Motherhood is such an incredible blessing but there are days when it’s really tough. Days when we feel overwhelmed and weary. Days when we desperately need just a little encouragement. 

And today, I am delighted to introduce you to two ladies who are going to do just that. Between the two of them they have 16 kids and each one knows a thing or two about being discouraged in their motherhood. 

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Feeling weary and overwhelmed is a common issue within motherhood. Honestly, much of the last four years I have felt weary and overwhelmed. This first advice comes from Jennifer, mother of 11 kids and is so encouraging and convicting! In the audio above or the video below, Jennifer wisely shares three reasons why you might be feeling wearing. 

Watch the video! 

You can scroll up and listen to this podcast episode on the go. Or watch the video clips below. This is a fun option because you get to see a peek inside the academy and the mentors homes! Watch here and don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for future videos.

Please note: The following video clips are all pulled from different courses within our comprehensive online training academy – My Homemaking Mentor. The academy contains 15 FULL courses taught by 12 amazing mentors on various aspects of homemaking. It’s the only tool you will ever need in learning how to be a more efficient and effective homemaker…and you get lifetime access to all future updates and courses. But enrollment for the Spring shuts down April 3rd and won’t open up again until the Fall of 2017 (and the price will be going up then). So if you are interested in the academy, come on over and jump in today to access the full verses of each of these courses and 13 others! 

Why You Might Be Weary

1) You are doing too much

If you are weary and overwhelmed, maybe your plate is too full. You are trying to do too much and you just don’t enjoy doing these anymore because there are just too many things to be done (this is my life all the time)! 

Maybe you are involved in too many activities. Too many things that pull you away from your home. Or too many distractions on the computer that are competing for your attention. Or maybe your kids are involved in too many activities. Running around seven times a week to different soccer practices and piano recitals can quickly lead to overwhelm. 

If you are feeling overwhelmed, try to take some time to think through those BIG priorities in your life. What is it that you should be focusing on in this season of life you are in? 

If you need a little help thinking through and prioritizing those big things in your life, then read this: Creating a Personal Priorities List for Your Life & Homemaking.

2) Not Doing Enough

Okay, I know this one sounds counter-intuitive. Sometimes, we are not weary from doing too much in general, but rather, not doing enough of the right things! Are you spending too much time on the computer, watching tv, running too many errands, etc? And not enough time focusing on your kids, laughing with your husband, or taking care of your home?

Do you get distracted and frazzled in your home so much so that you get to 5pm each day and have no idea what’s for dinner, always run out of any sort of clean clothing, or miss important appointments? Theses all might be signs that you are not doing enough of the right things and are pulled in too many directions. This can lead any mom to becoming weary!

Once you pair down and figure out what’s really important in life, it’s so much easier to focus on those things that we truly need to during our day. And that’s what leads to going from simply thriving in our home to actually thriving in our motherhood. 

When you struggle with patience

I think this is one of the biggest struggles we face as moms…how do we stay patient with our children? Especially those of us with several little kids, it can take all of our self control and concentration to not lose our patience throughout the day! 

It’s really easy to snap, to yell, to get hungry, to huff and puff around the house when we lose our patience or things don’t go the way we want (which if we are honest, is all the time when we have kids. Things seldom go the way WE plan them to).

“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Ultimately, it comes down to relying on Christ. Clinging to Him. Knowing that we find out strength in Him and asking Him to help us find that strength and patience. It’s not easy but it IS possible through Christ. 

Dig through Scripture:

If you really struggle with anger or patience (in any area of life) then dig through Scripture. Do a word search for patience or anger and read through what God’s Word has to say. Write down a few of these verses or passages down on cards that you can take with you throughout the day. 

When you are feeling tempted to be angry or impatient, then read through and meditate on what God’s Word has to say. 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” – James 1:2-5

Make sure you take some time to watch the video or listen to the audio from today, it’s well worth it! Both Jennifer and Rachel give some practical and Biblical advice for the weary mom. I know I found it incredibly encouraging! 

Meal Planning Help: 

I am really excited to share with you the sponsor of today’s podcast episode: PrepDish! If you ever feel like you wish you had a little help in your meal planning, then I highly encourage you to check out PrepDish. They offer gluten free meal plans and paleo meal plans. 

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