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Hi, I’m Lisa-Jo.
I have three kids, a hamster called G-Force Baker, a well-traveled passport and a very patient husband. And I sincerely believe motherhood should come with its own super hero cape.
Most days I can’t find my car keys, my cell phone or my mind. Most nights I think my heart will burst wide open from all the messy love stuffed inside it for those sweetly snoring kids.
And many mornings I want to quit motherhood before I’ve even served the first bowl of Cheerios of the day.
I’ve worked full time outside the home, I’ve worked full time from home and I’ve worked long hours before kids ever came along for the ride.
I absolutely maintain that motherhood is the hardest and most transformative role I’ve ever had.
Like, by far.
This coming from the girl who trained as a human rights lawyer and lived and worked in Ukraine for two and a half years combating human trafficking and spending day in and day out with its victims. This from the girl who comes from South Africa where her parents are plowing their lives into the orphan and HIV crisis.
This from the girl who thought she would spend her law degree in human rights tribunals advocating for one group of women (the ones I passionately want to see liberated from trafficking) and for whom God has now channeled that energy into advocating for another, no less important group (the mostly suburban moms I write to and encourage on this blog).
I never would have expected it.
On this blog I do my best not to dress up motherhood. I try to tell it straight. Because trying to survive motherhood while under the impression that other mothers somehow have it all together is dreadfully discouraging.
For me it’s been a great and passionate discovery but also the most all consuming, gut-wrenching, exhausting, roller coaster ride I never could have imagined.
And that I think it’s supposed to be like that. Because I believe in a God who is never done teaching us how to become less of us and more of Him.
“By God’s marvelous design, few life experiences humble us quite as effectively as parenting. …This tiny tyrant is providentially placed in our house with one grand program: to mold his or her parents into the image of our Lord. The way up spiritually, is by looking down physically.”
~Gary Thomas, Devotions for Sacred Parenting, pp. 46, 48.
I love that we can talk about that stuff here.
About what we want our daughters to know about the mean girls or how sometimes learning to like our kids is more important than loving them.
I love that the Internet gives us a way to share our every day, extraordinary stories.
I’ve shared stories from Guatemala while blogging for Compassion International and love my current full time job as the Social Media Manager for DaySpring and the Community Manager for their beautiful site, (in)courage- a place for girlfriends to put their feet up on the coffee table and share all the hard, wonderful, ordinary stories that make up life.
I’m South African, currently living in the States after a couple years in Ukraine with travel to Belarus, the Czech Republic, Poland, Egypt, Botswana and a few wonderful years in Michigan. I love how social media can change the world for good, one blog post at a time. How it gives us glimpses into the similar stories we live right there between the cereal boxes and kids’ undone art projects at our messy kitchen tables.
And so I keep coming back here with words about motherhood. I show up with my stories about sleep deprivation, frustrated four-year-olds and my constant wrestle with trying to make a home out of a house that is not my own. This is my truth. And I promise to keep on telling it, this love story. Of how Jesus would have loved me the same whether I had children or not. But how He is remaking me day in and day out through this gift that He saved till last.
So come back tomorrow. And the day after. And I will still be here, unwrapping, unwrapping, unwrapping all this crawling, toddling, laughing, crying extraordinarily sacred ordinary.
Mandy Scarr
Lisa-jo I’m new to your blog but love it already. I’m a mother of two teenagers and am adopting a special needs 3 year old and am a foster mom to an 10 month old (I’ve had both since birth). We should have a superhero cape. Its hard but its the most rewarding part of life.
Wow, love the new look! Love your passion for motherhood…it rocked my world too. But I do have to say. After reading all that you do with three under foot seems big, super big. Guess grace comes in all sizes. Mine came small with huge ideas and passions that I had to let go or put off. But simplicity is a necessity for my sanity…I chuckle but it is so true. Thanks for writing, loving God and your kids (and your man)…I will stop back often.
Amen! I love being a mom, but it can be a challenge. I wake every morning determined to hug and encourage my children and then comes the first “MOOOMMMYYYY!!!” and all my good intentions are out the window.
Delightfully divine! You are right that motherhood is precious and priceless and costs you nothing less than your patience, your freedom, your pride, your wardrobe and your cute hair sometimes- and in return you gain your life! Hugs to you, you beautiful girl! Remember – there is goodness in the goodmess!
So thankful to have stumbled upon this site. You articulate what I can not. Thank you.
You have come a long way since we sat in a seminar together in Ukraine. We are linked together now through my wonderful daughter in law Kristen, and I am glad to be able to “see” you again. Thanks for mentoring others in this way!
Where are you from in South Africa? I grew up in Westville, outside of Durban and I live in the States now too. Love your blog!!
Hi Cheryl,
I’m from Pretoria – but I have family in Jo’burg and all over the Cape. We miss it something fierce!
Wow! Just reading your ‘about me’ section has me inspired and wanting to put MORE into my journey as a mum. I love that beautiful quote that children are shaping US to be more Christ-like. What a wonderful reminder! Can’t wait to take a good look around your blog. Perhaps during a late night nursing session! God bless x
I have just come across your blog by a friend on Facebook suggesting to read “100 Things I Want to Teach My Daughter”. In some ways I am past “teaching” my daughter. You see, I am now a grandmother of five (3 grandsons and 2 grandaughters). Now I hope I can help my daughter teach her daughter (as well as my daughter-in-law teach her daughter). They are teaching me as well, and I hope that never ends. I hope this blog is not ony for young moms – we grandmothers need the same “community” as we learn our new role in life.
Hey Kathy,
Come on in – we’re all in this together and what a gift to get to learn from and be encouraged by the mothers who’ve gone before us. There are brownies in the oven…..
Dear Lisa, I wished I had your blog when I was a young mother. Although, I know God has a purpose and a plan, so hope to learn from your blog what all mom’s need to know weather their son is wearing a size 5 youth or a 13 1/2 men’s shoe.
* Mom’s do need a super hero cap – The Holy Spirit is mine
* Being a mom is messy from the get-go – Wearing white is only for models and especially blessed days
* We all fail – God is there is pick us up
Blessings,
Deena
Mom of Mary -21, Abbie- 19, Johanna-17 1/2 and Ian- 16
I love the new look of your blog. Thank you for always hosting and for your encouraging posts. I hoep you have a great weekend!
Where were you when my girls were young? Oh yeah, on the playground ina different city! You have wisdom far beyond your years and are a huge blessing to motherhood!
Hello! I’m a twenty-year-old, stay-at-home daughter, and I just want to say what an encouragement your blog is. I’ve only just stumbled across it, but the things I’ve read so far are wonderful. I hope to someday soon become a wife and mother, and your passion and willingness to blog about the subject is an inspiration. Thank you so much!
just discovered your blog from pinterest. thank you for your encouragement. brings tears to my eyes. I look forward to following your blog.
Just found your blog from a Simple Mom (dot) net email and I’m looking forward to reading more! I love the look and design of your blog as well!
God bless you in all you do to encourage moms in this journey called motherhood. We definitely need a cheerleader and superhero!
Thanks for being ours!
‘So glad to have found this blog! Great articles. I agree: being a mom really is the busiest yet most fulfilling “job”. My daughter is now 28 yrs. old and is a mom herself; she is really learning a lot ♥
This was beautiful and perfect!! You managed to sum up most of how I’m feeling each day on one page!! The quote from Gary Thomas is great! I found you through My Freshly Brewed Life, and I’m so glad I did!! I can’t wait to read more!
“you got this. even when you don’t”
love it.
Hi Lisa-Jo — Love how much you love children and how much you have traveled, but mostly what I love about you is using social media to change the world for good! So I’m connecting with you on Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook and hope you will do the same with me so we can stay connected. Hoping to join your Five-minute Fridays soon. Blessings Terri
My blog is http://morningdewdrops.com
FB page is http://www.facebook.com/MorningDewdrop1
Twitter is https://twitter.com/MorningDewdrop1
Pinterest https://pinterest.com/MorningDewdrop1
Messy and marvelous…motherhood! But oh aren’t you so right. Where would I be without my kids to teach me so much. It’s not about me. I can’t do it. Motherhood is so much harder than I thought when I vowed to do it so much better than my mom (watch those vows!). Thank God for God!!! He can do amazing things through me, He covers my multitude of sins, and He never gives up on me. Yay!
where have you been my last five years of mother-hood? I will share you with everyone i know. thank you for being you and sharing this amazing gift you have!
My name is Gina….I’ve never responded in a blog before but was compelled by what I read here… I am a mom to two adult children an 11 y.o. & auntie/mom to my neice who lives with me since my sister was murdered 2yrs ago…we ALL Live together with my husband 5 girls & him…I’m also a Deacon at my church & work outside the home… most of the time all is going along while it amazes me when my head hits the pillow that each “crisis ” was averted & at times I am overwhelmed!! Nice to have a venue to share…
I’m a navy wife. I have three gorgeous kids and my husband is currently deployed. I need all the giggles and coffee I can get. Thanks for the hugs from a distance
Hey Lisa-Jo,
I think you know my mom. Her name is Micklyn…she says that your are my Nana’s goddaughter. (my Nana is Charmian Le Feuvre) Anyway, my mom said I should check out your site. And I just want you to know I’m very glad I did! 
I love this page. It is very inspiring, and you can tell it’s written with passion.
Tane <3
Howdy Tane – we’ve met, but I’m sure you don’t remember. You were much younger then and so was I
Lovely to bump into you here in cyberspace. Give your mom and your Nana a hug from me and be sure and have an extra helping of melktert for us over here!
The butiful amazing world of being a mom. It should come with a built in cheerleader. Moms need all the encouragement they can get. I hope this space might do the trick on your tiredest, hardest, I just-wanna-take-off-after-the-ice-cream-truck days. And nights.
pretty much says it all – thanks muchly Lisa-Jo
Dear Lisa Jo, I came upon your blog when I discovered (in)courage. I am even going to step out of my comfort zone and have a meet-up! I am very scared, however everyone is so helpful I am sure to get through it and feel proud? I hope so, because I already took the plunge in and started the process of invites. Pray we have a good meet up. Thank you. God bless. Margaret
Lisa-Jo,
I’m not even a Mom yet – I’m just starting the journey to my own family by getting married in a couple months. I came across your blog thru Pinterest, and I’ve read a few posts, and I can tell you that I’m already so inspired, and I look forward to reading more from you as my new family grows. It’s so great to see your love for Christ in your love for your kids and husband – it almost makes me want to be a Mom already, but I’m super excited about just taking these first steps in marriage to begin with, haha. Thanks for your candid writing and laying the truth out there for other Moms & Moms-to-be!
Angela
I love being a Mom and now a grandmother……..it is a journey that I would never change, the ups and downs of everyday life challenges. I also worked full time, first as a homemaker and then went into the cleaning business but Motherhood was always a big first in my life, I thank my Creator for giving me this opportunity. I was blessed with 2 handsome sons and 2 beautiful daughters, each totally different and unique….then came 3 grand-daughters and then 2 more grand-children from the 2nd marriage of my oldest and now waiting for their 6th child….all these blessings from my oldest daughter…WOW!!! I’m truly blessed, please continue your journey on Motherhood, let us know about your everyday blessings……:)
I have just tumbled across your site (via a friend of a friend) and I love it. You put into words what I feel most everyday. How being a mother is the most challenging, messy and at the same time beautiful and rewarding thing I have ever done. I too had not planned on having children, but when I met my husband, that all changed. I was an aspiring horse trainer, destined to travel the country training and showing horses. But God has given me a detour. I am the mother of a very energetic, beautiful, sweet boy that keeps me on my toes and gives me more enjoyment than I could have ever imagined. I have not competed at a horse show since my son was born and I struggle daily with the giving up of ” my old life”. I also struggle with the “everyday” stuff. The day to day care and management of my family, as well as my job in a non- horsey occupation, that doesn’t bring much satisfaction but it pays the bills. I cry out to God daily for encouragement to know that I am not alone in my struggling journey of motherhood, and your site is a very bright spot for me. Thank you so much for sharing and being real about what us moms feel.
I’m new to your blog but I’m looking really forward to subscribing & sticking around.
Hi Lisa-Jo! I love your blog. It is so inspiring and uplifting. I am a mom of two beautiful children and have thought some of the same things you have said here. It is such a wonderful job being a mother but can also be so hard and exhausting. This led me to write a book of my own called Why Is Mommy So Tired?, a children’s book, also to be enjoyed by parents. I believe as parents we need to find a balance of reading and playing with our kids and also nurturing our own needs. It is not easy but it is something we should be so thankful for. Thank you for sharing your positive thoughts about being a mom! We so often need reminders.
Basically, your blog is awesome. I’m not even a mom, but your writing is wicked good. Keep it up
I have never read your blog before tonight, but I just read your post about your children’s reactions to the Superbowl commercials. And I just want to say, thank you for telling it like it is. The garbage I saw on Sunday night, between the commercials and the half-time show, and the fact that so many of my friends who profess the same faith in God as I do meerly laughed at these things- it makes me wonder if there is any hope left for our “great” nation. But it is people like you who remind me the Light still burns.
So, thank you.
Love your blog. I am a South African living in the States raising a beautiful daughter. Thank you for wise words.
Thank you for your blog. I can’t tell you how much your words have encouraged me. I’m so very exhausted right now from being the mom of three girls and working part-time (then add a few extra volunteer gigs). I absolutely love my job as Mom, but I often get discouraged and feel I’m screwing it all up. So thank you for taking the time to pen the things many of us need to hear.
Hi, I found your blog when I was looking for ways on how to help my 13 yr old daughter with self esteem and thoughts about suicide. I read your blog about your mom and your dress and I read the above blog about you and I felt comfort in your words.
I’m a single mom who is home every day by 3pm, makes dinner, listen to both ny son’s and daughters events of the day, we do things on the weekends and I still MISSED the clues that my daughter was depressed and had suicide thoughts.
I “stumbled” on your blog through facebook! I always head straight for the about me page and WOW, I love you already! Honesty about motherhood is exactly what people need to hear! Subscribing to your blog now!
I loved your blog. I often say motherhood is overrated , so it feels good to know everyone else is feeling the same. Child rearing is the toughest way to spend your life. But the love makes it worth it.
Hello Lisa!
I just wanted to stop by and tell you what a blessing your blog is to me. I especially love the 5 minute Friday posts. What a wonderful ministry and blessing you are bringing, not only to those who are participating in the writing, but to those of us who are reading them and feeling a kinship with all of you. Thank you so much for sharing the reality of this life’s journey, but also the wonderful hope we have in knowing that God is in control and in the midst of this often chaotic life. You and your friends are an inspiration. I pray God’s richest blessings for all of you.
Looking forward to seeing your blog posts in my inbox.
Mom of 8 ages 25 to 8
Hi Lisa-Jo, I was browsing my Pineterst page and ended up at your blog. I have lived in South Africa all my life (Pretoria) and spend the past four years travelling between SA and the USA. While working in San Francisco my wife was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away just over a month ago. I have returned to our home in Pretoria and will be continuing to write for children and being involved with Children’s Ministry. I have written seven books and and currently busy with a Bible guide for kids aged 8-12.
Continue to write with the passion the Lord has placed in your heart – it is one way of investing in the next generation. May the Lord bless you and your family!!!
Lisa-Jo,
I just want to thank you for sharing about the scar we have when our mother’s leave us. My was very abrupt, in an accident in 1987 when I was 26. I was scared to turn 51, the age she was when she died, thinking I might die then too. I waited to have children until my 30′s, so now as they are all leaving home, I see a new adventure ahead. I feel more of God in my life. The Holy Spirit in me has a larger space.
I have been through a lot in my life and when much is given, much is expected. I expect to have opportunity to help others walk through the dark places I have been and see the Light of Christ.
Thank you,
Shalom♫
Deena~Marie
Lisa-Jo:
This is one of the most beautifully-written ‘About’ pages I’ve come across. I agree: Motherhood is the toughest, most-important job on the planet. And fatherhood is right behind. Truly, I think parenting is (or should be) “Job One” for all moms and dads.
I found your site via The Blog Maven. And, honestly, I can’t remember how I found her site! But…I know this: EVERYTHING happens for a reason. : – )
Your “Five Minute Friday” challenge has piqued my interest. Watch for my contribution on the next one!
Have a great week!
–Mike
When you say that motherhood has been the most transformational of all your jobs that makes me excited to someday be a mom. Thank you for sharing your story.
Lisa-Jo,
Am new to your blog, it was a real blessing to me. i am a father to three wonderful kids (a girl and two boys). i work out of town and come on weekends . i appreciate my wife so much more after reading this from you.
God bless
fond thots
charles
Tears! Thank You for sharing!!