Whatever is Lovely - Vol. 3

the monthly newsletter

Welcome to my monthly newsletter available to all subscribers where I invite you into my HOME and share with you current Happenings, Obsessions, Musings, and Encouragement.

It's fall in Texas...in December!

Happenings | What’s going on…

As you can imagine, there has been a lot going on in the Chandler home over the past four months! The biggest event was our oldest daughter’s wedding. Much of the mind space I would normally dedicate to creating content went towards picking out place settings, flowers, and making sure everyone had a seat at the reception (that was nearly a full time job!). I kept telling myself, “at the end of the day, all that matters is that Audrey and Adam get married!” I believed myself…most of the time. It was a special day filled with tender moments and, surprisingly, only a few hiccups. Audrey was a stunning bride and navigated the ceremony and reception with grace and beauty. I was incredibly proud to be her momma.

Another milestone came when our son Reid, caught in the middle between two girls (just like his dad), turned 18. He continues to grow into an intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and sensitive young man.

Our baby isn’t so baby any more. She’s 5’10” and discovering her natural gift and passion for volleyball. Simultaneously, I’m discovering my natural gift and passion for watching volleyball! This is a good thing as we’ve entered the world of club volleyball. I can already tell from the schedule there’s plenty to look forward to!

Matt and I are grappling with the waning years of having kids at home. While there’s much to joyfully anticipate, there’s also much to cry about. In fact, I don’t recommend watching Disney’s “Inside Out” when your nest is emptying. I think I still have a headache from watching it two days ago!

Matt officiating | the happy couple with the ringbearer, Waylon | the beautiful chapel

Obsessions | What' I’m loving…

If you come over for a cup of coffee at my house, this candle will be burning. Designed by my friends at Sparrow & Co in cooperation with a local candle artisan, the Winter candle smells like a quiet walk through a snowy wood. Mint, evergreen, and amber are the dominant notes. Its glass vessel is beautiful all on its own. What I love even more than the scent and aesthetic is the cause behind every Sparrow & Co product. Their mission is to “economically empower vulnerable women through job training and reliable employment.” All of their net proceeds go back into Sparrow Collective and empowers local and global communities.

This podcast episode from Katherine and Jay Wolfe joined by Sissy Goff and David Thomas was extremely encouraging to me as a parent navigating the teen and young adult years. Although, I think anyone no matter where they find themselves would be encouraged! Here’s a great description of the episode:

“The best stuff comes from the hard stuff, but none of us want our kids to go through the hard stuff. What decisions are we making to stand in the way of our kids experiencing opportunities for resilience and growth in safe ways? This is a great conversation that you do not want to miss!”

I’ve been playing this oldie but goodie for the Christmas season. I am one of those people who holds Thanksgiving sacred. No Christmas tree or music until the Friday after Thanksgiving. After that, it’s game on. I can remember sliding this album out of it’s cover and gently placing it on the record player. My dad gave a course on how to treat and play albums. My brother and I strictly obeyed lest we lose the privilege altogether!

I’d love to hear what your go-to Christmas records are in the comments below!

Sparrow & Co's winter candle | The GoodHard Story Podcast | A Christmas Album by Amy Grant

Musings | What I’m writing about…

I published the first post in four months last week. I hope to regain the rhythm of writing! I shared a poignant moment with the Lord the morning of Audrey’s wedding. He reminded me of His faithfulness no matter what. My goal is to share more treasured memories from the day with my paid subscribers in the next few weeks. If you’re interested, we’d love to have you! You can click the button below to join:

a reminder of God’s kindness + faithfulness

Encouragement | What I want you to know…

Two friends dear to me are both suffering through the loss of their mother right now. One, through the physical loss and the other through mental loss. One’s body has been laid to rest with the hope of resurrection. The other is slipping away one memory at a time. I can only imagine the depth of loss they are feeling more acutely this holiday season.

My mother, like most, loves to make Christmas as magical as possible. She picks out most of the presents, wraps them in perfectly curated and coordinated paper and ribbon, and even continues to stuff our stockings with our favorite candy and small surprises. As a kid, I thought one outgrows the need for a mom. Like, once you become a mom, you just join her ranks and feel more like a peer than a child. In some ways that’s true. But there’s still a part of me that’s the same little girl who just wants her momma…who looks forward to the magic she makes at Christmas.

I’ve read a lot about the Father heart of God. But, if we are made in His image, male and female, there is also a Mother heart of God. We see this in various places in Scripture:

In Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” Luke 13:34

Where He borrows the language from Psalm 91: “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge…” Psalm 91:4

The psalmist likens his contentment in God’s presence as a child with his or her mother: “But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.” Psalm 131:2

In each passage above we see the maternal characteristics of God—His tender care, protection, and sustenance. We sense His heart to care for us as a mother cares for her child.

The blessing of having a mother that loves us like that isn’t guaranteed. Maybe she tried the best she could but her best was severely lacking. Maybe you lost her too soon or never had her at all. Maybe you did and she’s gone now, her presence leaving a painful gap that’s significantly noticeable at Christmas.

Here’s what I know: the loss is real and the Father is close to the brokenhearted. He also longs to comfort you as a mother comforts her child, no matter how old the child is. May you feel His tender care for you this season.

And if you’re still enjoying Christmas made magical by your mother, hug her a little tighter.

May each of you soak up the beauty of the season. Christ has come and will come again. He will surely make all things new.

Merry Christmas