A hearty “amen” from my corner! My parents never lived according to the world’s mold, and they set an incredible example for their children. My mother never followed trends but had her own beautiful, eclectic style. She could find a bargain at a flea market and refinish the wood or reupholster the seat. She sewed, gardened, quilted, canned vegetables, baked bread, read constantly, and loved hosting people on a moment’s notice for a cup of tea on the porch or a full meal. My father loved classical music and great film scores and always made sure the house was filled with music (he worked from a home office as a writer and editor). Growing up that way set the tone for my whole life. My own children love to contribute to the beauty of the home with bouquets from the garden, impromptu concerts on the living room piano, watercolor and pastel drawings, and so much more. The entire family makes the house hum with warmth, laughter, and joy (and, yes, there are arguments, too—we are real people!). A huge contributor to happiness at home is NO TV. Sure, we have computers and watch the occasional movie together, but my husband and I deliberately chose not to have a television from the start of our marriage and not to consume endless “entertainment.” It’s a time suck and also really pulls down the culture of the home. I’m always shocked when I am in a room with a TV blaring, because what’s on it is so ugly—and I don’t just mean the news. It’s also disheartening that folks have a hard time having a conversation that isn’t centered around what’s on TV or what’s trending online. When we find other families that love books, board games, making music, and gathering around a good meal, it’s like we’ve struck gold. More of this, please!
LOVED this! Powerful reminders. I loved the part about romanticizing our home life. Music on while we cook, fresh flowers in vases. This speaks to a simple and quiet and beautiful life.
Parenthood was not my strongest suit—I learned as I went along. Without parental guidance of my own, much of my journey was shaped by trial and error, and along the way, I made my share of mistakes.
One important lesson I learned was the need to protect my peace and to be mindful of who I allow into my home. In trying to help others, you can sometimes open a Pandora’s box without realizing it.
Overall, however, I feel truly blessed with the children God has given me. This article brought me back to those earlier days, and I appreciate you for shedding light on the realities of motherhood.
“ Jesus, in John 15, does not tell us to be productive. He tells us to be fruitful. And the path to fruitfulness is not a tighter schedule. It is abiding.” I love what you said here! That is so true! For mothers of young children, or at any time in our lives! I love how you emphasized each of our uniquenesses as well. I am an introvert, a highly sensitive person and will choose a “less is more” approach than someone else. But I need to be faithful to fruitfulness as He calls me! Jesus in me, will look different than Jesus in you - but we all need to abide, and respect who He has made us to be and the life he has called us to!
Such a beautiful call to abide, Nicole. Thank you for these reminders. I love that you included our monthly cycle because this is such an embodied awareness of faithful living. God calls us to live in our actual bodies and homes and families, not in a perfectly curated online image. This call to rest resonates with me deeply. Thank you, friend.
A hearty “amen” from my corner! My parents never lived according to the world’s mold, and they set an incredible example for their children. My mother never followed trends but had her own beautiful, eclectic style. She could find a bargain at a flea market and refinish the wood or reupholster the seat. She sewed, gardened, quilted, canned vegetables, baked bread, read constantly, and loved hosting people on a moment’s notice for a cup of tea on the porch or a full meal. My father loved classical music and great film scores and always made sure the house was filled with music (he worked from a home office as a writer and editor). Growing up that way set the tone for my whole life. My own children love to contribute to the beauty of the home with bouquets from the garden, impromptu concerts on the living room piano, watercolor and pastel drawings, and so much more. The entire family makes the house hum with warmth, laughter, and joy (and, yes, there are arguments, too—we are real people!). A huge contributor to happiness at home is NO TV. Sure, we have computers and watch the occasional movie together, but my husband and I deliberately chose not to have a television from the start of our marriage and not to consume endless “entertainment.” It’s a time suck and also really pulls down the culture of the home. I’m always shocked when I am in a room with a TV blaring, because what’s on it is so ugly—and I don’t just mean the news. It’s also disheartening that folks have a hard time having a conversation that isn’t centered around what’s on TV or what’s trending online. When we find other families that love books, board games, making music, and gathering around a good meal, it’s like we’ve struck gold. More of this, please!
LOVED this! Powerful reminders. I loved the part about romanticizing our home life. Music on while we cook, fresh flowers in vases. This speaks to a simple and quiet and beautiful life.
Such a beautiful reminder.
Parenthood was not my strongest suit—I learned as I went along. Without parental guidance of my own, much of my journey was shaped by trial and error, and along the way, I made my share of mistakes.
One important lesson I learned was the need to protect my peace and to be mindful of who I allow into my home. In trying to help others, you can sometimes open a Pandora’s box without realizing it.
Overall, however, I feel truly blessed with the children God has given me. This article brought me back to those earlier days, and I appreciate you for shedding light on the realities of motherhood.
“ Jesus, in John 15, does not tell us to be productive. He tells us to be fruitful. And the path to fruitfulness is not a tighter schedule. It is abiding.” I love what you said here! That is so true! For mothers of young children, or at any time in our lives! I love how you emphasized each of our uniquenesses as well. I am an introvert, a highly sensitive person and will choose a “less is more” approach than someone else. But I need to be faithful to fruitfulness as He calls me! Jesus in me, will look different than Jesus in you - but we all need to abide, and respect who He has made us to be and the life he has called us to!
Such a beautiful call to abide, Nicole. Thank you for these reminders. I love that you included our monthly cycle because this is such an embodied awareness of faithful living. God calls us to live in our actual bodies and homes and families, not in a perfectly curated online image. This call to rest resonates with me deeply. Thank you, friend.
Wonderful message - incorporating beauty and grace when we can is so important but only when it flows easily - no beating ourselves up!
Yes, I couldn’t agree more! Love this beautiful message so much!! Thank you! 🤍
This is a beautiful article and very encouraging for moms who want to serve God and their families well.