As For Me

As for me and my (blog), we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15

How to reach me:

Just email me at willow@apronstringsandangst.com. Hi!  I’ve been writing as Willow, and will continue to do so, but with my husband’s agreement, I am now sharing my real name.  I am Shelby DellaRosa, a daughter of God.  To not own this blog is akin to denying God and I have come to feel strongly about that. (updated 11/06/08)

I’m a 45-year-old mom of 2 fantastic boys, aged 19 (almost) and 15. I’m stepmom to 3 adults whom I helped raise from their teens and the very proud grandma of 4 beautiful kids! I’m my husband’s caregiver. Sometimes he needs little care, sometimes he needs a lot, most days are kind of in the middle. Above all of that, I am a joyful child of God! I am ever seeking a closer walk with my Lord. Life in Willow’s World has gotten pretty interesting (not all in good ways!) this last year. Having gone through a couple of very traumatic personal things, and realizing how grown up my boys are getting, I’ve realized that I’m in a new phase of my life. Letting go of the kids, dealing with their angst and mine over it, and rediscovering exactly who I am and what I want my life to be.

I am God’s child. I was saved over 35 years ago but have neglected my Christian walk for over 20 years. The difficulties of the last year have worked to bring me back to God’s loving arms and for that I praise Him. He truly has worked all things together for good in my life. I have no doubt that there are more trials on the horizon, some of which are consequences of my own actions, some will be out of my control. The enemy (Satan) isn’t going to give me up to God that easily! The miracle? I am relying on my God to see me through them. Why? Because He promised in multiple places in His beautiful Word that He would! I rejoice in any trials to come because through them I will have opportunities to show God’s magnificent glory and grace.

Blogging has added an unexpected dimension to my spiritual search. I first began blogging as a sort of personal journal. Then I found mommy bloggers and found lots of wonderful reading out there. Not to mention many new friends! Then I found Christian mommy bloggers. And it is as if a whole fellowship of like-minded women has opened up for me. I have seen faith in heartbreaking situations, where most of us would give up hope and just dig a whole and hide out. Bring the Rain is a great example of this. What Angie has been through – and yet she rejoices in knowing that God has a greater plan. I doubt that Deanna expected to find herself being used as an instrument in the blogosphere but she has become a sort of a spiritual mentor to me. Younger than I (probably by quite a lot of years!) but so firm in her faith and belief and joy. She doesn’t need to do anything other than be who she is and that is her testimony.

I am, of course, still very much in this world, with all the joys and frustrations that go with it, but I am not of this world anymore. I am God’s. He chose me. And I have chosen to seek His will in all things.