When Jesus walked the earth picking on people to be His Disciples, He called them out. He literally looked them square in the eye and said, “You — come follow me.” These were common everyday folk like you and me, Sister.
They had no idea what awaited them on the other side of their “yes” to Jesus.
Becoming a first-time parent is similar. One moment you’re this way, and another moment you’re different. Your life radically changes in an instant. Decisions, decisions, decisions … and they just keep coming …
There is no preemptive book to read that would fully equip you with what’s to come. You may land on some helpful hints and pick up on some “good-to-know” tips, but you don’t have a clue about the flood of emotions that are on the way like a tsunami.
Sweet friend, you’re going to mess up. This mama life doesn’t come with a manual. There’s no perfect way to mother, and there’s no perfect mother. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said the wrong thing or made a poor choice. Some days, I feel like a failure when it comes to this mama life. But you know what, I keep going! I look at my little one and remember that she is counting on me to be present and active not perfect. Please, do me a favor, when you feel like you’re not good at this whole mama thing, remember to give yourself a little extra grace. ~ Nora Tatina
Nora Tatina was born and raised in the Inner City of Detroit, Michigan. Nora earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Moody Bible Institute and Moody Theological Seminary. She also received an MA in TESOL from Biola University and has taught ESL for over 10 years. Mother of two beautiful (very) young children, she manages to find time to serve and lead as the director of women’s ministry at New Life Community Church in Brookfield, Illinois where her husband Rick Tatina is the pastor.
If you’re like me, it’s easier to give others all the grace and space that they need in any given season of their life. When it comes to hitting my own reset button, for the life of me, I can’t seem to find it. Can you relate? I tend to set a standard for myself that no one human could possibly hit. And yet, there I am beating myself up over an unreasonable prerequisite. Sister, grace and more grace from the One Who showed us.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT
Mommying is REAL life y’all. No longer are we only responsible to make sure we eat, breathe, and function, now we have to make sure our little humans do as well. Once these bundles of joy enter our lives, things seem to be a marathon we run at a sprint's pace. As the kids grow up it is easy to get wrapped up in doing ALL OF THE THINGS. Our heads hit the pillow at night and we are exhausted, overwhelmed, and desperately want peace. ~ Jennifer Wennekamp
Jennifer Wennekamp is an author, speaker, women’s pastor, and life and wellness coach who lives with her husband in Mississippi. Jennifer is also the author of “Fear Not: Untying the Knot of Fear.” You can learn more about Jennifer at balancedjourneycoaching.com or by visiting her Facebook Page @balancedjourneycoaching.
Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT
If I could return to 1986 and talk to the young mom that I was back then, I would tell her to slow down. I would let her know there’s nothing more important than the moment she’s in right now. I would tell her to rock her baby a little longer and to not be in such a hurry to see her baby reach milestones because it will all pass in a blink of an eye.
I would let her know that I understand her. I know how exhausted she is. I would tell her that she’s doing a good job, that she’s doing the most important work in the world. I would remind her that even though she feels the need to always be in control that it’s okay to let God comfort her the way she’s comforting her baby. I would give her a hug to let her know that I see more than just her beautiful baby; I see her too. And I would whisper in her ear, telling her to make sure she shows up in some of the pictures too because she’s going to be an important part of her child’s memories one day. ~ Sandy Brannan
Sandy Brannan writes about finding hope and encouragement through faith in Jesus. Her work often reflects her life as a mother to two grown children and grandmother of two. Sandy’s idea of a perfect day is one spent creating memories with her grandchildren. This usually includes coloring and reading a lot of books. You can read more of her work on her blog at sandybrannan.com. Sandy is also active on social media at facebook.com/sandybrannanauthor and instagram.com/sandybrannanauthor. You can follow her on Amazon at amazon.com/author.sandybrannan
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 ESV
And comfort is exactly what we will continue to do this month. We invite you back to feast and share some bite size morsels with us throughout this month of Celebration of Moms.
Ladies, we thank you all: Sandy, Nora and Jennifer, for your heartfelt contributions to this publication of Titus-two.com. We know that y’all will be stopping by again this month with more Bite Size Morsels to share with all of us.
You are loved to Heaven and Back, Girlfriend ~~
LindaRJohnson, TitusTwo Visionary
Titus Two 