Encouragement for the Frazzled Mom

As I was getting ready for church on Sunday, chaos ensued.

My kids were still in their PJs. M was begging for food. Then they both decided they wanted to play with the same toy which ended in many tears. We were running out of time and I still needed a shower. Oh golly!!

I got the kids something to eat and turned on the TV so I could shower. I know it’s not the best solution but . . . it worked. The hubs listened for them while I showered. He’s the pastor so he’s a little busy on Sundays. I don’t like to add to his burden on Sundays, well, I try.

I got dressed and then got A and M dressed. After that, I double-checked the bag to make sure there’s at least one diaper and a few wipes.

I stepped back in the bathroom after hubby showers to brush my teeth and maybe dry my hair (if there’s time).

After grabbing water cups, I herd the kids to the car. I go back to the house for my Bible, something for me to eat and whatever else I forgot. Theres always something I need to go back for, even though I get things ready the night before. Amazing!

I finally make it to the car with the family. We are ready to go to church when there is a stench coming from a dirty diaper. So I go back to the house to get the baby clean and dry. Wowza!

Some Sundays I’m so tired by this point that I want a nap before I even leave for church.

Truth is, I often show up frazzled wherever I go. Some days just getting out the door with a few essentials is an accomplishment.

I haven’t forgot the kids have I? Thankfully, I haven’t forgotten them yet. lol

Being a mom is hard!! There’s no doubt about it.

On chaotic mornings, the introvert in me needs a little quiet on the way to church to calm my spirit.

Bad days happen. They are expected.

But the good news – We have Jesus!!!!

We are not defeated!! Especially on days that seems to never end.

We may be tired but we are not defeated!!

Over the past few years, God has given me the following verses to shelter me from the storm. If your spirit needs some care, these verses are for you too!!

• And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

I don’t know about you but the word weary just makes me tired. Being weary is not just being tired it is showing tiredness. I can put on a happy face and fake it sometimes but when you’re tired to your bones it shows. It shows in your eyes and your attitude. Weariness is not a pleasant place. Protect yourself from weariness by resting and asking for help. If you need a nap get a sitter or ask someone to help out. There’s no shame in filling your rest tank. Paul said ‘Don’t be weary while you’re doing good’ and being a godly mother is doing something good. Rest and keep going for there is something good coming.

• He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young. Isaiah 40:11

This is currently my favorite verse. Jesus shepherds everyone but He carries the lambs and gently leads us with young ones. This reminds me that He knows being a mom of little ones is hard and He is gentle with us. He knows that we have limits as moms of young ones. We can’t do things like the others because our children need us. This is the season where our ministry is to our children and they run at a different speed than adults. I don’t know about you but gentleness sounds pretty nice.

• Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Oh, rest. There was a time when I hadn’t slept more than six hours at a time for months. My hair was falling out, my skin was a mess, and I felt terrible all the time. Talking about weary!! The use of sleep deprivation as a torture device is not by accident. There’s nothing like being desperate for sleep but you are just not allowed to fill that need. This season of worrying about our kids and sleepless nights are coming to an end. Soon it will be a memory. For now, remind yourself that He is gentle and lowly and He will give you rest.

• For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Tim 1:7

Since I had my kids I’ve experienced a new level of fear. Don’t go too close to the water! Don’t jump on the couch! Let’s come away from the electrical outlet! Those statements that every mom has said comes from fear. Oh goodness, how about when I didn’t see A in the store for a split second. Shear panic!!! Of course, she was right behind me. Whew!! Mommy panic is real!! We need to watch our kids around danger spots but He doesn’t want us to constantly live in a state of fear. Check out this post to see the difference and how to overcome fear. Instead of living in fear, God wants us to live in power, love, and self-control. Now that’s a mindset shift.

• Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Boy, this verse hits home. I spend too much energy on things that God has control over and I often pray that God will help me release my anxiety. Scripture doesn’t stop with ‘do not be anxious’ but continues with ‘and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’.  In Susan’s words, don’t worry but find His peace and He will keep your mind clear in the chaos.

• The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23

Again, does it get much better? His love never ends and his mercies are new every morning. We need Jesus every day. He has new love and new mercy for us every day. It never gets old or wears out. Great is His faithfulness.

I encourage you to use these verses in the midst or your craziness. Memorize them and recall them often. If your kids are old enough, memorize the verses together.

I also created a beautiful printable for you! Be sure to grab it below.

Print them out and hang them all over your house! Move them around and be sure to stick one in your wallet. We all need to be reminded of Jesus at the grocery store. : )

To make the verses extra nice, print on card stock and laminate or print at your local photo department (my favorite). There’s enough margin to print on an 8×10. Just re-center the image so you don’t lose the edges.

Lastly, God has brought you to this point in motherhood and He’s not planning to leave you in the chaos!!! He’s leading you gently and wants to bring you peace.

Be encouraged Mama!!! The crazy days will be over soon enough. Let’s bask in the chaos with Jesus and enjoy the moments while we have them.