No question, motherhood stretches us. In our Sister Straight Talk episode of this series, Krista and Alex talk about how expectations and transitions are big opportunities for mom-growth.
Expectations, or should we say unmet expectations, are a trademark of motherhood. Our hosts talk about the "macro" and "micro" of mothering expectations. From how our kids will complete a chore to how we'll feel as moms, we often don't know we have expectations until they aren't met. Transitions are also a constant. As soon as we feel we've mastered, or at least have a handle on, a certain phase of parenting, things change. How we respond to these changes can impact the tone of our families and who we are becoming as women.
No matter the stage of mothering you're in, from pregnancy through the empty nest, you have a chance to meet expectations and transitions with open hands and a readiness to stretch out of your comfort zone. God uses your role as a mom, to shape you in good ways. These stretch marks can sometimes feel like battle scars, but they tend to help us grow in traits like patience, resilience, and wisdom, all traits that are good to increase. Join this relatable, hope-filled conversation with your sisters who give it to you straight on motherhood.
Building resilience in motherhood is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families. We need it as moms, and our children need it as they make their way through life.
Joining us on the third episode of this Motherhood series, Rhonda Stoppe speaks honestly and candidly about the challenges she faced as a mom, and how she found the strength and faith to keep taking steps forward. Rhonda raised a son with special needs, adopted a child who needed a home, and struggled through two different moves.
You will be encouraged and inspired to love God deeper, trust Him more fully, and see trials as opportunities through this episode.
We are in a series highlighting the various ways motherhood grows us. Often we do not think about how creativity can be an integral part of motherhood, but that is exactly what can emerge if we allow it.
Rachel Kang, founder of Indelible Ink Writers, talks about how she finds time to write in small pockets of time while parenting her two young boys, and how motherhood has increased her imagination.
Often, moms neglect their own creative pursuits to care for the needs right in front of them. In this episode we look at how creativity and the duties of motherhood can not only co-exist, but enhance and strengthen the other.
Sarah Bragg, host of the Surviving Sarah podcast, says motherhood has grown her up. She has changed through the challenges she's faced as a mom. And boy isn't that true of motherhood? We try new things, face new feelings, overcome new challenges and as a result we are stretched in ways that don't leave us. These stretch marks act as our reminders of growth and that our children are a gift God uses to grow us up as well.
In this episode Sarah brings her candid voice to the conversation as we consider what it means to live an authentic life in front of our children, how to accept our limitations while choosing growth in some areas, and how honesty helps with both of these efforts. We consider the women we ARE vs. the women we wish we were and how we have to get past some of the mothering expectations (read pressure) we put on ourselves.
Motherhood is a gift. In large part because our kids act as a mirror, or as Sarah puts it, a highlighter, to all of who we are. We discover parts of ourselves (from anger to unconditional love) and skillsets that help us understand ourselves better. You will walk away from this interview remembering that God already sees and knows every part of who you are as a woman and a mom. You can let go of some of those self-imposed expectations and celebrate the unique, creative person you ARE as a mom.
We've had our summer school of sorts with professors from around the country talking to us about how art and faith enhance each other. Consider this episode with Krista and Alex the class discussion. Our two podcast hosts sit down together and talk about what challenged them from the previous episodes in the series, what they want to change in their own lives as a result, and how engaging with creative works enhances our understanding of who God is and who our neighbors are.
These two talk about the power of story, the need for shared experiences, their creative outlets, and God's reflection in us as makers. Though you get to listen in on their thoughts, this is meant to be a group discussion. Tell us about what struck you! Where are you inspired to interact with the arts? How has art impacted your faith? What kind of creative expression gets you feeling or thinking?
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." -Pablo Picasso