Mother Inferior

Musings that Matter

I'm featured in an interview with Mary Ann Diorio at her blog, Musings that Matter, today.

Hop on over and check it out!

Share Your Story!

Mommy-preneur and former model Kathy Ireland said something the other day I loved: "All moms work, whether they get paid or not." Amen, girlfriend! :)

And to support working moms everywhere, the people at Chicken Soup are putting out Chicken Soup for the Working Mom's Soul. Here's part of their call for stories:

Most working mothers are juggling so many balls they can barely keep them all in the air. Some days they feel like master-performers, and others they feel like bumbling clowns! Chicken Soup for the Working Mother's (Mom?) Soul will share the trials and tribulations, happiness and hilarities of being a working mom.

Topics will include but not be limited to:

Hi Ho Hi Ho, Off to Work I Go
Home Again, Home Again, Rigetty Jig
Mama Never Said it Would Be Easy
Sign Me Up!
Where Do I Resign?
I'm Trying to Balance! Where's My Umbrella?
If the Boss Only Knew.
A Mom First
When Can It Be About Me?
The Joys and Jocularity

We're looking for inspirational, true stories, 1000 words or less, that will make readers laugh, cry, or sigh. Stories should be positive, universal, and non-controversial. The "point" or "message" should be evident without preaching. No essays, commentaries, tributes, philosophical or biographical pieces will be accepted.

You may submit more than one story, whether original or a favorite from magazines, newspapers, or other sources. For each story selected in the book, a 50-word biography will be included about the author and a permission fee of $200 per story and $50.00 per poem will be paid. The submission deadline is July 31st, 2006.

Email submissions are strongly preferred. Please submit your story through our website.  Be sure to select "working Mom" as the book title.

If unable to email, please send a hard copy (and on CD if possible) c/o Chicken Soup for the Working Mom's Soul to 25321 Heather Vale St. Saugus CA 91350. Due to the volume of stories we receive, we are unable to respond to each contribution. Finalists, only, will be notified prior to publication via a permission request.

Six Steps to Sanity!

I want to recommend a really neat resource for busy moms.

A fellow Christian speaker and author (Jill Schafer Boeme) has created a teleseminar designed to help moms take six steps toward tranquility in their homes and families. She and others have benefited from the techniques--so it's not just something she "made up" and never tested.

Jill also offers a money-back guarantee, and it's very reasonably priced. She allows you as much time as you need to finish the course, and will personally answer your questions along the way. If you're interested in seeing what some of her past students had to say, visit:

http://beatyourowndrum.com/sixsteps.html

and if you want to purchase the course, enter promotional code SS0021.

Pruning (OUCH!)

This last year has been a pruning time for me. God has been stripping away things like friends, family members (I recently lost my grandfather and my only remaining grandparent has Alzheimer's), and other support systems.

Without going into too many details (for some of the stuff I'm going through is intensely private), God has taken away certainty in several areas. In my family, we've had untold numbers of illnesses, car troubles, and computer glitches. And it goes without saying that those kinds of things bring about financial stress. In my career, one of my books went nowhere and another publisher gave me a second contract only to reject a third book. To add insult to injury, the sales numbers for the first Groovy Chicks book have not been stellar. And my speaking engagements haven't been as plentiful lately. (I'm not really sad about that one, because I love being home with my boys more than anything!)

I am going through an insecure time as I deal with the fallout of it all. I'm so tempted as a goal-oriented person to measure my success by how many books I sell, how many people ask me to come speak or how many hits my blog gets. And while I know those things aren't important in the long run, my flesh cries out for recognition and validation. As a mom, I don't get a pat on the back every time I clean up vomit or help with homework. (That's one of the hardest parts of the job, don't you think?)

I know I have probably put too much stock in feedback from readers, audience members and editors. I see that--but it's hard to change!

So because I've asked God to make me more like Jesus, I can see in a big-picture way that God is gently, and carefully, snipping away at the "dead branches" in my life--branches full of self-preservation, insecurity and sin. He is ever-so-meticulously cutting off the dead wood of ungodly (or just past-their-prime) relationships, thought patterns, and habits. And He is slicing through my security blankets of selfish ambition, vain conceit, and "productivity."

And to be perfectly honest, I don't like it--not one little bit!!!

During this season, I've often told God that "it's not fair!" and that I'm tired of the waiting, the loneliness and the chaos. While I know in my head that I'm extremely blessed, and that my problems are small in comparison with the rest of the world, Satan loves to tempt me with self-pity and depression.

In my saner moments (mostly after I've spent time in the Word and prayer), I realize that God seems to be trying to get me to focus on Him, and turn to Him instead of other people (something I should do, but often don't do).

After all, how many times in the last few years have I called a friend instead of cried out to God? So often, I call my mom instead of my Heavenly Father. Or I make an appointment with a counselor instead of getting on my knees and crying out to the perfect Counselor, the Holy Spirit.

So while this season is painful, I am also hopeful. Because the Bible teaches that suffering is not for nothing--that character, hope and endurance come out of trials. I am trusting in that. In a few months or years, I want to be able to look back and see the pattern God was weaving. And even if I can't, I believe I'll see the fruit--if I don't give up.

Here's hoping--and praying!

Moms Save the Day Contest

Moms save the day every day, but you might know someone who deserves special recognition. Do you know a mom who threw an inventive and charming birthday party, produced a clever craft at the school fair, cooked up a winning family-friendly meal, or pulled off a traveling trick that kept everyone sane? Now is your chance to nominate her -- even if it's yourself!

Click here to enter!

Jesus Loves Mommies

Happy Mother's Day--almost! I wanted to share with you a story I've been working on. I hope it encourages you, as the experience encouraged me. :)

I was utterly exhausted. Our toddler, Jackson, had been waking up at night for weeks, and my system was totally out of whack. I felt weepy, helpless, and cranky.

When we tried to let Jax “cry it out,” even for just two minutes, he got so upset that he actually threw up. Talk about frustrating! I tried putting music in his room, giving him a teddy bear, even sleeping with him--and nothing seemed to work, at least for long. Whatever the reasons, he got into the habit of "night-waking.” And I didn't know what to do!

(By the way, my husband Carey was a great help. He was always willing to take turns getting up with

Jackson

, but even then, I woke up when

Jackson

cried.)

One night during that period of time, as I was rocking the little guy to sleep, I inserted his name into "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and sang, "Jesus loves the little Jacksons, all the

Jacksons

of the world." I had done the same with my now-seven year-old. Like all children, they loved hearing their names.

On this particular night,

Jackson

began asking me to insert other names into the song, like his cousin Molly's, or his brother Jordan's (whom Jax calls "Da- doo"). And then he asked me to put my name in the song. And of course, to him my name is “Mommy.” So, to please him, I sang, "Jesus loves the little mommies, all the mommies of the world..."

And I begin to think, "Yes, that's right! Jesus loves all the mommies, like me." I smiled as I remembered that in my fatigue and discouragement, Jesus loved me the same as He always had.

I continued singing, "Every color, every race," and I thought of all the moms across the world rocking their babies and singing to them at that very moment. I realized once again what a privilege it was to be in the mommy-hood, even when it meant getting up at all hours. (At least I knew there were mommies in other time zones that were awake when I was!)

Looking at my baby, I felt a new kinship with my heavenly Father as He reminded me of the verse (Zephaniah 3:17) which says He quiets us with His love and rejoices over us with singing. What an awesome thought! He knows how we love our children and pour ourselves out for them, because He loves us even more—and He poured Himself out for us on the cross.

As I finished the song by singing, "All are covered by His grace,” I prayed, Thank you, Jesus, for loving mommies. Thank you for your love that surrounds us when we are scared, your grace that covers us when we make mistakes, and your strength when we are weak.

I put my child to bed, grinning as a final thought crossed my mind:

Just like moms, God is always “on call.” Now that’s a comforting thought!

Another Writing Opportunity

From author Trish Berg of Simplifying Motherhood:

Calling ALL Moms….

I wanted to let you know that I have 2 books that are scheduled to be released in early 2007! God has opened amazing doors this year for my writing, and I am looking to all of you for your help…

Rattled - Surviving Your Baby’s First Year without Losing Your Cool is scheduled to be released in March of 2007 by Multnomah, and Supper Swapping - Faith and Friendship through Co-op Cooking is scheduled to be released in May 2007 by Cook.

I would LOVE to get as much input as I can from moms (and dads) whether you are in the midst of mothering young children, have older kids in your home, or are a grandparent. You all remember that first year of motherhood!

I am working on the manuscript right now. It is due July 1st…so time is of the essence…

I would love quotes from moms (and dads as well…) about your first year as a mom (or dad).

If you could forward this information to as many moms as you know, and ask if they are interested in sharing a story or quote with me for possible inclusion in the Rattled book.

Anyone who would like to submit a story or quote from their first year of motherhood, can simply e-mail it to me at trishberg@trishberg.com.

If I use their quote in the book, I will let them know, and get their formal permission in writing.

So please include your name, mailing address, phone, and e-mail with each submission so I can get back to you for notification and formal permission.

Sample questions below: (Dads, answer each from your own perspective…)

1) How did you find out you were expecting? How did you tell your husband?

2) What was the best advice someone gave you on motherhood? The worst advice?

3) What surprised you the most when you became a mom?

4) What was your labor and delivery like? Any funny stories?

5) During the 1st year of motherhood, what changed the most in your life? How has becoming a mom changed you as a person? Changed your marriage?

6) What is the funniest thing that happened to you that first year you were a mom? The best? The worst?

7) What advice would you give to a new mom? Someone who is expecting her first child?

Any other comments, stories or quotes on that first year of motherhood?

(I cannot pay for submissions, but will give you the byline in the book if I use your story or quote……)

Thanks so much for ministering beside me on this motherhood journey! I look forward to reading your wonderful stories! Keep them coming!

Blessings in Christ,

Trish Berg

Groovy Stuff

My Groovy Chicks' co-author and I were on Women by Grace (a weekly internet radio show) this last week. You can download the program here. It was fun to be interviewed by Kelly, the host. We talked a lot about body image, which most hosts haven't mentioned...but it's definitely something we address, and I have a story about that subject in our upcoming book.

And speaking of groovy stuff, we have a new shop up at Cafe Press--with Groovy Chicks Road Trip apparel! Take a look. Laurie's fabulous husband is the web-rooster for us, and he designed our logo and the sidebar images in our books. What a talented, groovy dude!

Mother Theresa and Hollywood

Okay, the title seems random, but stick with me...

A fellow writer who is HILARIOUS is feverishly pitching her life as a sitcom. I hope this dream comes true for her, because she is trying to make a family-friendly sitcom, and the good Lord knows we desperately need more realistic portrayals of Christians on television (ESPECIALLY now that 7th Heaven is going off the air)!

Read more here: www.marshamarksblog.blogspot.com

I love this Marsha quote: "So, I've decided I don't just want to be Martha Stewart (without the Prison part) but also Mother Theresa (but with a better body...so I've started working out)--and I've been thinking lately, it's not as important to be successful business wise, as it is to be kind to those I'm dealing with on a daily basis, so I'm praying a prayer...it goes like this, 'God help my business decisions, and help me to be loving to everyone, even my enemies - because that's just like you.' "

You go, girl!!!

Speaking of Hollywood, I heard about a company that is re-editing movies to take out a lot of the objectionable content, and the website is here. I like what they're trying to do, which is keep the artistic qualities of the film but still make it family-friendly.  My beef with other film-editing places (I watched Sea Biscuit, one from another company who takes out the "bad" stuff, when I was visiting my parents) is that the movies turn out grainy and the sound quality is poor and it jumps around too much. It ruins the experience for me.

Maybe that's the tempermental artist in me.

(BTW, did I spell tempermental right? I can't spell today--I tried spelling portrayal as portrayel, portrayol and other ways before I gave up. I wish Typepad had spell-check. Since my brain came out with the placenta when I had Jax, I can't spell my way out of a diaper bag.)

Anyhoo, now I'm just rambling. But to end my little discourse, I want to share a daily prayer of Mother Theresa, which is on the inside cover of Natalie Grant's Awaken CD (my current favorite CD in the whole universe, as my son Jordan would say):

Dear Lord, help me spread Your fragrance wherever I go.

Flood my soul with Your spirit and life.

Penetrate me, possess my whole being so utterly [that] my life may only be a radiance of Yours.

Shine through me and be so in me that every soul I come in contact with may feel your presence in my soul.

Let them look up and see no longer me, but only You, O Lord.

Let me preach You without preaching, not by words, but by my example--

by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do,

[and] the evident fullness of the Love my heart bears to you.

Amen."

Mom's Payday

Similac is holding a contest for moms of children under 12 months old. They will pay $130,000 (the amount Salary.com recently determined that moms should get paid, if they received a salary) to a mom who writes the best "job description" in under 100 words. The winning mom will also received a trip for two to a special event from Oprah's O Magazine or one of several other great prizes. (Makes me wish that my youngest wasn't two!)

Here's the contest link. Have fun, and be sure and pay me a commission--or invite me on the trip--if you win! LOL