Seasoned Mamas: God's Grace For Every Season of Motherhood

As we continue in our Teach Me What You’re Learning series, the Seasoned Mamas hear from Lindsay Hausch as she shares her journey writing her new book: The Secret of Being Content, which is a journey through the book of Philippians.

Lindsay begins by sharing how God inspired her to write the book in the midst of her struggle to go off of her SSRI medication. It was in the place where she felt the full weight of her emotions that God has trained her to bring the burden to Him and find His rest regardless of circumstances.

Of course, Lindsay is the first to admit that learning contentment is always an ongoing process. She invites the moms to discuss how they would rate their own level of contentment, and also challenges them to consider if they have ever felt content regardless of difficult circumstances.

Deb, Faith, and Michelle share their own discoveries on this topic as well as stories that remind us that lit can be hard to feel like we ever fully "arrive" when it comes to having all of our circumstances just right, but that God is good through it.

The moms close by sharing the difference between the world's definition of contentment and the one described by Paul in his letter to the Philippians. They find rest in reminding themselves that even though their circumstances are constantly fluctuating, along with their moods, they can always find rest in Jesus Who brings a deeper joy and contentment.

Order Lindsay's new book HERE
Listen to the free podcast of the book HERE

In the ongoing series Teach Me What Your Learning, we get to hear one more time from Deb as we dig into her soon-to-be-released devotional journal, Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace.

In this heartwarming episode of Seasoned Mamas, hosts Faith, Deb, Michelle, and Lindsay come together to explore the intrinsic value God sees in each of us, drawing from personal stories found in Deb's new book. The conversation is inspired by an endearing devotion called 'Brown Eyes,' which uses a childhood teddy bear to symbolize how God views us as precious and priceless, despite our flaws. 

Each host shares a unique item of personal significance: Michelle's treasured family fishing boat, Lindsay's inpirational old laptop, and Faith's priceless bathtub photo . . .each illustrating how seemingly mundane objects can hold immense value and serve as poignant reminders of God's love and grace for us in Christ. Moms are encouraged to reflect on their own priceless possessions and how they may serve as reminders of the immeasurable worth God places on His loved ones.
 
Pre-order Deb's new devotional journal and join the Seasoned Mamas community for more inspiration and support!

Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace, releasing September 24th: https://www.cph.org/immeasurablymore 

Seasoned Mamas Podcast Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/650998710328320

In the ongoing series Teach Me What Your Learning we get to hear more from Deb as we dig into her soon to be released book Immeasurably More: 100 Devotions on God's Extravagant Grace.

In this episode Deb shares about her struggle with shaping her children's faith as they grew, and her doubt if she was doing enough.

Have you ever felt uncertain about helping your children or loved ones in their faith walk? Wondering if you are doing it right? Or if you are doing enough?

Deb encourages us as we recognize that every moment matters, and that as we pray and trust in God, He uses each imperfect moment to point to His perfect grace.

What Deb saw was God in every unexpected moment of parenting, as she discovered joy and opportunities in places she least expected including:
-discussing the sermon driving from church
-listening to the Christian radio
-processing hard conversations and experiences with friends
-seeing God at work through others

Then she posed the question to each of the moms:
"Concerning your children, a friend or another family member's faith how have you fretted?" 

Faith shared about struggling with teaching some of her new first graders who didn't know anything about faith. She felt uncertain about how she would approach it, but discovered God was already at work in the children's hearts that she got to witness and walk in.

Michelle talked about walking along side friend's whose children are struggling with their faith in God. Her friend wrestled with how she responds to her child's difficult life decisions, but they were encouraged by the story of the prodigal son, and the extravagant love that God the Father shows His wayward children. While there isn't resolution, her friend has the unshakeable faith in the grace of God and love of the father for her child.

Lindsay breaks the rules and doesn't answer the question as it was originally posed...but she shares about how she is "fretting" about her faith as a mom as she goes through a season of transition in motherhood. But she sees that God is at work in forming her faith as she trusts and rests in the process.

The moms close as they recognize the ways that they are seeing God break through as they see the evidence of God at work in the lives of those they love. While they don't have all the answers,  they recognize what God is doing in the mess of motherhood, and as they share their faith with others. As they pause and see the unexpected ways the Holy Spirit is already at work, they find joy in the journey.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory. 
Ephesians 3:20 NIV

As we continue in our series, Teach Me What You're Learning, fellow seasoned mama Deb Burma introduces her new devotional journal, "Immeasurably More," with 100 devotions and journals prompts on God's extravagant grace.

In this episode Deb tells us the story behind her inspiration of the book, and she invites the seasoned mamas to share where they need "God's immeasurably more" in their lives. 

Michelle shares about a recent season of awaiting a phone call for news that could change her life.

Faith shares about her adventure with exposure therapy in a busy airport.

Lindsay shares about a long season of loss.

As the moms share, one thing they agree on is that all of us need the Holy Spirit to supply more strength, more endurance, more courage, and more... to fuel us through hard things as mothers and as adults.

Join the Seasoned Mamas as they continue to dive into the toxicity around the self-help culture. This episode, they take a look at phrases and beliefs their children have faced.

How can we as mothers, with the help of the Holy Spirit, lead them towards Jesus. Especially, in a world where society will try to lead them to themselves or other things/people that will only lead them to emptiness.  

If you would like to read the first chapter of Faith's book you can find it here. Click on the look inside button.

Amazon link for Faith's book

Join Faith, Deb, Lindsay, and Michelle as they discuss Faith’s new book God’s Encouraging Word: True Comforts For When Worldly Advice Fails

The Seasoned Mamas discuss how worldly advice has left them feeling hollow and empty during tough moments of motherhood.

They discuss how we can navigate this advice and how we can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, lead people to the true comfort: Jesus.

Listen to Faith on the Peace in His Presence Podcast

If you would like to read the first chapter of Faith's book you can find it here. Click on the look inside button.

Amazon link for Faith's book

Join the Seasoned Mamas as they discuss the themes and key points in Faith's new book: God's Encouraging Word, True Comforts for When Worldly Advice Fails. We take a look into what sparked the idea for this book, along with how self-help phrases have left all of us not feeling comforted. 

Listen to Faith on the Peace in His Presence Podcast

If you would like to read the first chapter of Faith's book you can find it here. Click on the look inside button.

Amazon link for Faith's book

In this heartfelt episode, Michelle delves into the profound emotional journey of navigating motherhood's later stages, particularly that transition period as children grow into adults and venture into college and beyond. With both of her sons currently in college and her oldest recently graduating, Michelle explores the multifaceted emotions that come with watching your children reach these new milestones. Reflecting on how swiftly time passes, she shares insightful lessons on embracing change, dealing with the mix of pride and nostalgia, and learning to let go with grace.

Michelle introduces a touching story from her contribution to the book 'Encouragement for Motherhood,' prompting you to contemplate your current motherhood phase - from active parenting to that first taste of your child's independence. This narrative isn't just a recount of a memorable moment with her son but a metaphor for the broader motherhood experience. It's about recognizing beauty in the everyday and the challenge of relinquishing control as our children navigate their own paths.

Through scripture and personal reflection, Michelle emphasizes the significance of turning to our faith given by God during this transition. We can seek comfort in God's promises of constant presence and protection over our children's lives. She brings forward the powerful role of prayer, scripture, and faithful surrender in finding peace amidst uncertainty, underscoring verses from Philippians 4 and Psalm 91 to illustrate the strength and peace found in God's Word.

Whether you're grappling with the practical and emotional aspects of motherhood's changing seasons, dealing with empty nest syndrome, or finding new ways to support your child's independence, Michelle's message is one of hope, encouragement, and assurance. By sharing strategies for coping and embracing each stage with faith, this episode is a crucial listen for mothers seeking guidance and solidarity. It's about holding fast to the unchanging love and promises of God as we navigate the complexities of letting  go.

The story Michelle shares in this episode is found in the book: Encouragement For Motherhood. If you click here you can find more information about the book.

Connect with Michelle

In this series, Lindsay, Deb, Faith, and Michelle are each taking a turn to share something they're learning in their current season of motherhood. Join Faith as she shares her mini-episode.

God tells us in Genesis 2 that being alone is not good. He created a helper for Adam and He does the same for us through our seasons of motherhood. God calls us to be in community with one another. Join Faith as she talks through what that can look like for each season and how we can create our own community of safe people. 

It's time for another Seasoned Mamas mini-episode! In this series, Lindsay, Deb, Faith, and Michelle are each taking a turn to share something they're learning in their current season of motherhood, and what their kids are teaching them too. This time, Deb takes you on a JOURNEY-of-sorts, reminding you to savor moments, make memories, and enjoy the journey - even the rough spots on the road - not merely focused or fixated on some upcoming destination. How can you give focus to the reasons for JOY that might be staring right back at you in this moment on this part of the journey? Do you recognize the JOY of God's handiwork, revealed right before your eyes, on a particular portion of the journey? Your "travels" together today make for shared memories tomorrow. And let's not forget the most-amazing destination ahead, as followers of Jesus, on that Day! EnJOY the Journey, Mama!