Welcome to Day #17 (the last day) of the Intentional Mothering series!
We hope you have enjoyed this series… we are sad that it is coming to a close, but hope it is just the beginning in many ways. A very big thank you to all our wonderful guest bloggers and our generous sponsors; we could not have done this without you!
We pray that you have been encouraged in your role as a mom, inspired to be an even better mom, and felt supported in this most noble endeavor– of raising the next generation.
A very Happy Mother’s Day to you! May today be a wonderful day, celebrating the calling and blessing of being a mom.
Nicole is the winner of the CD giveaway, congrats to you! We have one last giveaway today; Mary Kay product from Linda (also of Lights by Linda). I have used Mary Kay since I was in 7th grade and I am big fan. The concealer and cream eye color are two of my personal favorites. If you would like to order any Mary Kay please contact Linda at: reid1ls@gmail.com.
Entering this giveaway is simple:
Leave a comment (in the comments section of this post or on facbeook) telling one thing you have learned, or been encouraged by, in this series and/OR the best mothering advice you have ever received.
We will pick the winner on Monday evening, May 13th (so don’t delay in entering)! We will announce the winner next week, since I told my Hubby (and now you) that I am taking the week off of blogging after this series. He isn’t sure I can do it- but I am saying it here- for double accountability. I need a week’s break… to be more present and more intentional with these four kiddos.
I know Mother’s Day can be a hard day for many. For some it is the reminder that their mom is no longer alive, or of a strained relationship with their mom, or that they long to have another child, or long be a mom for the first time…or are waiting to bring home their child, or for their child to return home again.
I have often set myself up for misery on Mother’s Day, by having unrealistic expectations of lounging in a chair while I am fed grapes, lavished with gifts and having meals catered in all day. I have expected the kiddos to not sin that day, and everyone to live “Disneyland”; breaking out in spontaneous musical numbers about their fabulous mother (flash mob; yes please)!
But, I would like to think that I am growing up- and realizing that if I do not have to lift a finger on Mother’s Day then I will miss out on chubby hands holding mine, epic wrestling parties, sticky kisses, wiping messy faces, and getting spit up on by an infant (who is a living, breathing modern-day miracle). If I did “nothing” but relax today, then it would not be a true representation of everyday life- and isn’t the gift in those everyday moments? Those grace moments, those hard moments, those “need to apologize so you’ll know I am human and not supermom after all” kind of moments. Those simple moments of, “Mom, look at this!” (as he brings over the latest Lego creation…fully equipped with missiles and guns), the horse daughter clomping ’round and ’round the house- ripping a hole in the knee of yet another pair of pants, and the “Whoops, uh-oh” coming from “tough and tender” as he once again spills- while trying to carry his plate, his cup AND his toy to the sink.
Today, I am praying that Mother’s Day is special for each of us.
Special, because we have changed and grown- to be more intentional moms; taking a few small, yet significant steps to doing this “job” of motherhood better. May we give our family our best, because it goes by so quickly, and they won’t remember if the meal looked “Pinterest” pretty, but that we let them help make it and make a big ‘ole mess in the process. May we pray over our kiddos today and thank them for being our kids (even though they didn’t have much say in the matter).
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| Happy Mother’s Day Mom! |
My mom started a special tradition of writing each of her children a letter on Mother’s Day. We treasure those letters; her heart to us, on paper- in her own handwriting. I have tried to carry on this tradition with my kids too.
Just the other day I reread the first Mother’s Day letter I wrote to Sunshine Head. It was precious to read what I was thinking then and remember the things that he was doing and what my prayers were for him. Unfortunately, I have missed a few years of doing this- but not this year! I am intentionally setting aside time to write to them.
One last thanks before we say good-bye for now. Thank YOU for being a part of this series!
With Gratitude and Grace,
Katie
The house feels empty today
But my heart is filled with a song
Of memories we made on the way
I’m glad that I made time to play
There were changes and moves; rough roads and smooth
With the shifting seasons of time
Through laughter and tears; triumphs and fears
We treasured each day of life
‘Cuz He knew you were just what I needed
I learned to be in the moment
‘Cuz He knew you were just what I needed
To love with abandon, to lay down my life
The castles and rockets are gone
-KMR 1/9/10 (copyrighted- from “Echoes of My Heart” CD)
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| Happy Mother’s Day to you M.I.L. |
Deep Breaths:
1. Let’s go a step further and make Mother’s Day special for someone else today. Is there a mom you can encourage, pray for, or send a card too?
2. Take a few quiet moments today (if possible) and thank God for the gift of being a mother. Continue to open your heart and ask Him to help you be a lifelong intentional mamma. Find a few other moms to help hold you accountable to what you have learned and the specific things that you want to improve upon.
Isaiah 41:10 (The Message)
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.