A Lifetime of Pearls

Pearls - The product of pain.  Precious, tiny jewels conceived through irritation, born of adversity, nursed by adjustment.

"Write it down.  Write it all down."

The words came to me several years ago completely out of the blue.  I was getting ready to attend Wednesday night prayer meeting at my church when I knew it was time.  Time to tell the stories.  

That night I read in God's Word Acts 18:9:  "Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision.  Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent." 

For years family, friends, and sometimes even strangers encouraged me to write.  And suddenly I knew that the time had come to do so.  I wanted to write down the stories of God's faithfulness, provision, and never-ending love to our family over the years so that my children, grandchildren, and generations to come would have a written record from my perspective of the power of God to love, heal, protect, provide and restore.  I wanted for my family to know my thoughts on life, love, and faith.  And in the process, I also wanted to share these stories with everyone.

My name is Teresa (also affectionately known as MamaT, and now GrandMamaT).  I am the mom to 5 amazing adult children and 4 grandchildren, with #5 arriving within the next few weeks.  Let me introduce you to the Womel-bunch:  4 men and a little lady!

Left to right:  Jason (2nd), Danny (1st born), Mom, Chris (4th), and David (3rd).  Blessed mama with 4 sons.

My beautiful daughter, Heidi.  She survived 4 older brothers!

Jason, his wife Cortnie, their daughter Olivia, and newborn son Evan.

David, his wife Brittanica, their children Johnny and Jovi.  New little son, Jack, arriving soon!

GrandMamaT with Olivia, Johnny and Jovi, and newborn Evan.

As you can see, I am blessed with a wonderful family!  Life is exciting and fun, but it has not always been easy.  You see, I have been a single mom for 20+ years, and we have definitely seen our share of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, successes and failures, mountaintops and valleys.  And, just like pearls, God has been fashioning beauty out of the pain.

Pearls are found inside of oysters.  When a grain of sand (or other irritating substance) gets stuck between the oyster's mantle and shell, the oyster's natural reaction is to cover up the irritant to protect itself.  The mantle covers the irritant with layers of nacre.  This shiny substance coats the grain of sand, and over the years forms a beautiful, lustrous pearl.

And this is my story.  From the pesky little annoyances of daily living that could have robbed me and my family of joy and peace, to the truly big things that could have destroyed our lives, God has been faithful!  He has made beautiful pearls out of less-than-perfect circumstances.  Ours is truly a life of grace, hope, and incredible miracles.  I am now compelled to share these stories with everyone.  I want to brag on God.  If He can do it for me, He will do it for you also! 

And so, on this Mother's Day weekend, I welcome you to come along on this adventure with me as we share life and stories - Pearls from my Heart. 

• If you are my child, grandchild, daughter-in-law/son-in-law - please enjoy reading about our family history and legacy as well as dreaming about the future.  I pray for you always. 
• If you are a young married mama with small children or teenagers and are at times overwhelmed with the daily responsibilities of managing a household, please join me - my prayer is that you will be refreshed and inspired. 
• If you are a single mama, please join me - my hope and prayer is that you will be encouraged.  You are not alone; God sees you and hears your every prayer.
• If you are a "mature" mama and an empty nester, please join me - my prayer is that we can find friendship and encouragement during this season of life.

Thank you for joining me as we share a Lifetime of Pearls - past, present, and future. 
Be blessed!

All my love,
Teresa/MamaT

May The Lord bless you and protect you.
May The Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.
May The Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.