Articles Categorized: Blog

As we kick off our Mother’s Day series, we’re delighted to share Susan’s story—a mother of three adult children, a long-time teacher, and a faithful member of her church community. With warmth and honesty, Susan reflects on the joys of watching her children grow into their unique God-given identities, and the challenges of learning to trust God with each new season of parenting.

Whether you’re a new mum, a seasoned parent, or someone walking alongside others in motherhood, we hope Susan’s reflections encourage you to trust God’s goodness in every stage of the journey.

1. Please introduce yourself and your family!
I’m Susan, I am married to Tim, and we are so thankful to be parents to Steph (22), Austin, (20) and Jack (17). We live in Carlingford and love being part of Macquarie Baptist church, where Tim has been serving as a misnister for over 16 years. I work as a primary teacher through the week at a small Christian school in Ryde and love being able to share Jesus with the next generation of children and families.

I love family dinners with our adult children (we are currently sporadically cooking our way through ‘Recipe Tin Eats: Dinner’ by Nagi Maehashi) and reading books in my down time…. Richard Osman, Anne Cleeves, Tim Keller, Rebecca McLaughlin and, Jodie Berndt have written a few of my favourites. As a family, we recently rejoined a Beach Mission Team on the south coast of NSW. It had been many years since we’d last been on a team – 25 years, so I felt keen but nervous and even a bit reluctant in the days prior to heading down but loved being more than surprised at the many opportunities to share about Jesus and the encouragement it was for my own faith. We’re hoping to attend again at the end of this year too.

2. What has been your greatest joy as a mother?
I have loved watching my children grow over the years, getting to know their unique personalities and the character traits God has given them. Each of them is so different, with their own interests, aspirations and drives. It has been both humbling and joyful to discover what ‘floats their boat’ and to see how God allows them to use their gifts for their good and His glory. Stepping back and watching these traits unfold has been unexpectedly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve often had my own ideas about what they might pursue, feeling that my way would be best. But seeing them become who God created them to be – uniquely made in His image, with the opportunities He has provided – is a genuine joy.

It has been both humbling and joyful to discover what ‘floats their boat’ and to see how God allows them to use their gifts for their good and His glory.

3. What has been your great challenge as a mother?
When my kids were little, I assumed there would be endless opportunities to guide and train them. But as they’ve grown, I’ve had to adjust my thinking—time passes far more quickly than I expected. Lately, I feel God has been teaching me to number my days, reminding me of the balance between being a proactive parent on the one hand, and yet on the other hand, fully trusting that my children are in His hands.

For me, this means learning how to be an attentive, intentional, and concerned parent – without becoming fretful or anxious. For me, parenting is about standing beside my children as they grow, helping them navigate the realities of sin, and cultivating the gifts and opportunities God has given them, and doing my best to be a role model they can follow. It also means being ready to cheer them on as they step out in faith, following God’s individual call on their lives.

Ephesians 4:22-24 reminds me that God is constantly growing and equipping each of us, making us new in His likeness. This truth helps me resist the urge to think that raising my children depends solely on us as parents. Instead, I see it as a daily partnership with God, relying on Him in every moment. And in times of uncertainty, I want to be trusting the one who has given me this role and promises to equip me for it.

This truth helps me resist the urge to think that raising my children depends solely on us as parents. Instead, I see it as a daily partnership with God, relying on Him in every moment.

4. How does knowing God the Father shape the way you parent your children?
For me it means three things. First, that God is my father. He sees my struggles and failures, my highs and the lows, but always loves me and provides and promises me daily bread for every situation.

For me it means three things. First, that God is my father. He sees my struggles and failures, my highs and the lows, but always loves me and provides and promises me daily bread for every situation.

And second, it means that God is their Father. If I love my children so much, then how much more does their Heavenly Father love and provide for their individual needs. (Matthew 6:26). They have their own special place in God’s heart – and he sees them, and cares for them.

And thirdly, knowing God the Father shapes the way I parent, in that it gives a final goal to my parenting. In the end I want them to look to Him even more than they would ever look to me. I want each of my children to know God’s fatherly love and acceptance just as I do, especially as they grow and step into adulthood. I want them to understand that their identity is found in who God says they are. In a world so confused about identity, it is a gift to be able to affirm this truth in their lives.

One of the most meaningful ways we’ve done this is by learning parts of the Bible together. Another has been encouraging our children to seek out mentors in the faith during their mid-teen years. Each of them has had – or still has – a godly big sister or brother who meets with them regularly to read the Bible, talk, and pray. Tim and I knew we couldn’t be everything for each of our teens, so we prayed that God would provide the right mentors at the right time – and He has.

5. Who has been a “spiritual mother” figure in your life, and what lessons did you learn from them?
Growing up in southwest Sydney to loving parents who became believers in their early 40s was the beginning to having spiritual models in my life. Seeing the transforming work of God in my parents’ lives when I was in late primary school / early high school has been pivotal in my own life and walk with God. Experiencing first-hand, God taking my parents and giving them each transformative hearts for gospel priorities in daily living, parenting choices and making them pivotal and primary role models for my sisters and I.

This year, I turned 50, and am all the more grateful for God’s intervention in my family all those years ago – I sometimes think of what my life might have been if it weren’t for the impact of my Mum and Dad meeting Jesus. Their faithfulness as parents in teaching us about Jesus, taking us to our local church, Campbelltown Baptist, and being fully involved in areas of community church life. It gave us kids connections and ‘significant others’ in the faith. We had so many aunties and uncles who urged us on to love God and love those He has given us to care for. My mother-in- law is another godly woman who has prayed for me and walked alongside over the years. Her heart to see each of us hold on to Jesus is always forefront. These spiritual mothers and fathers have taught me to honour those who have gone before us, knowing that God gives us each other to spur one another on to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), in life and in the job of parenting.

6. What is one piece of advice that you would give to new mothers this Mother’s Day?
Maybe the last thing a new mum is looking for is more advice! But if I can add another word I would say, don’t fall into the trap of comparing your motherhood experience with others. Every baby is different, and every family is too. A first Mother’s Day can be a wonderful occasion to draw in the family and be thankful for God’s loving care. It’s helpful to look around and appreciate all the provisions God is making for you, through your wider family, and among your church community and supportive friends.

…don’t fall into the trap of comparing your motherhood experience with others.

Above all, I’d want them to know that they are valued – those first weeks and months can be such a steep learning curve. So, I would want new mothers to know that they have an incredibly precious and honoured role to play in the life of their new little one. That they are being obedient to our Heavenly Father when they seek to care for and raise children to know and love Him first. That God sees them and hears their prayers for their little ones.

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Looking for a Mother’s Day gift?

Buy two or more tickets before Mothers Day and get the Early Bird rate! Bring your mum, your nan, your best friend (or your whole church!) and make the most of this limited-time offer.

Just use the promo code MUM2025 at checkout!

Register Now

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Enjoyed this read? Read the rest of our Mother’s Day Stories here:

For Shelley Taylor, motherhood came later than expected — but in ways far richer than she could have imagined. As she reflects on the journey so far, Shelley shares the joys and challenges of motherhood, the kindness of God’s timing, and the spiritual mothers who helped shape her faith along the way.

1. Please introduce yourself and your family!
I’m Shelley Taylor. I’m married to Michael Mallin, and together we job share the General Manager role for StayKCC. Between us, we have a wonderful blended family: three older stepchildren who are now 16, 18, and 20 years old, and our little 4-year-old daughter, Sophia.

Pictured: Shelley and Sophia

Being a mum has been such a gift. It’s a journey of deep joy, constant learning, and a reminder of God’s abundant grace in all seasons of life.

It’s a journey of deep joy, constant learning, and a reminder of God’s abundant grace in all seasons of life.

2. What has been your greatest joy as a mother?
Seeing God’s faithfulness in my life has been my greatest joy. I had always thought I’d have children, but as I got older and remained single, I wasn’t sure it would happen. What a beautiful surprise it was to meet Michael, marry at 43, and not only gain three wonderful stepchildren but also welcome Sophia at 45. God’s blessings have far exceeded what I could have imagined.

3. What has been your greatest challenge as a mother?
One of the biggest challenges has been finding time for personal worship, prayer, reading, and simply being still with God. Parenting demands a lot, and quiet moments can be scarce. But even in the busyness, God is teaching me new ways to stay connected to Him and reminding me to seek out those precious moments alone with Him when I can.

4. How does knowing God the Father shape the way you parent your children?
Knowing God fills me with deep joy, trust, and confidence — in Him, and in the journey of parenting. As motherhood reveals my weaknesses and limitations, His gentle presence invites me to see them with grace, and His love flows steadily over every gap.

As motherhood reveals my weaknesses and limitations, His gentle presence invites me to see them with grace, and His love flows steadily over every gap.

5. Who has been a “spiritual mother” figure in your life, and what lessons did you learn from them?
I have been blessed by many faithful older women in the churches I’ve been part of. They have been incredible counsellors and role models, teaching me to fully embrace the season God has placed me in. From them, I’ve learned the importance of listening for His voice and following His lead — even when my heart might long for a different path.

6. What is one piece of advice you would give to new mothers this Mother’s Day?
As you watch your child soak up and delight in the love you pour out, let it be a reminder to receive God’s love in the same way — openly, joyfully, and without reservation.

As you watch your child soak up and delight in the love you pour out, let it be a reminder to receive God’s love in the same way — openly, joyfully, and without reservation.

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Looking for a Mother’s Day gift?

Buy two or more tickets before Mothers Day and get the Early Bird rate! Bring your mum, your nan, your best friend (or your whole church!) and make the most of this limited-time offer.

Just use the promo code MUM2025 at checkout!

Register Now

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Enjoyed this read? Read the rest of our Mother’s Day Stories here:

Ahead of Mother’s Day, we’re sharing interviews with Christian women who reflect on what this day means to them. Whether Mother’s Day brings joy, grief, or a mix of both, we hope these stories can be a celebration of all the mothers and mother figures in our lives.

Today, we hear from Charis—a mother of four, including twin boys—about the highs and lows of motherhood. She opens up about parenting through grief, raising a child with severe autism, and the daily dependence on Jesus that sustains her. We hope her story encourages you to keep seeking the kingdom first in the chaos and beauty of family life.

Trigger Warning: Mentions of self-harm

1. Please introduce yourself and your family!

My name is Charis. I am wife to Douglas, and mother of four children, including twins. The ages are 8 (girl), 6 (boy), and 4 (twin boys). Our whole world flipped upside down when we found out we were having twins. We had planned for three, but God had other plans. It has been the craziest four years of my life since the twins were born. It’s hard because I feel I cannot spend much quality time with each individual child, but they still have lots of fun, and the house feels very full.

The early days with the twins felt like a blur. Douglas and I tried to be as strategic as possible with four kids under the age of 4. Douglas took leave for three weeks, which was helpful. During that time, he primarily took care of the older two kids. I had sole responsibility over the twins and tried to tandem breastfeed (as opposed to one after the other) in order to synchronise their nap times so that I can have pockets of rest. I was unable to have precious 1:1 time with the twins like I did with the older two when they were newborns. Feeding, cuddles, tummy-time, and playtime were all done 2:1. Overall, I felt that I had missed out on spending individual time with all of my children as I was spread so thin.

What had surprised me most about parenting four kids was the fact that it was incredibly hard.

What had surprised me most about parenting four kids was the fact that it was incredibly hard. So much that it forced self-sufficient me to look outside for help. I would never have imagined that I would ask for help to potty train my second-born son. Potty training was a parental responsibility in my opinion—well, that all changed when I was looking after four young kids. When Douglas returned to work, I was all on my own. There was no way I could potty train a two-and-a-half-year-old and look after twins at the same time. There were times, I remember, when all four children were crying simultaneously. One would cry due to frustration about a craft, another would cry because of a toileting accident, and the twins would cry—as babies do. I didn’t know who to tend to first. There were four of them, and one of me. Oh the relief when that church friend had come several days in the week to help out with potty training. How kind and selfless of her!

2. What has been your greatest joy as a mother?
My greatest joy as a mother is to watch the children have fun, grow, and learn new things. I love teaching them and watching them acquire new skills. I love that they still let me cuddle and kiss them.

3. What has been your great challenge as a mother?
My greatest challenge as a mother has been one of the twins’ diagnosis. My boy has severe autism, and it has directly impacted all of our lives, especially me as his primary carer. It has been a lonely journey with lots of grief, despair, frustration, and hopelessness.

When R was diagnosed with autism at age 2, I was gripped with overwhelming grief. I have lost my life to being R’s carer. It was, and still is, the toughest challenge I have ever faced. R’s diagnosis has impacted every facet of our lives. The time involved with helping an additional needs child is extensive. I find it extremely challenging as R’s primary carer to balance his needs with the needs of our other three young children.
R presents with difficulties such as being nonverbal, having a restricted diet, lacking cognitive ability, lacking comprehension, underdeveloped social skills, limited fine and gross motor skills, limited play skills, and most challenging of all—self-harming behaviour. Due to hours of implementing therapy in the home and constant restraint/hand-holding to stop him from self-harm, I am often bound and unable to complete regular home duties like cooking and cleaning. I am more inclined to reject seeing family and friends or attend social activities because I am purely exhausted.

I often question the long-term sustainability of my caring role for R. Mentally, I have felt feelings of depression and burnout. I have felt hopelessness and despair because of our current situation and not wanting to carry on at the rate we are going. I have cried more than I ever have in my entire life. My other three children are also significantly impacted as my attention and care cannot be evenly shared because of R’s additional needs. After R’s diagnosis, I felt that my relationship with my children has suffered as I am not able to spend as much time with them and care for them.

4. How does knowing God the Father shape the way you parent your children?
Knowing God the Father has helped me parent our children in accordance with the Word. We have a “family mission” which is to love God and to love others. I remind our children of our family mission when they are showing and not showing love to each other. We also have a “Fruit of the Spirit Tree” for each child. I will reward each child with a sticker each time they show a fruit of the Spirit when interacting with others. I remind them that it’s not easy, and at those times it’s important to pray to Jesus for help.

I insert stories of Jesus and forgiveness that comes through his sacrifice whenever my children are finding it hard to love and forgive one another. When we discipline our children, we do it out of love and compassion. These are just a few of the things we do when we parent our children.

God has sustained me in this hardship through several truths:

(i) His power is made perfect in my weakness. Despite my incapacity to look after the hundreds of needs of all my children, God the Father is looking after them with unlimited grace, unlimited mercy, and unlimited power.

(ii) His mercies are new every day. By living each day as it comes rather than worrying about the future, I am able to carry out the task set before me by depending on His mercy for the day, sometimes for the hour, or the moment.

(iii) R is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Despite being seen by the world as “neurodivergent” or “not normal,” R has been fearfully and wonderfully made, and made with purpose.

(iv) “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me…” (Luke 9:24). As I shared before, I feel I have lost my life. But through my loss, I can save my life and experience the joy and freedom of life that He gives me.

(v) God does not withhold any good thing (Psalm 84:11). This outcome is the best outcome ordained by God… “He who did not spare his own Son… how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).

5. Who has been a “spiritual mother” figure in your life, and what lessons did you learn from them?

The “spiritual mother” figure in my life is not any one person, but the church, the teachings that come from the Word, and other Christian mothers. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learnt is that there is a lot of freedom in parenting when you lift your children up to the Lord. God is their ultimate Father, and He covers over all your parenting failures. He is the one who is growing and changing them from one degree of glory to the next. Having said that, it’s important to keep praying for the salvation of your children, as no amount of good parenting can save them.

God is their ultimate Father, and He covers over all your parenting failures. He is the one who is growing and changing them from one degree of glory to the next.

One of my children, J, had a tonsillectomy recently. Recovery was an incredibly painful experience for him. We had prayed for quick healing and recovery, daily. One day, when J had noticed that he was able to swallow food without pain, he said, “Jesus was listening to your prayers and He healed me.” I was encouraged that he was trusting in Jesus.

6. What is one piece of advice that you would give to new mothers this Mother’s Day?

Try to fill your tank by spending time with Jesus amidst all the chaos. It is necessary.

Try to fill your tank by spending time with Jesus amidst all the chaos. It is necessary.

One advice I would give to a mother who is feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenting, especially one raising a child with additional needs, is to ask Jesus for humility and to really lower your expectations of yourself and of your children. In regard to the self, don’t be too hard on yourself to achieve and meet expectations of others outside of your own family. Focus on your capacity and the cup that God has given to you. Be faithful with that cup. In regard to your children, especially one with additional needs, don’t expect them to be the child that they are not. Accept them for who they are, as they have indeed been fearfully and wonderfully made, and you will be pleasantly surprised at how God will grow them.

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Looking for a Mother’s Day gift?

Buy two or more tickets before Mothers Day and get the Early Bird rate! Bring your mum, your nan, your best friend (or your whole church!) and make the most of this limited-time offer.

Just use the promo code MUM2025 at checkout!

Register Now

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Enjoyed this read? Read the rest of our Mother’s Day Stories here: