I adore my children.
I don’t mean I adore them as in they are my babies and so of course I think they are awesome, spectacular, beautiful, etc. I mean I really adore them, who they are, their personalities and their opinions and the fact that they are separate-from-me people who I like hanging out with. Last night I sat in my oldest daughters bedroom while she organized all of her drawers and her closet. We just talked and sorted and giggled and we were friends. It was really just lovely. And my son, he is hilarious with his intense facial expressions, and he is passionate and fierce and he loves to cuddle and sniff my face and I pray he gets a wife who likes that. Then there is Caroline, a ball of sass inside a four-year-old body. She is all hands-on-hips and fairies and dancing and sweet as pie one minute and demanding and saucy the next. But they are all so cool; weaved so interestingly by their Father. It’s a wonder.
It took a long time for me to get here, to this season of rest and of enjoyment of my children. I mean, I want to hang out with them.
I feel like we’re in this cocoon stage for a while before they burst out and want to fly while I balance keeping them on the ground awhile longer and letting them shake their colors and soar. The teen years. Which I don’t fear at all. I like teenagers, and I think that if I can just hold on tight and make it through, we’ll get to the other side, when their sane, and in their mid-twenties. But obviously I have no idea because I’m not even close to that yet; cocoon, remember. We’re growing together, building character and putting light to dark and learning grace and…well, all the things I suppose we’ll be doing for the rest of our lives. So really, we’re setting foundation; we’re putting handprints into the concrete.
Life is at peace right now. There is much work to do, much cultivating of little souls, but there is rest.
This is the pay-off, the first pay-off.
We are through the sleepless nights, the diapers, the toddler tantrums, and the mommy-has-to-do-everything stage. Seven years in with the youngest being four; there is reprieve.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you truly.
But the reprieve is only for a season, really only a moment to take a deep breath, reflect upon, and begin again. A hospital stay after the birth, a warm day in the middle of winter, a full-nights sleep with a newborn. A moment, by God’s grace, to catch up so to speak.
{breathe}
And now I’m off to begin again and work and keep at it knowing I’ll make mistakes, but I’ll do some things really right. And when those teen years come, I’ll be ready. Ready with grace and listening ears and history and long nights in bedrooms as one of them organizes. I’ll be ready, because I’m here, and I’m not giving up, and I never never never will, so help me God.
Love, SM
Today, if you could use some encouragement, some help in these wild mother years, just enter below to win a copy of Desperate – Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe, along with a pretty little tea cup and a copy of the just-today released Desperate DVD (great for small groups). After you’ve entered, you might want to head over here where there is another special giveaway (think maid service)!
Also, the Kindle version of Desperate is $3.99, today only!
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sarah says
The joy once we get there is worth it, the season of rest and enjoyment. I honestly wasn’t sure I’d make it here, past the physical exhaustion of babies and the emotional exhaustion of toddlers/preschoolers. I’d love to read the book!
marci says
Beautifully written!
marci says
Beautifully written! I can relate.
marci says
Beautifully written! I can relate. I would love to read the book!
Erin says
I would LOVE this book. I can relate!!!
Sarah says
Love seeing motherhood put into seasons.
Amy says
Thank you for the giveaway! As a mom with two kids under 3, it’s nice to learn from somebody who has been through this awesome, yet exhausting, stage.
Megan Mattinson says
Thanks for the giveaway! I am definitely still in the desperate season of motherhood!
Adrienne says
Thanks for this book. My kids are now 16 and 14, so I can breathe…. But there are days. I would love to have this book to place in our church library; there are many moms of little kids that need to hear this message.
Blessings,
Adrienne
Tristi says
The title of your book is so enticing!
Andrea says
Needed this!! Thank you! And thank you for your raffle!
jimmie lee says
I became a young mom at 16 so my oldest was 10 1/2 when my second was born. I didn’t know starting all over with a husband and a home and a job would be so HARD. But I am getting to a better place two years later and it can only go up from here 🙂
melissa says
beautiful and truly encouraging to this mama well on my way to this place. three, six and under i still see many tantrums and power struggles but I too, love being with my children. they are just awesome little people:)
wanda says
I know exactly how you feel. I was mad in love with my children every single stage of their lives. My hubby and I would say….THIS is our favorite year with our kids. Every year.
Now that they are 18, 20 & 22 THIS IS OUR FAVORITE YEAR!! haha
They are so much fun. They are so cool to hang out with. I love everything about them!
The pay-off’s continue!
Leann says
My son is about to turn 3 and things finally feel like they are slowing down a bit. He is our one and only and will probably always be our one and only. And we’re okay with that. He has the most awesome personality, love people, is empathetic and kind, but wild and funny and runs away from me too often. But I like to be with him because he makes me laugh and he’s intelligent and talks like a mini-adult. I’m really starting to enjoy these times. The 0-2 years were kind of tough!
Missy June says
I’m in a season of reward, but facing a whole new challenge as I remarry and the youngest begins school this fall!
Brandi N. says
Love me some Sarah Mae! In this season of motherhood for me, I can’t imagine how relieving this book would be for me!
Kathleen says
Thanks for sharing! I’m still in the trenches with 3 little ones, and would love to read the book. (Tho I might have to put some coffee in the tea cup… =)
Heather Simmons says
I am a mother of four. One is a teenager and the other three are 6 and 7 with two being twins. I meet challenges everyday! What a journey it is with the ups and downs! Thank you for your devotionals.
Marcy says
I’m just leaving a zone of easy breathing and find myself weary as I preview the next zone. I laid in bed with my daughter after a rough evening last night and felt hope rise and love cover. Thanks for the reminder this morning that what is, is not what always will be.
Lisa White says
My husband and I bless our 5 children (ages 8 to 16) with these words, “My beloved son/daughter —-(his or her name), in whom I am well pleased. You are a joy and a delight, and I thank God for you!” We truly mean every word.
Stacey says
Lovely thoughts today. I thought I was almost to that place you describe… And then God surprised us with baby #4. Now I’m in the middle of overwhelmed again.
tammy@meadows speak says
I was just telling a friend YESTERDAY, about cocoons, except I called mine a “bubble”. I finally feel like I’m able to emerge because my kids are getting older. By the way, Sarah Mae, your book Desperate came at time I needed fellowship the most and your book was the a good excuse to be with friends {some old, some new}. Your openness has allowed us to go leaps and bounds into transparency so we can encourage eachother.
Lori says
As the mom of 3, I can completely relate about the need to breathe. Moments of deep breaths and the realization that you are still needed, no matter the age. Discovering who your children are and being ok with them, to encourage and love. It’s a great gift we’re given, even if it’s exhausting. Thank you! ~lm
Brittany says
I needed to read this today. Thank you!
Karen says
I’ve just entered the teen years, and I still need to breathe. Wow! What a roller-coaster.
Would love to read the book.
Nadine says
Thanks for your honesty, it’s so much better knowing you’re not the only one.
jen says
I so relate to this and so adore my children! Thank you for being so open about struggles makes me feel normal
AlyssaZ says
In the midst of baby raising it is good to know that there is a ‘payoff’ in sight! Thanks for sharing this great word today!
Heather McG says
Thanks for writing a book to which so many of us can relate! I need to regularly remind myself to breathe as, even in those harried moments where I wish for a second we were past all this chaos, eventually these are the times that will be cherished in our hearts. The messy, chaotic, life & love & hope filled times. It’s nice to be reminded that frazzled is normal!
Kaci Berry says
Oh, the truth! I have an 18 year old about to start college, and now a 4 year old…Those breaths are NEEDED!!!
Hugs!
Emily says
Hoping to get there soon! With Anne being 13 months, it is only one day at a time for now
Rebecca says
I am a DESPARATE mom more often than not these days- would love to win that book.. 🙂
Marla says
Feeling “Desperate” at times!
Sarah K says
I really want to read this book!
Pam M says
This would be great for me. I am 3.5 years in and still have not figured out how to regularly take time for myself without feeling guilty.
Nadia says
I’m so glad to know that my first “pay off” will come. Thanks Ms. Sarah Mae.
Kelly says
This post was so encouraging! Thank you!
Summer says
I live with a family that does foster care and I think this book would be such a blessing to her!
Marcella says
I would love to win this for a friend who is going through a long season of trials.
Thanks!
Laura says
I would love a dvd to share with my Desperate Moms Group!
Stephanie S says
Love this post! My kids are 4 and 1 and I just starting to see feel like I have some breathing room with them. I love seeing them turn from infants to toddlers to small children. They are becoming such beautiful girls.
Vicki B. says
I’m struggling right now and would love to get this book. It has been on my to-read list since it came out!
Meghan says
I am really looking forward to a breath of air after this difficult season I’m in. I’m so emotionally exhausted every day with my 4 year old (and physically exhausted from my 2 year old and newborn!).
Lina says
My girls are grown up and doing the keeping a job, who am I, what next dance. However, my sister in law is pregnant with baby #2 and has a very precocious 3 year old and I would love to give the book to her if I won it… Thanks!
Bethany says
Would love to read your book!
beth says
so encouraging and I would love to give your book and the mug to my sister who desperately needs encouragement!
Melissa says
Such a beautiful post! I am in that same spot – I love spending time with my kids and seeing how different each one is.
Amanda Jones says
I would love to read this book. I’m the mama of 5 (ages 4-almost 13) and it’s definitely been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done. 🙂 I’m enjoying this ‘reprieve’, but I know other stages will bring their own challenges.
sheri anderson says
Sounds like a wonderful book and so much truth!
Annie says
Loved this book, and have several mama friends I would love to share it with!
korrine says
i can’t wait to read this book…it sounds like it’s going to be awesome!
Jen says
I would love to read this book!
Jackie says
This book sounds delightful. Would love a copy!
Cori says
I am in this stage, too, with kids age 4, 7 and 8. We keep talking about wanting to find a pause button.
Amy says
Thanks for the giveaway. Yes, the desperate stage. That’s where we are…desperate for sleep, time, etc. But, the hugs and smiles and kisses and daily learning are amazing.
Danielle Christy says
This post was just perfect for me to read today! I’m pregnant with our 3rd baby, which was a bit of a surprise, and I’ve really been struggling with having 2 other younger kids (5 and 2) and struggling with being a mom to young kids and trying to have purpose and fulfillment in my life. Last week was a tough week for me so reading this, this morning really encouraged me. The book sounds like just what I need right now. Thanks so much for sharing!
Lee Anne says
Thank you for the article…your book looks lovely.
Pam says
Would love to try for the book. I wish I had had it years ago.Would like to give it away to some lucky mom.
Heather M. says
Would love to win!
brooke says
Thank you for allowing God to use you for His purposes! 🙂
brooke says
Just ordered the Kindle version…. can’t wait to start reading! Thank you…
Christina says
Such blessings children are. Thanks for this post. Would love to win the book.
Rjb says
Yes, little ones are such a joy!
Lindsay says
Loved your blog posting while back about showing our little ones patience and grace!
alizabeth says
Love your posts!
Stacey E says
Would love to win! You are so encouraging, I feel like you totally get me and it helps me want to do better.
Mandy says
I so need this book! I have a 4 year old, 3 year old, 1 year old and 5 month old twins and so desperately need to breathe! Sounds like a very encouraging book!
Joyce M. says
I am reminding myself to ‘breathe’ daily. 🙂 Thank you, Sarah Mae.
Paula McLane Jennings says
I desperately need to BREATHE! I have 2 sons ages 20 and 14. I’d take the ‘terrible twos’ twenty times if it would mean bypassing the ‘terrible teens’.
Genevieve Y. says
Thanks for sharing this!
Renee says
Oh I’ve been wanting a copy of Desperate! I am fighting the good fight – trying to be the Mom God created me to be – and every bit of encouragement helps. Blessings to you and yours!
julie says
thanks for this post, it really felt like a deep breath to me – i am feeling sad that my littlest one is no longer a baby, and i feel like i am in mourning actually! but THIS is the stuff i need to be focusing on, the pay offs! i’m working on it…
Rebekah W says
Would love to read this book..have toddlers, teens and 90yr old who is like a child.
Sarah says
I’m in the stage when I really feel the need for that time to breathe. We have wonderful moments when I feel as if I am really enjoying the journey and others when I feel so much like I’m struggling to keep up. It’s a struggling kind of day for me, so this post was just what I needed.
Gay Idle says
As a seasoned mom who is in the (almost) empty nest stage, I can say that the same is true for me! I love my kids…love their personalities and everything about who they are…feel so very blessed to have two adult children who are following hard and fast after the Lord!!
My daughter just had her first baby this past December…my first grand baby! Loving being a Gigi! I would love to win the giveaway for her. I had already ordered the book for to put in our churches library. So even if I don’t win I think I’ll order another for her…she would love it.
blessings,
Gay
Shaunta says
I was very encouraged by desperate. I’d love to win a copy to give to a friend.
Sheeba m says
A wonderful giveaway that I would love to win
Maegan Keel says
Thanks for introducing me to this book-I’ve been feeling a little desperate lately and I want to read this!
Erin says
Beautiful words — thanks for the encouragement!
Christine says
I appreciate your transparency. Mothering is so very challenging and so very rewarding. Blessings!
jodi says
Oh, how lovely this book sounds to this weary mother’s soul. Sometimes I feel like I might be doing something right. Oftentimes I feel I am not. Mothering…it can be so hard. Or maybe I am just so hard on myself?
JHollyhock (aka Jennifer H.) says
I love Sally Clarkson and could definitely use a breather. We have entered the teen years which has been very difficult yet we still have the tantrum throwing toddler stage as well….
Jace Marie says
I am reading this book and I know so many mothers I can pass this book along to.
Jennifer says
as a mom of 4 and always looking for a great Bible study to share with my friends I would love to win!
Gina says
Love it awesome!….Gina F
Lauren H. says
We’re quickly entering the demanding toddler years with my first in this household, and still battling with sleepless nights. It’s nice to be reminded that this is just a season, I think it allows the freedom to look past all of the struggle and frustration and enjoy it for what it is. Thank you!
Heather R says
I have three kids, 5 and under, and I loved reading your post! Thank you!
Marcie says
Would love to read this’
Kristi Winings says
I have been eyeing this book for some time now. I’d love to own it.
Lisa G says
Thank you for the chance to win your book, Sarah! And for this encouragement.
steph says
Would love to read the book and then pass it on. Just entering similar territory with 7 and 4 yo. We homeschool and so I obviously enjoy being with my kiddos, though somedays I need more of a reminder to not nitpick so often or rush around doing my stuff and miss out enjoying them. This time wont last and I need to relish it. We just had our very first family vaca states away and for 6 days. It was so lovely exploring together. Thankful to be breathing past the babystage though…loved it but love this too!
Karen says
I would love to read this book.
Jessica says
Enjoying your website-glad I found it!
Anonymous says
As a first time mom with a 5 month old…. I NEED rest!!! This book looks interesting, hopefully I win a copy
Jill says
I would love to win a copy!
Anna says
I stumbled upon this today and it refreshed my soul. Because there is hope. I still have two little ones in diapers and those days of sleep and peace are so wanting. I wondered if when they get a little older if there would be more of that. So thank you.
Sabrina says
Oh I look forward to those days that you’ve reached!!! Mine are 2, 3 and 4 right now and constantly fighting. I’m praying this is over soon.
Thanks for this wonderful giveaway!
Megan says
This book has been such a blessing to my life as a new mom. I would love to win a copy for my friend who just had her first baby.
Brenda says
I am a Desperate mom as I face 3 teenagers getting ready to leave the nest for awhile.
Tanya says
Looking forward to reading the book!
sara karr says
would love to win this the coffee cup would be not only a great reminder to be joyful and would be a special mug that I would drink out of often as a reminder and a lovely thought of Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson and how they not only touched my life and the lives of some many others
LeighAnn says
I so look forward to reading this book
Jenny b says
I have a 4 and a 1 year old and struggle with being “present” all the time. I feel like I’m waiting for some mythical age where everything will just be great and I’ll enjoy them so much all the time instead of being worn out and stressed. I’m looking forward to reading your book.
Christie says
I would love to read this book!!!!!!!!!!!
Misty says
I am a mom of 4 little ones & look forward to reading this book!
Dawn Acero says
We have a 2yr old, 4yr old, almost 6yr old, and a baby due in early October. We understand and agree! One day my husband was joking how our children are going to kill us ( so much energy and patience needed to parent), and asked what I wanted written on my gravestone. I told him, “Nobody told me!” Of course then he asked if I was going to tell our children exactly what is needed…and I hesitated! There is something in acquiring the mystery and skills on your own, approaching each day as a new gift, and always, Always reaching out to God for support, love, refreshment, and guidance.
Brenda F says
Thank you for sharing this!
Becky says
I’m looking forward to reading your book!
Penelope says
Thank you for your blog. It is so encouraging. I can’t wait to read your book.