Mentor of Faith // Anna (The Measured Mom)

Little did I know when I asked Anna, The Measured Mom, to be interviewed for our Mentor Monday posts that I would be mentored by her in real life away from the blogosphere. Our paths have crossed not once but in three ways. My husband was a vicar (student pastor) under her brother-in-law who introduced me to her blog, her husband was one of my hubby's seminary professors, and we met just about weekly for play dates at the seminary to let the kids run about while us like-minded mamas chatted away.

Anna has given me insight to not only what it is like to be a pastor's wife but also mothering, natural birth (I may or may not have had our #3 by today!), homeschooling, and finding the balance in it all with honest expectations. She even gave me pep talks about striving on at Holy Hen House which I am forever grateful for.

If you have any preschoolers - second graders at home and haven't clicked through Anna's blog you absolutely should by clicking here. Anna shares countless of FREE resources for children to learn. You can make use of the resources whether you teach, home school or just want to enjoy a learning activity with your little ones. As much as Anna says, "I'm not one of those fun moms," I have a hard time believing her because her blog is filled with fun tools and love for learning.

"Tell us more about yourself, what is a regular day like for you Anna?"

After 7 1/2 years of being a mom I'm still trying to figure out what a "regular day" should look like!  I usually start the day with a list of things I'd like to accomplish and quickly modify it depending on the temperaments and needs of my kids (ages 7, 5, 4, 2, 6 months). While we follow a schedule that allows us to get out the door to take my older kids to and from school and to accommodate our two little ones' naps, we don't have a strict routine.  I spend a fair amount of time preparing and cleaning up after meals and doing other necessary tasks.  Beyond that I read to my kids, do some learning activities, and use my spare moments to work on my blog.

"What bible passage is your favorite?"

I do love, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Philippians 4:13) It was a great encouragement to me during the lonely days of adjustment after the birth of my oldest and gives me comfort on those hard days when I'm quite sure I have no patience left!

Who is your strongest Christian mentor?

My husband is my rock, and I thank God every day that He would give someone like me someone like him.  He is a model of love, patience, and forgiveness - not only with my own weaknesses but with those of our children. He gives me perspective, encouragement, and peace!  He's also a great birth coach.  This picture was taken in January after the birth of our baby girl. All 11lbs 12 ounces of her!

Is there anything specific from Titus 2:3-5, our blog's mission, that you would like to comment on to encourage women?

I would encourage women, particularly stay-at-home moms, to realize that the things they enjoyed before motherhood may change completely - and that's okay!  We need to be ready to mature and change as women when life's circumstances take us in a new direction.  I don't think women who give up careers need to feel stifled, lonely, or lost.  Pray for contentment and faithfulness with the daily tasks of motherhood - but don't be afraid to ask God to give you fulfillment in other areas as well.

Just when I was about to sell all my teaching books on ebay, I began a teaching blog which became a way for me to share what I've learned with teachers and homeschoolers. I never dreamed how God would bless it.  My challenge is balancing The Measured Mom with my faith and family.

Worship your God, love your husband, treasure your children, and enjoy your own interests.  Then pray that God will help you keep it all in balance!

What do you feel is a threat to a woman's faithfulness in her home?

For me, the greatest threat is discontent with the monotonous nature of keeping a home and raising small children.  I just mopped the floor -- and it's filthy the very next day.  I just put these four jackets in the closet, and they're in the hall again.   My preschooler is crying again for no good reason?  As my husband reminds me, I'm serving God and my family by putting yet another meal on the table, unloading the dishwasher for the third time today, and sweeping up the leaves and dirt my boys tracked in from the yard.  And just as God forgives me my many sins (which I keep repeating!), I need to show that same patience and forgiveness with my children - who struggle with their own sinful flesh.

What is the greatest lesson you hope your children learn?

The most important thing in our lives is recognizing our sin and knowing our Savior.  I want them to know the Savior's love and forgiveness through my husband and me.

Can you share an event in your life that was difficult that God strengthened you through?

I had many lonely and difficult days beforeImarriedandwas blessed with a family - but since becoming a mother I see my hardest event as the very difficult labor with my second.  Through a long, excruciating night of contractions (and yet no official progress), God led me to praise him even when the nurses could find no evidence that I was anywhere closer to giving birth.  That to me is truly a miracle, and the experience is one I need to recall when I feel burdened and not up to the day's tasks.

What's next for you?

I am a continual work in progress and always trying to learn how to balance my interests with the needs of my family.  I tend to be distracted by my "to do list," and I'd love to be more present in the moment with my kids.  I ask God to help me improve my personal Bible study and prayer life -- and continually show me how to be a loving mom to five small children.  I thank God for his constant forgiveness and renewal!

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To keep current with Anna you can follow The Measured Mom on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Google + And don't miss out on reading her free ebook, "Top 10 Teaching Strategies for Classroom Teachers and Homeschoolers."