Am I Doing The Right Thing as a Mom? {Ebook Giveaway Included}

Hula Hoop Girl 260

Being a mom is hard work. We don’t receive man-made rewards and accolades when we change diapers, or prepare meals. It is not common practice to read about the Hero Moms in the news, for their outstanding devotion and daily sacrifice.

To me, the woman that stands out in a crowd is the one that will come forward and be honest. How brave she must be to share that her days are long and she is tired. She shares that she is just wondering if she is doing the “right thing.” This path called Motherhood.

Are you “that” mom? You are wondering just exactly how to embrace motherhood? Your friends seem to have it all together, and with all of your better days combined, you don’t accomplish as much as they appear to in 24 hours. How DO other women do this?

Perhaps the noise of the world is becoming louder than the Voice of the One who really matters? And, we listen, and feel defeated.

It is time to turn off the noise of the world and tune back into what really matters. You matter. Motherhood Matters.

Would there ever be relief for the constant mom motion that leaves me exhausted and searching for balance?

While searching for the answers in this place called Motherhood, I wrote an e-book, titled, Hula Hoop Girl. I would love to share this with you today.

Your time investments now will reap rewards that you cannot see today or perhaps even tomorrow. But laying aside the extra distractions, to focus on shaping your children hearts, souls and minds, will reap a harvest for eternity.

Do you often feel defeated by your own schedule and wonder what you could be doing differently to be a “Better Mom.” Don’t let the life outside of motherhood cause you to envy the freedom that you perceive other women to have. Whatever we take on in life – there will be work, dead-lines and expectations.

So, how do we choose what is best for us in this season of Motherhood? Here is a simple list from my book, Hula Hoop Girl, where I encourage women to lay down the distractions in life, and focus on what the Lord would have for us in any season.

If Motherhood is your central calling right now, perhaps this list will help you as it did me.

•Have you surrendered your life purpose to God – letting Him take control of the circumstances and details?
•Can you identify the areas that may be distracting you in this season of motherhood, and are they causing you to feel discouraged and defeated?
•Is there a habit or time investment you might be repeatedly investing energy into? Is it tipping the scales, or is there a balance?
•Please don’t compare. You are not the girl next door. We can learn from other women and apply good habits, skills and character from them.      Just be careful to not compare. When you do this, you begin to embrace discontentment….And discontentment breeds a lack of focus and momentum.
•Have you learned to exercise the ability to see the gifts God has given me in the moments?

Moms – You matter! You matter to those here at The Better Mom, and to God.

Your daily routines can be full of beauty and gifts.

Motherhood was not meant to be drudgery.

Every day is different. And today, my “having it all together,” is this: cuddling, reading, singing and teaching, nurturing and being a help meet. This is my “together” today.

Without the extra hula hoops.

What a wonderful freedom to know that this is OK.

Blessings,

September

McCarthy_web (10)September will honestly share with you that she has more joy than she ever thought possible in this life. She lives a life of perpetual motion, loving the man that has protected her heart for 23 years, and raising 10 children to be more like their personal Savior.

September has a heart for encouraging women in motherhood, and the humility of “being real.”While homeschooling, keeping her home and her sanity, she has written an e-book to the heart of women, titled Hula Hoop Girl. Her book encourages women to find their identity in Christ, and to not take on more than He has intended. She challenges women to lay down the extra’s in life, and focus on what really matters .Her journey through loss and tragedy has taught her to be sensitive to the pain in other’s lives.
While managing her home, she finds new perspective daily, and has been able to share that with discipleships, speaking, and writing. September writes at One September Day, and is a contributing writer for MODsquad, Allume and Mom Heart. Between laundry and life – her heart is to encourage. Connect with September on Facebook and twitter @septemberanne

September is giving a copy of her ebook Hula Hoop Girl to 3 Better Mom Readers.  To enter join the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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  • Mandy

    I am a new mom to a sweet 11 week old daughter. I was so unprepared for just how difficult motherhood would be! Some days I feel like I can barely get by and juggle all the things that need to get done and still be a good mother to my little one. I would love to read this book for some insight and encouragement in this stage of my life, which I know will only get crazier as our family grows. I appreciate that you are so willing to reach out to other women and offer Godly advice and guidance through tougher times in our lives.

  • http://www.clickitwithme.blogspot.com/ Jen

    I’m a mom of two and would love to enter this contest!

  • Kate@stillroomtogrow

    I would love to win this!

  • Mrs. JFG

    I would love to win this book!

  • http://www.facebook.com/megan.feist.7 Megan Feist

    i would love to win!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1549328150 Stacy Yates Droski

    Love the idea of this book! I was just thinking about these things this morning, wondering if I was putting effort into an area for naught and it was causing me stress. Thank you for this reminder and I so could use this book! :)

  • HEather

    sounds like just the book that my heart needs!

  • http://profiles.google.com/amybradsher Amy Bradsher

    I’d love to read this book!

  • Joyce C

    Blessed to be a sahm! Sometimes very challenging, but wouldn’t trade it for any job in the world!

  • Michelle S.

    This sounds like an excellent book for where I am!

  • Nicole R.

    I would love to read this book!

  • Leah A.

    This sounds great! Would welcome the advice!

  • Katie

    This book looks excellent, I’d love to read it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/judy.comings Judy Comings

    I would LOVE to read this book….TY for being such an encouragment to us busy moms!

  • Jessica Fisher

    I’m really struggling with this stuff right now. I would love to read this book.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=749862564 Mardi Peasley

    This sounds like just what I need!

  • Vicky

    This mom of 6 is very excited about this! :)

  • Sonja Z.

    “Motherhood was not meant to be drudgery.” Yes, that’s how I feel. Every day after the kids go to bed, I think about all the things I should have done with my kids but didn’t. This book sounds like a good read for me.

  • Laura

    I’d love to win. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=587546436 Malinda Wimsatt Linstid

    Ah, second-guessing myself is second nature. Being distracted and having littles that are affected by my second-guessing can be heart wrenching at times – this looks like a wonderful book to learn froom!

  • Manda

    Perfect message for today! Thank you!

  • Beth

    Comparison steals our joy….so true! This book sounds like a good read.

  • KatelynnRoberts

    I am soon to be a mom in a few weeks and reading your blog is preparing me to make sure I don’t worry about others and focus on my little one thank you.

    • septemberanne

      So excited for you Katelynn! Great that you are reading and seeling positive words before you become a mom! Hugs!

  • grace

    this sounds like an awesome book and motherhood is a blessing

  • http://www.facebook.com/katrina.hubner Katrina Hubner

    Sounds like a great book!

  • http://www.facebook.com/kchara ‘Kristi Gambrel Kerr

    This sounds like a wonderfully encouraging book!

  • http://twitter.com/bethanyev Beth Everson

    Sounds like a great book and one I’d like to read!

  • http://www.facebook.com/nedra.wilson.10 Nedra Wilson

    I would love to read this book. It sounds like what I need wherever I forgot what’s important and start getting overwhelmed – which unfortuately happens much too often.

  • http://www.facebook.com/sheila.r.pierce Sheila Roberts Pierce

    I am a grandmother of 5 precious grandchildren. What a blessing. This website and book info sounds like the reenforcement that young mothers need in this day and time. My sweet daughter and daughter in law both are viewing this website. What a great way for them to be encouraged.
    Thank you!

  • http://www.facebook.com/amanda.blazer Amanda Jo Blazer

    wow! I am so inspired that you took the time to write a book with 10 children! I can’t wait to read it!

  • Stacey

    This sounds wonderful. As a mom to 7 children, I am always looking for ways to help me navigate my way through parenting.

  • Sharon

    My baby girl is 17, but we are now happy parents to a 3 and 6 year that we adopted from the foster-care system This mom has had to go back to being a mom of a very active toddler and some days I feel like a hamster on her wheel. I am moving but what am I really accomplishing.

  • Kristina

    I need this…”Please don’t compare. You are not the girl next door. We can learn from other women and apply good habits, skills and character from them. Just be careful to not compare. When you do this, you begin to embrace discontentment….And discontentment breeds a lack of focus and momentum.”

    • septemberanne

      Thank you Kristina! Thinking of you.. We all need the reminders, don’t we! Be encouraged – Hope you win a copy here!

  • Brenda Semones

    This book sounds amazing!! Would love to read it!

  • Karen M

    This sounds just like a book that I need to read ASAP. Thanks for a chance to win!

  • http://www.athankfullheart.blogspot.com/ Miranda @ A ThankFULL Heart

    I want to win :-) .

  • Katie Labosier

    Thank you for sharing, I’d love to read your book!

  • http://www.facebook.com/shayna.m.dimmick Shayna Dimmick

    What a wonderful point of view! Thank you for the giveaway!

  • Stephanie

    I would love to read your book!

  • Megan H.

    I feel like I’m jumping through hula hoops all the time! Just juggling 2 little boys, a husband, a home, and other responsibilities is enough to go crazy. My fulfillment must be in Christ first, then all the other things will come into place.

  • Elizabeth Willson

    I’d love to have a new vision of how to see the blessings in the routine of motherhood. Thanks for the opportunity.

  • http://twitter.com/SonyaRK Sonya

    when I have friends that become moms for the first time I tell them all the things no one ever told me about having children and I offer them an ear to listen and a shoulder to cry on and my upmost support because I know how it is to be sleep deprived and have no one seemingly understand what it is that I am going through.

  • http://twitter.com/KimberlyVogelA Kimberly Vogel

    The last time I tried to hula hoop, it just didn’t stay up. I feel like that many days in my homeschooling.

  • Melonie

    So encouraging! Thank you for taking the time to share this!!

  • Melissa

    Great contest. This book sounds like something I need to read.
    M. Waters

  • Tina

    Thank you!

  • Hillary Gould

    I would love to win! Thank you for the giveaway! The book sounds amazing!

  • jenn

    Sounds like a wonderful book that will bless us!

  • camille

    sounds like a good book, “keeping the home and sanity WHILE homeschoolong” Amen!!! i like it :-) and know i can’t in my own strength!

  • Christina A.

    thank you for this opportunity. what a great book for any mother.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Elizabeth-P-Deans/1440903668 Elizabeth P. Deans

    Thanks for the chance to win. I am always looking for encouragement.

  • Brenda S.

    Thank you for sharing, I’d love to read your book!

  • AmyM

    Thanks for the encouragement!

  • Kirsten

    I would love to read this book.

  • Rebekah C

    Good encouragement and a timely reminder to drown out the voice of the world with the voice of the One who made the world. Thank you.

  • Shelly Goguen

    Sounds like a great book – I would love to win one.

  • Audrey C

    This looks like something I could really use right now.

  • Karly

    This post is just what I needed today. Been feeling weary, of late, and wondering just how I’m doing as a mommy. Thank you for the encouragement. The book sounds like it would be a great encouraging read!

    • septemberanne

      Hang onto that Anchor Karly! Be encouraged! Would love to see you win the book also! :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/LukeAnniePearson Annamarie Pearson

    I heard September speak at a MOPS meeting for mother’s of preschoolers. She had us laughing and crying, and wanting to be more open and honest with our kids. I enjoyed her sharing so much and enjoyed meeting her afterward. Can’t wait to read her book.

    • septemberanne

      Hugs Annamarie! Think of you often. :)

  • Bernadette C.

    In a slump. would love a copy of the book. Thanks for the opportunity. Have a Blessed day!

  • Dawn

    Hoops, Hoops! Love it!

  • Jamie

    So many of us are in this season together! Be encouraged ladies-we are not alone!

    • septemberanne

      Amen Jamie!

  • Veronica

    Mommy-to-be who would love to read this!

  • Kali

    Such good points, September! So important to remember those things. And I really appreciate the list you shared – really thinking through the answers to those questions, and making an effort to avoid the trap of comparing, could make a HUGE difference in one’s outlook on motherhood.

    • septemberanne

      Thank you Kali! I have to use the same checklist of questions often. Thank you for sharing – Hope you win a copy too!

  • Jen Mc

    i would love to read this book!

  • http://www.facebook.com/ginger.j.boyd Ginger Sloan Boyd

    Thank you for sharing! I definitely question myself at times to whether or not I am doing the right thing as a Mother and also if I am doing enough. I am a stay at home mom and I also homeschool my two girls and treasure every minute of it. I would love to have a copy of your book, September!!

    • septemberanne

      Ginger – Any SAHM is doing enough. And then, add homeschooling – You are being a heart-shaper every day! I hope, you also, can win a copy of my book! Hugs!

  • Sheri P

    Thank you for sharing. I know I compare myself too many times to others thinking they have it all together. When I or they finally admit we were struggling you find common ground and can share ideas to help get through it.

    • septemberanne

      Sheri – We are all on common ground here, aren’t we? Love that we can all share ideas – that is why I wrote my little book – to be real. :) Thanks for sharing!

  • Cherie Harris

    The timing of this post is amazing…I’ve been struggling with all of the hoops in my life lately! Would love to read this book.

  • Brianna

    I’d love to win!

  • Sherie

    Yay! Thanks for offering this. Would LOVE to read your book!

  • Jessica Carlson

    I have 1 child (3 at the end of March), she is a precious, strong-willed, ‘spirited’ handful. I am older (39 in May), so I feel like I should have a handle on this…sadly I seem to be at a loss.

    • septemberanne

      Keep pressing on Jessica! If you are here at The Better Mom – then you are finding the hope and encouragement you will need. I love the gals here – Real Moms – sharing real life. Keep pressing on,

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Sarah-Speer-Scales/1362278288 Sarah Speer Scales

    Looks like a great resource!

  • Darcie

    As a mama of 4 small children – ages 9, 7, 5, and 2, I would love to read this book and be encouraged by it!

    • septemberanne

      Darcie – you must be sooo busy! I hope you can read my book also. Your season of life is investment right now. Hang in there!

  • Stacie Walker

    This book is just what I need right now!

  • Monika

    Thank you for this timely message. Motherhood is very hard.

    • septemberanne

      Hang in there Monika! Hope you can read this book too!

  • http://sheensteve.wordpress.com/ Sheena @ An Imperfect Life

    Sometimes it seems my world is spinning with all my to-do’s. I realize my priority is a relationship with God, my husband and my triplets… but knowing something doesn’t make it all fall in place :) . I would love to read this book. Thank you for the giveaway, September.

  • RejoicedOver

    This is so the season I am in right now — would love to read the book!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1158514076 Kristina Best

    I am always wondering if I am doing the right thing for my sons. I am constently doubting myself.

  • mitzi

    Great giveaway!

  • Sherri J

    Great message…as women and mothers we just seem to be pulled in all directions…I am really interested in reading your ebook…thanks for the giveaway.

  • farmingfam

    Sounds like a wonderful book. I am trying to emphasize this with our MOMS group as well as learn it myself. ahem. :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1738366996 Darcey Zahaykevich

    Would love to win the book. I have heard of it before. We take care of my MIL with dementia and we have 4 children (twin 8 year olds, 6 yo, and 19 month old). I am 45 years old and it is definitely getting harder to handle everything. Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    • septemberanne

      Oh my Darcey – You have a lot of responsibilities! I hope you can find rest at the end of the day. Hugs!

  • Jessica

    What an encouraging post and a great reminder for all those in the midst of the chaos of motherhood.

  • Amber R.

    This was a very encouraging post for me!! I have 3 young children and sometimes it is so easy to get caught in the comparison trap of the world!! Thanks for the words of wisdome!!

    • septemberanne

      Amber – Hugs to you! I love reading when another mom chooses to ignore the comparisons around them. HE has created all of us unique and beautiful. Thank you for sharing!

  • Sarah

    I feel challenged to find the things that are distracting me after reading this, because I know there are a couple things taht do… this computer in front of me being the main one! Thanks for the encouragement, as always, Better Mom.

    • septemberanne

      Sarah – Computer time … Ahhhh! The balance that we all must find. Be encouraged and take heart – You are not alone. Keep pressing on!

  • Jessica Smith

    Sounds like a wonderful book! Would love to win a copy!! Thank you for the giveaway.

    • septemberanne

      Thanks Jessica!