Restore
By Contributor Jen Kacin
By ContributorJenna Michael Nursery Essentials
What's Inside
from my heart to yours
Hi Friends!
We are now in the throes of what I call Maycember. For a mom, this is one of the busier times of the year, just like December. As the school year winds down, we are experiencing all the lasts of the year: concerts, awards ceremonies, teacher appreciation, days of school, etc. It’s amazing, but it’s a lot to manage!
I hope that you are able to carve out time from the busyness of the season to take care of yourself. It’s not selfish, it’s smart! You can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to make sure you are refilling regularly.
Mother’s Day is our theme for this issue of Restore and it’s just around the corner on Sunday, May 11th. I hope that all moms feel celebrated and loved! Know that all you do matters so much!
I created a Mother’s Day playlist over on Spotify for you to enjoy. Access via the QR code and share it with a mom you appreciate.
I pray that you enjoy these days of May and all the goodness they hold.
“Burnt toast is actually fairly symbolic of Motherhood. If you are the one who burned the toast, you scrape if off and eat it yourself. If they burned it, you eat it because they burned it specially for you.”
—Emily Watts
Over the past year, I’ve had so many women ask me questions about how I got started with writing, speaking and podcasting.
I love investing in other women and sharing my knowledge. In my current season, the best way for me to do this is through 30-minute coaching sessions.
You can book just one session or you can book a package for the best value. We’ll chat via Zoom or phone, you pick!
I can help you with:
Writing
Speaking
Editing
Book Publishing
Podcasting
Email list and platform building
Time management
Event planning
Motherhood And more!
How to Help Your Child with Anxiety Part 1
By Jen Kacin
One of my favorite children’s books is Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!* by Mo Willems. A Pigeon stuffy resides in my office at the middle school office where I work as a student support coach. Students who are looking for advice or to unload enter my office and reach for several comfort objects strewn about the room, Pigeon is a favorite. The teens and tweens at the middle school are no longer small children; their cares are bigger, and anxiety is a plaguing issue. Pigeon serves not just as a comfort toy, but an object lesson that points toward growth for the kids who come to talk with me about anxiety.
As students confess their struggles with anxiety, I thank them for telling me how they truly feel, and then I pass them Pigeon. I ask if they remember the story. They usually smile as they recall, “Don’t Let Pigeon Drive the Bus!” I ask them to think about Pigeon as a symbol of anxiety. We discuss that anxiety is real and a big feeling that needs to be addressed, but we can’t let it drive the bus.
I ask them to tell me what it might look like if they allow anxiety to “drive the bus” in their day, their life, or their mind. They usually say it feels out of control. I personally relate to that as I’m sure you do. If we allow anxiety to take over, to drive the bus, we feel out of control, a victim to our feelings and our circumstances.
Let me share several truths that will help you and your children cope with anxiety in a way that acknowledges the struggle with anxiety but refuses to allow it to drive the bus.
Refusing to give anxiety the keys to the bus requires us to zoom out, to recognize and honor the whole truth, the rest of the picture. Yes, I am feeling anxious, but that isn’t the whole truth. We are mental, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual beings and we have a superpower – the power of choice. We can take the keys and put anxiety in the back of the bus by acknowledging a wider lens on the truth and using our superpower to make healthy choices in all areas.
Anxiety is a big feeling. Like all big feelings, we need to honor it, or acknowledge it, by speaking the feeling out loud. We recognize that it is part of our experience right now. It is a truth we need to face as opposed to hide or deny. (I say “we” because any advice I give to a teen or tween is advice I also coach myself and any adult with. Getting healthy is not limited to age.) If we don’t speak it out loud, we allow it to brew, and build, and sit like a rock in our gut. It will not evaporate on its own.
Conversely, if we don’t acknowledge it by speaking it, the feeling will get bigger to make sure we pay attention to it. We need to release the big feeling, on purpose. It starts with speaking it. The words don’t have to be complex, and we don’t have to fully understand why we are feeling what we are feeling. We simply need to say it, out loud to ourselves or to a safe person:
“I am feeling anxious.”
“I am stressed.”
“I am struggling.”
If you are that safe person for a teen or tween, you don’t have to have any answers or solve all the issues. You are a trusted person to witness their true feelings, someone they feel safe to share their struggles with. You can validate that you heard them with statements like:
“Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me.”
“Thank you for letting me see you.”
“Thank you for being honest with me, I’m sorry you are struggling.”
If you see your son or daughter struggling with anxiety, the first step is to invite them to speak it. It will help if you model this for them. It will also help if you tell them you won’t give them advice or try to solve it, you want to give them space to speak their big feelings. Once we face the truth of our feelings, namely anxiety, we can move into the next phase of putting Pigeon/anxiety at the back of the bus.
Stay tuned for Part 2 in July’s issue of Restore Magazine.
*Affiliate Link
Jen Kacin, LBSW
For more from Jen, visit her website at: www.compasstalks.com and find weekly encouragement videos on YouTube @jenkacin-compass talks.
Let Me Tell You About a Girl (and the Mother She Became)
by Nichole Thompson
Let me tell you about a girl who willingly wore the wrong-sized shoes. As a woman who has been over 5’10” since the sixth grade, nicknames like gazelle, giraffe, and chicken legs trailed behind me, as annoying as a fly at a summer barbecue. And as if it wasn’t already hard enough always to be the one standing out in the back, like a skyscraper in a rural field, one day, a rude boy said, “Wow, look at her feet; they look like clown feet.”
That moment happened over twenty years ago, but the laughter of my peers still echoes in my heart. From then on, I started asking for smaller shoes, size eight and a half, because they sounded better. They were smaller, more feminine, more dainty, more like what I thought I should be. Small, blended in, not the Yeti-sized nines (or more) my “clown feet” actually needed.
So, for years, I shoved my feet into tighter shoes. I created problems, chronic ingrown nails I still manage with pedicures, just to present a version of myself that felt more acceptable, more pleasing, more "normal." Looking back, it seems so silly. But it made sense for that tall, awkward girl who hadn’t yet grown into her ears or her identity. Stuff it down. Slouch. Blend in. Don’t literally or figuratively stand out. It wasn’t until after college when I visited a running specialist, that I started accepting my journey, big feet and all. And I’ve come to embrace it now, but here’s the thing: motherhood brought the lesson home.
Because as a mom everything I do say or believe teaches my daughter something She’s watching. And her, too.
How often do
How often do
How often do out?
In a world ful we should be. confident wom haven’t made
I never want her to:
1. Question her calling or gifts and hold herself back. Of course, she’ll wrestle with those things, but if she has a strong foundation in who created her and why, that’s an advantage so many of us didn’t grow up with.
3.
Grow up thinking she’s inadequate, not good enough, or made wrong. That lie, the one about my feet, was one of the enemy’s oldest tricks: plant self-doubt and distort identity.
2. Watch a mother who doubts herself or forgets who she is in Christ. I want to model what a woman of God looks like: not perfect but rooted, not always confident but always secure in the One who made her.
Motherhood scared me. But it also ignited something in me. A fire to walk in truth, not just for myself but for her. If she sees a mother who embraces her imperfections, who walks tall (big feet and all) in the identity God gave her, she’s more likely to do the same.
So, what’s your “big feet” insecurity?
What lie are you still walking in, even though the shoes don’t fit?
What would it look like to step freely, fully, and confidently into who God created you to be?
Reflect on this today:
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”
Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we often feel inadequate or insecure about the work You’ve called us to and the people You’ve created us to be. Help us bring every insecurity and self-doubt to You. Give us hearts and minds grounded in truth. Let us walk in the whole identity of Christ, not just for ourselves but for the next generation watching us. Amen
Nichole Thompson is a faith-based writer and the author of The Miscarriage Journal. A wife and mom of two, she lives in North Carolina and is passionate about creating Christcentered content and co-authoring Bible studies. When she’s not writing, you can find her skiing, coaching middle school volleyball, or spending time with her family, including their beloved dogs. P.S. She’ll never say no to a gummy bear, they’re her weakness.
by Jenna Michael
Creating a baby registry can be overwhelming to a first-time parent. With so many products available, it’s difficult to know what’s what.
As a mom of four, I’ve learned that less is more for the newborn stage. Our nursery setups became more practical and less whimsical with each baby. I’ve started helping friends with their own baby registries and nurseries, and this passion project has evolved into parent coaching and a book called Let’s Choose Less.
Here’s the reality: Babies don't require much during their first few months, and you don’t need a perfectly curated nursery. Below are some essentials to help ease your transition into parenthood.
Sleep
A safe sleeping space for your baby is priority. We typically began with a bassinet in our room, and once the baby was big enough, we transitioned to a pack 'n play in our bedroom or a crib in theirs. Some babies may not like a bassinet. Our oldest wasn’t a fan, while our third really enjoyed hers. Keep extra crib sheets and mattress protectors available for middle-of-the-night messes, and double make the bed if you can. Sleep sacks or swaddles and a humidifier will keep the baby comfortable, and a sound machine is excellent for drowning out noise. There are many sound machine options you can pick, but we love the ones that have a built-in nightlight. Regardless of which room your baby sleeps in, always be sure to follow all safe sleep guidelines.
Diaper Supplies
When it comes to diaper changes, make sure to have diapers, wipes, diaper cream, a safe location for changing, and a wipeable changing pad In our household, we were big fans of Honest diapers, but you'll discover which brand works best for you and your baby. It's a good idea to keep a small selection of newborn-sized and size-one diapers on hand. Some babies go straight into size one.
Clothing
Your little one will need clothing, but not as much as you might think. Many people love to gift baby clothes, which often results in an abundance of outfits in sizes they’ll outgrow almost immediately. Consider adding larger sizes to your baby registry or including gift cards for shopping later instead of just registering for newborn or 3-month sizes. Always pick the onesies with zippers if you can bonus for 2-way zippers! If you plan to do laundry every day, you could manage with even fewer outfits, but I recommend having no more than 12 to 15 outfits. Keep in mind that baby clothes are small, so it’s easy to accumulate a lot, as they don’t take up much space. And don’t forget stain remover!
A Good Place to Sit
Nursing or pumping requires a significant time commitment, so it's important to have a comfortable place to sit during those long, overnight hours. We chose a large leather recliner that was easy to clean, extremely comfortable, and offered ample space for all the necessary breastfeeding and pumping supplies.
It's better to start with fewer items in your nursery b you can't predict what your baby will like or need. You might find that you need to purchase something entirely different from what you already have. Babies also outgrow things much faster than you might expe Bouncy seats and swings are nice to have, but you'll only use them for a short time. Also keep in mind that baby clothes often shrink in the wash, so don’t stock up too many small sizes; you'll need the larger ones sooner than you think.
The great thing about online shopping is that it's always accessible, allowing you to easily order items you you don't already have. I also recommend local buy, sell, on Facebook. These groups can help you find used items that you can resell once you're finished with them, rather than just storing them.
Jenna Michael is a wife, mother, author, and coach specializing in simplified and intentional living for families. Her writing covers topics such as family-friendly activities and events, wellness, travel, gifts, and essential parenting tips Her coaching helps moms turn these valuable insights into practical action, reduce clutter and chaos, and ultimately pursue a life of purpose on purpose. In her free time, you can find her at the gym, curled up with a book, or enjoying the outdoors. For more information about Jenna and her work, visit yourpurposefulparenting.com.
The Original Yo Mama Roast
by Annie Weber
Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” So he answered, “What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?”
2 Kings 9:22
Motherhood is the strangest and scariest hood I have ever been through. It’s like a fairy tale in reverse. You start in a beautiful gown and end up in stained clothes cleaning up after everyone. However, the joys of motherhood far outweigh the challenges. Besides aiding in my sanctification process, motherhood has allowed me to experience side-splitting laughter because my son, Luke (age 14) loves to roast his mom.
How good is God to give me a son who shares my love of yo mama jokes?! Yo mama is so dumb she brought a spoon to the super bowl; Yo mama is so stinky she makes Right Guard go left; Yo mama is so ugly even Hello Kitty said goodbye to her – just a few of my favorite yo’ mama roasts.
Another favorite was recorded by the prophet Jeremiah in 2 Kings 9:22. In that verse we see Jehu roast Jezebel for being a whore and practicing sorcery. To modern feminists, Jezebel is probably the most intriguing woman in the Bible. She was known for her strong will, her courage, and her keen awareness of current political knowledge. Those are all great character traits, but when considering names for my baby girls, Jezebel was not going to make my list. Even thousands of years after Jezebel lived, she still carries her savage reputation.
Jezebel was the wife of King Ahab, who served as the seventh king of Israel. She used her good qualities to promote evil in her position of influence. Her intelligence was used to concoct evil schemes. She used her boldness to bully and intimidate her people and used her leadership qualities to control and influence her husband to worship false gods. She also used her power as a ruler to do anything she wanted, including commit murder.
During the time when Jezebel was Queen of Israel, God’s people despised Baal. (In today’s terms, this would be like Christians embracing Satan.) Jezebel is most remembered for fostering the spread of Baal religion. Baal was a fertility god of the Canaanite people, so temple prostitution and loose living was idolized by the Baal followers. Long before it was culturally acceptable to roast “Your mom”, Jehu made a declaration when he responded to Joram’s question of “do you come in peace?”. He made his intentions clear by citing the evil sponsored by the king’s family. More important than the original Yo Mama roast was the relentless spirit modeled by Jehu to address the sin of Jezebel.
Let the words of Jehu inspire when challenged on how to addresses sin with the people you have influence over, especially your children. God has called you into the beautiful and messy role of motherhood. There will be days of joy and days of challenge, but through it all, God will walk
beside you, guiding your steps and filling you with wisdom and patience.
Lord, help me to be aware of my sin when I am tempted to live the values of popular culture. e brokenness of the world, especially when the ways of popular culture me a heart like Jehu to speak into situations and point others to Your
Author & speaker Annie Weber is known for her bold and uncompromising approach to sharing God's Word. She lives with a keen awareness of how the Truth of Scripture has led her to put her faith in Christ. Annie is a wellness enthusiast, adventure seeker, wife to Bryan, and mom to Lucy, Luke, Lily, & Levi. She enjoys beach time, fitness, photography, snorkeling, hosting parties, making people laugh, and exercising her social skills. Connect with Annie on her website: astoundingtruths.com
From Brokenness to Blooming: How I Became the Mother I Never Thought I Could Be
By Racquel Lopez
If you had asked me years ago what kind of mother I thought I'd be, I probably would have laughed…or cried. Because the truth is, I never thought I’d be a good mom. Not with my past. Not with my struggles. Not with all the scars I carried inside.
For so long, shame was the loudest voice in my life. Shame over my mistakes. Shame over the hard chapters I wished I could erase. Shame that whispered, You’ll never be enough. You’ll just repeat the cycle.
I believed it. I thought motherhood was reserved for women who were stronger, steadier, less “broken.” Certainly not someone like me someone who had battled addiction, insecurity, and years of feeling unworthy. But here’s the beautiful, unexpected truth I want to share this Mother’s Day: Your past does not disqualify you from being a good mother.
In fact, in the hands of God, even your broken places can become the very places where His grace shines brightest.
Motherhood didn’t erase my past, but it transformed my future. It taught me that love isn't about having a perfect story. It's about showing up, every single day, for the ones you love. It's about choosing tenderness when you're tempted to shut down. It's about breaking cycles with every hug, every apology, every new beginning.
There were days I wrestled with fear, terrified that I would mess up my kids the way I felt messed up But grace kept meeting me right where I was Grace whispered, You are not your past. You are not the labels others gave you. You are mine and I have made you new.
Today, I’m the kind of mom who still makes mistakes. (Lots of them.) But I'm also the kind of mom who fights for connection. Who knows how to apologize. Who cheers the loudest at every little victory. I'm a mom who tells her children, “You are loved, not because you are perfect, but because you are mine”
Maybe you’re reading this today feeling like your past is too messy, too complicated, too much. Maybe you wonder if you’re “ruined” for the kind of love and leadership motherhood requires. Can I gently remind you? Your scars do not disqualify you. They qualify you to raise kids who know what real courage looks like.
If your journey has been hard, you have wisdom the world desperately needs. If you've fought to heal, you have a resilience that will shape your children in ways perfection never could. If you know what it feels like to be forgiven, you will teach your children the beauty of grace.
This Mother’s Day, I’m celebrating not just the mothers who always had it together, but the ones who fought hard to become who they are
The ones who said, "The cycle stops with me."
The ones who believed, "My past may be messy, but my future, and my children's future, is full of hope."
I’m living proof:
You don’t have to come from a picture-perfect past to build a beautiful legacy.
You just have to say yes. Yes to healing.
Yes to hope.
Yes to love messy, redemptive, ever-blooming love
And friend, if I can do it? You can too.
quel Lopez is a speaker, associate counselor, and founder of Fun, Free & rishing. She is married to her handsome hubby of 14 years and mama to 4 enterous kiddos in California. As a woman with 16 years of recovery, she's ionate about helping moms break free from shame, find resilience through h, and flourish into the women and mothers they were created to be. She also s a good dance party, coffee, lots of pink and glitter.
nect with her at FunFreeAndFlourishing.com or on Instagram nfreeandflourishing.
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