Unintentionally Inspired by Mom
To continue All About Mom month, it is my pleasure to introduce guest blogger, Erin MacPherson, my friend and the author of The Christian Mama’s Guide series. I was honored to endorse, The Christian Mama’s Guide to the School Years.
xoBecky
P.S. Enter to win the four book series! Details are listed below.
Unintentionally Inspired by Mom
by Erin MacPherson
My mom and I. Me and my mom.
We have an…what shall I call it?…interesting relationship. Formed through years of prayer, decades of hopeful conversation, mutual understanding, strong-willed emotion, and a good dose of teenage angst and rebellion mixed in for good measure.
I’ll admit it: there was a time when I was convinced that my mom was a relic. A relic that couldn’t possibly understand the modern world that I lived in.
I, of course, had life all figured out. But she was old—outdated if you will. How could she at forty understand what its like to stand alone in a college dorm room and choose right over easy? Or to know that buy-it-now-and-pay-later is much more convenient than eating dinner off of a cardboard box because I couldn’t afford a table? Or to know recognize that the tried-and-true principals she had touted when I was a kid simply didn’t cut it in my new-thinking world.
I didn’t need my mom’s old-fashioned ideas. (Didn’t she realize that things have changed since the 70’s?)
I didn’t need my mom’s help. (Unless, of course, I couldn’t pay my rent.)
And I certainly didn’t need my mom’s advice.
But then it happened: I had a son.
And not the sweet-tempered, well-behaved son that I had envisioned raising, but instead, a wild-hearted boy who thought he knew all the answers. Sound familiar?
And suddenly, my vision cleared.
I remember a day that my son leaned over his plate and spit food out onto the floor saying “No eat this, Mommy!” Words that I had read in my modern world of books and websites echoed through my mind. Clear expectations. Consistent consequences. Spare the rod. Break the will.
But none of my knowledge—my modern-world gleaned expertise—could match my toddler’s will. Or my mom’s experience.
I called my mom.
She prayed with me. She reminded me that God has incredible patience with his children and urged me to show similar patience to my son. She gave me few simple tricks, a tip here and a hefty dose of prayer there.
And she reminded me: God’s principles are timeless.
And so is my mom’s love for me.
Erin MacPherson is the author of “The Christian Mama’s Guide” series, a series of books born out of her quest to help moms through camaraderie, friendship, and God’s love. Her mom, Ellen Schuknecht, a 35-year educational veteran, prayerfully came beside her to help her write her books, even contributing expert advice in places. Erin blogs at www.christianmamasguide.com.
WIN THE FOUR BOOK SERIES!
Enter the give-away by leaving a comment below before Mother’s Day, May 12, 2013!
NOTE: This give-away is open to residents of the U.S. only. Void where prohibited. Must be at least 18 years of age to enter.
© 2013 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.
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I love this post about that precious strong-willed child. Both of our children were easy to raise, but… Now I have granddaughters. One is just like her daddy, our son. Easy to have around, obedient. Bright and cheerful. The other is bright and cheerful, too. However….. Strong willed for sure! I’m learning new tricks from my mom and my dad, and, as our daughter explains, “God is stretching me!” Thank you, Becky, for hosting Erin!!
It’s my pleasure to have such a talented writer and fabulous mom share her insights.
Thanks for adding to the conversation Sue. I love your daughter’s comment! God stretches every parent in one way or another! 🙂
God bless,
Becky
For years, my mom’s advice to me in my ADULT years often started with, “You know what you should do?” followed by her sometimes wise, sometimes off-kilter opinion. It was still happening when I was in my fifties! I can still hear her say, “You have a big day tomorrow. You’d better go to bed early tonight.” My “big day” was a speaking event. She’s been gone three years now. And I still find myself wanting to pick up the phone and ask her advice or ask her to pray. Thanks, Erin and Becky. Tender memories.
Thanks for sharing the memories you have of the conversations you and your mom had as mother and daughter. My mom still advises me. Many times she’s right on the mark! And there are few things better than knowing Mom is praying. God bless!
Wise words, Erin! I remember thinking my mother was …mousy. Now I know she is an absolutely stunning 87 year old and was quite a looker back in the day, too! She still makes sure I look both ways when I back out of her driveway!
Thanks for your comments Linda. Your mom sounds like quite a woman!
Many blessings,
Becky
I so appreciated these conversations with your mother! My mom has Alzheimers so I relish your sharing. Thank you, Erin. It was a sweet reminder of days past for me and my mom.
Thank you Kathy!
As a grandma I try to remember never to give advice unless they ask. But boy do I pray!!
Vicky, praying the best thing you can do for your grands! How blessed they are to be loved and prayed for by you. God bless,
Becky
Would love to win. I am a mom of a two year old and don’t feel too wide sometimes!
Thanks for entering Allison! Two is fun and challenging, all rolled into one cute package.
Many blessings,
Becky
Oh I would love to win Erin’s books. I loved her first one. It was entertaining to read even when I wasn’t pregnant.
Thanks for leaving a comment Jan. I’ve really enjoyed Erin’s books too!
God bless,
Becky
My mom and I didn’t have an easy relationship, but now that she’s gone, I understand more.
My daughter-in-law is due on November 5. Would like to gift her with these books, so thanks for the contest. I hope to give her words of wisdom on those days that are difficult.
Thanks for your honest words Martha. Relationships can be hard.
What a blessing you are for your son and daughter-in-law! My mother-in-law is a gift too. She’s a great listener and offers helpful advice. And she made my day again this year as her annual Mother’s Day card just arrived…for me, from her. It’s a sweet tradition.
May you be blessed as you bless others Martha!
Becky