Musings – Page 2

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How to deal with overwhelm as a mother

Published on July 31, 2024March 20, 2026 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

Oh, how I understand the weight of motherhood!

It’s a beautiful, sacred journey, but it can also be incredibly overwhelming. There are days when it feels like the to-do list is never-ending, and the demands on our time and energy feel impossible to meet. But take heart mama, for you are not alone. Wherever you are reading this today I hope you can use this moment to exhale and just BREATHE. Grab a cup of tea, as I share some ways to navigate the overwhelm, drawn from my own experiences and our faith in God’s unending grace.

One morning, I woke up to the sound of my toddler’s cries, and my other two boys fighting over a toy that they had snuck into their room the night before. My heart sank as I tried to ignore the sounds, hoping my husband would take one for the parent team. He was fast asleep! I stumbled out of bed, already feeling defeated before the day had really begun. Have you ever had a day start like that? In moments like these, it’s easy to feel crushed by the weight of our responsibilities. But I’ve learned that when we start our day with a quick prayer, asking God for strength and guidance, it can transform our outlook. Even a simple, “Lord, help me today,” whispered in the chaos, can bring a sense of calm and remind us that we’re not carrying this load alone.

The power of routine

Another way to tackle overwhelm is by embracing the power of a routine. My mornings used to be a whirlwind of forgotten tasks and last-minute scrambles as everyone bounced around me. But once I started setting aside a little time in the evening to prepare for the next day, things began to shift. A quick 30 minutes to lay out clothes, prepare lunches, and even spending a few quiet moments with God’s Word before bed can make a world of difference for the next day.

Proverbs 31:27 speaks of the woman who “watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Creating a routine doesn’t mean we have to be perfect; it’s about finding a rhythm that brings peace to our days. Even waking up a few moments before the children will help you to gather your thoughts before everyone else wakes up. My morning routine typically begins with a workout, writing or reading, all before the boys wake up, and it really helps me to feel like I am doing something for myself- filling up my own cup before I focus on pouring into others.

Perfection doesn’t exist

When we first become mothers, perfection is the thing that can completely consume us. There was a season when I felt like I had to do everything perfectly – be the perfect mum, the perfect wife, the perfect homemaker. But one day, as I sat exhausted and so close to tears, a dear friend reminded me that it’s okay to ask for help. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Don’t be afraid to reach out to your spouse, family, or friends when you need a hand. Whether it’s asking your husband to watch the kids so you can have a moment to yourself or arranging a playdate swap with a fellow mum, sharing the load can lighten your heart immensely, and ease the overwhelm that we often feel

I also want to encourage you to carve out time for self-care, without guilt. Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16), showing us the importance of rest and renewal. For me, this looks like a quiet walk in the evening or morning, a few minutes of journaling or reading, or even just sitting in the car for a few extra moments after grocery shopping. Find what replenishes your soul and make it a regular part of your routine. Remember, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for you to pour out love and care for your family.

Creating a “thrive list” has been a game-changer for me in navigating the demands and sacrifice in motherhood. This list includes all the things that bring me joy and fulfillment such as reading a good book, taking a walk in nature, enjoying a hot cup of tea, or spending quiet time in prayer. By intentionally setting aside time to engage in this, I ensure that I don’t lose myself in the daily responsibilities of motherhood. It’s a reminder that nurturing my own well-being is essential, not only for me but also for my ability to be the best mother I can be to my boys. Making space for what I love helps me to thrive, maintaining a sense of balance and joy in the beautiful chaos of raising children.

You can download yours for FREE here and put it in a place where you’ll see it and be encouraged to pour into yourself.

My-Thriving-Checklist Download

The power of community

Lastly, Remember the power of community. Surround yourself with other mothers who understand the ups and downs of this journey. Join a local mums’ group, attend church events, or even connect online through social media. Sharing your struggles and victories with others can be incredibly uplifting. We are meant to support one another, just as it says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

In all these things, hold onto the truth that God’s grace is sufficient for us (2 Corinthians 12:9). We don’t have to be perfect; we just have to be present and willing to trust Him with our daily struggles. Motherhood is a marathon, not a sprint, and by leaning on God and each other, we can find the strength to keep going, even on the hardest days.

You’ve got this mama.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of motherhood and faith. If you found comfort and encouragement in this post, I invite you to explore more of my writings on similar topics.

Why is motherhood so hard?

How do I balance family and personal life?

9 hacks to help you thrive in motherhood

Affirmations for mothers at home

On my blog, you’ll discover a wealth of stories, tips, and reflections aimed at nurturing your spirit and supporting you through the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

From practical advice on balancing daily responsibilities to heartfelt reflections on deepening your relationship with God, there’s something for every season of motherhood. I’ve shared real-life experiences, lessons learned, and moments of grace that I hope will resonate with you and provide the encouragement you need.

Visit my blog for more posts on creating a peaceful home, finding joy in the little moments, and leaning into God’s strength amidst the challenges. Let’s continue this journey together, growing in faith and love, one step at a time.

Blessings,

Alethea

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Supermums are a myth (but faithful mums are real)

Published on July 10, 2024December 18, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

My husband watched on as I juggled the demands from our 3 boys while preparing dinner, and planning family activities on a calendar. “Wow, you are a superwoman, how do you do it?” I didn’t respond because to be honest I didn’t know what to say in that moment. He often uses this phrase for me and I am quick to remind him that I am not superwoman. I am very much a woman who needs help and support because I don’t want to create an illusion that I have it all together!

We’ve all heard the saying “she’s a supermum” to describe a mother who seemingly excels in all areas of her life, often juggling multiple roles and responsibilities with exceptional efficiency and effectiveness. This can include managing a household, raising children, working a full-time job, maintaining a social life, staying physically fit, and being involved in community or school activities.

She does it all and this incredible “supermum” is often portrayed as handling these diverse and demanding tasks effortlessly and without showing signs of stress or fatigue. Some of us envy this type of mum, others work so hard to embody her, and the rest wonder how they’ll ever live up to this ideal of a woman. Whichever camp you sit in, I am here to tell you that you can take a deep long breath! Super mums aren’t miraculously created, but faithfulness to our homes is what the true goal is and where the prize lies.

I wanted to title this post originally as Faithful Mums: The true heroes beyond the supermum myth as it also truthfully echoes the reality of what we live out each day. As a Christian mother, striving for the title of “supermum” can often leave us feeling exhausted and inadequate, chasing after an impossible ideal. Striving in our own effort to fulfill a divine calling in our own strength only sets us up to feel discouraged and overwhelmed when we realise just how much the role of mother entails. We are human. We fall short, we have challenges and set backs, and we are imperfect- But God.

In God’s eyes, our faithfulness to our families holds far greater value, than us over exerting ourselves to meet shifting societal markers. Faithfulness means showing up each and every day with a hearts posture to be committed to what God has called us to- in the good and the bad. It means showing up with love, grace, and consistency, embracing the unique calling God has given us within our homes. It’s in the daily acts of care, the moments of prayer, and the intentional nurturing of our children’s hearts where “super” moments are found.

God doesn’t call us to be perfect and to have it all together. He calls us to be present and focused. When we prioritise faithfulness over perfection, we model His unwavering love and faithfulness to our children. Some days may flow really well, and other days may be very challenging. Through it all, if we determine in our hearts to not give up on what God has given us, and to count it all as a blessing, we’ll be able to connect our hearts with the right action.

This is the true essence of motherhood, far surpassing any worldly notion of being a “supermum.” In fact, if we are seeking to build lasting and deep relationships with our children, they need a Christ-dependent mum more than a supermum who wants to flow and present life perfectly well all the time.

How can we be faithful?

Some aspects of mothering are simply mundane and normal. There are laundry piles to fold, schedules to manage, food to pick up from the floor dishes to wash and floors to sweep. If we approach these tasks with our whole hearts, they too embody faithfulness to the calling of motherhood.

Waking up each day and determining within our hearts to be faithful is the first step to accomplishing this goal. Starting each day by seeking God’s guidance and strength, asking Him to fill us with His peace and wisdom helps to position our minds in the right place. Prayer anchors us in His presence and aligns our hearts with His purposes. Make it a habit to pray with and for your family, inviting God into every aspect of your daily life. Through prayer, we find the resilience to face challenges and the grace to extend love even in difficult moments.

Secondly, embracing the beauty of small, consistent acts of love is so so key. Faithfulness is often found in the ordinary moments – a kind word, a listening ear, a gentle touch, a hug. Celebrating these seemingly mundane acts as significant contributions to our family’s well-being is so important to making love feel tangible. It’s not the grand gestures but the daily demonstrations of love and care that build a strong, loving home. Remember, it’s in the little things that our faithfulness shines the brightest.

Thirdly, cultivating a heart of gratitude goes a long way. Regularly take time to count your blessings and express gratitude for your family helps to shift our focus from what we lack to the abundance we have in Christ. It fosters a positive atmosphere in our homes and helps us to see our family members through God’s eyes. By modeling thankfulness, we teach our children to appreciate the goodness of God in their lives, encouraging contentment and joy.

Lastly, weaving in rest and self-care into our routines is key to preventing burnout and helps us to remain feeling refreshed in our roles . As mothers, we often pour ourselves out for our families, but it’s essential to recognise our own need for rest and renewal. Jesus Himself took time to withdraw, rest and pray, setting an example for us. Find moments to recharge, whether through reading Scripture, enjoying a hobby, or simply taking a walk in nature. When we care for ourselves, we are better equipped and ready to to care for our families with faithful patience.

By grounding ourselves in gratitude, we can remain faithful to our families in a way that honours God and nurtures those we love. Let us cast aside the pressures of being “supermums” and instead, find joy and fulfillment in being faithful mothers, steadfastly reflecting Christ’s love and perseverance in our homes.

Alethea

Discover the joy and fulfillment of creating a loving, organised, and faith-filled home! Download my free eBook, “The Homemakers Framework,” for practical tips, encouragement, and inspiration tailored for mothers and homemakers. Start your journey towards mastering home management and nurturing your family’s well-being today. Get your free copy now and transform your home into a sanctuary of love and grace!

Why is motherhood so hard?

Published on June 28, 2024March 20, 2026 by Alethea Awuku4 Comments

Motherhood is a journey filled with unparalleled joy, deep deep love, moments of sheer wonder, and an equal measure of complete unpredictability and overwhelm. The word itself evokes a flood of emotions that fills our hearts in the most beautiful way. But I’ve got to be real: motherhood also brings tremendous exhaustion, doubt, and sometimes a deep sense of inadequacy.

Can I be even more honest? This has got to be one of the most challenging roles that I have ever undertaken. As a Christian mother, I often find myself asking God, “Why does this feel so hard and overwhelming?” “Why don’t I always look and feel as though I am at ease on this journey- and I am only 6 years in!”

In this post, I wanted to share some thoughts on the challenging moments in motherhood from an honest and authentic place, as well as from the perspective of the redemptive and transforming hope that we have in Christ.

The Weight of Responsibility in motherhood

As I reflect on this, I believe that one of the primary reasons motherhood feels so hard is due to the immense responsibility it carries. From the very moment I found out I was expecting my first child and boy, my brain naturally went into overdrive. An overwhelming sense of responsibility took hold of me because suddenly, here I was, entrusted with the life and well-being of a whole tiny human – made in God’s image. The weight of making the right decisions—whether it’s about health, education, or instilling values in our children can feel incredibly heavy on our hearts. I now have three boys and I am always thinking about ways to train and nurture good character in them. We go to bed with a lot on our minds, and wake up with our brains running at 100 miles per hour.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

This verse both inspires and instructs us to be diligent in our parenting. One of my take aways from this verse is the power of habits in the area of training. No matter what it is- good or bad, we are training our children to believe, accept and understand life from a particular perspective. The seeds we sow now, will be implanted in their hearts and shape their future later on. Being faithful to trust that God will water these seeds in their hearts helps to ease the anxiety and overwhelm that comes with such a responsibility.

While we play a significant role in our children’s lives, ultimately, their journey is in God’s hands. He loves them even more than we do, and He has a plan for their lives. God is sovereign and He works all things for our good; even our parenting blunders!

Often, the weight of responsibility also falls upon us when it comes to home management. Balancing the task of maintaining a clean home while looking after children can feel like a never-ending battle. There are days when the laundry piles up, toys are scattered everywhere, and the dishes seem to multiply each time we walk through the kitchen. It’s easy to stress about keeping everything spotless, but I’ve learned to adjust my expectations and find a balance that works for my family.

To ease some of the stress in this area, we can focus on creating a home that is functional and comfortable rather than perfect. I’ve started involving my children in the cleaning and laundry process. It not only lightens my load but also teaches them responsibility. We turn chores into fun activities, like having a race to see who can pick up the most toys or playing music while we clean. It’s not always smooth sailing, but by embracing a bit of mess and finding joy in the process, I’ve discovered that a clean home and happy children can coexist, even if it means things aren’t always picture-perfect. This approach has brought more peace and laughter into our home, reminding me that the goal is not perfection, but a loving and nurturing environment, and a balance that helps me to carry my load well.

The Sacrifice of Self

Motherhood requires so much self-sacrifice. From the moment conception occurs, our body begins to change in remarkable ways. Hormonal shifts cause everything from morning sickness to mood swings. The body starts to make room for the growing baby, which often leads to discomfort and pain. As the baby grows, organs shift, the spine adjusts, and our bodies carry additional weight. Stretch marks, swelling, and changes in skin texture are all things that we have to deal with- not to mention the moment of birth and all that comes with it. It truly is an extraordinary journey.

There are sleepless nights, countless nappy changes, and a never-ending list of demands. There are some days when I feel like I’ve lost myself completely. My own dreams and desires often take a backseat to the needs of my children. On one particularly challenging day, I remember looking at my tired face in the mirror, the incoming grey hairs, postpartum hair loss and thinking “wow, I feel like I have lost so much”.

The things I once enjoyed—reading a good book, going for a jog, even just taking a quiet moment to myself—have became rare luxuries with very young children. The sacrifice is very real, and yet I am humbled as I think of this role as a mere shadow of the life of Christ and all He had to give up so we could have life in Him. His sacrifice and death meant life for us! What a great call when we walk down this path. We are called to lay down our lives for our children, but in doing so, we must also remember to find time to replenish our spirits and care for ourselves, seeking strength and renewal in our relationship with Christ.

The demands of motherhood can make it seem like there’s no room for anything else. But over time, I’ve learned the importance of self-care. Finding time for myself, even in small ways, helps me to recharge. Whether it’s spending a few minutes in prayer and reflection each morning or taking a walk in the evening, these moments help me to center myself and draw closer to God.

You can download yours for FREE here and put it in a place where you’ll see it and be encouraged to pour into yourself.

My-Thriving-Checklist Download

The Battle Against Perfectionism

One of the areas that can make motherhood feel so hard in today’s world, is the pressure to be the “perfect” mother because of what we see online and on the television. Social media often bombards us with images of seemingly flawless families and this can make us question our own abilities and worth. It’s filled with images of spotless homes, gourmet meals, and perfectly behaved children as people share their highlight reels. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison and feel like we are not measuring up when we constantly feast on these images and videos. We worry about whether we are doing enough, whether our children are thriving, and whether we measure up to other mothers as we only think about all the things that we aren’t doing.

However, Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are not called to be perfect; we are called to be faithful. Our imperfections and struggles are opportunities to lean on God’s grace and to teach our children about His unconditional love and forgiveness. By embracing our imperfections, we show our children that it is okay to make mistakes and that God’s grace is sufficient for all our shortcomings.

My home might be messy, my meals might not be gourmet, and my children definitely have their difficult moments as do I, but that’s okay. Responding to God’s redemptive offer time and time again helps us to keep our hearts focused on what truly matters, which is a home filled with love.

Finding Strength in Community

Motherhood can feel isolating, especially when we face challenges that we think no one else understands. However, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”

Finding a community of fellow mothers has been a lifeline for me. Whether through church groups, parenting classes, or online forums, sharing my experiences with others who understand has lightened my load. We laugh together, cry together, and lift each other up just in the moment we need it most.

I remember the first time I attended our first Homeschool co-op group. I was nervous and a bit reluctant to share my struggles. However, as I listened to other mothers speak about their own challenges and triumphs, I felt a sense of camaraderie. We were all in this together. Over time, these women have become a support system for me. Knowing that I’m not alone in my struggles has been incredibly comforting. That’s why this space Graced for Home is so precious. It is a space for us to join hands, be encouraged, share and be inspired to continue on our journey.

Embracing God’s Plan

Ultimately, the challenges of motherhood remind us to trust in God’s plan for our lives and the lives of our children. Jeremiah 29:11 offers us hope: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

When motherhood feels hard, we can find solace in knowing that God is not just with our children, but with us too, guiding us through every difficulty and rejoicing with us in every triumph. By surrendering our worries and burdens to Him, we can find peace and assurance that we are not alone in this journey.

There are days when I question if I’m doing enough, if I’m making the right choices, if I’m a good mother. The chaos can be so overstimulating for me to the point of shut down. In those moments, I turn to God in prayer. I ask for His guidance, His wisdom, and His peace. I remind myself of His promises and His faithfulness. Trusting in God’s plan doesn’t mean that motherhood will be easy, but it does mean that we are not alone. He is with us, every step of the way, providing the strength and grace we need to help us raise our little ones.

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My Journey from Corporate Career to Stay-at-Home Motherhood

Published on June 1, 2024March 20, 2026 by Alethea Awuku4 Comments

I transitioned from a thriving corporate career in marketing and publishing, to being a fulltime stay-at-home mother in 2022 because it was a choice that was profoundly important for our family. As an ambitious and capable woman with many dreams and talents, this shift has been both challenging and rewarding.

When I left my first corporate job to work part-time for my church, I was driven by such a desire to serve not only my local fellowship, but as a newly married woman, I knew that I had a heart for home and family life and wanted to pour well into it. My passion for building a joyful, adventurous, and successful life for my tribe became a priority to me. I wanted to learn how to be intentional in creating a nurturing environment and focus on mapping out and bringing to life our unique family values.

Alongside this, my love for marketing and communications remained strong. I often felt the tension between pursuing this interest, and focusing solely on my home life. But what if there didn’t need to be a choice? What if I could beautifully and carefully blend the two while remaining authentic to who I am, and my journey as a woman, Christian, wife, mother, daughter and friend?

I have always had a natural ability in communications, and connecting with others in my own way. My husband encouraged me to pick up my love for this again and document my journey of growth during this transformative season of motherhood so here I am. Slowly, faithfully and authentically showing up as me- Alethea. Blogging is a real gift in the sense that it provides a space for us to have a creative release, as well as building a community of likeminded people who can journey along with us.

One of my worries about being a stay-at-home mother was how we would thrive financially (as this was one of our family goals). I was also deeply insecure about being at home because up until then, I believed that success for me as a woman was only linked to my output in a corporate office. Blogging has released all of that for me and has proven to be a vehicle that has unlocked financial blessing for us as a family, and we see so much potential in it! I believe we can thrive wherever we are. It requires hard work and wholehearted dedication, but it’s possible to build a fulfilling life from what God has placed in our hands, minds, and hearts.

I am a stay-at-home mother and a homeschooling mum to three beautiful boys. Our goal isn’t to become millionaires; if I am honest, the pursuit of wealth can be so exhausting and we want to take stock of where we are using all of our energy. Instead, I aim to create a meaningful, sustainable, and slow-paced income that allows us to feel grateful for our achievements, and build on our goals slowly; all through blogging!

I want to help other beautiful mamas who feel the heart to be based from home to build their families that they can absolutely do this! Staying at home and building a life from there is just as valuable as having a corporate career. We can build systems that serve our family values, and we can earn incomes from home, and build a wonderful community all at the same time.

Life is for living and we want to live it to the fullest with our favourite people.

We don’t want to be chained to a draining 9-5 with no freedom.

We also don’t want to be chained to our laptops, hustling 24/7 to build businesses all in the quest to achieve more and more and more.

I’m here to encourage and help you build a sustainable business that not only has financial blessing attached to it, but gives you peace, enjoyment and freedom to live your dream life without overwhelm. Personally, I don’t want hustle culture – it isn’t suited to me. I don’t want boss babe. I don’t want to be on the hamster wheel, or in front of flashing lights. My heart leans towards the simple, deep and quiet.

You also were not made to spend your life working and pouring into a life that you don’t enjoy. God has put so much in you, and you can connect with that, do work you LOVE, get paid really well for it, and serve your family in a way that works for you- all through blogging.

You can start a blog too and make money from home while helping others too.

If this sounds really interesting to you and you are new to blogging, you can find out more information on how to start a blog and earn an income right from home.

download your free ebook here

God Bless,

Alethea

My help comes from the Lord

Published on May 23, 2024May 23, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

There are days when I don’t know whether I am going or coming…

I feel an overwhelming sense of grief- partly because of what I see going on around me, and also from internal thoughts. However paradoxically I am at peace because I know that I am in the place that I need to be. I am positioned where God needs me to be in order to be pruned.

Character development is crucial.

I ask the Lord of a few things, frequently. Strength to help me to stand against the enemy, a discerning spirit to know what to pray against, and for the Holy Spirit to take control of my mind. I have no strength apart from what He graces me with. Since I left career I have not blogged about my experience because quite frankly I have not been able to articulate the experiences, and I do not feel as though I actually have my feet on the ground…

To say that the past few months have been a blur and a whirlwind is a serious understatement. How can multiple thoughts, feelings, emotions and knowledge all co-exist and be activated all at the same time?

I suppose that is where I should be though right?

In my weakness His strength is made perfect. In my weakness, I find myself clinging unashamedly to His hope and the cross even more. In my weakness I dare not even boast in my own ability.

One MAJOR thing that I didn’t even think about, are the enemy’s attacks. They have become more vivid and more visible than I have ever experienced them to be. The past few weeks have been filled with a variety of attacks from terrible dreams, thoughts, irritations, frustrations and physical obstructions and injuries.

Until I realised…

How could I make such a bold step for the Lord and not expect the enemy, my adversary to rage. WOW.

His obsessive preoccupation is to steal from me, to kill dreams and to destroy my life (John 10:10). He will go after any and everything, subtle and obvious. He seeks to ravage my soul with his lies and and blind me to the truth of God’s goodness and provision for my life. He seeks to convince me of failure and hardship, convince me that there is something wrong with me when in fact there is everything wrong with him.

He throws things my way all to evoke anger, jealousy, annoyance and resentment regarding many things. It is very hard and it can be discouraging. Fear creeps in. I feel lost and doubtful. As soon as my mind starts to trail onto these things he ponces on them.

I realise that I have a very real enemy as a woman who stands for the things of God and who is seeking to live His way. This enemy is a terrorist to my soul..

However he does not get the victory because my Bible tells me in 1 John 4:4, But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

I am intentional about deciding to bat away his lies by not entertaining his deceiving thoughts that come into my mind.

Be encouraged mama…

Our responsibility is to ask the Lord to help us seek out the subtle things that the enemy goes after. For me it was the seduction and temptation to accept something into my life that will ultimately take me off track and distract me from my journey. This came in the form of discouragement and doubt.

My prayer is Lord help me to discern the enemy’s work in my life.

My weapons against him are;

The Word, praising God, continuing to walk in obedience, faith, prayer, worship, and fasting.

I realise that the greater my commitment to the Lord, the more the enemy will try to attack. Whenever there is a move into a new season of your life/work/ministry he will do all he can to wear you down with discouragement, sickness confusion, guilt, strife, fear, depression or failures. He threatens your mind, emotions, health, work, family and relationships. I realise that Abba has given me this portion to diligently engage in spiritual warfare. I cannot afford NOT TO.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 –Though we walk in the flesh we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but they are mighty through God for the pulling down of strongholds, casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalts itself above the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.

You see when we go through things in life we have to know that it is not in our own strength to overcome. God is at work behind the scenes- even in the seemingly ugly. We must continually stand on God’s Word, and hope in Him alone. This season of my life is EPIC and I look at all the things that God is doing with me right now! Cast them down with the authority that I have been given. My life is beautiful not because of any material/outward possession.

My life is beautiful because I have Jesus Christ and He alone is my strength and hope. Forever.

Stay encouraged, be encouraged my love. Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ Jesus no matter the storm or life experience.

crop anonymous black mother holding hand of baby lying on bed

9 Hacks to help you thrive in motherhood

Published on May 23, 2024March 20, 2026 by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

Being a mother is one of life’s most rewarding experiences, filled with joy, challenges, growth, and never ending love. When we bring our babies home, our lives are changed forever and when you weave the threads of our Christian faith into this journey, it takes on an even deeper significance.

Christian motherhood is not just about raising children; it’s about nurturing and training souls, instilling values, and guiding young hearts to know and love God and others. It’s about embodying Christ’s love and grace in every moment of our lives, whether we’re comforting a crying baby, helping children with homework, diffusing tantrums and outbursts, and encouraging anxious, frightened and insecure hearts. It is a deep work. A deeply fulfilling one and as much as we give out, we also must dig deep to fill ourselves constantly for the marathon journey.

One of my deep desires is to thrive in motherhood and to be truly happy and joyful in my home. In this post I am sharing some “hacks” to help you thrive in motherhood. These tips aren’t don’t really lean towards creating shortcuts, but rather they are methods that when implemented, help us not just live efficiently, but to enjoy our days and feel deeply fulfilled as we laser in on building a life that truly matters to us.

1. Daily journaling

Being intentional with our time can be achieved as we seek to be held accountable for the every day choices and decisions that we make. I have found that documenting my thought patterns and behaviours, and journaling through some of the experiences that I go through helps me to pinpoint areas that could use some improving, as well as celebrating the things that I enjoy about my life.

The practice of keeping a traditional hand written journal has fallen out of favour in recent years due to the influx of digital and social media/podcasts etc, however nothing can truly replace the practice of maintaining a journal.

Journaling is a deeply intimate and private thing. It is the recording of your thoughts and your heart. You write things that you would not consider to share with others on social media or in person. What I love about it, is that it is a beautiful way to explore and work through your thoughts and experiences in private. This can be deeply impactful as you converse with yourself and God about some of your struggles, weaknesses, pain, joys, and the different experiences that you go through in life.

Using different tools and techniques to journal will help you to rediscover what makes you tick and encourages you to do more of what makes you happy. It can help to plan a schedule, write down some goals and journal about your achievements at least once a week to keep you encouraged.

2. Fill up your own well frequently

There is wisdom in filling ourselves up before we give to others. Prioritising regular “me time” for activities that recharge you can look like reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk. Investing in self-care is essential for maintaining balance and well-being.

As a busy mum, it is easy to spend any down time binging on things that don’t necessarily feed my soul because I feel tired and drained after a long day with my children. As relaxing as it can feel to go through a series on Netflix in one sitting, or watch countless Youtube videos, after a while I am still left feeling drained.

Finding creative ways to squeeze in things that inspire and encourage my soul has been a real intentional effort as I seek to shape and stir my mind towards things that delight and inspire me to love my home and family better. I listen to podcasts while cooking, audiobooks while taking a walk or doing the food shop, and read books/ my Bible during my morning breakfast. All of these practices help build up contentment and joy in my heart.

3. Simplify Your Wardrobe:

Creating a capsule wardrobe filled with versatile pieces that mix and match effortlessly is a big hack for us busy mums as we often have children waking up through out the night and early in the morning. Using an already tired brain to think of what to wear for the day (so I look and feel put together) can add to my stress and frustration.

I have found that taking the time to streamline my closet, and thoughtfully select pieces that I actually would love to wear has saved me time and reduced decision fatigue, leaving me feeling confident and stylish every day. Simplifying your wardrobe as a busy mum is a game-changer in the quest for efficiency and sanity! With a streamlined closet of versatile pieces, you spend less time agonising over what to wear and more time focusing on what truly matters—like tending to your family’s needs or stealing a precious moment for yourself in the morning. A simplified wardrobe means fewer decisions, less clutter, and effortless mix-and-match options that ensure you always look and feel put together, even on the most chaotic days. Sometimes, if I can get dressed quickly, I am able to steal a few moments to listen to a favourite podcast, or put some makeup on which equally makes me feel great.

4. Meal Prep

Knowing what you want the family (and yourself) to eat on most days of the week is important in helping you to not only run your home efficiently, but to beat the overwhelm that comes with not knowing what to make and having little time to make it. Having a scheduled weekly plan is a great way to organise your thoughts, allocate budget and enjoy the process of cooking for multiple people. Spend a few hours each week prepping meals and snacks to save time and make healthier choices. Batch cooking and meal planning can simplify your weeknights and ensure you always have nutritious options on hand.

Meal prepping is a lifesaver for busy moms, providing a solution to the perpetual question of “What’s for dinner?” With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can save valuable time and energy throughout the week. By dedicating a few hours on the weekend to batch cooking and putting meals together in advance, you ensure that wholesome and nutritious options are readily available for your family, even during the busiest of days. You don’t see the true value of meal planning and prepping until the week begins and you are carting back and forth to different activities. Arriving home after gymnastics and knowing that dinner is already there – it just needs to be heated up or quickly cooked is a real blessing when you have children ready to eat!

5. Learn to be present and content

This point is so important. Your intentional lifestyle will look completely different to mine. You are your own unique person with your own tastes and preferences. Your family is unique and your household rhythm is unique. How you choose to live your life and how you order your days should be unique to you.

In our wonderfully connected social and digital age, most of us spend our time drawing inspiration and motivation from so many different sources, creators and influencers. I’ve found that personally over time this becomes a big distraction for me actually being present in my own life and tending to the unique demands and needs of my own heart and that of my children and my husband. When our eyes are constantly looking “over there”, we can easily fall into the trap of comparison as well as building something that is essentially a carbon copy of someone else’s life.

Of course we can get some great suggestions and inspiration from others, but ultimately to be present in our own life journey is where the true beauty lies, and is the starting block to building a thriving experience for ourselves. We begin to learn about ourselves and those that we live with on an intimate level, and this helps us to make decisions that are uniquely ours to treasure for a life time. This truly excites me! Looking at my marriage and focusing on what my husband and I can do to improve it leads us to make intentional decisions that not only will bring us closer as a couple, but create beautiful lasting memories that fill our hearts with joy and gratitude.

Looking at my children and seeking to cater to their unique needs, personalities and interests opens up a whole new world of adventure for us as a family and that is so exciting! The possibilities to be intentional when you are present in your own life is endless!

Establishing and becoming in tune with your own rhythm and pace also frees you up to make a shift when you need to. Maybe you wake up feeling tired, or unwell, or feel like you need a change of environment. Being aware of your unique needs and lifestyle means that sometimes you can change up what you do and how you respond to your feelings and emotions so you can meet your needs in the best way possible.

6. Set Boundaries

Learn to say no to commitments that drain your time and energy, and prioritise activities that align with your values and goals. Setting boundaries is essential for protecting your well-being and maintaining balance in your life. Overscheduling the children can leave you burnt out and feeling discouraged.

Since becoming a mum, I have learnt that I don’t have to say yes to every single invitation that comes my way. With all the social events of friends combined, there is generally always something happening that you don’t want to miss out on, but if you said yes to everything by default, you would never have any time for anything else.

Learning to politely decline invitations and say no to commitments can feel very hard especially when in your heart you want to celebrate with all your loved ones. However being intentional with our time means that we should be able to say no to free up some space just as confidently as we say yes. Recently the boys were invited to a family outing and I felt that it was going to tip me over the edge after an intensely busy week. I was tired and needed a moment to just sit, breathe and reset. In declining to attend, I was able to redeem an afternoon of just what I needed – a little bit of space.

Being intentional is a gift and I am learning to use it without feeling guilty. If declining invitations feels really difficult and unnatural for you, a good first step may be to wait for 24/48 hours before replying to an invitation. This gives you some space to be thoughtful in weighing up your options, feelings and alternatives before responding.

Always remember that you have the freedom and power to fill up or create space in your schedule as you wish. Intentionality is a gift given to us because our time is on earth is precious.

7. Invest in good friendships

Nurture meaningful connections with friends, family, and loved ones by scheduling regular quality time together. Cultivating strong relationships enriches your life and provides vital support during both good times and bad. It is so much harder to do in the season of mothering little children, but connecting with even just one other mother in a good healthy relationship can be such an encouragement and fuel for your journey. Cultivating good friendships as a busy mum is not just a luxury but a necessity for maintaining balance and well-being.

These relationships serve as a vital support systems, providing understanding, encouragement, and a listening ear during the ups and downs of motherhood. By surrounding yourself with like-minded friends who understand the joys and challenges of parenting, you create a safe space to share experiences, seek advice, and find solace in solidarity. Good friendships also offer opportunities for laughter, relaxation, and rejuvenation, helping you recharge and replenish your emotional reserves. In essence, investing in friendships is a powerful hack for navigating and persevering on the journey of motherhood! I am an introvert and I have had to step out of my comfort zone to nurture this area of my life because it is just important.

8. Continuous Learning

You don’t have to hide or disappear under a rug now that you are a mother. Make a habit of learning something new every day, whether it’s through reading, podcasts, online courses, or workshops. Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp, expands your horizons, and opens up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

As a busy mum, it’s all too easy to let the demands of parenthood overshadow our own dreams and aspirations. However, it’s crucial not to give up on those dreams! Seasonally, we may not be able to put our efforts into everything, and it’s important to accept this as a reality of being a mother. However with a little creativity, planning with our spouses and support, we can still keep connected to the things that we enjoy.

Pursuing our passions and ambitions not only enriches our lives but can also set a powerful example for our children. By carving out a little time for personal growth and fulfillment, we fill up our own tanks, and feel refreshed to pour out to our families. Pursuing some of our dreams allows us to maintain a sense of identity and purpose outside of motherhood, fostering a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness in the long run.

9. Practice graciousness to yourself

Cultivate a spirit of kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards yourself and others. Motherhood comes with its share of challenges, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of self-criticism and perfectionism. So many things are left undone and unsaid each and everyday and when we dwell on this alone, we can become incredibly discouraged and burdened with guilt and inadequacy.

Embracing grace allows us to let go of perfectionism, embrace imperfection, and live with greater ease and joy. Giving yourself grace mama looks like this: acknowledging that you’re doing the best you can in the circumstances, and that it’s okay to include self-care and rest when it is needed. It’s a powerful hack for combating burnout, reducing stress, and creating a greater sense of peace and contentment in our roles as mothers. So, let go of unrealistic expectations and embrace the beauty of imperfection, knowing that you’re enough, just as you are.

Now take take these points, apply them and go thrive!

If no one has told you today, I’ll be the first to say YOU’RE AMAZING!

Alethea x

a cup of tea beside an open book with stem of green leaves

5 Practical Ways To Be Content

Published on May 23, 2024March 20, 2026 by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

As a Christian homeschooling mother, being content in raising my children and embracing our own unique family journey is essential if I am to nurture a joyful and fulfilling home environment, as well as be at peace personally. I’ll be honest- I am not always content, and I don’t always feel like being content. However I recognise that it is crucial to learn how to embrace contentment if I am going to thrive in this chapter and season of my life. Paul says in Philippians 4:11-13 “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances”.

Finding contentment as a mother and woman is an area that we have to hold focus on because God has blessed us with so much, even when we are going through difficult seasons. I have found that when I shut my eyes and ears to the noise of the world and tune into my own life and the journey that God has me on, contentment grows in my heart. I am satisfied with what I have, who I am, and where I am going. Here are some practical steps that we can take to cultivate contentment and enjoyment, whatever season we find ourselves in.

1. Ground Ourselves in Faith

Our spiritual tanks run on empty, flashing red – a warning sign that if we do not fill up immediately, we will dry up, die out, and grow weary. The amount of time we invest into our spiritual lives is just not enough. We can never have too much of God. He is our anchor, foundation and hope. Yet if I am honest, with how busy my days are, I am often left feeling so tired physically tired that it is sometimes a challenge to reach towards things that will build me up in faith. Yet that is exactly where we need to be at all times during the day. If having lengthy moments to fill up your spiritual tank is just not possible and feels too overwhelming, then take it in bite sized portions.

Start each day with prayer and scripture reading for a few minutes as this will set the tone for the day. Listen to short podcasts, Youtube clips, audiobooks or songs throughout the day. All of these things help to keep our spiritual lives pumping as we face different things each day. Trusting God is believing that He loves us, He is good, He has the power to help us, He wants to help us, and He will help us. Settle your heart on this truth daily and you’ll soon realise contentment and gratitude growing within you.

2. Embrace Flexibility

This isn’t always easy but necessary because life is a journey filled with ups and downs, twists and turns. Embracing flexibility gives room for spontaneity. As a type A person, I don’t typically do well in this area as I enjoy structure and predictability. However, it is true that embracing flexibility helps us to let go of rigid expectations and enjoy the unique opportunities that arise each day.

So what are some practical ways to do this in order to be content? Well, in all your planning, don’t forget to build-in flexibility, allowing room for adjustments as needed. Secondly, mindfulness practices such as meditation on the Word or deep breathing helps us to stay focused on the present moment and reduces anxiety about the future. Varying our routines every now and then helps to introduce variety in our lives and helps us to become more comfortable with change.

3. Focus on Relationships

The backbone of society and family life is built upon the quality of relationships between us humans. One of the wonderful things that God has given us is the ability to form deep bonds that transcend time. Prioritising building strong relationships with our children, spouses and friends helps to create opportunities for meaningful connections which fill up our contentment bucket daily. It takes intentional work, but the output of this work truly enriches our lives.

We can build this area of our lives down by slowing down, and taking stock of the people in our lives. Write down a list of all these special people and what they mean to you and you’ll instantly realise how blessed you are. Then have a think about how you can increase or deepen your bond with them Some examples are quality time spent together, heartfelt conversations, and shared experiences. Investing in relationships fosters a sense of closeness and unity that enhances our journey in this life and if we can find our people and build consistent healthy interactions, we’ll add several more bricks to our house of contentment and gratitude.

4. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

One of the big causes of discontentment is when we are so laser focused on perfection, that it blinds us from seeing and appreciating our progress in life no matter how small. As mothers, we try to be conscious of this for our children, but not so much for ourselves. Celebrating progress rather than perfection is an important mindset shift that can lead to greater satisfaction and motivation in our lives. Remember that perfection is elusive and ever changing based upon our ever shifting goal posts. Here are some practical ways (bullet pointed) to celebrate your progress and build contentment in this area of your life.

Create a Success List: Maintain a list of your accomplishments and add to it regularly! Even the tiniest things… Review it periodically to remind yourself of how far you’ve come. It’s progress!
Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate reaching milestones with small rewards or activities you enjoy, such as a favorite meal, drink, walk, snack etc. It motivates our brain to keep going and keeps us encouraged.
Regular Reflection: Take time to reflect on your journey in a specific area of your life and the progress you’ve made. Consider what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. This encourages gratitude.
Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations that recognise your efforts and progress. It may feel difficult and strange but stick to it. Write it down if it helps and place the affirmations in a place you know you’ll see them everyday. Positive talk and practicing self compassion takes practice.
Forgive Mistakes: Accept that mistakes are part of the learning process and don’t dwell on them. Use them as opportunities for growth, and be grateful that you have had the opportunity to do better.

5. Practice Self-Care

Contentment can feel very difficult to reach for sometimes when we are simply burnt out or tired to the bone. Including personal renewal in our schedules helps to recharge and rejuvenate our minds, bodies, and spirit. Set aside time for activities that nourish your own soul, such as prayer, meditation, reading, or pursuing hobbies and interests. Taking care of yourself (even in small ways) allows you to show up fully present and engaged in your role- specifically for me as a homeschooling mother to three boys.

Self care and time for renewal looks different for us all, and the most important thing to remember is that you have to honour who you are and what fills your tank. By leaning into this authentically, you create and consistently build a foundation of well-being that supports a more content and fulfilling life.

Here are some Bible scriptures that I hope will encourage you on your journey of contentment.

Do Not Worry Matthew 6:25

Seek God First Matthew 6:32–33

I hope this has been helpful.

God Bless,

Alethea

How to be a content mother

Published on March 10, 2024March 10, 2024 by Alethea Awuku3 Comments

Contentment is a very big area of our lives and it really can affect our level of happiness and joy as mothers. It is such a nuanced and interesting topic that affects us all. This journey of motherhood that we are on is marked by profound love, joy, and sacrifice for our children, and as a Christian, I realise that my own contentment is ultimately rooted in the delicate dance between trusting in God’s providence, working diligently and purposefully, and having faith that God does, and can change my circumstances.

In the midst of this beautiful journey of raising my children, I sense another struggle within me which are feelings of “am I satisfied? Am I happy? How can I experience joy and fulfillment as I work hard to serve, love and be there for everyone else in my home?” These are searching questions and I ponder on them constantly because one thing that I am personally committed to, is being a happy and fulfilled woman and mother not only for my children, but for myself.

My contentment is often linked to my expectations of what I believe I should have, and where I believe I should be in life and I think part of what can create discontentment in motherhood, is dealing with the reality of limitations. When we become mothers, it’s inevitable to face certain limitations inherent to this role, because it is a distinctive journey unlike any other. We enter into a new season of life which requires a lot of shift and adjustment.

In our age of social media where curated images of perfection abound in all areas of life, it’s all too easy to fall into the trap of measuring our worth against carefully positioned and placed images and videos that display a standard and yardstick which we must all meet. While inspirational, we can find ourselves on a torturous cycle of constantly questioning our decisions, doubting our capabilities, and endlessly chasing after an idealised concept of motherhood that doesn’t truly exist- not 100% of the time anyway!

The arrival of our children brings countless blessings, but it also ushers in personal and relational (with our spouses) challenges that can test even the most resilient of us. Overnight, our lives change and our days become filled with endless demands, sleepless nights, and a constant juggling act to balance the needs of our children with our own desires and aspirations. How can we feel as though we are ok and not forgotten and unseen in the midst of it all? It’s a tough one that requires practical application grounded in scriptural direction.

Contentment and limitations

Very real and normal limitations to our lives and lifestyles will look different for each mother and I am learning that in order to cultivate contentment well, and find joy, I have to (by faith) adjust my expectations – bend them if you will to my current limitations. High expectations are good, and needed in some areas of our lives as they drive us forward to achieve goals, however I have experienced that my unmovable stance when it comes to my expectations being met in a very specific way actually creates overwhelm for me because it collides head on with my reality which in most cases is different. This then leaves me either frustrated or paralysed and feeling like I am suffocating under it all.

So what can we do? Adjusting our expectations to our limitations can help produce thankfulness, progress and good fruit in our hearts and lives. This is where the faith aspect comes in because it requires a willingness to surrender our desires and expectations to God, trusting that His plans for our lives—and the lives of our children—are far greater than we could ever imagine (Jeremiah 29:11). We live in a fast paced all or nothing world where passionately pursuing our own fulfillment is the norm, so anything that appears to threaten this is seen as a negative thing, even if it’s our own children.

Reconciling our expectations with the reality of our current lives is a great challenge that we’ll always have to find balance with, but in doing this well, I believe that we’ll be able to enjoy and accept the current season for what it is- good and bad while having hope toward something different in the future.

Many of us experience the mourning of our freedom and opportunities when we become mums. The pressure to “have it all” and continue exceling in every aspect of our lives—career, family, relationships—can weigh heavily on our shoulders, leaving us feeling like we are perpetually missing the mark. Natural comparison to other mums who seem to have it all figured out can increase our feelings of discontentment, frustration and disappointment.

Either your a boss babe that can do it all, a stay at home mother who has opted out of the pursuit of career and financial rewards, or a mixture of both. Either way, the issue of contentment comes up because we are women, a lot of us are very capable, and we want to feel as though our output in life matches with the financial reward and our inherent sense of worth.

Even though our once familiar routines become disrupted, and our priorities shift, adjusting our expectations to our limitations can help to shift our focus from impossibility to possibility which is so encouraging! I’ll give two examples from my life.

My personal experience: two examples

I really enjoy exercising, and before I had children, I had the freedom to workout without interruption, I could go to gym classes, or use the gym if I wanted to. My life in this season looks very different as I have had to cancel my gym membership and workout from home. In the beginning I absolutely hated it and felt resentful towards the fact that I couldn’t have my time the way I wanted to.

I felt very annoyed for a good few months. Why should I have to miss out on what is really important to me? I don’t enjoy working out at home at all and enjoyed the change of environment and focus at the gym. Well I have had to adjust my expectation to this limitation and instead of struggling against it, I have had to bend my will (painfully on a lot of days) to my reality, and redirect my thoughts to see the opportunity of how I can make good with what I can do now. I now workout early in the mornings when the boys are asleep, and I have actually grown to enjoy it. Some times they wake up, and when they do they play around me.

I am always having to train my mind from seeing the lack, to being thankful that I can still have time and opportunity to do something. If this should change in the future, I’ll gladly take it (!!) but for now, this will do and in accepting it as a good thing, good fruit is growing from it.

Another area is in the area of teaching the boys our native language (Twi). This has been a desire of mine since we got married 8 years ago. My husband speaks it fluently, but what is my limitation? I don’t. It didn’t stop me from having very high expectations for myself and my children though and I have wanted them to learn to speak and understand from an early age. As you can imagine this has brought a lot of frustration and feelings of failure as I am no where near the goal of speaking it fluently and passing it down to the boys.

Then I realised that the high expectation was a huge burden that was paralysing me from moving forward. The mountain just felt so huge. So I had to adjust my expectations to my reality by deciding that if all I can do to encourage our culture is work with the boys on a few words etc, translating for them (because I understand the language), songs, and stories, it is still a great seed sowing investment. They may not grow up speaking fluently, but they will still know about their heritage and hopefully have an appreciation and love for it, which is ultimately what we want! Settling my heart in this has brought the joy back in teaching them Twi.

Hope in finding contentment

Amidst the challenges that we face, there is hope for our journeys. Finding contentment after motherhood can feel like this grand finish line that we all need to reach, but I think it’s actually something that God wants us to diligently embrace while we are on the journey. That’s when our eyes and heart open up to see His goodness and faithfulness to us as we grow and encounter new and different life experiences. Acknowledging and accepting the inherent challenges of motherhood can co- exist with immeasurable joy and fulfillment.

We have the liberty to explore our interests and passions, nurture relationships, take time to pour into ourselves with the things we enjoy and so much more within motherhood because we have this new role that propels us forward into a stronger version of ourselves daily. We just have to take our time, breathe and trust that as long as we maintain a healthy balance, perspective and level of discipline, we can attain a lot of our goals. It may just look different to how we want to do it!

Finding contentment in motherhood requires a shift in our mindset which is a conscious choice to embrace the beauty and imperfection of our lives. Contentment is not static- a do once and finish with it type of thing. It is meant to be a daily pursuit (and let’s be real, fight sometimes) to drink from the fresh flowing water of grace available to us each day as we ask God to renew our minds, strengthen us, help us live purposeful and disciplined lives, and above all to anchor our joy, worth and value in Him and not in the world.

Here are two scriptures which I hope will encourage you in this area of contentment.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:11- 13

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30

How do you deal with cultivating contentment in your own life?

New seasons… the unknown

Published on January 22, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

There is a certain apprehensive feeling that we all go through as we prepare to enter into a new season of our lives. It can be a new job, entering into a relationship, starting school, marriage, parenthood, or a large financial commitment.

Entering into a new season of our lives is like walking into the unknown because well, it is unknown to us regardless of how much we have ‘prepared ourselves’ for it. Our feelings can have us feeling strange – wondering if the thoughts we have are justifiable, reasonable, normal, or a signal that God is using to steer our hearts towards His voice in a season. Have we made the right decision or not?

Many times, when we are approaching something new, we feel uncertain because we have no control over what we will find when we open the door. We may profess that we have faith because we really do want to have faith, but deep down the feeling of apprehension may be gently gnawing at us telling us to err on the side of caution, or abandon our ambitious pursuit altogether.

In the many twists and turns, and new seasons of my life I have learnt something profound that I pray remains with me until I meet my saviour face to face. In the unknown moments of my life, God has an incredible opportunity to demonstrate His faithfulness to me. God is always faithfully providing for us and tapping us to see His provision and hand in many of the things that we go through, but sometimes we just never see it because we have grown comfortable in the security of being able to have reasonable controls over the variables in our lives.

It is only when we come face to face with the unknown- when we come face to face with our answered prayers, or a test that God is cheering us on to overcome that we contend with the feelings of uncertainty and our knees buckle a little.

God has shown me that instead of allowing the fear of uncertainty to overwhelm me, I should use it as an opportunity to allow my faith to grown in Him, and to cling onto Him rather than my own reasoning mind, and I must exchange what I see or don’t see, with His Word that builds up faith in my heart.

2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

My boys: A worthwhile legacy

Published on January 9, 2024February 27, 2024 by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

As a (current) modern woman, I have the freedom to carefully consider where I put all of my energy and focus. I can build legacy in certain areas of my life but I don’t think that anything will be nearly as profound as being on the journey of educating, raising and living life with my boys. It really is life changing.

This is bigger than my husband and I. So much bigger because what we train and normalise in our sons lives will have a ripple effect for generations to come. From the moment each one was announced on the earth our legacy work began. We teach them how to see and interact with the world around them and we have such an opportunity to shape their hearts and experience life with them.

They are a worth my life, time and sacrifice. Legacy speaks to something that remains.

Without much help they’ll grow physically, get bigger, taller and older. Through their interactions with the surrounding world they will grow mentally and socially. They’ll learn reading, writing and math and learn how to get by each day. All this can happen without much input from us as parents, but the things that legacy is made up of is character training, and authentic life and community living. Impartation, vision casting, establishing, building, constructing, spiritual, discipline, work, love, holding up, deep heart work. If we don’t try to touch on any of these areas, how will they launch out into the world fully grounded in who they are and whose they are?

Sometimes, to think of where to start feels like being placed in the middle of the ocean and tasked with finding my way back to land. In which direction do I turn my compass? How long before I start to feel or know that I am drowning? Can I swim? Will I swim?

I love my boys with all that is in me- but my goodness do I feel way out of my depth. The magnitude of my role terrifies me, and the simplicity of “just being” even more so. Will it be enough for them? Oh Lord calm my anxious heart. The many questions and wondering.

They are worth it