced with me even though I knew he would rather die than be on the dance floor, and he let me run into the store on the way home to end the day with some chocolate. So here’s to treasuring one another - looking first to your spouse’s interests before your own, being their biggest fan, and telling them they look super hot in the fancy suit. I mean, after all, he is a professional. 😁
5 months ago
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6/9
🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻

Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him!

God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙

“I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
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🥳This is 42!!!🥳 I got to sleep in, workout, take a shower, AND go grocery shopping alone all in this one day! It’s like the planets aligned! Oh wait - they actually did today! 😂✨🙌🏻 Grateful for a precious village of friends and family (that’s you all) who remind me of what’s right and true on this journey of obedience to Jesus. One doesn’t have to sleep in, workout or have a deliciously absurd amount of sweet potato fries 🙋🏻‍♀️🙈 for dinner to live life to the fullest in Christ. He is enough and He is good and I’m so thankful for another year to serve Him! God loves you! 🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙 “I will bless the  Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will boast in the  Lord; the humble will hear and be glad. Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me; let us exalt his name together.  I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy; their faces will never be ashamed. ” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭34‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬ 🎉🎂🥳🎈🎊🎁🦄🧚‍♀️✨
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations…

<<< Swipe left <<<

So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂

Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
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When you’re in the middle of wrapping gifts on Christmas Eve and spike a fever and suddenly you’re feeling the worst you have felt in years and you can’t get out of bed to go to all of the family Christmas celebrations… <<< Swipe left <<< So your mom shows up on your doorstep to bring the celebration to you. 🎄😂 Merry Christmas from the Brasington family! ❤️💚❤️💚
6 months ago
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8/9
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Last week we came home after being stuck in traffic for over an hour to a mailbox full of bills, no plans for dinner, complaining kiddos, I ended up not being able to do something I really needed to get done, and everyone was on the verge of getting sick. I went to the back of the house to take a deep breath as things were getting especially tense, and that’s when I heard the sound of glass breaking. Zion came running back to me holding the pieces of a beloved ornament. He was crying. He had been playing football in the house. I wish I could tell you I responded with grace and a warm comment like, “Things don’t matter, people do.” But I did not! I actually ordered myself to just go straight to bed. Then in the middle of the night, I sensed the Spirit of God wake me up with that image of Zion, crying and holding the broken ornament pieces. The thought came to me that don’t we all walk around carrying our own broken ornament pieces? Maybe it’s not a literal broken ornament, but we all carry difficulties like a stressful day at work, fear for our children’s well being, estranged relationships, anxiety about current affairs, etc. We all experience hard things and act sinfully. We walk around with our ornament pieces looking for someone to fix what is broken. The whole reason Jesus came on Christmas was to do just that. He, himself, experienced every kind of brokenness this world can offer and yet responded perfectly, showing us the better way of faith, hope, and love. He came to be the refuge from our fears, the long suffering, forgiving love in our relationships, the lifter of our burdens, the steady calm when it’s Christmas Eve and everyone has fevers and you haven’t wrapped one gift yet. 🙋🏻‍♀️ We can take our broken ornaments to Him and find complete restoration because He came on Christmas. So there I was, in the middle of the night, receiving this word, and knowing I needed to reconcile with Zion. I needed to reassure him that the broken things would not be held against him... because of Jesus. I held my sleeping child in the dark and whispered the words of a precious liturgy by @justinwhitmelearley … (Continued in comments…)
6 months ago
View on Instagram |
9/9

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