Before children, I think I was a decently considerate friend—spending time, calling or sending messages, and posting birthday cards on time were all routine activities. However, since having children, I have had to let my previous standards slip, while struggling to keep up with the daily demands of raising a family. Often, as a mother, it is all I can do to keep up with … Continue reading Expectations In Friendship
I remember, what seems like ages ago, applying for university as a senior in high school. All of my friends were applying to at least three to four schools to make sure they would receive an offer and then hopefully have the choice about where they wanted to go. Having viewed multiple options, I felt specifically called by God to go to a fashion school … Continue reading It Just Takes One
I think a lot of our motherhood challenge these days is believing into the lies that everyone else has it better. If we spend too long on social media or are simply looking at the wrong things, we start to become envious of other moms in how they look, what clothes they wear, their tidy homes, perfect-looking moments with their children—at least what appears so … Continue reading Mama’s Worth and Value
Recently, I was washing up the dishes in the routine way I’m used to doing so often, night after night. I was thinking of the children and all that their needs require. As they grow older, I’m not sure they really do get any easier, because some of the challenges grow bigger, requiring more emotional energy and stamina as a mother! Despite my achy legs … Continue reading Children Are Our Masterpieces
I recently attended a school meeting with my daughter, who is about to go on her first school residential trip next month. As the teachers discussed the trip’s itinerary and logistical details, I couldn’t help but smile at the excitement of all the children in the room. Observing Anna’s wide grin and the classic fidgeting of an enthusiastic child sitting in a seat, made me … Continue reading Being The Cheerleader For Our Children
Sometimes, I can read the Christmas story in the Bible, yet I don’t really take it all in. The beautiful story of God’s love, mercy, and goodness passes me by, and I can find myself distanced from the characters whom God chose to bring together that first Christmas so many years ago. I can almost be too sure of myself, feeling like I’ve already gone … Continue reading Breath Of Heaven
It was all going so well. The book bag and backpack were stocked and laid out the night before. Spring coats were put on the coat pegs to replace the winter ones and a summer dress and shorts were ready instead of my children’s winter uniforms. In the morning, everything went smoothly. I was in superwoman mode sewing on a button for my daughter’s cardigan, … Continue reading Change Of Plans and You’re Worth It
One of the things I remember about my mom while I was growing up, was that Christmas and Easter were times to bake cookies for friends and neighbours. I specifically remember a giant Tupperware bowl containing a double batch of my mom’s classic oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough! The sweet smell of cinnamon, oats, and chocolate filled our kitchen. On this occasion she was using … Continue reading A Cookie At A Time
Hearing certain old songs can really stir my heart, especially when I haven’t listened to them for ages. Charlie and I were watching some video clips of the kids from two years ago and goodness, how they have grown! It makes my heart both happy and filled with a bittersweet sadness at the realisation that they are growing so fast. And then comes the further … Continue reading These Are The Days
This morning did not get off to a good start. It wasn’t dreadful but I found myself completely frustrated and even angry. Our lovely children, who really are lovely a lot of the time, chose to ignore me throughout the “getting ready” part of the morning. Asking once, twice, and even a third time to do simple tasks like using the toilet and getting dressed … Continue reading For The Hundredth Time
Joy A. Mead 