Mother’s Day was such a lovely day. The weather was beautiful and I got the spend the entire day with Kev and Rowan. We went to church, then out to Brunch in Troy and then spent some time walking around Washington Park.
I don’t use this blog very often as a platform to share my beliefs (and will continue to keep it that way), but I couldn’t help but reflect on being a mother as we sat in church on Sunday. Being a Mom has completely changed who I am. Not in a bad way of course, I am still myself in every aspect but it has changed me from the inside out. I feel like becoming a parent is God’s way of giving us a small glimpse of understanding to the magnitude of love he has for us. He has humbled me in so many ways over this past 20 months and his grace has become even more evident. I read a book a while back about marriage and it stated… “what if God created marriage to make us holy instead of happy?” I kind of feel the same way about parenthood. I am far, far from perfect but I feel like everyday God is working in me and refining me to be more like him. I am trying to grow as a mother every day. To be more patient, more loving, more forgiving, and more giving. Becoming a parent also brings a lot of fear. Fear for the things you can’t control in your kids life (health, future, etc…). It gives me such comfort knowing that God has a plan mapped out for Rowan. That she was molded and created by him and that his plan will always be greater than mine. Being a Mom is one of the hardest jobs I have ever had. It is nonstop from the time you wake up, to the time you go to bed. There are no days off but it has been the greatest blessing I have ever experienced.
Rowan you have my whole heart. I could not be more proud to be called your Mom.
p.s. I am totally in love with this pretty dress and these wedges are by far the most comfortable, easy to walk in wedges I own.
OUTFIT DETAILS:
Dress: c/o Modcloth
Belt: Gap
Kork-Ease Felicia Wedges: Nordstrom (c/o)
Jean Jacket: J.Crew
I love that dress!
xoxo
http://natashafatah.com
I love that Gary Thomas book! It changed my whole way of thinking about marriage.
Glad you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Amen!!! God’s love, grace, and forgiveness is amazing and I loved reading how He is showing it to you through the live He has given you. You are an encouragement to us all to seek the core reason we are going through a trial or even a happy day.
I read that book as well right before I got married about a year ago and it was very challenging. It really transforms your focus from being inward on yourself to outward on others. Very powerful
Beautiful dress as well!
everything you said. exactly.
Aw Jen, this was such a beautiful post and I loved hearing about your experience as a mom from this point of view – really moving & inspiring!!
And this dress, belt + denim jacket… ah, swoon!! I actually have the same belt from the Gap & absolutely adore it. I just might have to re-create this outfit over the weekend! 😉 You look beautiful, sweet girl!! xo
How did I miss this dress when it went on the site? It looks beautiful on you!
I could not have said it better myself. I have three {in three years} and the speed at which God gives you more patience and the ability to withstand the fear that comes along with taking care of children that you love so much you would do anything for. You have a beautiful family and know that you are not alone in feeling that change that God gives us.
Happy Mothers Day!
one of my favorite posts of yours ever. beautifully said! (and love the dress!)
Jen, I was so refreshed and renewed by reading your post this morning. God’s faithfulness to reveal his goodness is just astounding. Thanks for sharing, sister!
Jen, we share a similar faith and I feel the same way. Motherhood is amazing and the love in my heart has been growing since Rooney was born. It is such an amazing job but you are right that it never ends! 🙂
Ah!! Love the dress! Love love love it! Especially paired with the hot pink belt. Bravo!
– Sarah
agirlintransit.blogspot.com
This is such a pretty outfit, just the kind of thing I’d like to wear all the time this spring. I really want to add more dresses to my wardrobe and this one is so lovely! Stripes are my favourite print by far, and I can’t get enough of white and bright colours these days, so it’s no wonder that I’m really inspired by this look.
It is so interesting to read about your beliefs about faith and motherhood. Even though I’m not even close to having kids of my own, I do have some of the same beliefs, and really look forward to the days I get to be a mom, no matter how far off they might be.
Hope you’re having a great week so far!
“I feel like becoming a parent is God’s way of giving us a small glimpse of understanding to the magnitude of love he has for us.”
Totally agree. I’m in awe that God would give His only Son for us. I could never give my son to die for people who hated him.
Jen you are awesome! What you believe/who you are has always just radiated from this blog, whether intentional or not. With posts like this you make me not so nervous (and excited, whaaat?) about having little ones someday.
Oh, and a month or so ago I tried those shoes on at Nordstroms over and over, lamenting over the fact that they were not mine. Ha, it was a very serious love. They look wonderful on you!
I love the touch of neon!
LOVE that dress!!! Really cute =)
I really enjoyed Sacred Marriage too! I read it right before I got engaged and it was really what helped me realize that getting married didn’t mean that I would be giving up my ability to love and serve others well. In contrast, it would make me a better person. And it has! I don’t have kids yet, but I know that someday I will experience even more of the type of love you talked about. I’m looking forward to it!
P.S. Love the dress!
While I respect your opinion, I disagree when you say God has a plan for people. Takes away all responsibility for ones actions. Things happen for a reason, but not because God planned them.Pretty Dress!
GREAT shoes!
You took the words right out of my mouth! I agree with everything you said 100%.
You looks super adorable and your words inspire me and I hope will inspire others! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on motherhood and faith.
Happy belated mother’s day!
xo Jennifer
http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com
I think that parenting makes you learn so much about yourself, love, relationships, and over all what’s important. If you can’t see that then you’re totally missing the big picture. Looks like a good book, just picked it up on amazon. LOVE those shoes.
that was incredibly sweet and a wonderful reminder, thank you so much for sharing! what a beautiful thing it is that we can trust God with our lives and the lives of the ones we hold most dear to us. We are so blessed that His plan is greater than our own. Reading your blog gives me great joy about being a mother someday!
You so beautifully wrote out how I (and I’m sure many other parents) have felt since my daughter was born 15 months ago. It’s like a light was turned on and I finally saw and felt the amount of love God has for us. It’s a pretty amazing feeling.
Thank you for sharing!
Well, said! Thanks for being brave enough to share your heart on your blog- your love for your family is truly apparant!
You look totally adorable. LOVE your shoes.
http://shannonhearts.blogspot.com
Thankyou so much for sharing Jen! It’s so refreshing to hear you echo my beliefs about God, marriage and parenthood!
You are one pretty Mom Jen! You look adorable in this dress!
You are such a beautiful person! and this dress totally brings it out. I am sure when Rowan looks back at this blog she’ll be very proud to have such amazing and beautiful mom! You make motherhood look beautiful. Thank you.
Oh goodness, you are so inspiring. Rowan is truly blessed to have you as a mom!
Have you read The Shack by William P. Young? What you were saying about God giving us children so we can get a glimpse of the love He has for us is one of the things I am getting out of reading it. If you haven’t read it yet, I think you would love it.