While pregnancy is a time of excitement, anticipation and joy, let's face it, it's also a time of yuck! There's nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, stretch marks and more! But that doesn't mean there aren't some simple products, services and items that can help take the edge off and make pregnancy a smoother ride.

Along with sharing what has helped me during my first pregnancy, I have teamed up with a local spa business to throw a giveaway contest! Keep reading until the end for the instructions on how to participate!


Upset stomach? Trapped gas? Nausea? You're probably experiencing it all! Ginger Ale is my go-to drink! I wish I had access to it during my first trimester in Egypt, but sadly I had to settle for Sprite. Not the same...But now I'm home in Canada and it's been very useful during the third trimester as well! Ginger tea works well, too, but I find the soda bubbles help move gas along and out of your body, which always brings some relief!

2. Plain crackers

If you've read my First trimester experience, you'll know I found it hard to stomach many foods. You also get hungry more often (partially because you're eating less or puking) and I found having either plain digestive cookies or plain soda crackers near by was great to calmly satisfy hunger and not feel sick afterwards. Tip: keep a pack by your bedside, you never know when you might need to nibble on something in the middle of the night to keep your stomach steady!

3. Ice Cubes

I don't know why, but throughout pregnancy (mostly first and third trimester) ice cubes just make drinking liquids much more enjoyable. Some women, I know, even just eat plain ice cubes to help with morning sickness. Stock your freezer!

4.Tums

Need something effective for heartburn and really upset stomach? Tums is your answer. Try to take it when you first feel signs of upset stomach. Based on experience, they don't do much once you are in the middle of full-fledged chest-burning heartburn. But do let your doctor know if you're having to take a lot of tums, because they can prescribe something stronger that won't potentially cause constipation. These are my favourite flavour, and I personally think the smoothie ones also have the best texture. Not so dry and chalky!

5. Body Pillow

Now, I don't have a fancy body pillow, in fact it's really just my standard queen-sized pillow, but it does the trick. Since my husband doesn't use his to sleep, I grab his as well if I need to. I haven't invested in a maternity pillow because of how much space it takes on the bed. But I have heard of other moms who couldn't have survived without one! I use mine to help my shoulders stay aligned, rather than pinching them inward when I lay on my side. This leads to awful neck and shoulder pain! Napping and sleeping well is so crucial to feeling well and fighting against pregnancy fatigue!

Post Edit: During the last month of my pregnancy I started using a breastfeeding pillow as a body pillow because it had more structure. I think I wish I had used it earlier or got a smaller body pillow! That extra support was very essential those last several weeks because by then, you're struggling to get a good night's sleep!

6. Ovia App

If there was one thing I looked forward to on a weekly basis was watching the weekly video Ovia shares as you countdown to baby. Each video gives you updates and insights as to what you should be expecting to happen during that week of pregnancy and how baby is developing. While you can know the actually numbers of approximately how big baby is, it also has the option to compare baby's size to fruits and veggies, or pastries and other options. There are many other features, such as the community questions, calendar, and symptom tracker. This was my constant companion from beginning of pregnancy!

7. Massages

Now, if your hubby is particularly good at giving you massages, great! If not, I highly recommend getting a prenatal massage! You won't believe the muscles that will tense up as your body changes and you put on weight. Not to mention the pressure on your feet! I had one done at Thermëa for my birthday, and it was incredible!

8. Bio Oil

I wish I had this during my pregnancy...because I get stretch marks like nobody's business! I used other butter creams and aloe while pregnant, but now I'm post partum and I finally discovered Bio Oil! It does help, even post partum, but I know it probably would have saved my skin more if I used it during pregnancy. Not making that mistake again!

9. Water Bottle

It's so important to stay hydrated while you're pregnant. It's good for you and baby. When you reach the third trimester you will find yourself feeling VERY thirsty! Having a water bottle or two in the spaces you find yourself the most in will make it very nice and convenient to hydrate yourself. If you tire of water, try adding fruit slices like lemon, cucumber or strawberries. Usually I like mine packed with ice cubes!

10. Lavender Oil

Chances are you will get sore muscles somewhere along the way. Maybe it's sore feet, sore back, sore shoulders or maybe calves. If you're like me, it's all the above! I use lavender oil to massage into my skin, I even massage it into my stretch marks! The soothing lavender helps you to relax and feel a bit pampered for all the work you're doing growing a baby!


BONUS TIP:
As a sort of bonus, something that really helped me during pregnancy was talking to my doctor. Believe it or not, there are A LOT of misconceptions out there regarding all sorts of things related to pregnancy. The best thing is to bring any and all concerns to your personal doctor or OBYG. They will know your medical history, your test results and overall know what facts and data apply to you or not.


Do you have a simple item or life-changing product that helped you during pregnancy? Maybe a hack you discovered and tried out? Which of these did you end up using for your pregnancy? Let me know in the comments below!

"Do not but conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God." - Romans 12:2

The Mundane Christian Life

"There’s a way in which all our lives are shaped by the commitments we make. But biblical Christianity – which has the gospel of Jesus Christ at its heart – simply doesn’t rest its hope in big, dramatic moments of change. The fact of the matter is that the transforming work of grace is more of a mundane process than it is a series of a few dramatic events. Personal heart and life change is always a process." (Emphasis added)

The Christian life, when lived out biblically, rarely gets acclaimed, applauded or praised by the world. It is not a pursuit of fame, wealth and worldly success. It is humility. It is surrender, diligence, obedience, and growing in the knowledge and wisdom of our Lord. It is a slow, slow process. In fact, it's lifelong.

God works away at a person's heart, mind and character day by day. A person's heart is not changed because of one decisional moment. Apart from God, only those closest to you will see His transforming work of grace in your life as day by day you produce more and more fruit of the spirit.

Don't be deceived by new age philosophies, or "rock-star" speakers in the NAR/Word Faith movement, who constantly 'preach' that Christian success looks like sudden increase of wealth, or that God doesn't want you to live an ordinary life, because you should be as historically pivotal as King David. Or that the role of the church is to gain status, position and influence in the culture. Because otherwise we can completely miss out on the joy and significance of the small, every day grace that works in us.

10,000 Moments of Grace

It is very easy to make the center of our goals about bringing glory to ourselves rather than glory to God. But if we take away the distraction of big, dramatic goals, then we are left with the opportunity to witness God's transforming work of grace. 

I introduce you to the concept of my 2020 project: 10,000 Moments of Grace

What am I talking about? Well, the challenge is to look at our goals for the year, not through the lens of a single grand gesture of proclaimed commitment, but rather through small, numerous, daily actions.

"Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:9-14

Our impact, our legacy, our work for the kingdom will ultimately be determined by continual obedience and reliance on God's grace.

Whether you are single, a mother, a wife, student or retiree. Your seemingly mundane life is where God put you. It is where His grace will meet you to meet the challenges, joys and sorrows of day-to-day life. The change will be slow, but steady, and sure enough we will be more conformed to the image of Christ day by day. 


How? Through 10,000 moments of personal examination and conviction. 10,000 moments of humble submission. 10,000 moments of foolishness exposed and wisdom gained. 10,000 moments of sin confessed and sin forsaken. 10,000 moments of courageous faith. 10,000 moments of obedience. 10,000 times of forsaking the kingdom of self and running toward the kingdom of God. 10,000 moments where we abandon worship of the creation and give ourselves to worship of the Creator.

The Project #10000momentsofgrace

So this year, I am setting out to keep track of my moments of grace as God continues his work in me. Every time the Holy Spirit reveals something new, every trial Christ carries me through, every blessing God bestows, every moment I fail, every moment I succeed. When in a frustrating moment I choose patience, when I choose love over fear, or forgiveness over hate. It's all because of grace.

There is no limit to what areas of life we need and find grace in, which is why I will be working with guest bloggers this year to share a particular area of life in which they wish to testify to their moments of grace that brought transformation to their lives.

On Instagram, I am creating a stories highlight to keep track of the people who send in their #10000momentsofgrace to encourage fellow believers and bring glory to God's goodness.

If you are reading this, I highly encourage you to join! I am very excited for this project, and I hope to see many people participate. Be sure to subscribe to not miss new blog posts, and follow along on Instagram if you want to see how God is working in the lives of ordinary people, in His providence and grace. 

Have a blessed year, everyone! Feel free to comment down below, or ask questions! If you are a blogger and are interested in guest blogging and participating in the project, please get in touch on my Instagram or Facebook page!

Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a Gift

Is It Wise?

"but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." - Matthew 18:6 (ESV)

Is It Affordable?

"Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”—Hebrews 13:5
"Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" - Philippians 1:27

Is it of Eternal Value?

"In this world, you will have tribulation", Jesus tells us in John 16:33. Other translations use the word "trouble".

It doesn't take a genius to know that life is full of struggles both big and small. For the Christian, even more so, because we now we fight against the current of worldliness. Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is a beautiful illustration of the hardships we will encounter on our Christian walk.

And yet, Jesus then says in the same verse, "take heart, for I have overcome the world." So while we will face situations that will frustrate us, break our hearts and discourage us, we can leave the state of sorrow and discouragement on the strength and victory of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Do Not Remain Downcast

So whether you have a difficult situation at work, you messed up as a parent, your marriage is hurting, or you can't find a Biblicaly sound church - we believe in a sovereign God who works all things for a purpose and for our good (Romans 8:28).

That doesn't mean there isn't a time to mourn and feel downcast, to feel upset and discouraged (Ecclesiastes 3). But we are not to remain there.

The Christian life is marked by joy and peace that surpasses understanding. Regardless of what we face, we strive on with hope in our hearts because of the power of the gospel, because of our hope in eternity. There is a reason we have sung "It is well with my soul" for hundreds of years, because the words ring true.

So how are we deal with hardships and trials in a way that we don't remain in a state of wallowing and discouragement? I think there are four things that we see clearly in the Bible that answer that question.

4 Things to Do when Facing Trials

1. Turn to the Word

Not only is this the first step, it is something that should be on-going during your trial or time of discouragement (and daily life, really). We are forgetful by nature, and our emotions can really do a number on our minds. When we feel overwhelmed, confused or unsure; open the Word of God. It is our anchor, our source of truth. There we find reminder after reminder of who God is. How he cares for those who call upon His name, how he is our comfort and strength and He is in control.

2. Pray

If not, you will be after spending some time in the Bible. With knowledge from scriptures, our hearts can now be led to approach God with less confusing or heated emotions. We may still feel overwhelmed and a little lost, but holding on to the anchor of truth, we can bring our issues to God and humbly ask for what we need - whether forgiveness, wisdom, clarity, guidance, peace, etc.

3. Connect

For those deeply painful trials or sorrowful discouragement, connecting with a fellow believer can be crucial (1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:25). A spouse, a parent, an elder or pastor, whoever it is, find someone to share what is going on. Be sure they are biblically sound and mature, so they can offer you advice, passages of scripture that you didn't think of, prayer and most important: perspective.


We can be so wrapped up in our own little bubble, that it distorts our perspective and we lose sight of godly truth and wisdom. A mentor, accountability partner, or close spiritual friend is sometimes necessary to help break out of the bubble and give us clarity to know how to move forward.

4. Praise

There is a reason this isn't the first step. It takes some time for the truth of God's word to filter our thoughts, emotions and perspective before we can then turn around and praise God either for or in spite of the situation. With a heavenly and eternal view on life and our troubles, we can't help but praise God. In fact, the more trials you go through, the more you see how God was with you through the valley, the more you will be able to testify to the goodness and faithfulness of God.


Ultimately, whatever is causing us to be discouraged, disappointed, or sorrowful - we know that we must find the remedy not in ourselves, not in the world, but in God. In obedience and faith, we can face trials with peace, hope and ultimately joy.


What is a verse or passage you turn to when you face discouragement? Who do you talk to when you need to get out of your own head and redirected to the mind of Christ? Share in the comments below or ask a question if you have any! For daily faith and motherhood content, be sure to follow along on Instagram!

What is a woman? A real woman? A TRUE Woman?

It was a slow and somewhat painful transition I went through in my journey of womanhood when I became pregnant and gave birth. I was questioning who I was, and what I was supposed to do. I had been indoctrinated by the world and had bought into the idea of womanhood that was no longer sustainable.

This is where God started to nudge me. The Holy Spirit began to pull me away from the postmodern feminist ideal I believed and had shaped my identity around, and towards the path of the truth.

It took over a year to get to the point now, where I feel the tension, mostly, gone. Ever since I have been able to completely abandon the lies of worldly womanhood, and instead immerse myself in the truth of the Word, I have felt so free.

A True Woman According to the Bible

So, what is a true woman? In a quick summary or definition, a true woman is a godly woman. But we are going deeper than that today, and for the best definition, we turn to God's word. We see when God created woman, Eve, and there are plenty of examples of women who are brought to light because they earned the recognition of being righteous or godly women. Such as Hannah, Ruth, Mary and Elizabeth, and more.

There is no one single verse that encompasses everything a true woman of God is, though there are passages that contain a great deal (Proverbs 31, 1 Timothy 2, and Titus 2). But to get a full picture and definition, we will look at 15 traits and characteristics found in the Bible.

15 Characteristics of a Godly Woman

1. SHE IS...Anchored in the Word of God

First and foremost, a true woman is one who is reading, learning and applying God's truth in earnest in her life. She turns to it for wisdom and instruction, a source of truth, and to grow as a Christian. Not just out of duty, but out of LOVE for God!

2. SHE IS...Devoted to God

A godly woman will want to exalt God in every area of her life, and know that He is her top priority. She will mourn distractions and sin, but desire to worship and serve God with all her heart. A Biblical example is Mary, who is described as one "favored by God", which indicates her heart of devotion. This heart is beautifully shown in what is known as Mary's song. (Luke 1:46-55)

3. SHE IS...Plugged in at Church

No Christian is meant to grow alone, a true woman will find or be a member of a church where she can receive instruction, guidance, fellowship and to also serve and be a blessing. Women mentioned in the early church include Priscilla, Phoebe, Lydia, Prisca and others who served and ministered.

4. SHE...Speaks Wholesome Speech

Women in the world are known for gossiping and using their words to manipulate and harm others. Christian women should be known for words of kindness and truth. Even if she is correcting her children or a younger lady, it must be done in love. (Titus 2:3, 1 Timothy 3:11)

5. SHE IS...Pure

This isn't just sexual purity, but also in attitude and speech. A crude woman who cracks dirty jokes, or a foul-mouthed woman who lets out swear words and blasphemies is not pure. A godly woman will think, speak and behave in a way that is pure and lovely. (1 Peter 3:1-3)

6. SHE IS...Modest in Attitude & Worship

Modesty goes beyond how a woman dresses. It's an attitude, since what usually motivates someone to dress in a provocative or scandalous way is proud attitude that seeks attention. (John MacArthur quote from book) (1 Timothy 2:9-15)

7. SHE...Exercises Self Control

Titus 2 makes a very poignant point that women should not be slaves to much wine, but in control of their senses and actions. This is a principle that applies to other areas of life, since gluttony and sloth are also sins rooted in lack of self control. A godly woman will also rein a harness over her emotions, so that she will not blow up in outbursts. (Titus 2:5)

8. SHE...Lives Morally

We will never be perfect until we reach heaven, but godly women are those who are growing in sanctification, and so should be known to pursue to live rightly. Those who have a casual attitude to wrong-doing are not a godly women. A godly woman strives for righteousness. (Titus 2:5)

9. SHE...Submits to Male Headship

It is part of the female design. In the chain of command that God created to run the world, woman comes after man. Whether it is her father, her husband, or God, a woman should be under the direct leadership of a man. Like a co-pilot, a back-up partner, or assistant, her role in this position is vital for harmony in family, church and society. (Ephesians 5:21-25)

10. SHE IS...Feminine

While fashion and social standards of what is feminine has drastically changed in the post modern era, not only are there traits that have stood the test of time, but we inherently recognize the difference between female and male. Whether that means wearing long dresses and having flowers braided into long weaves of hair, or wearing pastel colours, or lip gloss - there are tasteful and modest ways to embrace every woman's unique beauty that celebrates femininity as opposed to trying to appear androgynous or even masculine. (Deuteronomy 22:5)

Read also: Embracing our Female Biblical Roles

11. SHE IS...Gentle and Meek

Women are not men. Obviously. And yet for decades women have been encouraged to behave more like men. How? To be strong and tough, to be loud and in charge, to the point of rebellious. It's cool, it's modern feminism, which means it's all the rage. Yet the Bible speaks of the complete opposite. Women are to be Christ-like - meek and gentle, instead of proud or self-serving. (Philippians 2:3-8)


12. SHE...Instructs & Disciples

Straight out of Titus 2. Whether they are your biological children, adopted, foster, or married into the family - it is part of our female design and purpose to care for children. Motherhood is a beautiful picture of the Gospel that shows, in a way, God's tender love and care of us, and is therefor a sacred duty. When children are grown, this role continues with discipleship of younger women in the church. (Titus 2:4)

13. SHE...Prays Continually

A godly woman knows the high significance, purpose and importance of prayer. She prays daily and longs to grow in her prayer life to please the Lord and mature of as a believer. She understands God's sovereignty and goodness, as she prays in faith and obedience. Hannah is our greatest example of a fervent prayer life. (1 Samuel 1:9-18)

14. SHE...Obeys God's Word

God's will is evident in scripture. And since a godly woman is one who reads and is immersed in the Bible, she should know and follow what is written in scripture. To obey God, to love Him, to love others, and to follow the commandments that dictates Christian behavior. This is a staple of any professing Christian.

15. SHE...Proclaims the Gospel

Lastly, but not least, a godly woman seeks to teach and proclaim the Gospel to others, particularly those in her care and responsibility. She has her thoughts on the Kingdom and keeps life in perspective with eternal values of scriptures. (1 Peter 3:15, )



It is these characteristics that help a godly woman fulfill her Biblical Roles for which God has designed her which I highly recommend you read as well.

If you're like me, you're probably looking at this list and feeling like you fall short. That should be the case, because to be able to meet all of these criteria without fault is to be perfect.

No one is perfect. BUT, these are all things a godly woman desires and strives to be out of love for God and for his glory.

Motherhood is beautiful. One of the most amazing things a woman can experience this side of heaven.

Let me remind you, whether you are a mother or are a young lady soon to enter that season in the future, that God created motherhood and therefore it is a GOOD thing. It is a beautiful thing. It is a blessing, a gift, a duty, and form of obedience to God's will for your life - whether it is with natural birth, or the incredible gift of adoption.

But like marriage, motherhood is ultimately NOT about the following:
- Our own happiness
- a social accomplishment
- something to idolize above God

Instead, God created motherhood for this primary spiritual reason: to sanctify us.


Why Sanctification is our Primary Personal Pursuit as Christians

What is Sanctification? Never heard of it? Go to this post completely dedicated to explaining sanctification - but in a nutshell is it the process of becoming more holy, or set apart to obey God's will.

"Those who cleanse themselves from the latter [wickedness] will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." - 2 Timothy 2:21 (clarified context added)

The Bible is clear about the evidence we should see in our lives, as true believers, as we grow in the faith, conforming to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). It is usually summarized by the Fruit of the Spirit, and more clearly demonstrated by the works and life of Christ and the apostles.

We all have heard mothers, including ourselves, who have described motherhood to have caused our hearts to grow in love in ways we could never imagine. But the Holy Spirit takes us further...

8 Ways Motherhood Makes Us More HOLY

Motherhood helps us, as woman of God, to grow in our faith, conform more to the image of Christ, and ultimately sanctify us by changing our hearts! Here is how God uses motherhood to give us hearts that are more...

1. GRATEFUL

"Childbirth is the common day miracle." This is a quote from Call the Midwife series, and it has always stuck with me. There is a reason it is called 'the miracle of LIFE'!

How two cells come together, form a baby, and that baby comes into the world, ever so perfect - it is nothing short of a miracle. The love that grows and then explodes as you hold this child in your arms, it is unlike anything else you could ever experience.

Motherhood opens our eyes to a deeper understanding of God's love for us that becomes almost impossible to explain, and it makes one so grateful for this love. Grateful to be used as an instrument to bring life, grateful that God treats his believers with the love and tenderness that you now have for your own child.

"In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

2. SERVING

Even before that bundle of joy comes into the world, women are already sacrificing their needs and desires for the sake of their child. Abstaining from certain drinks and food, gaining weight, losing sleep, and all the pain and suffering of childbirth. Then the real hard work begins!

Motherhood forces us to become selfless. It wasn't until I had a child, and in those early months that I had to look into the figurative mirror and recognize the selfish and self-centered desires still very much rampant in my heart. It is through God's grace that we have our hearts adopt a more serving attitude that takes joy in serving our children, as Jesus served others.


3. HUMBLE

Let's face it. Motherhood is not glamorous. Unless you are ultra rich and can afford the high-end luxuries, nannies and perfectly styled photoshoots that are nothing more than a curated snapshot of an unrealistic moment.

There are poop explosions, healing body parts, spit-up, haggard eyes, brain fog, non-stop crying, etc. But it is with humility that we deal with all of these, and hopefully without too much grumbling (because remember, we should also be growing in gratitude!). And yet, we will not do it perfectly, lest we become proud parents that show off how much we've "got it together"!

Verses on humility: Proverbs 11:2, Psalm 25:9, Philippians 2:3-4

4. DEPENDENT ON GOD

There is nothing more physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually exhausting as having a baby who needs you constantly for, really, their entire growing up and beyond.
Remember the words of Jesus when he said we should be like little children? Or to have child-like faith? Well having a child can really flesh out what this means. Children are heavily dependent on their mother, for milk, changing, bathing, feeding, care, nurture, love, encouragement, teaching and EVERYTHING!

In the same way, we should approach GOD! For every single need we have in this life, Jesus tells us to pray for.


5. MATURE

It takes maturity to recognize how much we require wisdom and help from God to help us navigate parenthood. Because no matter how many children we have, how much we study childhood psychology, or if we baby sat a thousand kids - each child is UNIQUE! Therefore, there is no clear cut theory or formula. So we get on our knees and pray for what we lack, and we read the Word for God's instruction before we try to use our own knowledge and strength to solve things.

"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity" - Hebrews 6:1 (ESV)

6. FULL OF PRAISE

Tying back a bit to point number 1 - when we have a heart of gratitude it then becomes a heart of praise. When we recognize the miracle of birth, the blessing of a child, the love God has for us, and knowing He is there through it all to support us, sustain us, encourage and strengthen us; we can't help but praise God for everything that is Motherhood! And God always, always deserves the glory, because we know we could never do it on our own.

Some of my favourite examples of women praising god are the prayers of Hannah and Mary.

7.  TRUSTING

We already talked about how our children are real-life examples of how we are dependent on God for our needs, but then we must go beyond internalizing this. We then turn and seek God in those dark and hard moments of motherhood.

When the doubt creeps in, when we're utterly exhausted in every capacity, when illness strikes our child, when depression sets in, and it seems like we are losing hope - we turn to God.

Motherhood will drive us to seek shelter in the cross of Christ, and into the arms of the Most High. The same way our child will run into our arms when they are scared and grip us tight when they are anxious, so is God ready to be there for us so that we don't have to be afraid or worried. Because our God is greater and mightier and we are continually learning, more deeply, how much He loves us. And we put our trust in Him.

"And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." - Psalm 9:10

8. OBEDIENT

Ultimately, we recognize the perfect design and purpose of motherhood as God created it. And as we grow in love with this role, our hearts let go of any worldly aspirations that could possibly get in the way. This is an act of surrender and obedience, which is pleasing to God. Just like when our child listens to us (especially when not threatened, reminded or supervised), it brings us mothers such a joy - imagine how much joy it gives God to see us walking in harmony with his perfect will.

"Scarcely can the godly mother quit her home for a place of worship; but dream not that she is lost to the work of the church; far from it, she is doing the best possible service for her Lord. Mothers, the godly training of your offspring is your first and most pressing duty." - Charles Spurgeon

Motherhood is Your Greatest Ministry

So let this be an encouragement to all mothers, and all mothers-to-be. There is an incredible purpose to your role as a mother that contributes to your testimony to the Lord. So don't ever for one second believe that motherhood is somehow a lesser ministry.

A godly mother , as famous theologian and pastor Spurgeon describes, is a main vessel through which God can extend salvation to her children. She is called "blessed", and her children and husband sing her praises. (Proverbs 31:28)

As you allow God to use motherhood to shape and mold you more into the image of Christ, your children are watching from the front row what faith truly looks like. And it is through our godly example that we live out the gospel truth to our children. And what could possibly be more important than reach the souls God has entrusted in your care in this life? No earthly pursuit, that's for sure!

How have you been changed since you became a mother? How has God worked in you? What lessons were the hardest or most valuable to you? Let me know in the comments below, dear sisters!

Rarely does a week go by where I don't see some form of this popular self-affirming mantra: "I'm enough". "You're enough". It sounds nice, doesn't it? Seems harmlessly positive and uplifting. Yet the ideology behind it is worldly, flawed, and ultimately crushing.

I'm a word nerd. Grammar, etymology, semantics- you name it. Which means I do not like to use language casually or being aloof to the true meaning of the words I say and use. So when I stopped to think about this nice-sounding phrase, I quickly broke down what it really means to say "I'm enough".

What Does It Really Mean to be "Enough"?

What does "enough" mean? Here is the definition in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: occurring in such quantity, quality, or scope as to fully meet demands, needs, or expectations. A synonym would be "sufficient".

So it begs the question, in what way am I enough? It seems to be all-encompassing to whatever quality you want to insert: strong, beautiful, good. And it has become so saturated into the culture, I even see it in Christian circles. "You are wonderfully and fearfully made. You are enough!"

So why do we say it? Probably because as humans we know what it feels like to reach the end of our rope. To run out of steam, to feel like a failure, to feel like we don't have what it takes to accomplish our tasks, goals or dreams. In response to this very common human feeling, we say this phrase: I'm enough.

But, is it true? Are we enough?

Why "Being Enough" is a Destructive Lie

Doesn't it seem counter-logical? If we are enough, why do we reach the end of our rope? Why do we run out of juice? Why do we fail to reach our goals? Or forget a load in the wash for two days?

We are simply not being honest with our humanity if we claim we can be enough. Here are four ways in which the "being enough" ideal is actually more harmful than you think:

1. It feeds into a foolish sense of self-confidence
We all know these people, who live off self-confidence and self-esteem boosters. It's like a high, but when reality hits, they either burn and crash or to separate even further from reality.

2. It burdens you with the idea of perfection
To be "enough" is to be able to meet the needs of your job/kids/spouse/business with satisfaction. But that is asking for perfection, which is not possible. This will cause too much anxiety, stress and even depression.

3. It makes you comfortable with mediocrity
It can actually make you go in the opposite direction, where you drop your standards and become comfortable with less than your best. Because trying to be "enough" to a higher standard is exhausting and ultimately unattainable. (Col 3:23)

4. It sends you on the pursuit of the temporal
The idea of 'enough'-ness brings in an ideology that says we can somehow attain full satisfaction and it should be pursued. This is how addictions, obsessions and even disorders are formed, because our body, mind and even spirit is so desperate to be satisfied but nothing in this finite and decaying world can do that for us.

5. It is an anti-Christ statement
Pride. That's at the root of this lie. To say to ourselves that we are enough, we are saying that we don't need God. No true believer can hold this view, because it goes in complete opposition to the gospel. God takes this very seriously.



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Why is it Important to Embrace Our 'Not Enough-ness"?



But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9

Why I Don't Have to Be Enough - What the Bible Says

We are not called to be 'enough', because we have a good, powerful and perfect God who we can turn to for EVERYTHING. Whether for peace, patience, kindness, grace, righteousness - you name it - we can never muster 'enough' in ourselves to be satisfying in any circumstance. We must rely on our Heavenly Father.

"I depend on God alone; I put my hope in him. He alone protects and saves me; he is my defender, and I shall never be defeated. My salvation and honor depend on God; he is my strong protector; he is my shelter. Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge." - Psalm 62:5-8

Here are just 7 ways in which we are not 'enough', but GOD is:

1. Good Enough: We can never be 'good enough' to earn salvation - but God provided the payment through the life, death and resurrection of His son Jesus Christ. He lived a perfect life without sin and so earned righteousness for us. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

2. Strong Enough: We can never be 'strong enough' to fight our own battles - but God is Mighty and the most powerful being who brought everything we know into creation. He is our Deliverer, our comforter and Jesus himself asks us to throw our burdens on Him. (Romans 8:31)

3. Wise Enough: We can never be 'wise enough' to fully understand why things happen - but God is all knowing and asks us to trust Him. (James 1:5)

4. Sufficient Enough:  There are many verses that express God's sufficiency, here is one from 2 Corinthians 9:8: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."

5. Patient Enough: The Lord is ever so patient with us, and this quality of God is ever so beautifully illustrated in the Old Testament as God works with the Israelite, who continually wander, disobey and forget the Lord's commandments. (Exodus 14:14)

6: Resourceful Enough: We are called to not worry about what we will eat or wear tomorrow, because the Lord will always meet our absolute needs. "The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing."
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus"- Philippians 4:19

7. Able Enough : Whatever we lack in skill, opportunity, and general ability, God is able to give us what we need to do any good work he has purposed for us. (2 Corinthians 9:8)




When I'm not enough as a mother...it's ok.

When I'm not enough as a wife...it's ok.

When I'm not enough...it's ok.

Because God is MORE than enough. So rather than turning to myself and inner flawed person, I can turn to my Maker and Lord for absolutely everything.