Phew… That Was a Close One
Hi, friend. September is over!
If you are new to the blog, welcome. I am so glad you’re here. Friends old and new, September and I have history. These previous blog posts this, this, and this uncover that more in depth. Did you see “September” coming? After enough “things” piled up, the lightbulb clicked. It could only mean: September.
For this momma, day to day transitions are my jam, but I loathe when normal changes. I like to keep life pretty predictable. I totally didn’t predict this September’s storm; however, I am happy to say, after weeks of switching gears from summer break, 15 hours of daylight, adventures with my crew, sleeping in, staying up late, forgetting what time of day it is, to morning, after-school, and bedtime routines, activities, homework, and a part-time job for me, we are feeling settled. Regardless of the back-to-school busy of this season, we have a better grip on what happens from day to day.
And by day to day, I legit mean, day to day. I rarely think through what I can knock out in advance, and I’ve leaned into taking it as it comes.
September was remarkable in many ways. The weather was quite roasty, but pleasantly kept us enjoying the sun, the beach, and most outdoor things before hibernation comes. I’ve loved substitute teaching a couple of days a week. We even got to be a part of a couple cancer events that were so healing for our family and my marriage. The coolest part was watching my kids engage in activities that bring them pure joy. This time around, September seemed different. September, maybe we will be friends next year. Maybe.
While September felt, I’m going to say it, “Amazing,” it also was very much in September fashion— heavy. It started with the joy and pressure of birthday world for two of my kiddos on opposite ends of the month, a full month of celebrations. The budget that kept needing tweaking for all the unexpected September things; school pictures I’m looking at you, somehow they always sneak up on me. Collectively, my family was slaying the back-to-school hustle, their activities, Bible study groups, and work for me.
And then came the feedback of outsiders.
The noise I didn’t wish to hear sounded like this…
“When you have cancer again ...”
“One child is struggling and needs care.”
“One child is struggling too and needs this and this.”
“You need XYZ too.”
It took me about three weeks to realize— obviously, it’s September. It got me remembering past Septembers (this, this, and this).
"We aren’t choosing you for the job.”
“You’re not out of the woods yet.”
“Your ovaries are no longer functioning.”
The Bible reminds me, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10 NIV). The chaos of this world is coming for me. Satan is coming after my confidence and any good thing God is restoring in me.
I’ve said it before, and I will keep saying it, the September spiral has no power because God is worthy of it all. Satan has no new tricks, using September over and over again to deter me from the things God wants to use me for.
What is it for you? In what way does Satan try to use old tricks to continually bring you down? Mark your calendar. Be on guard. The enemy wants to overthrow all the good things God’s growing.
Our Heavenly Father has abundance in store for us.
Abundant Septembers.
Abundant _______ (you fill it in).
This past September, when prompted to share a praise, something God has done in your life, my daughter responded, “I’m praising God for healing my mom when she was very sick.” Embrace Everyday Gold. Find a slice of Heaven and turn it into praise. That’s how we fight back the enemy, declaring God’s power, authority, and plans for our lives.
My new normal? Scheduling a calendar event for August 31, 2026 — Take Back the September Spiral. That’s where you’ll find me wearing my “sapphire slippers” (aka my chemo shoes). I’m here for it!
What can you add to your calendar, so your praise reflects that God is over anything the enemy tries to throw your way?
