Sneak Peek – Celebrate Motherhood Retreat

 The event we’ve been planning and praying for… finally came!
Mandy and I, with our company, HAPPY MOMMY BOX, hosted our first Celebrate Motherhood Retreat this past saturday here in Rock Hill, SC and it was incredible!
I’ve just been blown away with the feedback and the whole experience.
From the start of HAPPY MOMMY BOX, I knew I wanted to one day gather mothers together to encourage and celebrate them. Help them refocus on their mommy mission. So having this come together was an incredible feeling. I love that I got on stage and said “I’m now going to open with an interpretive dance” and everyone was totally on board. haha.. They were like yessss.. a dancee!! They were ready for a party.
ps.I didn’t dance.

I’ve loved reading the take aways from the women that came. Angela shared (this photo) and how she learned so much during the opening session by @jessaconnolly.
This is part of what Angela shared – “I’m encouraged to take myself out of the running. For mom of the year… For the best homeschool teacher… For the mom who cooks all organic, heck for the mom who always cooks! Lol!! Balance, margin and learning what I do well and what I don’t. Making peace with it. For living MY purpose and no one else’s. Looking ahead to the prize, Keeping my focus on Him.”

One of the best comments I heard from a mama who came, was that she walked in and felt like it was totally approachable and not intimidating…That it was the best decision she made for herself in a long time and she heard things she was really needing. We really wanted the moms to come, feel welcome and able to go deep.

The evening it ended, when driving home to check in with my babes…a car full of cake stands, flower pots and random party prep…I just thanked God for letting me be a part of this whole thing He planted in our hearts. He showed up, the women showed up, and I felt a “these mamas are gonna do amazing things” feeling in that room. No doubt going home they weren’t eased into motherhood, but shoved, haha, so praying for all the women who attended and that they continue to realize that they are not alone, they have a God that is so in love with them and chose them for this mommy mission. They are doing incredible work in those big and small moments with their little ones. Thankful for everyone who came and everyone who helped. Especially my muscle man hubby for his support and hands on help… Our Packing Manager, Kate, for working our shop table like a champ, and my partner on this mommy encouragement mission Mandy. So many friends to thank who showed up and supported me and helped. And the amazing speakers + musicians who jumped on board with us and let The Lord use them. I’m so grateful.
(Worship was led by our friends Chris Kincaid and Nichole Broome)

Mandy and I aren’t in the same city very often….it doesn’t slow us down…
but I treasure those moments we can have our friendship not be states away!
We were able to really focus in on things that are working in our hearts…
pray together and instagram together. haha.

But overall, I’m just thankful to have Mandy a part of this journey with me.
She is a beautiful soul and has an incredible heart for women and mothers.
I love that she views our work the same way I do, as mission work for the kingdom!
Because that’s what it really is. When you view life with eternity in mind..and that God has a mission for you… you discover an incredible power. You realize that it’s not about you and it’s about His plan and purpose for you. It’s not about what you can do or where you have failed.. your strengths or your shortcomings…it’s about seeing He is in control and can do incredible things. There is freedom in knowing it’s not all up to you! This applies to all areas of life..the big and small moments.. work.. ministry.. family.. it’s all worship. it’s all for Him.
ps. both of our dresses are from target. of course. haha.

More to share soon but for now I wanted to post these photos taken by our beautiful friend Karen of Hidden Pearl Photography.
You can check out what others are sharing about the Retreat by following the #celebratemotherhoodretreat hashtag on Instagram!