Courtney Defeo is a girl mom just like you. She is a writer, blogger, Word lover, and creator of amazing products for training up kids in Timeless Truth. Let’s get to know her! (she also has a sweet giveaway for us).

1. How many people call you mom?

One little firecracker named Larson – age 4. She’s either sleeping or yelling.

One twirling first-born named Ella – age 6. She’s can be found playing teacher, mom, dance instructor or really anything in the lead or boss role.

2. Describe life as mom in one word.

Breathtaking

3. What do you wish someone had told you about mothering in the beginning?

Your highest highs, your lowest lows, your most intimate times with the Lord, your strongest moments in time, your weakest moments in time – and yet you’d do it all over again in a flash.

4. How have you changed over the years through mothering?

I’m stronger. I’m more courageous. I’m more vulnerable. I’m quicker to admit my wrongs.

I’m more aware of how quickly the time flies and less frazzled by the trials. I’m more aware of my strengths and weaknesses as a mom. Let’s be honest, I’m still a drama girl and overreact – but I hope I’ve dialed it back a notch or 12. We’re dusting off some blood vs running to the ER.

5. How do you prepare your heart for the next stage of mothering, whatever that may be?

I worry less and pray more. When I need advice – I don’t cast my net so wide. I call on my faithful few. The ones I trust the most. The ones that parent the way I do. I read a few books or blogs, but remember to filter everything through what works for my family. I own the best book ever written – the Bible. And, TRY to not take too much credit for the good or the bad. Some of it, not all of it is up to me.

6. What Timeless Truth do you cling to?

Above all else – LOVE. My mother lived this out. I want them to remember there were rules and discipline and we weren’t perfect, but they were loved. There was grace. They goofed and we goofed – but they were loved. I set some pretty high expectations and goals for our family – so I really have to be careful that they don’t mistake this as the way to be loved. Our catch phrase is, “always and forever.” I want them to know that no matter what happens – NOTHING can separate God’s love from them or our love from them. Our love is always and forever. They are loved because they are mine – end of story.

7. What do you find yourself praying over and over for your girls?

To simply have a heart to follow God. That is why my blog is all about how to bring faith to life in the home. I don’t want them to “be good” or “get 5 gold stars” or be the best Christian kid ever known. I want them to know He works in real life and in messy life. I want them to realize Jesus is their friend and He has a purpose for their life and He will use them incredible way if they say yes. Following Him is just plain thrilling. So, from the tiniest of ages – it’s our job to disciple them and show them that it is a good thing not a bad thing to live a life pleasing to God.

8. What resource do you suggest for raising girls?

I follow much of Andy Stanley’s teachings (that happen to come straight from the Bible) but he often speaks about “dialing in/out influences” in our kids’ lives. From the early ages, I want my girls to have the right friends around them. Not a bubble, but the ones they are around most often – those should be the kind of friends that affirm the values and virtues we discuss at home. As they get older, I am going to dial in some key mentors in their lives that will help instill key lessons in their hearts. At a certain age – they will tune us parents OUT and these others voices IN. So, I am constantly thinking about our surroundings and outside influences from schools to churches to friend groups. Authors I love: Sissy Goff, Vicki Courtney and Kay Wyma

About the Author: Courtney DeFeo is the fun mom who believes our kids can light up the world. She is the author of popular mom blog Lil Light O’ Mine at courtneydefeo.com, which seeks to “empower moms and change little lives through innovation in the home.” She is also the creator of ABC Scripture Cards and Light ‘Em Up. Courtney has learned the art of using her talents wisely to help and serve others through 14 years in marketing at industry-leading PR firm Ketchum and Chick-fil-A, Inc.She is the proud wife of a servant-spirited dad and is mom to two skipping girls, ages 4 and 6.

 

 

ENTER TO WIN (contest is NOW Closed 8/17/13)

Courtney would love to share a set of ABC Scripture Cards with one MOTHER of a DAUGHTER today.

Just share a comment below to be entered to win. Contest will run through 08/16/13 and winner will be emailed next week.