Whenever my 3 year-old Emmy has even the slightest of stuffy noses, she’ll stir several times in the night thrashing and crying out in her sleep. No matter what we do to clear her nose (nasal aspirator, essential oils, blowing her nose), it doesn’t stay that way for long and she cannot seem to get a handle on breathing through her mouth while her nose is out of commission.

We always know we’re in for it for a couple nights in a row when this happens. She’ll cry out repeatedly trying to breathe through her nose, and gets mad as a hornet because she can’t. She becomes completely irrational and can’t be settled — as 3 year-olds often do.

One night right before Easter, I sat with her on the couch late into the night comforting and rocking her, praying her nasal passages would clear up so she could rest. She drifted off to sleep again as this thought came to mind,

“I wish I could trade places with her for the night.”

I was willing to suffer a little while, so she could sleep comfortably. If only that were possible.

In that moment, hopelessly worn-out from the extended mom hours that night, the Holy Spirit immediately brought Jesus to mind. Jesus willingly suffered much more than a stuffy nose for His children to be able to enter into His rest. (Hebrews 4) In that moment, I knew His heart for us.

I experienced a teensy bit of His love for His children in my love for my spirited little Miss and desire to see her whole and at peace.

That mama-love you display so faithfully, desiring that your child be well, be whole, and able to rest mirrors that of our Savior. So if you ever get the notion that you’re not enough, or are failing in a million different ways — remember this: you love and desire good things for your child like Jesus does for his. That doesn’t sound like failing — it sounds like a human mother doing what God created her to do.

This is for the writer, the speaker, the dreamer, the artist in all of us.

Those with the desire to share what God is doing in their lives.

You may think your story is boring.

Or uneventful.

Or too this. Or too that.

But the truth is, your story is important. It’s needed.

Your family needs to hear it. Your fellow mom community needs to hear it. You need to hear it. Like out loud.

To proclaim what God has done, and how He is moving in and through your life. Through your story. Through the perspective that only you can give.

So often we allow our mouths to be muted to the work happening within us. Maybe we’re fearful. Apprehensive about what others may say. Or we need time. Time to process and figure out what it all means … to be a new creation; a transformed follower of Jesus. Being quiet can seem like the safe choice. The better choice. The easy choice.

For life in general has a way of shaping us and molding us. And not always in the most pleasant ways. Every day our patience levels are being stretched to their limits. Our sanity and compassion is being tested on an hourly sometimes minute-by-minute basis. Our knees and hearts ache with the prayers offered up in desperation, laying our hopes and dreams for our children (and for ourselves) at the foot of the cross.

And all these things, the moving and molding, the developing and discipleship, are all a part of our story.

So share it. Please.

Because it’s important. YOU, my friend, are important.

No story is the same. No life script identical.

So go and declare what God has done. What He is doing.

The world is waiting to hear about your life. In your words.

For those of you who know that burning within. The urge to share. Whether through writing, speaking, singing, painting, or simply sharing with your family. You know who you are. This is your call to action. However God has gifted you, use those gifts! For your family. For your friends. For the world.

LET  YOUR  LIFE  BE  A  MEGAPHONE  FOR  HIS  GLORY.

We’re cheering for you! xo

*** Keep your ears tuned for ways you may be able to share your mothering adventures and stories with The Masterpiece Mom in the future. We want to be a community that encourages and builds one another up. And one way we can do that is through sharing from our own mothering experiences (the good, the bad, and the embarrassing). More than anything, we want this space to be a place where you find hope and encouragement for your mothering journey, every step of the way. We’re excited to share more with you soon. Stay tuned. ***

We just loved having Casey Chappell on the podcast for two episodes! Have you heard Part 1 of our conversation with her? If not, head on over and listen… we’ll save a spot for you right here.

Don’t mind the fact that we went all nuts thinking this was our 50th episode. We sometimes lose track and record an entire episode (or two) stating the wrong episode number and throwing premature parties. But that’s us! We’ll celebrate for real next time! 

If you’re unfamiliar with Casey, we’d love to introduce you to her! She’s a blogger and stay-at-home mom of 6 beautiful kids while serving in ministry with her husband, Dan. She lives in Texas with her family. You can find her blog here and connect with her on Instagram right here.

Thanks for joining us for the continuation of our time talking with Casey! Press play below, or take us on the road using the Podcasts app on your iPhone or the Stitcher Radio app for Android!

**Can we ask you a wee favor? Would you share The Masterpiece Mom podcast with your friends? Why not share a favorite episode with them by clicking one of the share buttons at the bottom of the post? Thanks so much! We could all use a little more hope and encouragement as a mom.**

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When asked how I do it all as a mom of a big family, my answer is always the same:

“Well, I have an amazing husband. We’re a really good team.” 

That is the 100% truth. Sometimes I wonder what the person asking the question means by the word “all.” Are they assuming I do more than I actually do? Or maybe they’re simply observing the fact that I’m keeping eight kids alive and am managing to feed them somehow. A feat in itself!

I couldn’t possibly take full credit for the good (or the bad) one might see when they look at how our family functions, or at least how it appears on the outside.

I don’t do it all alone. Far from it. One half of a parenting team was not meant to do the work of both parents.

In an imperfect world wrought with the pain of sin and death, sometimes single parenting becomes a reality. In this instance, and for these purposes, I’m speaking of the partnership of parenting as a married couple.

……

How does one create and sustain an environment in the home where two parents are working as one unit toward a common goal without completely losing it? As we all know, it’s NOT EASY to parent our children well and create a thriving and loving marriage at the same time. It can be crazy-hard.

Here are a few things we’ve learned in our fifteen years as parents. Most, if not all, of these points were learned the hard way. Through the years, we’ve been impatient with each other and our kids. We’ve placed lots of expectations on each other and our kids. We’ve had to reverse bad habits, hold our tongues while opening our ears, and let Christ renew our minds so we could better relate to each other and our kids as we walk this road together.

I imagine if you’re still reading this, you want to love your spouse and family well. And to do that, we all need to put in the work.

……

1.  Raise this family together. – You made the family together, now it’s time to raise the family together. Men have work to do in life. Women have work to do in life. Neither reality exempts one parent or another from the work of intentional parenting. Serve each other and your children as Christ loved and served us. His love was sacrificial and purposeful, with a commitment to see it through to the end. We were made to do this together. As a team.

2.  Make a Plan. –  How do you know where you’re going and what your goals are if you don’t discuss them? Sit down and talk about what God wants for you as a couple and for your family, and the traits you’d like your family to possess. It sounds so simple, but the results of actually talking it out can make a profound difference.

3.  Grace. Lots of grace. – Both parents bring strengths to the team. Both parents bring weaknesses to the team. Don’t dwell on the differences or weaknesses, but rather let Christ use your strengths to build up your marriage and family unit for His glory. Give the same kind of grace to each other as you would like to receive when your faults are showing. Because they will show. How would you like this to be handled by your spouse? Whatever your answer, act in that way when your spouse’s weaknesses make an appearance. Grace. It’s a beautiful thing.

4.  Sin isn’t the worst thing that can happen. Though your unwillingness to admit it might be. It’s no secret that we all sin. Let’s stop trying to cover it up by justifying and coddling it. Sin is an everyday occurrence, but we must handle it correctly if we want any kind of relationship with our spouse and children. Admit your failure before Christ and your family, ask for forgiveness, and draw near to Him while choosing a better way. Show your kids this process from time to time as well. They will only benefit from witnessing your humility and desire to make things right.

5.  Friendly and loving interaction. – This one is the hardest when you’re tired. All parents are tired. So this is difficult for all of us. Choosing friendly and loving interactions might be the very thing that pushes your marriage from dry to dynamic. Though it takes a lot of self-control and intentionality — kind words, warm smiles, and forgiving attitudes are an integral part of a thriving marriage. Ask any spouse who feels the sting of an icy husband or wife on a regular basis, and they’d say a little kindness and a smile would go a long way in improving the relationship.

6. Opponents make enemies. Teammates get somewhere together. I’ve never seen two opponents accomplish anything together because they’re always heading in opposite directions. Are we working against each other in our parenting? Always challenging the other person’s actions and ideas, trying to “beat” them with our own? Or are we working side-by-side our spouse toward a common goal?

7. Selfish actions and attitudes will sink the boat. – As you can see, what I’ve shared isn’t really about parenting at all. It’s about selflessly loving each other, so you can be on the same team so you can parent well. Selfishness is at the root of most every unhealthy marriage. So if you want your relationship (and your family) to head in a different direction? Seek the Lord, and take an inventory of all the ways you’re contributing to the selfish parent fund, and see what you and Jesus can do about it.

In which of these areas would you most like to see improvement in your marriage and parenting partnership?

We’re in this together! We’re praying for your marriages and for you as a parenting team. Let us know how we can pray!

I was recently visiting the little town I grew up in: Vancouver, WA.

And it never ceases to amaze me how quickly I get right back into the groove of living in the ‘Couve. My favorite shopping spots are there (Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and NW 23^rd). Some of my favorite people are there (the church family I grew up in, my folks, my sweet little grandmother, my brother and his fam, and my best friend from college). It all just feels so normal. And, well, home-ish to me.

For the first time ever, we welcomed a live guest into our studio (also known as Anne-Renee’s living room). So fancy!

Casey Chappell is a SAH mom of 6 kiddos, ages 7 and under. She dabbles in photography, writes when she has the brain margin to do so, and is a firm believer in following hard after the heart of God in every season of life. She was an amazing guest, sharing the raw and unedited parts of her journey with us. How “motherhood sometimes feels like you’ve got something under the broiler in about seven different areas… and if you take your mind off of just one of those areas, something potentially disastrous can happen.” Oh, how we can all relate!

So sit back and listen in to Part 1 of our conversation with Casey. You can find her online at www.caseychappell.com, The Identify Network on Facebook, and over on Instagram: @caseychappell  — go get to know Casey, you’ll love her!

In this episode we chatted about the Voxer app we all so enjoy, here’s more info: www.voxer.com

Thanks so much for listening!

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I’m not the type who has boxes full of seasonal decor up in my attic (other than Christmastime, of course). I just love to move things around a bit and sometimes spend a few dollars to make things feel fresh again as the seasons come and go.

I like my main living space to match what’s going on outside. If it’s fall, I love my space to feel cozy and warm. In winter, I love plenty of light. In spring, it’s color I love. And in summer, I’m all about fresh and fun.

Based on my own style of “get it cheap and get it cute”, and how I love to use what I already have, here are some ways I’ve found to make my home feel fresh again for nearly nothing.

1. Use books to decorate. 

There isn’t a room in our home that isn’t packed full of books. We’re big fans. Books serve many functions. Other than the reading of said books, I adore decorating with them. Whether I’m leaning a book against a wall on a shelf, strategically placing a small stack in a certain color, or putting them out based on the season they pertain to. I’m crazy about using books as a centerpiece for my decorating.

2. Shop your own house. 

I’m not sure if I learned this in one particular place or not, but for years I’ve been moving things around from room to room giving framed pictures, baskets, candleholders, pillows, furniture, and lamps new life. Try it — you’ll like it.

3. Buy inexpensive items that make a big statement. 

A few months ago I bought two pennant banners made from thick brown craft paper for $1 each. Right now they’re making a fun and light-hearted statement in my living and dining spaces. Houseplants are also an inexpensive and beautiful way to bring in some color (if you can manage to keep them happy and alive too.) Have I ever mentioned my love affair with washi tape? Cheap and fun. Go ahead and tape something to the wall!

4.  Bring the outdoors in. 

I make it a point to try and use whatever rocks, branches, pinecones, and flowers (dead or alive) my kids bring in from the outside. Pinecones made a great “wreath” at the base of a glass votive candle holder and pussy willow branches are gorgeous placed in a jar atop a stack of books!

5. Spruce up your throw pillows. 

Changing out throw pillow covers can make a huge impact. Several times over the years, I’ve sewn my own pillow covers to change things up. I use pillows I already have, thrifted pillows, or pillows that are crazy ugly but are so cheap on clearance I can’t help but cover them with a print I love. If you can sew a couple straight lines, you can make your own throw pillow covers. Tip: I line my covers with fusible fleece, found in the interfacing section at the fabric store. It irons onto the inside and makes your covers look like they came on the pillow. No more floppy cases.

6. Collect fun and timeless pieces that will work for any season. 

My favorite pieces in my living room are ones that have either been handed down to me, I’ve gotten for free, or I’ve paid $26 or less for. One is a dresser that has been in my family since before I was born (which now holds homeschooling books and supplies.) Another is a stump my husband lovingly chopped down, peeled, sanded, and dried out for me to use as an end table or seat. One is a magazine rack that was refurbished and painted a fabulously distressed apple red I paid $26 for. Another is a round antique end table with a small drawer given to me by a family member. And the last is a wooden bench I scored at a yard sale for $10. Your living spaces don’t have to be filled with expensive items or furniture. The more nostalgia, the better the deal, and the most versatility is my top reason for keeping things around my home.

7.  Treat yourself to fresh flowers. 

Sigh. I’m crazy about fresh flowers. My kitchen island is happiest when a vase of cut flowers adorns it. I treat myself to a bunch every couple months, and my husband brings them home every few months when my day has been especially trying. We both speak this love language of mine. It’s a pretty and inexpensive way to liven up any space. I’m also not against artificial flowers. In January, after putting away all the Christmas goodies, I snagged a few bunches of fake flowers in hopes of displaying some pops of color that would last because winter wasn’t going away anytime soon and this girl needed something colorful to look at.

Decorating Inspiration:

The Nesting Place – I love Myquillyn’s mantra: It doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. 

Country Living Magazine – Finally! A magazine that speaks my decorating language.

French Country Cottage on Instagram

HGTV’s Fixer Upper – I have yet to meet a person who doesn’t adore Joanna Gaines and her style.

Do you have a decorating style or tip you’d like to share? We’re all ears. 

Come say hello and see more of Amanda’s home and family life over on Instagram!

I so wish I could take every single one of you out for coffee and spend the afternoon swapping stories and listening to what is really going on in your lives. And then after hearing about the hard things, the craziness, the unexplainable, the worrisome, and the gooey parts of motherhood that still make your heart melt, I would tell you it’s all going to be okay. For reals. And then smother you with a big ol’ hug.

But because the miles separate us, and the likelihood of me ever having enough money to buy every single one of you a really outstanding cup of coffee is close to nil (and because some of you don’t even like coffee), I’ve written you a letter instead. Inexpensive, but heartfelt. Because I love you. And also because I think you need to hear this – no matter how old your children are, or what season of mothering you find yourself in.

And if you want, you can read this in a coffee shop and imagine we’re sitting and sipping together. You with your favorite delicious concoction, and me with my 12 ounce Americano with English Toffee and a little cream (unless they have a really yummy sounding special and then I’m probably drinking that).

So dear sweet mama, this one’s for you.

Dear Mom,

Just BREATHE. It’s all gonna be okay.

For you are loved. More than you’ll ever know. (This side of heaven anyway.)

You don’t have to be fearful. You don’t have to worry.

And you don’t need to know all the answers.

Because believe it or not, God’s got it all under control.

Yes, your job is big and important. Very important. With lots of responsibilities and to-dos.

That’s why you need to REST in Him and His promises. Daily. Hourly. Minute by minute. He won’t let you down. I promise.

DIG DEEP into His Word and RELY heavily on His truths. (And not all that crazy stuff the world likes to shout at you.)

I know there’s been days … weeks … months … where you’ve felt tired and overwhelmed. Alone in your struggle. Alone in your duties.

But TRUST — you are not alone.

He sees you.

And,

He. Is. With. You. Always.

In all.

Through all.

So Mom, dear Mom, you’re doin’ great! And what you’re doing as a mom really matters. Keep up the good work! And know: We’re cheering for YOU!!!

With much love,

Anne-Renee (from The Masterpiece Mom)

P.S. – Your family is blessed to have YOU!

I don’t believe any of us would really want to leave our kids unprepared for the challenges ahead in adulthood. We want what’s best for them. Truly we do. 

But sometimes we do our parenting thing without giving a thought to how our actions right now will play out in their adult years.

Sometimes we coddle and cater to these children God entrusted to us — wanting so badly for them to have this pleasant and lovely childhood, that we never teach our kids how to really live. Because really living sometimes involves doing hard things. “Sometimes” meaning a lot of the time.

Our kids don’t need every battle fought for them.

They don’t need us to make excuses for them.

They don’t always need to be rescued.

They don’t need to sit out of the hard work.

And they won’t benefit from having parents who dismiss the learning experience living with consequences will bring them.

Adults can attest to the fact that living with the effects of our actions is a very real part of adult life. We also know the stakes are higher as we age.

Your kids and my kids will benefit from helping with chores, learning to cook, fighting some of their own battles, sharing rooms with siblings, and loving people who are having a hard time. They also gain from earning privileges, saving money, having responsibilities, and failing at things they set out to do.

Never once have I witnessed a child benefit from having an easy world, void of consequences, handed to them.

Instead of letting them escape the repercussion of their choices, our kids need us to walk beside them as they face them — lovingly, graciously, and without condemnation. And that, my friends is where the hard work lies for us.

Related reading: Your Kid, 10 Years Later

Are the habits we’re engaging in draining the life out of us and the people around us, or giving us life? On today’s episode, we’re discussing this very topic. Won’t you join us? Also, listen to the end to hear the things we’re currently obsessed with!

We’re so glad to have you. Thanks for listening!