Refreshment for a Momma's Soul

As a momma of a 14-month-old, there are many days when I could use some refreshment. Please know that I love my baby girl to pieces! Claire is my pride and joy, and I am grateful beyond words to God for entrusting her to us and for the privilege and blessing of being a SAHM. But, as much as I love her, and as grateful as I am, there are days when I wonder if I will be bald from pulling my hair out by the time Jon gets home from work! And after speaking with several women in my community about this issue, I know that I am not alone in needing refreshment from time to time (if not daily!).

During just such a trying day not too long ago, our gracious Father led me to read Isaiah 66:13, which says, " 'As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you,' says the Lord." I have read this verse many times in the past, but it has taken on a deeper understanding now that I am a mother. Just a few days later, Claire was not feeling well, and I spent a lot of time just holding and rocking her. While I was rocking her, my thoughts went back to the above verse. I began meditating on how a mother comforts her child....tenderly, gently, lovingly, patiently, selflessly, unconditionally. There are times in a young (or in my case, young-ish) momma's life, and at every stage of motherhood for that matter, when we need God to comfort us tenderly and to soothe us. What a blessing to hear Jesus promise to comfort us tenderly just as we do our own children!

Isaiah 40:11 tells us that Jesus "gently leads those that have young." I love this verse! I tear up just thinking about it. I am greatly comforted to know that God does not expect me to be a perfect mom (despite the pressure that I put on myself) or to "get it right" every day of Claire's life. He knows that I cannot be an effective mother or the mother that Claire needs in my own power or ability (or sanity!). That is why He promised to gently lead me and all you other mommas out there. I like to think that God ordained for the adverb "gently" to be in this verse because He knew just how frazzled we can become in conducting our momma duties!

Here are two more of my favorite verses for being encouraged in motherhood:
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jer. 31:3).
"The Lord your God is with you; He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you. He will quiet you with His love. He will rejoice over you with singing" (Zeph. 3:17).

Are you having a rough day/week/month/season of motherhood? Do you need Jesus to comfort you tenderly? Do you need Him to lead you gently? Do you need Him to quiet you with His love? Do you need to know that He delights in you and that He is with you? Meditate on these verses and listen for God to speak to you. He longs to be gracious to you, and He rises to show you compassion (Isaiah 30:18).

Products are available!

This is just a quick post to let you all know that a cup of joy products are available for purchase at Pirate Coffee Company in the heart of historic downtown Mansfield! Pirate Coffee Company is located at 116 N. Main Street. They have delicious coffee drinks (as well as coffee alternatives), and everyone is friendly and personable.

I have plans to have my products available at other retail locations, as well as getting my store website finished. But, for now, go to Pirate for a pick-me-up for your body and your soul!

One Last Word on Contentment (a.k.a., The Joy of Contentment Part 3)

Crazy as this may sound, I have been working on seven different blog posts, which might explain why I have not been able to get a single one typed out here. Ha, ha. But, in an effort to whittle down the list, here is one last quick word (in two points) on contentment.

1. In a recent edition of Parenting magazine (July 2010), a 4-year-old girl was asked whether her pet would rather be a person. The wise child responded, "He is used to being a guinea pig. You are supposed to like what you are and not want to be something else." How interesting that a 4-year-old girl can figure out something with which most adults continue to struggle. If only we could fully, gladly embrace what and how God has created us to be!

2. I recently received an e-mail from a popular retail store known for its eclectic, international merchandise. The subject line read, "Gimme, gimme, gimme! I need! I need!" Because I am always thinking of a new blog post idea (hence the seven posts mentioned above), I could not resist viewing the content of the e-mail, you know, to verify the authenticity of the subject line. (I would never think I actually needed something from this store. Ha, ha.) The content was just what I expected: the usual presentation of various pillows, scented candles, and decor items. What struck me about the subject line was the blatant marketing strategy. The company was directly feeding thoughts into the readers/customers minds. And don't you know that Satan works the same way? If he cannot tempt you with enticing presentations, planting the seeds of discontent, he will begin feeding you the thoughts outright, much like transplanting grown plants. The primary need for a plant to thrive following transplanting is good soil. Is your mind good soil for those thoughts of discontent? Or are you allowing your mind to be transformed by God's Word (Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:26)?

So, that's it. Time to cross another topic of the list!