Posts tagged mama love

The Call To Motherhood

Sometimes motherhood is planned – each detail written and played in time and tune…the notes of a magnificent symphony. Other times it comes by surprise – a door opening..suddenly forcing you to jump uncontrollably, rushing to answer. Motherhood can come unexpectedly…and in ways we might never imagine.

I think most often the call to motherhood is whispered to us in the secret place where our outward displays of success and accomplishment mean nothing. It’s here that we find ourselves bare and are confronted with a primal desire to nurture and care for, to give selflessly and to love on a level never known. No matter how you experience it the call is undeniable. ” I want to be a mother.”

For many the “I want to” turns into “I will be”. There is no set time for this process to take place… each woman walks her own path. Yet, arrival at this point is crucial. Because the woman who identifies this clarification of desire will fight for motherhood with a renewed purpose. Fighting a battle when victory is assured gives you the clarity you need to keep pushing when obstacles come your way or when you simply get tired. No longer stuck on an image of “the perfect”or “the traditional” – you are free to explore your options. Motherhood will find you because you’ve opened your heart to receive and believe for an unplanned, unexplained miracle.

I’ve been thinking and reading about Mary and considering, her beautifully unplanned story. On basically the eve of her wedding, betrothed to another, she finds out that she will be a mother. Unexpectedly. Joseph is not her baby’s father. This was not her plan.
So I’m thinking about you today…certainly the young unwed mothers, but particularly the potential adoptive mothers.

You’re on the fence because you aren’t sure if adoption is right for you. You’re worried because this is not the way you imagined it would be. You’re even worried that by considering adoption you are casting a big fat negative on your dream of giving birth. Yet, motherhood calls. You hear it. This call will have you travel half way across the world to meet the child of your spirit. You hear it. Will you answer?

A few things stand out about Mary’s story for me…particularly when viewed through the lens of a prospective adoptive parent.

1. Abolish fear. You’ll have to take steps to release fear. Adoption is a faith move. Period. Luke 1: 29-30

2. Though unexpected, your prospective status is no true surprise. He’s nudged you gently about this, telling you about His plan through the tugging of your heart- speaking clearly to you through prayer and prophetic words. Luke 1: 31-33

3. You want to know….EVERYTHING, the hows of your situation freezing you in a period of inactivity. Don’ get lost here. As with any baby there will be a period of gestation. You will labor. But if you can move past the distraction of details you’ll be rewarded with supernatural trust as you watch Him dot every “i” and cross every “t”. You’ll have to trust while doing your part in the natural. His word is a sure thing. Rest in that.
Luke 1: 34-35

4. He goes on to assure you of His power and closes the deal by reminding you of another satisfied customer. He is in the business of performing miracles. He’s done it once..He’ll do it again. Luke 1: 36-37

And finally…

5. Obey. There’s power in obedience…there’s power in submission…be it unto me according to your word. If we could only apply this phrase practically to our everyday lives. Whatever you say Lord? The expanse of this concept challenges us to see our lives through His eyes. Only then will we connect with His vision, rest in His power and take advantage of the grace that’s applied to our lives through obedience. Luke 1:38

After four years of infertility my “I want to” became an “I will be”. I began the adoption process and a year later met the child brought forth through my tears and dreams – my hearts longing made manifest in the reality of a baby…my baby. The collision of my destiny with a woman I didn’t know, who was simultaneously experiencing the crisis of the unplanned – happened. The unexpected became a miracle. For us both.

If you’ve been thinking about adoption I urge you to take that first step. Attend an orientation or information meeting at an adoption agency. Reach out to me if you have questions. Do your research and walk out in faith. Adoption isn’t for everyone but when it’s for you….you know. You’ve been called.

My joy is to serve. I am passionate about marriage,motherhood, nutrition and my Christian faith. I love to share how the Lord worked in my life through infertility and adoption and I blog passionately about this experience atwww.seespeakhearmama.com. In other travels I’ve been a ballet dancer and clothing designer, but now, I am a homeschooling mama to 4 children in NYC. Motherhood beautifully consumes my life. You may be in process of living or reaching for your own miracle. I’d be honored to walk, wait and believe with you. Feel free to share your dreams,struggles,concerns and delights. I pray you’ll find encouragement, inspiration – a fellow warrior and friend to share the journey – leading you always…..to hope.

This guest post is a part of Motherhood Is along with On Becoming a Mother….because Motherhood should be celebrated more than once a year.

Please do not reprint any portion of these posts without prior written permission. Thank you.(c) Copyright Lisha Epperson, 2011-13

motherhood adoption, deep thoughts, infertility, motherhood, mothering

How Our Container Garden Grows

tomato plants

I think we’re going to have an amazing container garden this year. We have more plants and flowers than veggies now, but we’ll get around to the veggies soon. These photos are from about 5 days ago and I’m amazed at how fast plants grow once they sprout. Gardening with my kids has been fun….I love hearing them squealing about how their seeds have grown. Ava clipped the dead flowers from her spring mix, Samuel planted wheat grass that has started to sprout(I didn’t cover it with plastic and such like the package said and it’s growing just fine)I keep pushing the seeds down into the soil without completely covering them and the next day there’s more and more grass. Nakiah planted Zinnia’s which have already sprouted with more coming up. We also planted Sweet Pea and Nasturtium. I noticed the sweet pea sprouted this evening after our grocery store trip…my phone was dead so I couldn’t get a picture.

My Elephant Ears are birthing new babies! Look at how they grow curled up and then roll out to the pretty pink and green leaf. My parents Canna Lily came back this year and she’s looking good. Last Thursday we came home from our Unschoolers Park Day with tomato plants from a new friend. Check out the Forest Tent Caterpillars…they’re all over the place out there, and sometimes they find a way inside. I like them now but when moths are flying around my head later in the year I’ll like them much less.

Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest? I came across this post on the ~~lazy~~ easy way to grow carrots in containers. I can’t wait to try this! We’re also going to plant tomatoes…they’ll taste great in my quesdaillas and salad this summer. Also peppers, herbs, but I’m not sure which ones. Nakiah wants to try broccoli because it’s her favorite vegetable and Ava can’t wait to plant the sunflowers….we need to find several big pots for them. I’m on it! I want to plant sunflowers just as bad as she does.

So that’s how our container garden is growing at the moment. I’ll update again in a couple of weeks.
How is your garden growing? What type of garden do you have?

p.s. I switched from the wordpress email subscription service to mailchimp. I imported all of my email subscribers over there, so now you all should receive a pretty email from me with my header and a list of my most recent posts each time I publish a new post.

gardening, unschooling container gardening, exploring, gardening, nature, unschooling

Bi-Racial Parenting. Real Motherhood. Setting & Achieving Big Goals. $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway

How was your Mother’s Day? I had one of the best I’ve had in years! We went to church and then to the in-laws where I didn’t have to watch the kids, cook, or make my plate. I left with reese’s peanut butter cups, cards, and a cute necklace/earring set.

My Mother’s Day wasn’t great because of all the things I listed, they were the cherry on top. It was just an all around good day. My dad wrote me this awesome poem, but I think it applies to many of the Mother’s I know.

A Poem(modified a bit)and a rose for you On Mother’s Day and every other day of the year.

You are a mom of all moms
Your strength is your signature
Your endurance is your nature
Your perseverance is your trademark

Your love for your children is unmatched
You are fruitful in your teaching
Unwavering in your determination
At all hours, always there

Continuing to learn and grow
You are a living example of motherhood

I have more goodies for you….so let’s get on with the link love. It’s not a lot this time, but the links I’m sharing are heartfelt and thought-provoking.

Multicultural Familia: Mixed Parenting & Identity – Black or Biracial?

They are half of me and they are half of my husband. I am white and he is black, so they are both – black AND white. We teach them to embrace all the parts of their whole and to love every cell within them.

I’ve had difficulties identifying as a black woman. Shutting down stereotypes, wondering if I’m black enough, hearing the “you don’t sound black“ statement my entire life. I can imagine what it’s like to be mixed and doing your best to identify with every part of you.

Finding Joy: When Mother’s Day Hurts Just A Bit.

But real motherhood? Real life? It so often doesn’t look like that. Real life has rebellious kids, fighting parents, no money for brunch much less a card, rainy days, unmet expectations, miscarriages, infertility, children that are sick, and on and on and on and on.

I. love. this. blog. Rachel is so honest and every time she talks about motherhood it seems she’s speaking right to me. She gets real motherhood. Not this artificial type of motherhood we’ve been spoon fed over the years with the increase of blogs, pinterest, etc. I’m not knocking those sites, I love them…but it’s easy to start feeling like you don’t measure up looking at all the perfect pretty that’s so easily accessible.

Project-Based Homeschooling: Friday Link Round-up.

It’s scary to set big goals. But the people most likely to achieve big things are the ones who were brave enough (or crazy enough — probably a combination of the two) to attempt them in the first place.

Don’t let the title of this blog fool you. Lori has created a space that’s as much for adults as it is for gathering ideas and inspiration for homeschooling your kids. After reading this post and many others from this blog, I always feel like I can go out and conquer the world.

From my May Sponsor: Smell Good Spa – A $25 Gift Certificate for the King in your life this coming Father’s Day.
I love Itiel and her products. It’s a family business making whole products for the whole family. They feel good on your skin and smell fantastic! What’s not to love about that?

To be entered into this giveaway comment on this post.
*An email address is required and only visible to me*
* Comments will close on the 19th and the winner will be announced May 20th in a separate blog post*

daily life biracial parenting, daily life, goal setting, mixed parenting and identity, mother's day, raising biracial children, real motherhood, smell good spa, smell good spa giveaway, writing

A Bit of Our Weekend – Welcoming May Sponsor and Friends

On our way to church Sunday Morning.

How was your weekend? Saturday we spent the afternoon grocery shopping. The weather has been a bit on the gloomy and chilly side, so being home bound didn’t feel so bad. I made this amazing baked ziti for dinner on Saturday, recipe to come later this week. Sunday we made our way to church and it was a great service. The message was just what I needed to hear. The girls enjoyed Sunday School and Samuel slept through pretty much the entire service, waking up about 5 minutes before it was over.

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Let me introduce you to the May Sponsor and some of my new blogging friends.

Itiel from Smell Good Spa is the May Sponsor and she says “A Whole Woman Deserves wholesome products.” Not only does Itiel make bath and body products from scratch….they really do smell good, good enough to eat! Her Alaea Sea Salt Polish comes in your choice of 25 different fragrances PLUS a small selection for this years spring/summer. There are also collections for the sweet girl in your life and the Kings of the Castle. I’ve worked with Itiel in the past and am excited to be working with her again. Be on the lookout next week for a giveaway sponsored by Smell Goods Spa! Find Itiel on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Marcia from Captured specializes in lifestyle photography based in Dayton, OH…but don’t let that stop you from drooling over her photos of squishy newborns. We go waaaaay back. She used to babysit me!

Natasha from Epic Mommy Adventures is a single first time mom and graduate student sharing the ups and downs of parenting.

Lauren from Tennessee Honey is a mother of two blogging her way through life and school to become an elementary teacher.

Nicole from Pharr Away is a mother to one little girl and a wife. Her family is adorable and so is her blog.

Julia from A Little Bit of All of It is about Natural Parenting and Natural Living. Check out her Natural Living Series that started yesterday.

I’m so glad to have these ladies featured in my sidebar. Stop by their Blogs, Facebook pages, Twitter, etc and tell them Darcel sent you!