Welcome to "Sprouting Seeds of Family Wonder", where we celebrate the joy of motherhood and the profound role mothers play in raising godly children. As we approach Mother's Day, it's a time to honour and appreciate the remarkable women who selflessly dedicate themselves to nurturing and shaping the lives of their children.

In the words of Marion C. Garretty, "A mother's love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible." Indeed, the love of a mother knows no bounds, guiding and supporting her children through life's journey with unwavering devotion.

The Divine Gift of Motherhood:

Motherhood is a sacred calling, a divine gift bestowed upon women to nurture, guide, and inspire the next generation. In the Bible, we find numerous examples of remarkable mothers whose faith and devotion left an indelible mark on history. From the unwavering love of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to the wisdom of Hannah, the persistence of Jochebed (mother of Moses), and the strength of Sarah, these biblical matriarchs exemplify the virtues of motherhood.

Similarly, let's pay tribute to the women who have influenced our lives with their resilience, insight, and affection. Whether they're our biological, adoptive, or spiritual mothers, their impact leaves a lasting imprint on our journey. May we cherish and treasure every moment spent in their embrace, knowing that their love is a reflection of God's unfailing love for us.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed." - Proverbs 31:28

From Infancy to Adulthood:

From the moment a child is born, a mother's love knows no bounds. During the tender years of infancy, mothers provide comfort, nourishment, and protection, laying the foundation for a strong bond that will endure a lifetime. As children grow into toddlers and beyond, mothers play a pivotal role in nurturing their physical, emotional, and spiritual development.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23

Guiding Through the Years:

Through the ups and downs of childhood and adolescence, mothers serve as beacons of light, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. They instil values of compassion, integrity, and resilience, equipping their children to navigate life's challenges with grace and faith. As children transition into adulthood, mothers continue to provide wisdom and encouragement, cheering them on as they pursue their dreams and passions.

"She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue." - Proverbs 31:26

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." - Proverbs 31:28

Below are some heart warming tips and ideas to honour mothers on Mother's Day. To subtly guide your own children in planning special gestures, casually mention activities or gestures you enjoy, like spa days, outdoor adventures, or homemade brunches. Alternatively, leave notes in visible places around the house as gentle prompts for them to plan meaningful celebrations.

Mother-Daughter/Mother-Son Bond:

The bond between a mother and her children is a blessed and special connection that grows stronger with each passing day. Plan a mother-daughter spa day or a mother-son outdoor adventure (or vice versa), to create lasting memories and strengthen the bond.

Schedule regular one-on-one time with each child to engage in activities they enjoy and foster open communication.

Encourage daughters and sons to express gratitude for their mothers through handwritten letters or heartfelt conversations.

UNSPLASH - photo **Sebastián León Prado**

Every-day Self Care Strategies for Busy Mums: Not Just for Mother's Day!

Given the demands of motherhood, it's essential for mothers to prioritise self-care and well-being. Take time to nurture your own needs and recharge your spirit, whether it's through indulging in a favourite hobby, or simply savouring a quiet moment of solitude with God.

Remember to prioritise sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine and aiming for 7-9 hours of rest each night.

Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

Delegate household tasks and ask for help from family members or friends to lighten the load and create more time for self-care activities.

Make time for hobbies and interests that bring joy and fulfilment, whether it's reading, gardening, crafts, or listening to music.

Gift Ideas and Gestures:

Create a personalised photo album or digital slideshow featuring cherished family memories and moments shared with Mum. My son surprised me with digital montage of photos copied to a USB stick a few years ago, and it remains one of the most cherished gifts I've ever received.

Plan a surprise picnic in the park or a homemade brunch with Mum's favourite dishes and treats.

Offer to take over household chores or responsibilities for the day to give Mum a well-deserved break.

Treat Mum to a pampering experience with a spa gift certificate, fragrant candles, bath bombs, or a plush robe. For an extra special touch that is also budget friendly, consider homemade versions of these treats.

Homemade Bath Bombs

Ingredients:

1 cup bi carb soda (baking soda)

1/2 cup citric acid

1/2 cup corn flour

1/2 cup Epsom salts

2-3 teaspoons essential oil of your choice (lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, etc.)

2-3 teaspoons coconut oil or almond oil

Food colouring (optional)

Bath bomb moulds or silicone muffin moulds

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the bi carb soda, citric acid, corn flour, and Epsom salts. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

2. In a small bowl, mix the essential oil and coconut oil (or almond oil).

3. Slowly add the oil mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring constantly to prevent fizzing.

4. If desired, add a few drops of food colouring to achieve your desired hue, and mix until evenly distributed.

5. Once the mixture holds its shape when squeezed together, it's ready to mould. Pack the mixture firmly into bath bomb moulds or silicone muffin moulds, pressing down to compact.

6. Allow the bath bombs to dry and harden for at least 24 hours. Once dry, carefully remove them from the moulds.

7. Store the bath bombs in an airtight container until ready to use.

Honouring All Types of Mothers:

Organise a family gathering or virtual celebration to honour and appreciate all the mother figures in your life, including grandmothers, aunts, stepmothers, foster mothers, and mentors.

Create handmade cards or heartfelt notes expressing gratitude and love for the special women who have made a positive impact on your life.

Plan a special outing or activity to celebrate the unique qualities and contributions of each mother figure, tailoring the experience to their interests and preferences.

Reflecting on Motherhood in Scripture:

Turn to the timeless wisdom of scripture to reflect on the virtues and qualities of motherhood. Draw inspiration from the courageous and faithful mothers depicted in the Bible, such as Hannah's fervent prayers, Ruth's unwavering loyalty, and Mary's humble obedience.

Reflect on passages that speak to the importance of honouring and respecting parents, such as Exodus 20:12 and Proverbs 31:28.

Consider the wisdom and guidance offered in scriptures such as Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:4 for raising children with love, discipline, and godly values.

Community Celebrations:

Join in the festivities of Mother's Day by participating in local community events and celebrations. From Mother's Day brunches to charity fundraisers, these gatherings provide opportunities to connect with other mothers and families while honouring the extraordinary role of motherhood. Check out Event Brite at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/d/australia--adelaide/mothers-day-luncheon/ for further details.

Volunteer together as a family at a charity event or fundraiser dedicated to supporting mothers and families in need. The annual Mother’s Day Classic Fun Run/Walk at Pinky Flat raises funds for Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

Participate in community service projects such as cleaning up local parks or visiting nursing homes to bring joy to elderly mothers on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day Traditions:

Establish meaningful traditions that celebrate the essence of motherhood and strengthen family bonds.

Create a family tradition of planting a tree or flower garden together on Mother's Day to symbolise growth, renewal, and the enduring bond of love.

Host a delightful Mother's Day tea party at home, featuring a variety of teas, sandwiches, and sweets, all enjoyed with heartfelt conversations and laughter. It's a perfect opportunity for partners/husbands and children to join in and help create a memorable experience. I fondly remember hosting a “Lavender and Lace” themed tea party for my mother (and sisters) years ago, creating a cherished memory that continues to bring me comfort and joy, even though my Mum has passed away.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let's express our gratitude and appreciation for the mothers who enrich our lives with their love, wisdom, and unwavering support. May this special day be a reminder of the profound impact mothers have in planting seeds of encouragement, faith and love within their families.

To all the mothers out there, we celebrate you today and every day. Your unwavering love, sacrifice, and dedication are truly a testament to the divine calling of motherhood. As you continue to raise godly children, may you find strength, joy, and fulfilment in the sacred journey of nurturing hearts and souls. Happy Mother's Day!

With love and laughter,

V.A.