About the Author

Anna works full-time for DaySpring from Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and four kids. Anna is the author of A Moment of Christmas and Pumpkin Spice for Your Soul, and she shares the good stuff of the regular, encouraging you to see the ordinary glory in your everyday.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anna,
    Just reading all that you do in a typical day, makes me tired. I look back and I wonder…how DID I do all that?? All I can come up with is, God’s grace. You never stop being a mom. No matter their age, your children will continue to tug on your heartstrings. Even when the hatchlings have grown and leave the nest, they never leave your heart. Sounds like a wonderful book. Count me in the drawing!
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

  2. “Managers of minutiae” – What an apt description! Social distancing in these trying times has magnified that concept even more for me, but thank you for helping me step away from the “pity party” and embrace my valuable role. I can’t wait to read your book!

  3. Anna,
    I would love to give this to my daughter-in-law who juggles three little ones (one with special needs), a dog, a part time real estate career, husband, home, aging parents and now shelter in place and “home schooling”. Your writing is so genuine and relatable. Best luck on the new book.

  4. I love this about moms. I need this book to encourage my daughters and daughter in law who are in the thick of mothering…I am 65, but I am still a mother….been praying for my family for years…have worn knees to prove it…No better job than to be the mom of 3 Grandmother to 10…wife to husband, one sister…and hundreds of friends whom I love….Quarantine time for us all….I am so ready to hug their necks!

  5. I love this! I live with, and am caregiver for, my 75 & 85 year old parents and 12 year old daughter who has Downs. I know I’m blessed to have all 3 of them safe & healthy under 1 roof. I can stretch a pound of hamburger meat into several meals & more recently I’ve learned to be MommaTeacher to my girl! I admit to venting to my sister about all the cooking, cleaning, family wrangling I do all day/every day. Then our Loving God the Father gently chastised me & gave me an attitude adjustment by bringing His Word to mind. “1 Corinthians 10:31 Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.” Women, we serve others (sometimes w/slight grumblings). But as we do it, let’s remember (as I needed a reminder), we are actually serving The Most High God & our service is seen by Him!

  6. I am not a mother, but to every mother, including my own, I hope each of you find joy knowing that as your children get older they will look back at all of the sacrifices you made, lessons you taught them and opportunities you gave them and feel nothing but blessings and gratitude. I do. Every.Single.Day. Nothing you do will ever be in vain. ❤️

    • Thank you! That is beautiful! Sometimes we forget that others can see what we can’t.

  7. What a beautiful post, Anna! The joy of being a mother is a blessing that was afforded to me after years of infertility, almost 18 years ago to the day. I loved reading the details of your day and how fine tuned they are to support each child and each and every task… I am also a teacher of 24 years, now instructing from home using Google Classroom (in south Louisiana). In my screencast to my students last night, I called my fourth graders
    ‘my babies”. I love being a MOTHER to them (all 31 one of them) daily—-and now through distance learning (though, not really my style!). When a child in my classroom raises his/her hand and mistakenly begins with, “Mom….” my heart just smiles!! 🙂

    I love that I was given the gift of my own precious, special young lady and the gift of teaching/mothering children. Motherhood (of any kind) truly is a God-given blessing!!

    Thank you for these beautiful reminders!
    Be well ALL!
    Andree

  8. Thank you for the encouragement! I will be a first-time Mom in May. I would love to receive a copy of this book!

  9. It’s so good to know that He delights in us. This was so for me. I am a mom to 3 beautiful kids, 22,17,15. The last 2 are boys and both have some special needs and everyday is a struggle but GOD! He is my anchor, strength, and peace.

  10. I agree completely with everything Bev commented! My children are grown and have children of their own, I plan to give this book to my daughter and daughter in law. But I would still be happy to win one for me

  11. Anna, this post is a salute to motherhood at just the right time. I can’t imagine how encouraging the book will be. And in this season of the year, I always enjoy pondering Jesus’s decision to appear first to his faithful women friends. There’s no record of their ever having denied or betrayed him, and I want to be part of that story as well.

  12. The fragrance of our daily small sacrifices is an aroma pleasing to God. We have been blessed with many children through birth, adoption and foster care. Thank you for your encouraging words. Please enter me in the drawing for your book. I’ve added it to my reading list.

  13. Boy, did I need to read and hear this today! I was feeling taken for granted and as we enter the third week of the shelter in place order, a little angry. Yes, angry and I until right now was not being honest with myself. I thank God for the role of mother that He has bestowed upon me when I never wanted to be one! Only God could take little ole selfish me and make me into the mother that He has made me! I am so grateful for who I have become and can not imagine being anything else!!! Thank you for your message and your upcoming book! God Bless.

  14. This book is beautiful so dear to all Mothers the cover gave so much joy and inspiration. What a a special Blessing for Moms especially in this time of such stress Moms need to feel special and know that we are appreciate and this book exudes that. Thank You

  15. This leaves me with a little twinge today. As our state is officially on a stay at home order, my daughter and I can not see my mother who we haven’t seen for weeks already because we were trying to be smart. I will miss being able to be with her and my sister on this Mother’s Day. It’s a good reminder to really value every moment that you have whether you are vacuuming the dog hair or are with the one who does.

  16. The beauty of The Lord was shown to me from a young age. I never knew a day without Jesus as my mother’s witness to her God was in how she truly lived her faith, in how she loved, cared for and shared love in the little things of the ‘daily grind’ without complaint, and in the big things of the Sundays in church, Sunday School and fellowship that bloomed everyday of the week. Was it easy? No. A first generation American, daughter of immigrants who left their respective homes during brutal times and unspeakable horrors in Eastern Europe, the legacy passed to my mother and now to me is that we serve an unstoppable God. Growing up in poverty of the world, spiritually wealthy in His Grace, I thank Him for sharing her with me, a humble, gentle and kind woman of faith.

  17. I already know who I want to gift this book to! During these uncertain times, its the other moms in my life and my own mom who constantly talk into my own journey of being a mom of teenage girls. As I move from “morning”mom to teacher “mom” behind my computer this morning, thank you for these words. God will move today, of that I am most certain.

  18. Anna,
    Thank you for your beautiful post. Being a mother is truly the greatest gift. While our shelter in place situation right now is scary, I am enjoying having my girls home. It’s a grace period before they go out into the world. Continue to roar!

  19. Thank you for the encouragement today about being that mom who is home daily, not just because of what’s going on in the world, but everyday for the last 17 years. Doing the mundane and feeling at times that no one cares. But God cares. I needed that remainder. My mom lost her husband and best friend just recently. Your post reminded me that she is most likely feeling like she has no purpose, no reason to get up in the morning. I want to encourage her with this post and one of your books.
    Thank you for sharing today! “Moms” everywhere need to hear this message.

  20. Thank you for the encouraging reminder that HE sees the unseen acts of service we, women, do on a daily basis! Sounds like a great book.

  21. This spoke to my heart this morning. Being a stay at home mom (and now unexpectedly their homeschool teacher until at least April 13) of 4 babes, it is easy to forget how God DELIGHTS in us! Thank you for this beautiful reminder that He has given us beautiful and unique gifts to mother our children. Blessings to you!
    Martha B

  22. Thanks for sharing! It’s nice to know others do the same things as I do on a daily basis. You forget about all you do until you see it on paper. I’m grateful to be a mom!
    God Bless!
    Jill

  23. Being a mom is hard and being a single mom is even more difficult but I never did it alone. I look back and wonder how in the world I was able to raise such wonderful girls but I know I only was able to do it with God. I love that you have created this book and especially just in time for Mother’s day. My dad passed just back in February and I know it has been hard on my mom, they were married 51 years! So I am looking for something special to give my mom this year and I think this book may be it! Thank you so very much! You all keep me on the path of love and grace!
    Christy

  24. Anna… I think Anna in the Bible would be thrilled to have known you as she was a loving mom to all she met! Especially baby Jesus! You’re words are beautiful memories to my ears today.. my grown children raise children of their own seems like they have more to do lists than I remember doing! I was a single mom eventually to 3 then in time to 4 stepchildren.. my mom was single to us 7 children and now that I think of it.. I was busy as her and having my own business 9 of those years!
    God never left us for sure.. He was the anchor to our souls My mom passed into heaven last April 5th. I await the day we will hug and talk as family again.. enjoy Anna and all you mom’s who have the privilege of loving peoples.. bloom where you’re planted ❤️

  25. Thank you for your celebration of motherhood. I spend my workdays trying to support and grow the start of that “mama love” as a lactation consultant and pediatric physical therapist. As Bev said, mothering never ends as I listen to my overwhelmed daughter trudge through the difficult days of an optometry residency 2100 miles away. Praying over the new moms and over our children that we might all pull closer to our Savior. Mothering is such a critical task.

  26. It all sounds so familiar with floods of childhood memories, acting as mom to younger siblings. as mothers we are discipling ours and other children and will continue until we leave this life. Christ requires it of us, so flowers to ALL mothers. keep the light shining.
    BLESSINGS

    save me a copy please

  27. God indeed delights in the mundane-ness and the messiness that is motherhood! I love how His love comes out through us in so many nurturing ways! As a mother of 2 older teen boys and 2 young men, I remind myself that God is still at work. They still need hugs, still need reminders of
    appointments, and occasionally…advice! Most of all they need my prayers and love!
    I look to God each day, for His guidance and wisdom in this unique season of life!

  28. Wow, impressive! I am a mother to an only child; now, adult married daughter. I’m also a mom to a Mini Schnauzer. I must agree with Bev; you never stop being Moma. They grow, but your love never ends. Currently, I’m quarantined from my Daughter because of my chronic lung disease. Knowing that she is just a 15-20 minute drive and I can’t see that she’s safe is tugging at my heart every day. Thankfully, I talk to her daily and we’ve had FaceTime calls. Reading this, I realized how busy Momas are, no matter what type of Moma.

    Please add me to the drawing. I am sending you and your family air hits and blessings. Remember how amazing you are, Anna! I follow you on IG, so I see the pics. Thanks for sharing.

    To Bev, stay safe. Know that you are not alone, XOXO

  29. After reading this today, I realize how much we get to do in one day and so much more. Most of the time, I am so thankful to be healthy and to have a family to do all this for. But everything changed, when I realized that everything I do can be as an act of worship. Then, my heart was doing things with love and excellence as if I was doing them for Jesus, my Lord, and things to do became an honor and privilege to cherish. My children are grown and I serve them less, but I love when they are here and I get to do it. I know that God sees, God cares and He loves my daily routines of service.

  30. We can’t look around for validation or praise from those we serve, or we would be waiting for quite some while. We do, though, know God sees our service and loves us not for what we do but because of who we are. Love this. That mothering instinct is in us and benefiting all those around us.

  31. This came at a perfect time for me. My ex daughter-in-law has decided to move back into our lives, and into my grandson and sons lives. There’s been a lot of forgiveness! Your message has been powerful and has given me hope!

  32. Such a beautiful reminder. My babies range from 16 (soon to be 17) – 23 (turning 24 this year). Next year, the babies graduate high school, daughter #2 graduates grad school, and the oldest is getting married. The angels flew my mom home 2 years ago. This brief devotional warmed my heart so. Thank you.

  33. Wow, so relatable , It brought me back to the reality of being a young mom! I want to purchase this book for my daughter and daughter in laws. also, read myself. I’m now a grandma, (the most privileged place to be).

  34. I would love to give this book to my mom. Even though I’m 38, she’s been my best friend since leaving the nest, marrying, divorcing, and now moving out on my own for the second time since the divorce and going to a different church than my dad who pastors. She’s given me wings to fly in this season, along with my dad. She just prepared me a week’s worth of meals and had my dad drop them off at my work yesterday. I just can’t thank her enough for all she does.

  35. Got this on this March 31 morning! We lost my mother Dec.19 suddenly. She got to be a mother,grandmother and great to so many. Even though we have the memories, great to see the Lessons. My Daughters birthday was March 29 I snuck in and cleaned her shower- she said mom you must read this,so here I sit , this coronavirus Wednesday– Mom Strong!

  36. Following a day when I felt overwhelmed, overworked, over-stressed, and overextended, I needed this reminder that this is the unique position of being a mother. I should be thankful that I don’t feel unneeded. And I should remember that God only gives you what you can handle. Thank you for today’s message.

  37. Thanks for the beautiful devotion, Anna b Looking forward to the release of this book. Great Mother’s Day gift for moms & mother-in-laws. We all need daily encouragement, especially during these trying times.

  38. Love that ! As a mom of 4 grown children I remember well those happy/exhausting days and I can attest to the fact that all those little/seemingly insignificant things matter. Life is full of little moments that grow into the rhythms of our story. I want to get this book for all my daughters ! !

  39. Dear Anna, my life looks so different now from the one you describe! I lived that one, too. But now my daughters are all grown and they live fairly far away with my granddaughters. It’s just my hubby and me now. But I still try to keep our home running and I encourage our girls from afar. Thanks for affirming that those things are important, too. Thanks for affirming me!

  40. This is just what I needed to hear this morning. Life has been hard trying to juggle so many things…wife, 2 littles( 4yrs and 18mths) full time educator, full time doctoral student. I feel like I drop some balls each day as I try to balance them all. It is good to know that God admires me and notices even the smallest ball that I have on my plate. Thanks for the encouragement!

  41. I LOVE BEING A MOM AND MISS BEING ABLE TO DO FOR MY SON AS I DID WHEN HE WAS LITTLE (HE’S NOW 21). THIS WAS THE ONE THING THAT I FELT THAT I WAS SO VERY GOOD AT AND ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT. BEING A “MOM” SO DEFINED ME!
    I ALSO HAD THE BEST MOM GROWING UP AND ENJOY TAKING CARE OF HER NOW AS SHE GETS OLDER (SHE LIVES WITH ME). IT MAKES ME FEEL FULL WHEN I CAN TRY TO GIVE BACK A SMALL PART OF WHAT SHE DID FOR ME GROWING UP.
    GOD HAS SO BLESSED ME IN BEING A MOM AND HAVING BEEN THE DAUGHTER OF THE BEST MOM. I AM SO GRATEFUL!!

  42. I just woke up and opened my emails only to find this right in front of my face. GOD KNEW I needed to hear from you this morning. HE KNEW. Praise God. Everything is you said a spot on. I’m a mother of four and two weeks ago had major surgery on my leg and my foot rendering me helpless during this trying time with the virus. I was doing all those little things that you mentioned that we do as moms and I now have to sit back and watch it all accumulate or worse yet, I have to ask for help, and I hate that. Because I feel like such a burden. But yet, all the things I need help with are the same things they ask for as children. I run to their needs with a smile and feel SO HAPPY to be needed. It’s in doing those things for them that I feel loved! I was having a major pity party when I woke up this morning laying in bed looking straight up at the ceiling knowing that I couldn’t even walk to the toilet. I needed help to do that. Your words of encouragement spoke to my heart and reset my day and my attitude and “slapped my face” right out of this pity party. I’m going to put myself in God’s Word as soon as I finish this post and thank God that I’m two weeks postop and thank God that I have a family here to care for me. I miss being a mom and I miss being able to do for others, even things like vacuuming up dog hair which I hate! I’m going to order four of your books as Mother’s Day gifts and I absolutely cannot wait to get them! I will pray for your success as I know that every woman out there needs to hear the words that you and God have to share with us! Thank you for letting God use you! Have a blessed day!

  43. Dear Anna, You raised my heart today..I have 5 grown children and 14 grands..it still goes on – I’m still the first one they call with a problem or a question..(Thank GOD) and I do feel needed but there are still times when I’d rather not have to figure out meals for my husband and I, or do the grocery shopping at O-Dark-Early because they let seniors in early. But we do it and I have now been reminded that it’s just what God wants me to do – be here for my family near and far and take joy in a group zoom video chat because I can see all the smiling faces. Thanks Anna I needed this reminder.

  44. When my mother passed away in 1996, my brother said to me, “well sugar, we’re the old folks now.” My response was “I don’t want to be that.” It was frightening to realize I had no one to look up to anymore for answers or encouragement or even chastisement. Then I realized that I had the wisdom of the ages to turn to at any given notice. We call him Father. Lord. Savior. Almighty God.

    However, I truly was not prepared for the role of one others would look to. I had to grow up quickly due to my mother’s health and my father’s passing. I was 13 but my mom was still there for guidance. I sometimes feel as though I had been taking care of people all my life. I have been a mother, a grandmother and now a great grandmother. Each role takes on new skills and requirements. However, the heart of a woman only grows bigger as our families grow and change. This is not only true of the biological family but the chosen family as well. It grows so that we may make room for more. The returns on that investment is massive.

    So let us all continue to love and include and encourage. In the end it’s worth every second of our time.

  45. Mother’s work is endless and yes as you mentioned, many times go unseen and unheard. We as moms are the ones who take notices of these small mundane things but there is nothing greater than being a mom, being loved by a mom. My mom passed away this January and although we don’t have the best relationship, she is greatly missed. Moms are the ones that we can fight with and yell at like cats and dogs but their love is unconditional. There is no other human who can love like a mom. I miss you mom and I know someday I will see you soon. Save me a seat! Thanks for sharing this message Anna.

  46. If this book matches this article, you have created a masterpiece to bless all women. My heart swelled as I read each sentence, filling God’s love deeper and deeper. Thank you!

  47. My mothering journey has looked different than I dreamed, but it is a gift! For 17 years I mothered the students I taught, and then 7 years ago when I married my husband I became mom to a beautiful 9 yr old daughter, and 2 weeks ago we became a family of 5 when we welcomed twin 2 1/2 year old girls! Mothering is a gift I do not take for granted!

  48. Wish I could give your book to all of the mamas in my bible study. What an encouragement it would be to them to know that they are not alone and that in the mundane of everyday life and in the midst of self-isolation that everything they are doing for their family is needed and appreciated! God sees their hearts.

  49. Just in time for me to share this with my daughter-in-law for Mother’s Day! It’s so beautiful to see all the support young mothers have today & longed for when I was a new mom trying to find my way. Thank you for sharing your gift of words & insight!
    Praise & blessings always
    Trish

  50. A brilliant article! And I’m sure a brilliant book. What an encouragement to women everywhere. I really related to this, thank you!

  51. Thank you for this opportunity. I know lots if mothers myself included, could use encouragement right now, having to navigate new routines and challenges is taxing. We have to remember that God is faithful!

  52. I cannot wait to read it! Thank you for making such a wonderful book about mothers!

  53. Anna, I cannot wait to read this book and then share it with my mom, my sister, and my friends!!!!

  54. Sounds like a book I need. I may have threatened a few times, over the last 2 weeks, to stop doing all the little things I do.

    I miss seeing you and your family. Congrats on another book. Proud of you!

  55. So very well written! It is a joy to be a mom but it is exhausting too. Thanks for understanding that, and reminding us how God sees us too!

  56. My best friend is pregnant with her first child and is due to welcome him into the world just in a few days after Mother’s Day this year. I’d love to gift her this book as a special reminder of all the ways she’s already been mothering all her life and the unique and beautiful that she will continue to do so. Thank you for sharing!

  57. Anna,

    It’s been said that motherhood is the toughest jobs you’ll ever love. Constantly doing the same chores over and over. Most women are more than mothers. They are household managers, chefs, teachers, drivers you name it they do it. Far to often moms don’t get the recognition they deserve. Not everyone is a mother of littles. I was a mom (of sorts) to my aging parents. I did just about everything a mother would do. I drove them to doctors, went with them to ER, cooked some, went for walks, etc. It was a challenging 10 years. It was challenging & rewarding at the same time. Through all that women do for others God is there. Giving us the strength we need to accomplish all that work. One thing all women, moms, daughters must remember: God is crazy about you! You are His beloved & He takes great delight in you!

    Blessings 🙂

  58. I have known Anna for years and am so proud to say she was my youth pastor. You are an amazing writer and I would love to get my hands on something you’ve worked on!

  59. Thank you for this post. I’m reading it on a day when I’m exhausted, ready to pull my hair out, and wishing I had the option to just climb in bed and ignore the chaos and those who constantly need me (who I am absolutely blessed to have, I know). Thank you for your words and reminder. I’d love to have a copy of this book to give to another mother who needs your words.

  60. I love the (in)courage book “Women of Courage”. It has brought so much insight into Bible women. I look forward to the new book “A Mother’s Love”.

  61. Hi Anna,
    Thank you for sharing that we can be and are moms in different ways!
    I’d like to win this book to share with my friend who is a single mom to encourage her heart.

  62. I am excited about this book. I am a mom who homeschools 3 boys and my 3yr. niece, I also am a caregiver for my mom who has dementia. I have been feeling invisible lately and looking for some encouragement and hoping this book will help with this.

  63. So excited to read this! Perfect timing for all mother’s are being asked to do extra during this crazy time in the world. Thanks for being a light in the darkness Anna.

  64. this book seems to be a reminder about who we really are. Nurturing and loving is just part of those things. I have been very affected by this whole situation happening and it has been difficult for me to feel like I can’t provide for my family. But reading this has allowed me to remember that there is so much more than paying rent. Thank you

  65. Thank you for the beautiful reminder that we are blessedly not all the same kind of moms and God loves us all anyway.

  66. Boy did I need this today. My children are grown and I now babysit my grandson full time. Most days I am overwhelmed by all there is to do and the lack of acknowledgement from others or even myself that the things I do are needed and important. Zephaniah 3:17 is my favorite verse. Thank you for the reminder that God sees me and loves me.

  67. I love this message of being seen by God in the mundane tasks that being a mom brings. I love how He treasures us as His own daughters and made women special according to His purpose.

  68. I too, can resonate with these feelings, being a mother of two little boys ages 4 and 5 months. I have had a challenging time emotionally after having my youngest, but by the grace and guidance of God, am through the roughest part. These words, your words, are so true on so many levels, about all the things we do on a daily basis that we don’t even have to think about doing, the mental load we carry for and concerning our children is only something a mother could handle. It will bring you to your knees before Jesus, for so many reasons. I wouldn’t have it any other way though 🙂 When I think about having a pity party, I just think that one day I won’t be needed by my boys like I am now. Thank you for these encouraging words and for writing this book and I would love a copy before it releases!

  69. Oh to be seen. There is great comfort and joy in knowing my Creator does see me. He sees the big and the mundane tasks and in all of it He truly delights in me. That’s a reminder I need to keep close to my heart.

  70. Anna,
    I would love a copy of this book! I am a mom to three kids ages 13, 10, & 8. Being a mom is hard work but I feel like it is a gift that I am able to do it. We went through infertility and prayed to God. He put Foster Care on our hearts. We were soon connected to a lady that had an agency she ran and was a daughter to a friend of my husband’s. You could see God’s hands at work in the adoptions. I would really enjoy the stories in the book! Thank you for sharing this post and writing the book!