spiritual

Reframing the perspective for stay at home mums

Published on June 18, 2025 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

Choosing motherhood and homemaking is far from a wasted life.

In a world that often equates success with visibility, speed, and accolades, choosing a life of motherhood and homemaking can feel quietly radical.

It’s a path full of unseen moments—toys everywhere, whispered prayers of desperation, patient corrections, and countless acts of service that rarely make headlines. But what the world overlooks, God treasures. This life—your life—is not small. It is sacred.

This post is an invitation to see your everyday with new eyes. To shift from simply surviving the tasks of home and motherhood to embracing them as part of a deeper calling. You’ll find encouragement to anchor your heart in truth, to find purpose in the small things, and to remember that your role carries eternal weight—even when no one else sees it.

What I feel

“This matters”. It is a constant, inner dialogue between my heart and mind—reminding myself that this path, though often unseen or undervalued, holds deep meaning and purpose.

Culture tells me that a successful life looks a certain way—the way of the majority. Because it has been glamorised, measured, and praised, so anything outside that mold can feel small or insignificant.

But the truth is, shaping a home is no small task. Nurturing children, creating peace in a space, building traditions, and tending to the needs of a family requires wisdom, strength, and a kind of love that doesn’t always receive applause. There are no promotions or performance reviews here—only the quiet, sacred rhythms of service and presence.

Still, there are days when the lies whisper louder than truth. Days when dishes pile up, children cry non stop, don’t listen and fight all day, and the world outside feels like it’s rushing ahead while I move slowly, wearily and deliberately, through another load of laundry. I sometimes wonder, Is this enough? Am I enough? And in those moments, I have to claw my way back to what I know deep down: that the unseen work of love is never wasted.

I’m learning that success isn’t always visible, and won’t always feel instant. Sometimes it looks like a child who feels safe, a marriage strengthened by small acts of kindness, or a home filled with peace and a warm meal rather than “perfect”. These things can’t be measured by certificates of well done or accolades, but they matter—deeply. I may not be building a career by the world’s standards, but I’m building something far more eternal: hearts, values, and a legacy of love.

Being at home is a deeply meaningful calling that I am finding is not just shaping my children, but also changing me.

Here are a few thoughts that I hold onto to encourage myself on this journey. I hope they’ll also help you in reframing your perspective if you are a stay at home mum.

1. Recognise the eternal value of your role

It’s easy to overlook the significance of what you do when so much of it happens behind closed doors and without recognition. But motherhood and homemaking are not just tasks—they are eternal investments. Instead of seeing homemaking as mundane, view it as a God-given calling to shape and nurture your family. Proverbs 31:27 says, “She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”

Every meal prepared, every gentle and firm correction, every bedtime story and prayer whispered over a sleeping child is a seed planted into a soul. Yes, these quiet, repetitive acts may seem ordinary, and can get tiresome, but in God’s eyes, they are weighty with purpose. We are shaping hearts, anchoring lives, and reflecting His love in the most tangible way. We shouldn’t underestimate the eternal value of our role—it reaches far beyond what the eye can see.

2. Shift from “just a mum” to “A builder of the home”

I heard a good friend of mine refer to herself in this way and it struck me deeply. I thought “wow what a beautiful and thoughtful way to describe your presence and role in your home”.

Maybe you’ve heard it said,—or have said it yourself—with a shrug: “I’m just a mum” ” I stay at home with the kids”. After your journey of pregnancy and childbirth, that phrase just carries a weight of dismissal that doesn’t belong. Motherhood is not a lesser calling; it is a foundational one. How quick we are to forget this.

When we shift our mindset from just a mum to a builder of the home, we begin to see our days differently. We are not merely managing messes—we are laying bricks of stability, love, and faith. We are crafting the atmosphere our families breathe. A builder is intentional, strong, and purpose-driven—and that is exactly what you are. You’re not filling time; you’re forming lives.

The world may minimise homemaking, or trivialise it, but Scripture elevates it. Titus 2:4-5 encourages women to love their families and care for their homes. Instead of saying, “I’m just a stay-at-home mum,” say, “I am building a home filled with love, faith, and peace.” Our work is foundational to a thriving household.

3. Find purpose in the small things

So much of homemaking and motherhood is made up of the small things—folding socks, wiping counters, answering endless questions, preparing yet another meal. It can feel unnoticed, repetitive, and, at times, insignificant. I’ve had days when I felt like I would explode with the overwhelm, yet it’s in these very moments that purpose quietly blooms. I know that God doesn’t just measure worth by grand gestures or public applause; He sees faithfulness in the hidden places, and I have to remind myself that when I choose to serve with love in the mundane, I am living out a holy calling. The small things—done with a willing heart—are not small to Him. They are sacred building blocks of a life poured out in love.

When the days feel heavy or unnoticed, pause and whisper a short prayer over what you’re doing—“Lord, let this simple act be an offering of love.” It helps shift your focus from the task to the purpose behind it. Even a folded towel can become holy ground when done with intention and grace.

4. Prioritise personal & spiritual growth

In the busyness of serving everyone else, it’s easy to forget that your soul needs tending too. But personal and spiritual growth aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines. This is one of the areas that I struggle in often due to sheer exhaustion and lack of motivation at times.

Yet when we pour out daily for our families, we also need space to be poured into- well. Growing in your faith, learning new things, or simply taking quiet moments to reflect are not selfish acts—they’re wise and necessary. A nourished soul creates a nourished home. The more rooted you are in truth, the more grace, patience, and love you’ll have to give. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and God never asks us to run dry.

I start my day—even if it’s just five minutes—with a verse, a journal, or a whispered prayer before the house wakes. It doesn’t have to be long or perfect. What matters is the consistency of showing up and making space for your heart to breathe.

5. See homemaking as a ministry

It can take time to view our homes as a place of hospitality, love, and discipleship. I used to believe that anything worth doing had to be seen and felt by the masses, however ministry doesn’t only happen on stages or in mission fields; it happens right here—in our kitchens, gardens, and bedtime routines. When you begin to see your home as holy ground, the ordinary transforms into something sacred. Your faith is lived out in real time, shaping hearts in the most personal and lasting way.

We are the first example of Christ our families see day in and day out. Our kindness teaches grace, our patience teaches peace, and our sacrifice teaches love over time. Though this kind of ministry may not be noticeable immediately, its impact reaches far into eternity. It’s important to train our minds to start viewing our daily work through the lens of worship. Whisper this simple reminder to yourself: “This is not just work—it’s worship. This is not just a house—it’s a haven.” When we frame our homemaking as service to God, even the smallest acts take on eternal significance.

6. Embrace the season you’re in

Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” It’s a verse I think about often because it helps to center me in the truth that nothing truly lasts forever. Motherhood and homemaking may feel all-consuming now, but this season is temporary. Every season of life brings its own rhythm—some fast and full, others slow and stretching. It’s easy to look ahead and long for the next stage, or to look back and grieve what’s passed (guilty). Yet there is beauty and purpose right where we are.

God doesn’t waste seasons.

Whether you’re in the thick of newborn days, navigating school years, or adjusting to a quieter home, there is something He wants to teach you here. Embracing the season you’re in doesn’t mean it’s easy—it means we are willing to see it as meaningful, even in the mess, the mundane, or the mystery.

When we stop resisting the present and start receiving it, peace begins to grow. It frees us from comparison and expectation and allows us to truly live the moments we’ve been given. This season—whatever it looks like—is part of your story, part of your shaping, and part of the legacy you’re building.

Here’s a tip for you: write down three things each day that are unique to this season and thank God for them. Gratitude softens the edges and helps our hearts settle into the now.

Final thoughts

To the women quietly walking this road—those who have chosen to pour their lives into homes, children, and the unseen corners of daily life—know this: your work matters. It is not small. It is not second-rate. You are part of something sacred, something that will echo through generations. When the world questions your worth, hold fast to the truth: choosing love, presence, and faithfulness is never a wasted life. In fact, it may be the most meaningful work of all.

How to raise confident and resilient boys

Published on January 22, 2025 by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

Raising confident and resilient boys in today’s world is challenging, unpredictable, full of constant adjustments, chaotic, downright exhausting, deeply fulfilling, messy and full of lots of teaching moments. As a homeschooling mum to three boys who are still babies to me (6,4 and 2 years) I am slowly learning that raising strong, capable young boys into men has become one of our aims. This isn’t about giving them an ego boost or bubble-wrapping them from failure, but about teaching them how to handle themselves when life’s inevitable bumps occur, and to deal with imperfections and bruises with grace, grit, and from a strong foundation in Christ.

Perseverance

One of the first and constant lessons that we are currently working on, is that failure and imperfection isn’t the enemy. When they get answers wrong, make a mistake or do something imperfectly, their natural response is to shut down, give up or walk away in tears because of the feelings of frustration and disappointment. In our home, my husband and I are consistent in pushing back against this and communicating to them that we celebrate mistakes (sometimes with a little treat) because they are an opportunity for us to learn and grow stronger.

When my first born son struggles with a concept during our learning time, or he colours out of the line during art time, we respond with enthusiasm because we have a chance to try again, and sometimes that is what life gives us- a chance to try again. We encourage him to know that it is ok to feel what he is feeling, but that he should never quit on himself. Resilience isn’t about never falling down; it’s about getting back up, dusting off the sawdust, and trusting that God will guide and strengthen us as we try again.

Confidence, too, is something that we are nurturing. As our boys are very young, we offer this through constant praise the majority of the time because I recognise that our hearts need to know that we are seen by those closest to us, and as their mama, it is my joy to let them know that I see them, love them, celebrate and affirm them.

There are moments when we explain that as they grow, their confidence wont come from constant praise but from real accomplishments and faith in God’s plan. So we do occasionally let them struggle and push through math problems, writing that tricky word for what feels like the hundredth time, and learning how to work together to serve one another during meal times (putting cutlery out, and setting the table). When they achieve something after working for it, the confidence sticks because they know they earned it through perseverance and God’s strength.

Service unto each other and strangers

My boys are very visual, and I quickly learnt that in order to capture their attention and imagination, it would be very helpful to give them a vision of the kind of boy and man that God is helping them to become day by day.

We usually say something along the lines of:

“God has created you for a purpose, and no challenge is too big when you walk in His strength. Keep trusting Him, keep learning, and keep growing into the man He is shaping you to be.“

“You are a warrior for Christ, and true strength comes from faith, kindness, and perseverance. No matter what happens, remember that God is always with you, guiding your steps.”

“When you do hard things, God is helping you grow stronger and stronger”.

We are all naturally self centered, and children demonstrate that to the highest degree because they are children(!), have constant legitimate needs and are under developed in their understanding, maturity and expression of their needs.

Another one of the areas that I am working on when it comes to raising resilient sons is teaching them to serve each other and other people. Serving each other doesn’t always feel pleasant because they bicker, fight and compete against one another, but by learning the discipline of service to one another, they fulfill a really important goal of our family which is to love and work together as one in our home.

When they understand that their strength, and their faculties (hands, feet, eyes, speech) are meant to be used for God’s glory it gives them an external motivation. So gentle reminders are given when we are at home and out in public to help them think outside of themselves and to see the world and people around them—whether that means helping to open the door for someone or comforting a friend who’s has been hurt— it’s all to help them develop a deep, quiet confidence that isn’t rooted in arrogance, but in purpose. Plus, let’s be honest, there’s nothing quite as humbling as helping to clean up after your brother or others! Jesus Himself taught us that true leadership comes through service, and I want my boys to follow His example, and understand the inner strength it takes to think of others.

It’s OK to cry

We are at a stage in life with our boys where crying is the resounding sound in our home, so let’s talk about emotions for a second. We are balancing the importance of them talking with us when they are upset over screaming and shouting. Simultaneously we acknowledge that being strong doesn’t mean stuffing down their feelings and pretending that they are ok when they aren’t.

Boys also need space to express frustration, sadness, and even joy without being told to “be strong.” In our home, we encourage each other to talk things through—sometimes by removing them from a tense environment because resilience isn’t about hiding emotions but trying our best to handle them in a Christ-centered way. Praying together, reading God’s Word, and seeking His wisdom helps us all to process our emotions in a way that strengthens our faith and character.

Role Models

Positive role models also play a crucial role in building resilience. Boys need to see strong, faith-filled men who exemplify integrity, perseverance, and humility. Whether it’s their father, a pastor, a coach, or a trusted mentor, having godly role models shows them what it means to live with strength and grace under pressure. When they see men who turn to God in times of struggle, who admit their mistakes, and who stand firm in their beliefs, they learn to do the same. Surrounding them with wise, godly counsel reinforces the values we teach at home and gives them examples to emulate as they grow. As they are young, we have begun that journey for them through stories and books, as well as spending quality time with daddy.

Series and books that they enjoy are Bibleman, Veggie Tales, Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, Ten Boys Who Made a Difference (Lightkeepers) and much more.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” At the end of the day, our goal isn’t to raise tough guys; it’s to raise kind, courageous, and faithful men who will stand firm in a shaky world. With a lot of prayer, patience, and probably a lot more mistakes, I trust that God will shape them into exactly who He created them to be, and we look forward to celebrating the good fruit that comes from their lives!

When doubt creeps in: Encouragement for the homeschooling mum who feels she might have made the wrong choice

Published on January 22, 2025 by Alethea Awuku1 Comment

I don’t know about you, but there are some days when I look around at the chaos of our homeschool and wonder, What in the world is going on? The boys are arguing, fighting and screaming over toys, I am getting resistance with sit down book work and reading, and my youngest is determined to turn all the walls of my house into his museum of drawings. Meanwhile, I’m nursing a cold cup of coffee, a very messy kitchen (even though it was cleaned the night before), and sleepiness from waking up at 4:45am just to get a head start on the day before everyone wakes up. With fatigue, strain, frustration and overwhelm at an all time high, its easy to question whether we made the right decision to homeschool.

Some days, these are my thoughts, so first of all, I want to assure you that if you have felt any of this, you are not alone. There is no homeschooling mum on this planet (or probably even in the universe, if alien homeschooling mums exist) who hasn’t wondered at least once if she made a monumental mistake. It’s normal. We’ve all had those moments of doubt—when the curriculum doesn’t click, when the kids resist every lesson, or when we constantly feel that we are not enough. But let me remind you of something that God has been whispering to my heart lately: His grace is sufficient. Even on the hard days. Especially on the hard days. Here’s a beautiful hymn for you to tuck away in your heart.

I get it, though. It’s easy to romanticise homeschooling before we start. We picture morning devotionals with well-behaved children, afternoons spent exploring nature, and evenings reading classic literature in a cosy setting. Reality looks a little more like Weetabix smeared on every surface, (AND THEN DRYING IN A BLINK OF AN EYE!!), disruptive food requests every. five. minutes, and a “read-aloud” where you’re the only one actually listening to the story. And yet, even in the mess, there are so many beautiful moments waiting to be noticed.

A few tips and encouragement

When doubt comes knocking, I’ve found it helps to revisit why my husband and I chose this path in the first place. For me, it’s about nurturing my boys’ hearts as much as their minds. It’s about weaving our faith into their education and having the freedom to teach them in a way that honours their unique gifts and strengths. Yes, even when those gifts include making fart noises during lessons. (Lord, give me strength with these boys.)

Sometimes we just need to change our perspective. If a lesson is flopping or the kids are bouncing off the walls, maybe it’s time to pause the plan for the day. Go outside for a walk (which is my absolute go to), build a blanket fort, or get in the kitchen and bake and call it “life skills.” It all still counts. I have learnt that homeschooling isn’t about sticking rigidly to a schedule; it’s about creating a life where learning happens naturally and joyfully—well, most of the time for the children, and for us as mums.

Another thing that helps is connecting with other homeschooling mums. Join a co-op, find a support group, or just call that one friend who always “gets it.” There’s something so comforting about hearing someone else say, “Oh, me too!” We were made for community, and sharing our struggles often lightens the load.

Grace is available

Don’t forget to extend yourself some grace. God didn’t call us to this journey because He thought we would do it perfectly. He called us and wants us to depend upon Him every step of the way. Your children don’t need a perfect teacher; they need you. They need your love, your laughter, and yes, even your occasional meltdowns. (I firmly believe that seeing us apologise, pray for strength, handle difficult moments and regroup is an important life lesson for them.)

So, on the days when you’re tempted to throw in the towel, remember this: You are planting seeds, even when you can’t see the harvest yet. The hard days are part of the story, but they’re not the whole story. And who knows? Maybe one day, your children will look back on these years and thank you for the gift of learning together. They’ll remember a specific day (that you thought was pretty awful) and say that was one of the best moments of their lives. Or at least in my case they’ll remember how to bake really good cakes. Either way, you’re doing just fine, Mama. Keep going. ❤️

I am struggling with time management

Published on August 12, 2024December 18, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

As mothers, our days are mostly filled with a whirlwind of activities—preparing meals, caring for children, maintaining a home, possibly juggling a job, and managing countless other tasks. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder how we’ll ever get everything done! Time management can feel like an impossible task, especially when our time is no longer just our own. But take heart sis, for we are not alone in this struggle. God sees our efforts and knows the desires of our hearts. He offers us grace, not perfection, and in that grace, we can find ways to manage our time better, to honour Him, and to bring peace to our homes.

Here are four practical tips that can help you thrive more when it comes to this area of your life.

1. Prioritise your day with God at the center

It’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and forget to take time for God, but making Him the foundation of our days brings a profound sense of peace and purpose. Start your day with prayer or a short devotion, asking God for guidance in managing your time. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” By seeking God’s wisdom first, we align our priorities with His will, which can help us focus on what truly matters each day.

Imagine your day begins with the children waking up early and immediately needing your attention. Instead of jumping straight into the chaos, take five minutes to pray or read a Bible verse while they’re still in their rooms. Even a short moment of quiet time with God can change your perspective and give you the patience and wisdom to navigate the day.

2. Set realistic expectations

As mothers, we often set high expectations for ourselves, thinking we need to do it all. However, Proverbs 31, the famous chapter about the virtuous woman, reminds us that she didn’t do everything at once. She focused on what was necessary in each season of her life. Setting realistic goals for your day helps prevent burnout and allows you to appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.

You might have a to-do list that includes cleaning the entire house, preparing three homemade meals, and organising a playdate. This instantly creates so much overwhelm as you have to juggle these tasks as well as taking care of your children. Instead, consider focusing on one or two key tasks and letting go of the others. Maybe today, it’s just tidying up the kitchen and spending quality time with your kids. Celebrate what you’ve done rather than what you didn’t get to. It all equals success!

3. Delegate and accept help

God created us to live in community, not in isolation. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to “carry each other’s burdens,” which means it’s okay—and often necessary—to ask for help. Whether it’s involving your children in household chores, asking your spouse to take on certain tasks, or accepting help from friends or family, delegation can lighten your load and create a sense of shared responsibility within your family.

Perhaps you’re struggling to find time to cook dinner while also helping your children with their homework. Instead of trying to do both simultaneously, consider asking your spouse to handle homework time, or involve the kids in meal preparation. It might not be perfect, but it teaches them responsibility and gives you more breathing room.

4. Embrace flexibility and grace

Life with children is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can go awry. It’s essential to embrace flexibility and extend grace to yourself when things don’t go as planned. James 4:13-15 reminds us that we don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we can trust God with our plans. Allow yourself the freedom to adapt when necessary, and let go of the need for everything to be perfect.

You might plan a productive day, only to have your child come down with a cold, throwing all your plans out the window. Instead of feeling defeated, acknowledge that caring for your child is the priority for that day. You can reschedule other tasks, knowing that God sees your heart and honours your willingness to serve your family.

Conclusion

Motherhood is a beautiful yet challenging journey, and time management is a skill that many of us are continually developing. It takes time to find and fine tune a rhythm that works for you and your family. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient for you in every season. You are doing an incredible job, and He is with you every step of the way.

May you find peace, joy, and purpose as you navigate your days, knowing that you are held in His loving hands, and you can indeed thrive here!

Alethea

blooming flowers in vase on table at home

The beauty of homemaking

Published on August 12, 2024December 18, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

One of the beautiful things about homemaking is that as women and mothers we have the gift and the ability to create a beautiful environment in which everybody that lives in it feels loved, treated as though they belong and nurtured so they thrive.

It requires our undivided intentional attention. Our heart, our soul, our efforts, our time, our style, our sacrifice, our willingness, our openness, our strength, our lives. The beauty found in homemaking is really in our ability to personalise and tailor a wholesome life for the people closest to us, to keep loving the one that we have chosen to commit to for the rest of our lives, and to serve the people who have grown and come from our very own bodies.

It is hard, beautiful sacrificial work. It is a worthwhile work that reveals a lot within us so that we can grow and develop in character. The home stands as a testament to the beauty and life of diligent hands and a faithful heart. Within the walls of our homes, joy and sorrow are shared, burdens are lightened, and the spirit finds solace.

The dining table has the potential to become an altar of fellowship, where laughter echoes, tears are gently wiped away, and the bonds of family and friendship are strengthened over shared meals and meaningful conversations. It is in this sacred space that love is nurtured and memories are sown. It is akin to a garden of life where seeds are sown into the hearts of children. Such is the sacred art of homemaking, a divine vocation, where earthly tasks become heavenly acts, and a humble abode is transformed into a haven of holy love.

If we look closely enough, we’ll see God’s goodness in what He has given to us. Our portion is evident of His faithfulness.

Homemaking is a tender art, a symphony of daily rituals that breathe life and love into a home. From the sweep of a broom to the arranging of fresh flowers, each task is a stroke of comfort and care if we see it that way. The homemaker’s touch can bring warmth to every corner, infusing the air with a fragrance that only a woman can bring to her environment when she loves it. It’s in these small, thoughtful gestures that a house becomes a haven, a place where the soul finds rest and the heart feels cherished.

In the morning when we wake up we get to decide on the tone that will be set for our homes. It can be filled with so much purpose, even in the midst of difficulty and challenge. The clinking of dishes, the rustling of pages as lists are made and tasks are planned, all contribute to a rhythm that reflects the reality of a household filled with life.

As a homemaker, you get the chance to dress each room, giving it a story, curated with love and attention to detail and reflecting the unique personality and values of those who live there. As a mama to little children, the season is extremely busy and exhausting. My days begin very early, and end late. The talking never ends, and the training is nonstop It isn’t easy. It requires much work and intentionality. It requires our life, and it is worth every seed sown.

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.

Alethea

9 must read books for Christian mothers

Published on April 4, 2024December 18, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

For Christian mums looking for inspiration, guidance, and spiritual nourishment! Whether you’re navigating the complexities of motherhood, seeking to deepen your faith, or simply craving moments of reflection and perspective in the midst of the demands of it all, I hope that these nine books will encourage you just as much as they’ve encouraged me! Each one offers a wealth of wisdom, practical advice, encouragement, and insight, reminding us of the profound significance of our role and the love and grace of Christ that sustains us on our journey.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.

Risen Motherhood: Gospel hope for everyday moments

What I love the most about Risen Motherhood content is how they connect our faith with motherhood. It helps you to life up your eyes and perspective to see things from a Biblical worldview which is so helpful- a needed reminder! It’s not a ‘how to’ book for mothers, but an encouragement that everything we do is by God’s design and for his purposes. Nothing is too mundane or small in this season. <a href="http://<a target="_blank" href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Risen-Motherhood-Gospel-Everyday-Moments/dp/0736976221/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36R77O3G3K8CM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.i1c1n54y9HgHyWdHTlKYFQIpWNnqTlIq6kHyftvbPXThy-Mliaz_jYRQtuR2_wRw1hErTal9_o7mP0IV3YngnRvLor77ky12mxNJjzJLDE1QjxL41YDDbNVi94or5sDoROOXKXhsqJB-xiA3Ee7o7v99j_p3AileJKkOUP-ChcZXh4IYGYei5nZaHqUV_FNsC1mwfCRSrj2V6Gy6RpvfuRPoQ5CCfGGPWAB-MZ_dGvk.GLcNGwmACLTwB_Mc_PVwgroKg3r4e7iR6G7NjGpL2i8&dib_tag=se&keywords=risen+motherhood&qid=1710657442&sprefix=risen+motherhood%252Caps%252C90&sr=8-1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=gracedforhome-21&linkCode=ur2&linkId=4e578b21670ccb6030b08b7fadbf720c&camp=1634&creative=6738">Get your copy

Get yours here.

Shepherding a child’s heart

The first parenting book that I read and it blew my mind away! The wisdom in this book is incredible and very convicting. Tedd Tripp really goes into detail on the importance of looking at the heart of our children and seeking to disciple the heart over correcting outward behaviour. It’s challenging, informative, direct and focuses on Biblical principles and practices.

Get yours here.

Memory Making Mom

If you are feeling overwhelmed with creating new and unique family traditions this book is really helpful in kickstarting it for you. There are so many ideas to bring joy and personlised experiences into your home which is something that all of us want to give to our children. I see it as part of our legacy building and what makes our family “us” so this book is a little gem!

Get yours here.

Awaking Wonder

I love Sally Clarkson and her vision and heart for home. She is an older much wiser and seasoned woman who comes along side you in her books to share the heart of God for our lives and it is such an encouragement and challenge to our hearts as mothers.

Get yours here.

Treasuring Christ

This is a really great practical book that helps us to keep our eyes on Christ in the midst of the busyness and chaotic moments in motherhood. Reading the book shook my preconceptions about the significance of hardship in motherhood, deepened my understanding of biblical teachings regarding trials, and reinforced the truth that contentment and joy can’t come from anything else but Christ.

Get yours here.

Sacred Parenting

It’s not your typical how-to guide, which is really refreshing considering the inundation of parenting manuals that are out there. What I love the most about this book is that it prompts us to reflect on the higher calling of nurturing children for the glory of God. It also gives a lot of practical and realistic tips that don’t feel so overwhelming to achieve.

Get yours here.

Desperate

For this review I’ll have to post the authors statement as it sums up the book perfectly.

Desperate is for those who love their children to the depths of their souls but who have also curled up under their covers, fighting back tears, and begging God for help. It’s for those who have ever wondered what happened to all their ideals for what having children would be like. For those who have ever felt like all the “experts” have clearly never had a child like theirs. For those who have prayed for a mentor. For those who ever felt lost and alone in motherhood.

In Desperate you will find the story of one young mother’s honest account of the desperate feelings experienced in motherhood and one experienced mentor’s realistic and gentle exhortations that were forged in the trenches of raising her own four children.

Get yours here.

Missional Motherhood

A great encouraging book helping us to know that in the midst of all the busyness, motherhood is anything but insignificant and I think it just hits this nail squarely on the head. It is too easy to wonder if anything we are doing is worthwhile because raising other human beings can be so taxing.

The book focuses on the Gospel and how this should shape our desires, and realities in motherhood. The bigger picture from a theological perspective.

Get yours here.

I hope you find these useful!

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.

Motherhood musings: My boys: A worthwhile legacy

Published on January 9, 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

My boys: A worthwhile legacy

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

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

They are worth it

5 ways to feel refreshed as a mother

Published on January 9, 2024 by Alethea AwukuLeave a comment

I love a good refresh and reset, and some days call for it when things don’t go according to plan. In today’s post I’ll be sharing 5 quick and simple things that you can implement as a mum to press the refresh button and freshen up your day!

Tip 1: Tidy up a space in your home

I am a big believer that as human beings that need connection and feed off of our surroundings, the environment that we live in can and does have a big impact on how we can feel.

As a mum of three, it’s quite difficult to always keep the main living areas clean and clutter free. This definitely can leave me feeling overwhelmed. Once day I realised that doing my best to keep my kitchen countertops clean, and the dishes washed made me feel so good every time I walked into that area. It instantly lifted my mood and made me feel somewhat put together to have a small area clean throughout the day.

For you it could be a corner of your living room, the bathroom or even the hallway. Give this tip a go and see if it helps to make you feel a little refreshed.

Tip 2: Take a quick or long walk outside

Since having my boys, I have grown to love being outdoors. Even more so to release all of the boisterous energy out into the open! They get time to run, shout and play while I use the time to literally breath. To be out in the open and specifically in nature is deeply calming to the soul and gives a sense of smallness in comparison to the magnitude of everything.

If I can’t make it out to a park or forest, and the weather is good, simply walking in my garden provides the same effect. When we didn’t have a garden, I utilised our balcony, and it became a place of solace for me to reflect, pray and express gratitude. If you don’t have either, then you can open a window and let more of the outdoors in. It really does help to recharge your day.

Tip 3: Take a shower

This may sound funny, but it really works! As busy mums, it can be so difficult to have time to enjoy a proper shower with all the spa like trimmings (facials, body scrubs etc). When I am able to during the day – I ask my husband for a few minutes and I jump into the shower. The feeling of the warm water and a nice smelling shower gel is instantly calming for me. Some days I sneak in 2 showers, one in the morning and another in the later afternoon just to give myself a boost for the day.

Tip 4: Prepare a lunch that you enjoy

We all know that eating well provides important sustenance to the body and yet it can be really difficult to find the time or motivation to prepare simple nutritious meals that will leave us feeling boosted and not deflated or bloated. Having a few quick meals that you enjoy eating can really be a mood changer when you are having a long or difficult day.

I take time to prepare the meal, expressing gratitude to the Lord for his provision. This instantly makes me feel blessed. Some foods that I enjoy making are scrambled eggs with avocado toast, a greek salad with grilled chicken, tortilla wraps, (root) vegetable soup, smoothies and grilled or roasted vegetables. These tend to be my quick go-to’s which leave me feeling happy because I have nourished my body.

Tip 5: Write down 3 things that you are thankful for

I love this one because

It can encourage you to pause.

To think through things.

To breathe.

Journaling and writing down encourages us to always come to God with a heart of true, sincere gratitude- which is so life transforming. It helps us to be very intentional about our thanksgiving to God. With very busy days, it can be easy to forget about the things that you are grateful for but choosing to carve out 5-10 minutes in your day to express gratitude helps you to stay focused on the things that truly matter in your life.

Have you tried any of these tips? I would love to hear in the comments below! There are so many other things that we can do to refresh and recharge ourselves as mothers. Feel free to comment on more to encourage another mum.