Lydia M.

Lydia speaks to us about keeping God first, fulfilling her dream as a stay-at-home mom, and relying on God in a new way.

Lydia M.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Philippians 4:13 has always been my life verse, and is actually tattooed on my hip! I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. An incredible reminder that without Jesus and the love of the Father, I am unable to do what He has called me to. I need him every moment of every single day.

“I need him every moment of every single day.” 

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: In January I created a New Year’s resolution to reconnect with God and refocus on Him as a priority. As a stay at home mom and wife, life can get in the way and shift my focus from God. My family is one of the most important things in my life, but I am relearning how to put God first while fulfilling my role at home.

“My family is one of the most important things in my life, but I am relearning how to put God first while fulfilling my role at home.”

Profession: Stay-at-home mom with my 20-month-old son! I have my degree in early childhood education, but after becoming a mom, I never looked back. Being a stay-at-home mom has always been my dream job, and I am so incredibly thankful to have a supportive husband who allows me to be home with our son.

A one sentence bio of yourself: I’m Lydia, a Cleveland native now living in Naples, Florida with my husband, son and two cats, blogging to inspire and encourage wives and mothers to bring purpose and identity to daily life.

When did you first encounter God? I grew up in a solid Christian home, but it wasn’t until college that I truly experienced a personal relationship with God. That opportunity to learn for myself who He was, allowed me to understand the difference between going to church and knowing God.

“That opportunity to learn for myself who He was, allowed me to understand the difference between going to church and knowing God.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? In my season of motherhood, God has brought me to a loneliness only He can fill. Being a stay-at-home mom is isolating at times, and with my husband’s work schedule, I often spend days with little adult interaction. With God being there and spending time talking to Him, I have found a reliance on him I never knew I needed.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): In my Bible study group, we are reading through Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth’s book Adorned. Such a remarkable and eye opening book that dives into Titus 2 and the importance of mentorship. It has taught me the importance of having a mentor and that is something I have been prayerful about lately.

Top three essentials: Coffee, quiet time and mascara. Coffee during quiet time is the best combination! Though it rarely happens with a toddler.

How did God speak to you recently? God is just so amazing in the way he knows how to communicate with each person differently. Recently He has spoken to me through thoughts, ideas for my blog that I myself could never have come up with on my own.

Hobby: I really enjoy budget DIY projects! Creating useful things for our home that are either helpful hacks or home decor. We are currently renting a studio apartment, and I love making it feel like ours by creating unique, handmade decor. My most recent DIY project was a chalkboard menu that I made because I always lose my paper list, and forget the meal plan!

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: a) Daily chats with God and coming to Him throughout the day to just talk to him, laying yourself at His feet and listening for His voice amidst the noise; b) Community of fellow believers. It is so important to have a support system that believes God’s truth and encourages you to walk the walk, while walking along side you. c) Diving into the word. It can be so hard to get into the habit of reading the Bible daily, but the transformation that occurs when you do is amazing! Choose a book of the Bible and start reading a verse a day, write down your takeaway and spend time in prayer with God about what it means to you.

Favorite person in scripture? Besides Jesus, I would have to say Paul. His conversion story is amazing and the fire of Spirit in his works is an inspiration. He truly heeded instructions to take the word of God to the ends of the earth, and wasn’t intimidated by oppression and mockery.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want others to learn about God’s love and acceptance. He doesn’t desire perfection, He just desires you. I desire to be a person that exudes God’s love while holding fast to his word.

Favorite season? Fall is my absolute favorite season! I grew up in Ohio and fall is so gorgeous there, the leaves, the smell, the autumn activities are just the best. I now live in Naples, Florida, and it does not compare at all. A fall day here is sunny skies and 90 degrees at the beach. It is beautiful, but the change of season and fall is what I miss most.

Favorite holiday? I feel so guilty not saying Christmas, but my favorite holiday is Halloween or Independence Day, mostly because fall is my favorite season and 4th of July was always such a blast growing up. We would have all the family over, go to the parade and watch fireworks at night. It was always a wonderful summer night.

A dream you have? I have a dream to do missions work. After graduating from college, I was actually in the process of signing up to become a missionary in Bolivia, when God brought me to southwest Florida! But I certainly have a heart for global missions.

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Birthday Week! A tradition my family started when I was little because my birthday is 2 days before Christmas, and my mom wanted to make sure my birthday didn’t get overshadowed during the holiday season. I have brought that into my family and now do birthday week for my husband and son. The entire week leading up to a birthday, I decorate the house, we open gifts, go out to eat and do special things to celebrate.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? “What happened to the dinosaurs?” I love history and would be an archaeologist if I could! Dinosaurs fascinate me because they aren’t mythical but we know so little about their lives. I would love to know what in the world happened that all these species just went extinct.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: I would like to raise awareness about sex trafficking here in the United States. Most people have the misconceived idea that the issue lies overseas, but sadly, there is a huge problem right in our own backyard.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? By 9 a.m. I have already been up for a few hours! I drink my coffee, attempt to read my Bible in peace, and get my husband’s uniform ready for work. My son Ezra and I like to play outside on our balcony, and water the plants together.

What is on your nightstand? A candle, books and a plant. I love candles, and my husband Clay bought me 7 candles for my birthday. One of my favorites is tobacco pipe which sits next to my bed.

Define Christianity in a sentence: The belief that Jesus is the only perfect person who came to earth, lived a perfect life, was crucified, died and three days later rose again, so that we may share eternal life with Him in Heaven.

For more Lydia M.:

Insta: @beingmrs.mcintosh

Blog: beingmrsmcintosh.com

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XOXO