I had the privilege of interviewing Carol via email and found her to be a wonderful mother filled with wisdom and encouragement. I hope you find her answers to the questions I asked her encouraging as well.
Congratulations again, Carol, and may God richly bless you and your family!
1. Tell us about yourself. How many children do you have, how old are they, etc.
I am a blessed mother of 8. My husband and I have been married 26 years and have 7 living children and a child waiting for us in Heaven. We have 4 sons ages 25, 23, 21 and 20 and 3 daughters ages 18, 15 & 13. We also gained our first daughter-law in July, 2014. We have home educated all of our children through the 8th grade and then they have moved into our public high school. Five of our children have now graduated high school and entered into college and my oldest son just graduated with his Master’s Degree. The greatest blessing is that all of our children have trusted in Christ as their Savior and are walking with the Lord.
2. Who has been the biggest influence on your mothering?
My own mother. My loving mother, although she didn’t come to know the Lord personally until her later years, loved my siblings and I with her whole heart. She made many mistakes and ALWAYS apologized for them. My mom was a wonderful example of a truly humble person. She was sooo funny too. In her later years, she seemed to lose her “filter” and would say whatever was on her mind, good or bad. It was always the truth and taught us a good lesson even if it embarrassed us a bit. She was my greatest “cheerleader” when I became a Christian and also when I became a mother.
3. On hard mothering days, how do you find encouragement and/or from whom?
To be honest, as a mother, every day has a few hard moments. I remember in the early days of motherhood, when my newborn would just sleep and eat, an outsider might think my days were a piece of cake but in all reality I worried about so many thing: Would I be a good mother? Would my child love Jesus? Could my husband and I provide all our child needed? Would my child grow up healthy?...and so much more. As each child grew older, new challenges occurred: Is my child growing in Christ? Will he/she keep up with peers? Am I helping them reach their potential? I guess my point is, is that as a mother, every day will be hard if you focus on the “what ifs”. I find encouragement in the Word of God and spending time with the Lord and focusing on His truth. When I don’t spend time in God’s Word and in prayer, my fears can overcome me.
4. What is a funny mothering story that you can share with us?
Oh my! There are so many stories and usually I am embarrassed by them. For instance, when I took my children to the golf clinics in the Metroparks. I had my 4 boys, ages 7, 5, 3&2, as well as my newborn daughter. I made the mistake of wearing a summer dress to this clinic. In one arm I was holding my newborn, in the other I was holding my diaper bag (which was quite large) as well as the golf clubs for my older boys. A kind gentleman walked over to say “hello” to my boys and my youngest son promptly lifted my dress all the way up to hide under it! I could have died! There was NO appropriate way to cover up my embarrassment or, I’m sure, the reflection from my bright white, tummy tucking undies!
5. What advice can you give other moms?
As a struggling mom, I would advise moms to study the Word of God & hide His Word in their hearts so that when they are doubting or discouraged they can turn to the ONE that has the BEST advice, no matter what the topic. (2nd Timothy 3:16 All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.)
6. Anything else you want to share with our readers?
Yes! Moms- I would encourage you to connect with a Godly group of women that will help you along the way. A woman or group of women that will always advise you with the word of God. Stay accountable! Also, please know that you are NEVER alone! All of us have struggled with our marriages and motherhood. Remember and keep your commitment and covenant with God at all times. The Lord will never leave you or forsake you! (Deuteronomy 31:6)
Again, Congratulations Carol! Enjoy your much-deserved night at the Carlisle Inn! God bless you!
Remember to nominate a deserving mom in your life at www.955thefish.com and be sure to "like" our Facebook page at The Mom Squad where we will announce the winner every month!
1 comment :
Wonderful post, Ruth! I hope we have the opportunity to meet Carol at the luncheon in November. She is truly an inspiration for all moms!
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