Thank you for your comment!
Thank you for this post. It was such a poignant and timely reminder that this mothering that I am CALLED and ANOINTED to is a ministry: to my God, to my hubby, and to my kids. And really, to the world in which I live. In fact, it was so moving and inspiring that I shared it with the MOMS' Group from my church that meets in my home each month. Our pastor's wife shared on the topic "Don't Despise the Days of Small Children," and this was a wonderful supplement to the heart of her message.
By the way, I found your blog through Mom In Action/Don't Make Us Stop This Car. My friend Natalie is another of those inspiring, motivating and purposeful Mom Warriors in the kingdom - you'd love her!!
Thanks for what you share - it's done with excellence and with an eye toward consistently becoming more Christ-like in your life. And it shows in the progression of your blogs (I've checked your archives, I know you're walking the walk!!)
Blessings to you and your precious family. And blessings on your journey - I wish I'd learned these gems earlier in my journey!
This post is a keeper! I love it and am printing it off to show my daughter - well, mail it to her. She is a knew mom.
Thanks and hugs oh, and your Mom is a peach and is your auntie.
Congratulations! You are a finalist in the Hidden Treasure Blog Awards. Visit www.everdaymommy.net for the details.
Jules
www.EverydayMommy.net
Thank you so much for sharing and your wonderful writing. I especially enjoyed this post, and I think that I am going to print it out and read it daily. My son is just under two months old, but already my soul is tattooed and it definitely is worth it.
Hi Sarah, I'm Eliot's mom, Ginny. You wrote this last week, but I am just catching up on my reading. Thank you. Your words are beautiful. Though my daily routine doesn't look like it anymore, my soul is and will forever be tattooed. Thanks for being so faithful to encourage us in our journey!!
I have enjoyed reading your blog...such a blessing. Thank you for sharing your mommy heart...as I was lugging a huge basket of clothes to be folded through my schoolroom/laundry area 
...many of these same thoughts ran through my head...being a Mommy is a HIGH calling and such a blessing. Thanks again for so beautifully sharing your heart!
IN HIS GOODNESS,
Liz
Sarah,
This entry really touched me. My parents went through the same thing with my sister when she was a baby. Now that I have my own baby, I realize what the heart surgery must have been like. I LOVE your writing, and laughed out loud at your "If There's Pride, You Know a Fall is Coming!"
So funny!
Sunni
Amen Sister!
You do have a wonderful gift of writing that shares and touches those of us who can't put our own words on those feelings and thoughts. Thanks and this was truely amazing!
Definitely a cause for celebration! And Addison looks great.
I have been married 20 years, been pregnant 11 times, have 9 children, and am currently nursing 1 year old twins. I have enjoyed these fruitful years and look forward to the multiplying in the years to come : )
Hi Sarah!
With this post you could touch me so deep, I still can't believe it!
I linked your blog in mine.
Best wishes
Filzarella
Sarah,
I love reading your blog so much that I just linked to you on my sidebar.
http://blog.o2bnaz.com
Keep sharing your heart!
Sarah, I hope you don't mind, but I HAD to link to this post!
Cuz I'm all about Tattoos...and I know this "tattoo" will be my FAVORITE!
My sister has been in your shoes...Either pregnant or nursing for 15 years. She has 7 little ones. I am reminded when I read posts like this that I don't have it as "rough" as I think I do sometimes.
After all, all of mine are out of diapers now!! WoooHoooo! :D
Amazing post! I was just in awe and so appreciate your openness. What a ministry you have through this blog! Look at all the comments! WOW.
i'm speechless, sarah.
wow.
This was an incredible peice that speaks to all of us who are "in the midst of it".
Blessings!
Look at all these comments!! Listen to your mother!
You have captured the call of a Mother so perfectly. Thanks for laying out your tattooed soul for us to be encouraged by.
I am on the same adventure and continue battle with what this world says it true about motherhood and what Jesus says it true about servanthood. In my pursuit to stay steadfast on Jesus, I've began a practice nicknamed Friday Fortitude. I just posted about it yesterday on my blog to share with other mothers and encourage them in the midst of their routine! It completely resonates with your post. How cool is that! You can read about it at www.laundry-alternative.net/sortsnsuds.htm, and look for the post entitled Friday Fortitude. I'd love to have you join in!
Blessings,
Elisa
That was well said.
BRILLIANT! Absolutely brilliant. And if you won't listen to your mother (as WISE as she is) then listen to all 72 of us commentors and FANS - God has given you a gift - now get writing that book!
When you have it ready - 5 Minutes for Mom is ready and waiting to feature it, rave about it, interview you and do a huge book-give away contest. So you just tell those publishers they have to hurry up, cause people are WAITING for this book!
And yes - stomach virus do push motherhood into sainthood.
Sarah- I said it before. Mommy-heart. And your mom is on target. You have a gift.
Loving you-
Sarah,
This is so beautiful. What an encouragement to all mothers. I cried and felt blessed. Thank you for sharing such honest and beautiful words. I want to read these words everyday to keep my emotions in check and remember what a wonderful gift God has given me. He has trusted me with two beautiful gifts to cherish and bring up to know and love Him. I can't think of anything better. But, I need to be reminded that my actions speak volumes to my children. My daughter has been trying my patience all day and I really needed to hear these words in my heart. Thank you!
Well written.
A many colored gift. Yes it is.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sarah, Your blog inspires me and today's blog was one of your best! I have been pregnant or nursing for five years. I have four year old Sarah Katherine, a 2 year old Shelby Lynn and a 3 month old Laura Ann. My passion for the Lord has been rekindled and I am a much more patient, kind and loving mommy because of this. Thank you for being such a REAL life Christian mommy who helps remind the rest of us that this job is difficult and it's normal to be exhausted. When I've had enough, I think God chose me to help raise these precious girls and I can't let him down. They are His children and I was blessed enough to birth them and care for them...even when they vomit, harrass each other, cry, and pout. May God Bless You Sarah and your lovely family!
Thank you for reminding me that Children are a Blessing from God!!! I needed that.....
Ok, even though I love this post, I was all excited thinking you had gone off and gotten a tattoo. I guess I'm not THAT disappointed since you did deliver a sweet sincere message. But you with a tatoo would have been cool.
Miss me yet? =)
Thank you for putting the thoughts of Mommies hearts into words so beautifully. You are awesome!
Beautifully said!
Lately I have felt like I am in that funk where I think that my children will never grow to love the Lord after the experience of my mothering. Thanks for posting this. Just being reminded that I am not alone has encouraged me.
Sarah, given the 60 comments before me, I don't think there's any original praise left for me to use. So I'm starting a petition to have your face added to Mt. Rushmore. There some room between Roosevelt and Lincoln. 
I posted myself this morning before reading yours. They are of a similar theme, though mine was just tossed off, and after reading yours I am fighting the urge to go back and hit delete. Have you no pity on those of us less talented?! Love you.
Absolutely the best "I told you so" yet. I just read this for the third time and cried, again.
I've been reading your blog for some time now. I came over from Lisa's site. Thank you for this and so many of your posts. It's nice to know that I'm not alone!! You write beautifully.
I'm at a loss for words. That was just so.... brutally beautiful.
Beautifully written. I've quite enjoyed reading your posts. Bless you for your transparency.
Beautiful. Perfectly said.
Hi. This is my first time here, but I wanted to let you know that I'm nominating you for this post for the Motherhood catergory for the Hidden Treasures blog awards. It was beautiful what you wrote, and thank for you that.
Amen, Sarah! It was such a good reminder that motherhood is the most "unrewarded" job that we could ever love. I've learned more in the last 2 years about caregiving, then I did in my 10 year nursing career....
Wonderful post as usual. I'm wondering why you don't have a book or a few out yet...
Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing.
The word tattoo threw me at first, then I understood, permanent is what we're talking about there.
When you're up to your elbows, or knees with stuff and things raising little ones causes, know that you're blessed far, far more than any other calling.
The world could use a lot more moms like you.
P.S. Don't you dislike it when moms are right, especially if it's often, but your Mom is. Take GrandMa's advice, and listen. I'm waiting for chapter two.
That's an exhausted sigh, btw.
Very well said. Bravo...and sigh.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Sarah,
Okay - this is getting weird. It's like you are living my life. Although when I read your version I am entertained instead of tired Anyway, God has, by His grace, brought me through this same thought process as I'm raising two little boys. I want to tell you, and everyone who might read my comment, about a teacher of the Word who has provided much encouragment and instruction for moms. Her name is Jean Stockdale and you can watch her teach online every Thursday @ 10:45 am on bellevue.org. It is a live webcast of the MOMS ministry at their church. It has become a weekly retreat for me and has served to keep my mind and heart in line with Truth!
Excellent, excellent post. So true. Convicting, beautiful, honest. Thank you.
You just made a talking girl speechless. Thank you for this encouraging post. I couldn't agree with you more, although sometimes it IS hard to remember that.
Thank you for this post today, Sarah.
I'm afraid I'm guilty of looking through negative eyes this week and not seeing the positive. I needed the reminder that I'm not alone and my life is a true blessing!!
Thanks!
Between this, truly your best ever, and your Mom being blog of the month at CWO, well, I'm humbled.
Who knew that little girl who came to stay with me when she was 7 and screamed at blood curdling levels at the grasshopper infestation in our backyard would someday morph into you?
You.are.amazing. I love you. And I'm blessed to watch you travel so graciously and realistically through motherhood.
And...you are fun! and it's your turn! This is the moment moms and aunts live for!
Wow - that took my breath away. You have such a beautiful writing talent. And you figured out the best part of motherhood so much sooner than I did.
Beautifully written and so true. Convicting as well. I can be so selfish at times.
Beautiful and truthful words from a beautiful and truthful Soul
How many times have I said what I'm about to say to you?
This is your best yet. Absolutely, positively beautiful.
I can relate to every heartfelt word in this post. Thank you for saying it so eloquently. Keep writing - I'll keep reading and soaking it in.
With each post, you move me more. I can't even tell you how inspiring you are to this struggling mommy.
Today is an overwhelming day .. you just made it better. thank you Sarah. God Bless.
Sarah, this is the most beautiful article I have ever read on motherhood. I agree with your mother 100%! "Motherhood is a permanent tattoo on my soul" is the most profound expression! I am going to write your quote in my Bible on my special quote page. You inspire "grandmas", too.
Sarah,
That was beautiful. I was thinking (not so eloquently) the same things today about motherhood and how it's God's tool in my life to mold me in His image.
I have a new blog and if I can figure it oout, I'm going to link your post today to it.
P.S.- I made that potatoe recipe you shared around Thanksgiving and my family is wild about it. We served it at a party recently. Thanks for all your posts!
Wow, Sarah.. this was awesome. Thank you for sharing this; it really blessed me.
What an amazing post. And yet so true.
Heh Sarah,
Are you going to the Sally Clarkson conference in DFW at the end of Feb? I'd love to meet you : )
That was so beautiful! Thanks for always saying what I need to hear! God is using you in a mighty way to encourage lots of women - including me!
You should listen to your mom. She's so right on this one. I loved the title of this entry...it caught me attention & was peferct!!! Thanks for the much needed encouragement.
I am loving everyone agreeing with me. How fun is that? I was right, maybe that's why....
Sarah, I keep thinking that it just couldn't get any better, yet it seems that every day you have something here that is, in some way, a balm to my soul. Whether it's funny, or it's soothing, or it's serious, the Lord is using you here in the life of one young mama. Thank you for this... yes, I agree, even stretch marks are worth that.
Loved it, Sarah!
BEAUTIFUL, as always. I would ask, "How do you think of these things?", but I know, after reading your blog for months that you think them because your heart is beautiful.
Sarah, Thank you so much for this dose of encouragement today! This post is beautiful!! Thanks for being a blessing!
So true; thanks for that dose of mommy encouragement.
WOW Sarah... I couldn't have said it better. You have really uplifted me today. Thanks
So true... Those were very encouraging words for me today to help me get through the rest of the week. Your words help me do that a lot. Thank you Sarah.
Beautifully written as usual. You do, indeed, have a talent to be shared!
This is a fabulous post. Wonderful.
Oh Sarah, my entire week has felt like 'one of those days'. I have not been at my best.
Thank you for taking the time to write.
Father, may You change me to be more of a servant during this season of my life. You've surrounded me with blessings.
Sarah -
You words blessed me today! This was "one of those days" where motherhood was feeling like a chore rather than a blessing... your reminder couldn't have come at a better time!!!
AND - if you've time, visit my blog again. I have some links in my sidebar you might be interested in (CHD awareness).
Thanks again and God Bless!!
Dee
Sarah,
I have too much to say and too little time to say it in. So for now, I'm saying a prayer for you and hoping that this time of day might be the quiet hour
Leslie
It does change you, doesn't it. How could we ever tell our younger selves this and make them believe it. An opportunity to sacrifice that is treasured, when our flesh cries out against it. How painful the time we spend on the grinding wheel, having the sharp burrs removed so that we shine and not hurt others. How rewarding when what is reflected becomes the face of God - clearer from day to day. I love you Sarah!
Sarah, that was so wonderful and so needed today. Thank you & God Bless!
May I say it again? Listen to your mother. You have a beautiful way with words. I just wrote a post today about motherhood, and though from my heart, it was not written as beautifully as yours. I feel I am learning from you how to write better. You do provide so much encouragement to so many other mommies, like me! Bless your heart!
Great Post !!!! Love reading your blog!
First of all, your mother is right.
Secondly, the posts you've written in the last few weeks have been some of the best I've ever read.
And last, thank you for your beautiful words and encouraging me today.
What a moving post!!!
Amen!
I would not change motherhood for anything in the world. You have nailed it on the head - it is a permanent change in our lives, that affects everything. Amazing.
Listen to your mother.
This is such a sweet post! I know just what you mean.
Sarah, you may never know how much I needed to be reminded of this. This week has been a nightmare, but if I would stop to look, I would see how gloriously blessed I am. My children were chosen for me and I for them. They may be overwhelmingly hard to deal with most days, but they are my gift. I am so honored God has chosen each of them for me. Thank you!
By the way, you should listen to your mother. Write a book! Your gift touches so many lives. Give what God has given.
I just wanted to let you know that I found your blog through Lisa Welchel's website. You are a wonderful writer. You give wisdom, wit and encourgement to all who read what you've written. You write with honesty and humility. What a gift God has given you. I look forward to each and every post.
God Bless you and your family.
Beautifully written. Thank you so much!
Rachel! Did you say 19 YEARS? YEARS??? YEARS! How many children do you have? I am in awe. Awe. Wow. I'm speechless.
Amen. I've been preg or nursing for 19 years and you couldn't have described it any better. Thank you!
Okay - listen really carefully: THIS is the first chapter or the opening pages in your book. I'm SERIOUS. And you can just go and title it either "The Canvas of My Life" or "Permanent Tattoo on my Soul" - either will work nicely. I am serious and I may as well go ahead and tell you because your Aunt Barb will and then your Grandmother will, and she will be even more insistent than I am.
It is obvious writing is your calling - the gift God has given you to encourage other young moms out there in the thick of it. Not doing so would be dishonoring the gift you've been given. Okay I'm done. But I am serious.
Thank you!! I needed this post today in a major way.
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