F@H Moms

This is a chapter from Maria Holmen’s new book, Faith@Home Moms which will be released March 1, 2010 through Gospel Light Publishing.

I looked in the mirror with the pregnancy test in hand and an overwhelming thought rushed over me: “I will never be the same again.” Then I cried. I cried tears of happiness for what was to come, and tears of sadness for what had been. Mostly I cried tears of fear. What were we thinking!  We didn’t know how to parent. What if God didn’t bless us with the ability to do this?  What if he had other gifts in store for us but not this one?  What if no one helped us? What if we failed? 

My husband, Mark, had never changed a diaper, babysat, or even longed to hold someone else’s baby. As a pastor, Mark look with terror at the congregation each time he dedicated a baby.  There would be a hush across the sanctuary as he would gingerly and clumsily hold the baby up for presentation.  Would this be the time he would drop the baby? Of course he never did.

I was just as clueless about babies.  I had worked all my life in office jobs, even in high school when most girls my age were babysitting.  You never heard me say, “Oh what a cute baby. I wish I had one.”

Malyn Mae Holmen entered the world like many other children.  She was put on my stomach, and Mark instantly started to touch her and talk to her.  He was completely caught up in the moment. I could see and hear him doing the things I should be doing, but I knew as soon as I touched her, she would have me, heart and soul.  She would consume me.  She would become the gift God had given to me, and I would never be the same again.  I was right.

About two years later, I was on the phone with my Mom, and Malyn came waddling by.  She was in her yellow pajamas with the feet. She was chewing on her tooth brush. She went over to the dog, sat down and leaned back on the dog as if she were a pillow, kicked her legs out and crossed them, and smiled at me. I suddenly said, “I would die for this child!”  My Mom answered with a tone that I will never forget.  “I know how you feel. I’ve always told you, you are the best thing I have ever done, and now you know what I mean.” 

A Mom moment. A little glimpse of heaven right here on earth.  It was a moment Mom had been waiting for since the first time she said “I can’t wait until you have your own child. Then you’ll understand.”  Now I understand.

You don’t really know what God is up to when he gives you a baby, but if you grasp the wonderment and become engaged in the ride you have begun, this journey will be the best you have ever taken. This booklet is part of that journey through God’s Word as you discover what He has in store for you and your children. You are not alone on this journey. Moms everywhere can have God’s Word to guide and direct them. Throughout these pages you will come across “Mom Moments for You.” Take a moment to reflect honestly about your experiences, and allow God to shape you into a faith-at-home focused mom.

Mom Moments for You

1. that went through your mind when you first discovered you would be a mom?
2. How prepared did you feel to be a mom at that point?  How do you feel now?
3. How has becoming a mom changed you or your perspective on life?
4. What is one piece of advice you would give to a mom-to-be?

Maria’s Blog

 Maria will share insights for Moms, please feel free to ask questions or add comments.

Faith@Home Parent Coaching Registration is Open

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