Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Giveaway and the end of this Bible Verses for Moms post!

Motherhood is a gift, and at the same time one of the greatest responsibilities we have been given. The good news is, God’s Word is full of Bible verses for moms that encourage and guide us on this journey of motherhood.

30 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms

1) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7 (NIV) 

We are not alone. He gives us strength and helps us. Trust in him.

2) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Love is more than a feeling we have; it’s something we do. These verses show us how to love our children well.

3)  For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

Motherhood is hard at times, but God is faithful to restore our joy.

4) Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Some days seem so long, but we only have our children under our care for a short time. May we remember to make the days and moments count.

5) For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” – Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)

I love this picture of God holding our hands. He is with us and helps us.

6) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, – Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)

God is doing more than shaping the hearts and character of our children; He is at work shaping our hearts too.

7) He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

“He gently leads those that have young.”

8) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Another reminder of how to love our children well.

9) As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. – Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

God compares his comfort to that of a mother. What a privilege to be able to comfort our children as God comforts us!

10) I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

11) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Philippians 4:13 and Isaiah 40:31 both remind us that God gives us the strength we need for the role he has given us.

12) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Our job is to train them, the Spirit will lead them. Praise God for his faithfulness!

13) He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! – Psalm 113:9 (ESV)

We’re called to be joyful mothers. Oh how I want my children to remember me as joyous.

14) Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

When it’s easy and when it’s hard, our hope should always and only be in Him.

15) Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. – Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

A sweet reminder that our children are a gift from God.

16) but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. – 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

The influence we could have on our children by living out a gentle and quiet spirit before them.

17) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

This verse goes well with a quote that I love: “Don’t let yourself become so concerned with raising a good kid, that you forget you already have one.” ~ Glennon Melton

Notice the things your children are doing right and let them and others know.

18) and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, – Titus 2:4 (ESV)

We are called to love our children and husband.

19) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1:4 (ESV)

When it comes down to it, does anything else even matter than knowing our children love God and walk with Him?

20) Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Praise God for the new opportunities each day brings!

21) But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. – Joshua 24:15b (ESV)

I love this verse, but it also makes me search my heart. Does my home represent a family that is serving the LORD? It reminds me to keep priorities where they should be.

22) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. – Proverbs 31:26-27 (NIV)

I need to post this verse in my home to remind me daily to watch my words and care diligently for my family and home.

23) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

All the little things you do that you think no one sees, God sees. Do not grow weary. Do not give up.

24) Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. – Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

As moms, we need to be walking closely with God and telling our children about His goodness and faithfulness.

25) You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. – Deuteronomy 6:7 (ESV)

We are called to teach our children about God’s character and His ways in our daily lives.

26) A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. – Proverbs 11:16 (NIV)

Are you kind to your children?

27) The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. – Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)

May we take this wise warning to heart and be diligent not to destroy our family with our words and actions.

28) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  – Colossians 3:24 (NIV)

With each motherly task we do, no matter how big or how small, may we remember the One we are doing it for.

29) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Sweet mama, you were created for a purpose. Take joy in living out your purpose as you care for your family.

30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

It’s easy to become distracted and put our attention towards things that have no eternal value. When what truly matters is our focus being on the LORD and living for Him.

I hope this list of encouraging Bible verses for moms has blessed you. If you would like to post some of them as reminders around your home, be sure to grab the Encouragement for Moms printable below.

Do you have any encouraging Bible verses for moms that are dear to your heart? Share them with us in the comments.

Mother’s Day is coming up and I’ve partnered together with a great group of bloggers to bless some moms BIG TIME this Mother’s Day!  We are giving away FOUR Instant Pots! Instant Pots are quick, convenient, and help to make meal preparation so much easier; every mom or homemaker should have one.  So if you’re wanting to win one for yourself (or for a mother that you know would love one), use the Rafflecopter below to enter.
This giveaway has multiple ways to enter, which only betters your odds of winning! So it’s worth the the time to enter in every way possible.

Giveaway ends May 10th at 11:59pm EDT.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of some of the participating bloggers (see the Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter form for the complete list).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post 30 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

As moms we are called to shape the hearts of our children. What does that look like though and how can we avoid making parenting mistakes?

I can still remember the season of motherhood when God revealed to me that my goal at parenting was all wrong. I had been focused on my children’s behavior and not the heart behind the behavior. Since that moment I’ve always looked for ways I can connect with and speak to their hearts.

I was recently given the opportunity to review two parenting books by Kathie Morrissey. By the titles alone, I knew I needed to read Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away and The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart.

(I was given both ebooks in order to provide and honest review.)

My thoughts about Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away and The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart:

• Both books are easy reads and divided into short chapters.
• Each book has plenty of wisdom to offer individually, but the principles in them pair nicely together and overlap some.
• These are eBooks, which I found handy. I was able to easily read a chapter or two while waiting to pick up my daughters from rehearsals or other times when I had a few minutes available.

Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away

• This book was an incredible reminder of how important it is to guard our relationship with our children.
• I felt challenged to be a better mom by:
  • Investing in more time with them.
  • Listening to them.
  • Encouraging them more.
• It offers practical ways to train your children and tips for being a better listener.

The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart

• Emphasizes that there is a spiritual battle going on in our children’s hearts.
• It’s full of wisdom on ways to prevent losing your child’s heart, but also offers advice if you already have.
• Having our children’s hearts means their hearts are open to us and what we have to say. It gives us the opportunity to pour into their lives and shape their values.
• This book shows you the importance of winning your child’s heart, but it also offers practical ways you can be intentional about fighting for your child’s heart.

Both of these books are what I look for in a parenting book.

• They were quick and easy reads, because as a busy mom things need to be simple for me or I won’t get around to reading it.
• Both challenged me to be a better mom.
• Gave me practical tips and ways I can make changes in my parenting.

You can find the books I mentioned at the following links:

The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart

Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Kids Away

Parenting Mistakes and Winning Your Child’s Heart Bundle

What do you look for in parenting books?

The post Parenting Mistakes and Winning Your Child’s Heart appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Do you have a college student that could use some Christmas cheer during finals week? If you said yes, you and your student are going to love this Christmas care package.

My oldest is a sophomore this year and truly loves the classes he has had this semester. He is learning quickly the amount of time it takes studying outside of class to be successful in class. So I thought he could use some encouragement with this fun care package.

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Christmas care package for your student:

• Box (I used a large priority flat rate box.)
• Mini Christmas tree
• Ornaments
• Mini stockings (Be sure to include a stocking for your child’s roommate too.)
• Candy or other goodies for the stockings
• Index cards
• Highlighters
• Coffee (If your child doesn’t have a coffee maker, send a Starbucks gift card or other treat.)

As you can see, this package has things to help your child as they study for finals. Plus, it has some festive Christmas items so they can decorate their dorm room too.

Here are some tips for assembling your package:

• Add some color to the inside of the box, by covering it in wrapping paper.
• Wrap the index cards, coffee, and highlighters to resemble little presents.
• Put the candy for the stocking into a plastic sandwich bag before putting it in the stocking. This will keep the candy from spilling everywhere.

Be sure to print this cute little poem and tape it on the inside flap of your Christmas care package.

“FINALS WEEK IS COMING SOON”

(Sung to the tune of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”)

You better takes notes and study hard.

There’s no need to stress, just study your cards.

Finals week is coming soon.

Will your child be coming home for the holidays? I’m thankful that my son will be home for about 2 1/2 weeks!

May you be blessed with precious memories this Christmas season.

You also may enjoy:

The post Christmas Care Package for Finals Week appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

When Tyler graduated a year ago, I had no idea what to expect as he left home and headed for college nearly 14 hours away. I know many moms and college freshmen feel the same way, so Tyler sat down with me for a College Q&A about his first year away from home.

A huge thank you to everyone who asked a question on Facebook and Instagram!

Watch the College Q&A to hear Tyler’s answers to the following questions:

1. What was the most difficult part about living so far away from your family?
2. What was the hardest adjustment and how did you handle it?
3. Is there anything you wish you would have learned before leaving home? As a mom that still has kids at home that I’m homeschooling, I absolutely loved this question! Now I know what to focus on more with my younger children.
4. What do you love most about being away from home and what do you miss the most?
5. Do you think you picked a good college?
6. How difficult was the transition to living away from home and do you have any tips for making it easier?
7. Was it hard getting used to having a roommate?
8. Where do you go for quiet time?
9. Do you still feel you made the right career choice after studying for a year?

Do you have any college questions you want answered? Let us know and we’ll do our best to answer them.

The post College Q&A – What to Expect Your First Year of College appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Your college student is about to finish another semester and might be feeling the stress that comes with that. Help your son or daughter prepare for finals with this fun Finals Week Care Package. The items are easy to find, plus they’re yummy and practical.

Items you will need for your Finals Week Care Package:

• Extra Gum
• Pens and pencils to write with
• Coffee or something with caffeine to keep them awake
• Razors or Sharpies
• Coffee Latte candy (affiliate link) or some other kind of Latte treat
• Highlighters
• Nestle Crunch bars
• Powerade
• Ruled Index Cards
• Post-It Notes or Flags
• Smiley Face Stickers
• Box to send it in – I used a Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box.

This printable is designed to fit the inside flaps of a Priority Mail Medium Flat Rate Box (4 in. x 11 in.), you can download your free printable here.I go over all the contents in this video.

What’s something your son or daughter would find helpful during finals week?

The post Finals Week Care Package for Second Semester appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

In my last post I shared about how important family traditions are to building a strong family. Now I want to share with you lots of practical ideas for ways you can begin implementing traditions into your family or add some new traditions to celebrate together. Remember no two families look the same, so pick and choose traditions that work with your family dynamic.

Seasonal Traditions (Holidays & Events)

New Year’s Eve/Day –

• Share your goals for the new year with one another.
• Video everyone sharing their goals then watch it next New Year’s.
• Make a slideshow video of pictures from last year and watch it as a family. Reminiscing over the past year together.
• Similar to the video, you could make a family yearbook of pictures to look through together. Online photo printing services usually have great sales during December.
• New Year’s Eve is a great time for board games or a family movie marathon.
• See who can stay up the latest. (For many years now our older kids try to pull an all-nighter. They have come close, but so far haven’t made it. Nevertheless, it is something they look forward to every year.)

Super Bowl –

• Make a tradition of watching the Super Bowl together. You can invite friends and extended family or just enjoy it with your little family. Great food, football, and funny commercials is something we look forward to every year. Not a fan of football? You could do the same thing watching another sport’s big game, watching the Academy Awards, or a much anticipated movie or TV show.

Winter & Summer Olympics  – 

• Watch the Opening Ceremony together while enjoying a traditional dinner of the host country.
• If you enjoy trying new foods make a traditional dish representing a different competing country every night of the Olympics for dinner.
• Watch some of the events together and cheer on your favorite athletes.
• If you homeschool, the Olympics are a great time to focus on geography and make fabulous memories in the process.

Valentine’s Day – 

• When I was a kid my dad would buy his daughters something and my mom would buy a gift for her son. It always made me feel special.
• Have cinnamon rolls shaped like hearts for breakfast.
• Enjoy a memorable Valentine’s dinner as a family.
• Cut up hearts and have each family member write something they love about one another. You can posts the hearts on bedroom doors for the weeks leading up to Valentine’s Day or you can give them to one another sometime that day.
• Give someone a “heart attack.” Choose an extended family or friend, write things you like about them, special memories, or inside jokes on paper hearts then tape them to their front door or car windows. You could even put them in a large envelope and mail a “heart attack” to someone.

Father/Daughter Dance – 

• For a few years now my husband has taken our daughters to a Father/Daughter Dance. It is usually held in February. They all dress up and enjoy an evening with other dads and daughters. A nice dinner is served and then they dance the night away. This tradition is one of our daughters’ favorites. It’s a very meaningful night to them and their dad.

Mother/Son Date – 

• While the other half of the family is enjoying the father/daughter dance, my sons and I enjoy a special date as well. It always involves their favorite food and an activity of some sort.

St. Patrick’s Day – 

• Make Irish food for dinner.

(Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links – if you use them you help support this site at no cost to you. Thank you!)

Easter – 

• Read Amon’s Adventure every evening leading up to Easter.
• Enjoy a Resurrection Bag Scavenger Hunt.
• Go through the Stations of the Cross together.
• Go to a Sunrise Service.
• Have an Easter Sunrise Breakfast.
• Enjoy a special Easter lunch.

Test Day – 

• If your children take standardized test every year, make it a little easier by preparing them a special breakfast on test day.

May 4th – 

• Watch a Star Wars movie as a family or if it lands on a weekend have a Star Wars marathon.

Enjoy the Outdoors together –

• Go on evening or morning walks as much as time allows.
• At least once a summer go camping together, even if it’s just in your backyard.
• Go on hikes together.
• If you live near the coast, have an annual beach day or go for walks on the beach.

4th of July –

• Have a family water fight.
• Enjoy a family cookout with recipes you only have on the 4th of July.

Fall – 

• Go on a fall drive or hike to look at changing leaves.
• Go to a farm to buy produce.
• Get a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch.
• Take a hayride.
• Pick apples at an orchard.

Thanksgiving – 

• Put together a Thankful Tree during the month of November.
• Create recipes that are meaningful and special to your family for Thanksgiving.
• Make a Thankful Box to share after you eat the big meal.
• Go Black Friday shopping together. (I personally am more of an online shopper, but my kids love getting out in the chaos. So I go and enjoy the time with them anyway.)
• If your family is large enough or you get together with extended family have an annual flag football game.

Christmas –

• Jesse Tree – Counting down to Christmas with the Jesse Tree is a highlight every year for me. I especially love the daily reading from Ann Voskamp’s book Unwrapping the Greatest Gift.
• Read Jotham’s Journey together.
• Elf on the Shelf – Our children actually know it’s mom behind the elf’s shenanigans, but that doesn’t stop them from looking forward to it everyday.
• Go to the Zoo Lights – If you live near a zoo, chances are they will have an amazing light display to go through. Many zoos may call it Electricritters.
• Look at lights – Fill up some travel mugs with your favorite warm drinks. Load up in the vehicle and enjoy a nice evening looking at lights together. I know a family that would give their top 3 favorite displays a gift card as a thank you. I’ve always thought that was a nice idea and hope our family will try it one day.
• Make Christmas cookies.
• Host a cookie competition/cookie exchange.
• Visit a Live Nativity.
• Make your own egg nog.
• Go to a Christmas Eve service. Our church offers a Christmas Eve service by candlelight. It is one of my favorite services all year.
• Watch Christmas movies together.
• Make Wassail.
• Use special Christmas dishes all month long.
• Put together Shoe Boxes to give to children. (The shoe boxes are due the middle of November, but are still technically a Christmas tradition, since they are Christmas gifts for children in need.)
• Make Memory Ornaments.
• 3 Wise Men – Hide 3 Wise Men figurines each day. The person that finds them is responsible for hiding them the next day. This is a great opportunity to talk about how the Wise Men traveled as they sought to find the Savior.

Birthday Traditions

• Choose the menu – Let the birthday child choose what they want for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Our kids love this tradition and seriously think about their choices all year. Every time I make something that is a favorite, we’ll hear “I want this on my birthday.”
• Rose Tradition – Give your daughter a rose for every year that she is old. My husband started this on our daughter’s very first birthday. It has become a tradition that is close to all of their hearts.
• Theme Parties – Don’t have to be expensive and are a great way to celebrate together. Our children talk a lot about their favorite parties through the years, which makes it worth all the effort to me.

Daily Traditions

Dinner –

• Try to eat together as much as possible.
• Go around the table sharing your highs and lows for the day.
• Have a jar full of questions and draw one to discuss over dinner.

Bedtime –

• Spend time together praying.
• Read books. Even as your children get older, if they’ll let you. Pick a great book and read a little from it together before bed.

Weekly Traditions

Family Nights – 

• Game Night – There are so many great games to play as a family. Cooperative games are a wonderful tool to build family relationships because you work together to reach a common goal. Check out this list of some of our personal favorites.
• Movie Night – Watching movies is a great way to slow down and spend some time together.
• Devotion Night – If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your family these family nights are a fantastic way to do so.

Special Meals –

• Saturday Morning Breakfast – Enjoy a bigger breakfast together.
• Theme night – Taco Tuesdays, Pizza Fridays, etc.

Life Event Traditions

• School Pictures – First and last day of school pictures each year.
• Accomplishments – There are so many reasons to celebrate each other throughout the year. Slow down and recognize accomplishments with a favorite meal or dessert, going out for ice cream or other small treat.
• Moving to a New Home – Moving can be stressful and exhausting on everyone. Lighten the mood by camping out together somewhere in the house your first night.

What are some of your favorite family traditions?

I would love to hear them and possibly add some new ones for our family to enjoy together.

The post Family Traditions to Celebrate Together appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

As moms we have a huge part in setting the tone for our family. We desire for our children to be friends and care about one another. Plus we want them to know they are loved and can confide in us. All while setting an example of a healthy, loving marriage for them. All of this doesn’t happen by simply co-existing. We have to be intentional, by making time to be together and setting the atmosphere for moments that make family memories which connect us to one another.

How can you be intentional about making moments that create family memories?

I think one of the best ways to establish lasting family memories is through traditions. As our children have gotten older I have loved hearing them reminisce about our family traditions and the many memories we have made in the process of celebrating life together.

Why are traditions important?

1. Traditions help us teach values.
2. They guide us through the seasons, giving us something to look forward to and celebrate together.
3. Daily life can be fast paced. Traditions cause us to slow down and be intentional.
4. Traditions create lasting memories.
5. Family is a gift. Enjoying traditions together helps us recognize that. It reminds us that we are part of something special. Just as no two people are the same, no two families are the same either.

There are so many ways we can instill traditions in our family. You have probably already implemented some of these without even realizing it.

4 Kinds of Traditions:

1. Seasonal Traditions – holidays, birthdays, events
2. Daily Traditions – ways you connect as a family on a day to day basis – eating meals together, bedtime routines, having a snack together after school while they tell you about their day
3. Weekly Traditions – Saturday morning breakfast, family game night or movie night
4. Life Events – first day of school pictures, celebrating a new home or baby

As you can see, traditions aren’t just about how we celebrate a certain holiday. They are also built into our everyday life. When we come together with the familiar, the things that are unique to our family it creates a strong, emotional bond with each other.

Through the years, our family has established many traditions and we enjoy adding new ones too. They have helped give our family our own identity and given us memories that we cherish. I’ll be sharing about many of our traditions throughout the year, so check back in from time to time. Whether you are wanting to start establishing some family traditions or are looking for some new ideas to make more memories with your family, you may find my list of family traditions helpful.

What are some of your favorite family traditions? I would love to hear them and possibly try them with my family.

The post Creating Family Memories Through Traditions appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

When we first started fostering, we went from having 3 older children that were pretty self-reliant to also having 2 little ones that needed us for everything. It had been a while and in some ways was like being a new parent all over again. One day as I was chasing a toddler and calming a baby in my arms, a dear friend reassured me, “It’s just a season.” That simple phrase spoke volumes to my heart. I realized at that time that motherhood in general is full of seasons, seasons that come and seem to last forever, but then are suddenly gone. Seasons that come and leave too quickly. Seasons that mark development from having a newborn to encouraging your adult child. Motherhood is full of beautiful, sometimes challenging seasons. But each season is amazing and wonderful in its own right.

At the start of this blog, I am currently in many seasons of motherhood myself:

The Toddler/Preschool Season

Our little guys are 2 and 3. This season is full of cuddles, tantrums, laughter, energy, melt-downs, diapers, discovery, messes, and so much more. Smiles and giggles that melt your heart make this sometimes physically, exhausting season worth every second.

The Pre-Teen Season

Our youngest daughter is 12. This season is full of mood swings, giggles, fashion, friends, questions, new interests, and change. The pre-teen season is great for bonding as you start to have similar interests and share inside jokes.

The Teen Season

Our oldest daughter is 16. The teen season is full of fun, discussion, listening as they ponder their future plans, new life experiences, friends, and guidance. The first time I experienced this season, I realized the importance other people, be it friends, teachers, co-workers, or other adults would play in shaping my child.

The Adult Season

Our oldest is 18 and starting his first year of college. We are still in the beginning stages of this season. This season is full of emotions, gratitude, and encouragement. In the same way as the seasons before, it has its challenges, such as letting go, missing him, and just the change of the family in general. Seeing your child become the person God created them to be is one of the many blessings that come with this season though.

Are you currently going through a challenging season of motherhood? If so, remind yourself, “It is just a season.” This season will change into a new season with new challenges. In the midst of those seasons, when the days seem to run together, cherish the precious moments that come with each season. Take time to reflect on how each season is growing you and don’t forget to enjoy the unique and incredible person your child is becoming.

What current season(s) of motherhood are you in?

The post The Many Seasons of Motherhood appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

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When we were expecting our first child I poured over the popular book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Reading each page and referring to it every time the littlest thing had me worried. In the month’s leading up to our son’s graduation and his departure to college, I found myself again wanting to know what to expect. So I did what most moms do now, I asked Google and searched on Pinterest. I found a few lists on what to bring to college and a few posts that made this already emotional mama cry, but nothing really about what I should expect as a mom as my son leaves for college and a new season of motherhood begins.

Here is what I have learned over the last 3 months since our son has been away at college:

1. You’ll become a regular at the post office.

   In the last 3 months, I’ve probably been to the post office more than I had in the last 2 years combined. It is fun coming up with care packages that fit into the Flat Rate shipping boxes. Our son even records himself opening the packages. I absolutely LOVE seeing his expressions as he goes through it all.

2. You’ll suddenly have a renewed interest in your child’s diet.

   It’s almost comical to me, but I ask my son at least a few times a week what he ate. In fact, if I were to be totally honest, the first couple of weeks I may have even asked him daily. His school serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so I don’t know why this is such a concern for me. Maybe it is because food has always been a love language I had with my son. (He loved to eat and I loved to cook for him.) Maybe it is because as moms we make sure our kids are fed. Whatever the reason, the fact is I ask him often what he is eating. I would love to know if I am crazy or if other moms do this too!

3. If you weren’t a fan of social media, you might become one.

   He doesn’t post often but when he does, it just makes my heart smile. It’s such a gift to see pictures or videos of him and all that he is experiencing. I love getting to see the world through his eyes as I read his posts. The pictures he shares help me to put faces to the names of many of the friends he has made as well. We also use Facebook Messenger to video chat, which is amazing! It’s hard because I want to hug him, but so, so good to see him while we talk. He also loves getting to see everyone.

4. You’re going to miss that teenager that sometimes drove you crazy.

   Let’s be real, that last year at home isn’t an easy one. When you think about the emotions your teenager must be feeling as they become an adult and prepare to leave all they have ever known. Plus the emotions their parents are feeling as they reminisce over precious memories of their child and process their new role as the parent of an adult. If all that isn’t enough add to the mix the emotions their siblings are feeling about saying good-bye and the family dynamics changing. That is a whole lot of emotion. No wonder that last year home is tough.

   All that being said though, you’ll miss them. Sometimes you’ll miss your child so much that your heart aches. I’ve tried diligently to keep my thoughts captive and not dwell on what can’t be changed, but to rejoice in the blessings of this season. Even so, there are times the tears come and it just hurts. I’ve learned to praise God for giving me someone so wonderful that it hurts to be away from them.

   

5. Your son or daughter will miss you too.

   Our son was and at times still is really homesick. Sometimes he wants to talk for hours; sometimes he’ll call multiple times a day, and some days he might just send a text. I just try to be available when he needs someone to talk to. He also loves getting pictures of everyone, letters and packages. As hard as it is to be miles and miles away from each other, I’m so thankful to live during this age of technology. A simple text and picture can brighten someone’s day and it really helps keep our family connected.

6. You’ll learn to let go.

   Don’t get me wrong, I still give him advice, but he usually asks for it. It’s completely up to him what he does with it.

   I’ve also found peace in knowing that God loves him more than I could ever imagine. He has a plan for his life and is with him.

   Letting go so they can become the person they are meant to be doesn’t mean loving them less. It just means your relationship changes, which leads me to the last point.

7. Your relationship will change but it is wonderful.

   The days of cuddling, instructing, and caretaking are over. Your role has changed into being the mother of an adult and it is such an important role. You get to be their biggest encourager, the one they know will speak truth into their life when they ask for advice, and the one that they know is praying for them. As much as I miss my son, I love watching him become a man and seeing all God is doing in his life. This season of motherhood isn’t so bad after all, it is really quite wonderful.

If you’re the mom of a college aged son or daughter, I would love to know if you can relate to any of the things I have learned or if you have something you would add, please share in the comments.

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