LovingHim-RaisingThem

Since entering the world of motherhood I have had the privilege of being surrounded by an amazing group of mum’s, both from within my home church and in the wider community.

Whether it’s swapping birth stories at a playgroup, toddler tantrum antics over coffee or the common discussion of ‘are you going to have any more?…’ practically anywhere! one thing that always strikes me is the diversity of the mum’s I know. Their different life circumstances, approaches to discipline, personalities, ages, work situations. A beautiful myriad of women.

Yet I have also seen that amazing diversity cause judgement and disunity. Breastfed or bottlefed. Stay at home mum or full-time worker. Discipline and routine or laid back and casual…….An endless array of different approaches and opinions, enough to leave the best of us feeling like we dont quite hit the mark.

I have learnt after both dishing out and being on the receiving end of the raised eyebrows and comments, that as mums we often have the same core desires and insecurities

To be a good mum

To raise our children to be confident, loved and secure

To have and be a good friend to others

To live our lives well

We achieve this best when we live and learn as part of a community. Sharing wisdom, giving grace, lending strength and encouraging one another daily.

My hearts desire is that this blog can become its own community. Where a diverse group of mum’s from all over, can be brought together in unity and strength.

So whoever you are, join in! Whether your homeschooling your 6 kids, or juggling 2 kids and a full time career, we need you. Add your portion and your strength by leaving nuggets of wisdom or encouragement in the comments box. If you have a question or need prayer, send a message. Or maybe your older and your children have been and gone? We need your pearls too….so comment away!!

Jesus taught that people would see we were His disciples by our love for one another and our unity.

So this isn’t just my blog, my opinion, my ideas. This is a place where all are welcome, all are valued and all have a part to play;

A Diverse, Unified Community of Mum’s

To abide; stay – stand – endure – reside – dwell – remain – bear

Early pregnancy is upon me…..again

For the 4th time in 6 years those feelings of queasiness, exhaustion and changing hormones accompany me through my day. With them come the feelings of anticipation, excitement and destiny. A new chapter, a new baby, a new dynamic in our home

The summer holidays are keeping me extra busy entertaining my 3 young boys. During the trips to the woods, play dates with friends and rainy day activities my mind is a buzz with questions;

How am I going to cope?

How am I going to keep connected to God?

Will each child get enough of me?

How will I keep on top of the housework?

Will I ever get 8 hours sleep ever again!?

I think of different plans, imagine different scenarios, ponder, worry, pray….then finally I come to a place of surrender

My husband and I were blessed with the opportunity of going to see The Rend Collective at a local festival. It was an amazing night filled with the Holy Spirit, and the tangible presence of God. In the middle of that event all my questions were answered and my mind was stilled, as God whispered a single word into my heart….Abide

He told me something I already knew but desperately needed reminding of; that as I abide in Him, He will be there, His grace will be sufficient and He will lead me through every circumstance, every challenge, every difficulty and every day

John 15:5 tells us that He is the vine and we are the branches and that if we remain in Him and abide in Him, then He will remain and abide in us and we will bear much fruit.

So day by day, with my questions safely in his hands thats what I am going to continue to try and do;

To abide; stay – stand – endure – reside – dwell – remain – bear