softhomemama

[softhomemama]

Embracing Femininity as a Devotional Act – A Lenten Journey

Lent is a time for reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual renewal. This year, I’ve decided to take on a unique votive pledge—fully embracing my femininity as an act of faith. A votive pledge is a personal, temporary commitment made as a devotional offering to God, a way of drawing closer to Him through intentional practice. In a world that often treats femininity as just a cultural construct, I want to rediscover it as a calling, a gift from God. It’s about living my faith more deeply, with grace and devotion. "A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones" (Proverbs 12:4). Powerful, right?

So, how does this look in daily life? Well, I’m making small but meaningful changes: wearing modest clothing—skirts and dresses that reflect softness and dignity; taking joy in homemaking—sewing, decorating, and bringing warmth to my space; slowing down and being more patient with my children; offering my husband more presence, attention, and understanding. Not as chores or obligations, but as ways to cultivate beauty and harmony in my family. "She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands... She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come" (Proverbs 31:13,25). That kind of confidence and peace—that’s the goal.

I hope this votive pledge leaves a lasting impact, shaping me into a more peaceful, faith-centered woman. And let’s clear something up—when St. Paul says, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord" (Ephesians 5:22), he’s not talking about weakness. It’s about trust, about love... about the kind of relationship where you lift each other up. After this Lent, I want to carry this lesson with me—living my femininity as a sacred calling, a path to God, and a gift to those around me. Sounds beautiful, doesn’t it?

Preparing My Heart for Lent: A Season with Jesus

For me, Lent is about stripping things down to what really matters… making space for God in the middle of my life as a wife, mom, and homemaker—not by piling on more to-do’s, but by letting the everyday become more intentional.

Lent means fasting… For the longest time, I thought fasting just wasn’t for me. Skipping meals? No way, not with two little kids and days that drain every ounce of energy. But then I came across something Saint Augustine said: “Not eating is not a virtue; but it is a virtue to refrain from eating for the sake of justice” (Sermon 207). That hit me. Maybe fasting isn’t about food right now, but about slowing down, letting go of hurry, choosing gratitude instead of frustration, cutting out the noise. Maybe it means stepping back from mindless scrolling—because honestly, social media can drain me more than hunger ever could.

And then there’s the Word, showing up like it always does, whispering what my heart needs to hear: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). That’s the kind of Lent I want—less so I can have more… less so I can make space for Him.

[softhomemama]

[softhomemama]

[softhomemama]

[softhomemama]

Preparing My Heart for Lent: A Season with Jesus

For me, Lent is about stripping things down to what really matters… making space for God in the middle of my life as a wife, mom, and homemaker—not by piling on more to-do’s, but by letting the everyday become more intentional.

Lent means fasting… For the longest time, I thought fasting just wasn’t for me. Skipping meals? No way, not with two little kids and days that drain every ounce of energy. But then I came across something Saint Augustine said: “Not eating is not a virtue; but it is a virtue to refrain from eating for the sake of justice” (Sermon 207). That hit me. Maybe fasting isn’t about food right now, but about slowing down, letting go of hurry, choosing gratitude instead of frustration, cutting out the noise. Maybe it means stepping back from mindless scrolling—because honestly, social media can drain me more than hunger ever could.

And then there’s the Word, showing up like it always does, whispering what my heart needs to hear: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). That’s the kind of Lent I want—less so I can have more… less so I can make space for Him.

[softhomemama]

Finding God in the Ordinary: Small Moments of Grace

I used to think finding God meant searching—praying harder, looking for signs, waiting for something big. But lately, I’ve realized He’s already here, woven into the fabric of my everyday life as a wife, a mother, a homemaker.

I see Him in the sleepy weight of my baby against my chest in the early morning light. In the giggles of my toddler as she chases butterflies in the garden. In the rhythm of kneading bread, folding tiny clothes, stirring soup on the stove while little hands tug at my skirt.

Motherhood has slowed me down in ways I never expected. It has taught me to find holiness in the mundane—the sticky fingers, the bedtime prayers, the countless moments that once felt ordinary but now feel sacred. It’s in these moments that I hear Him whisper: I am with you.

Maybe finding God isn’t about doing more, but about noticing more. Slowing down. Breathing in His presence. Trusting that even in the quiet repetition of daily life, grace is abundant.

[softhomemama]

Hey, you are not an embarrassment for not knowing how to do certain household chores/basic self-care. They do not come naturally to us. A lot of it takes practice! Maybe you had a neglectful guardian. Maybe you had one that was very coddling and never thought to teach you. Maybe you haven't lived in a place where these things were available to you or needed. Doesn't matter. It's okay to not know and far more common than you might realise.

That said, this website provides very simple instructions on how to do everyday tasks such as making your bed, using a washing machine, cooking different foods, washing dishes, taking a shower, etc. All you have to do is use the search bar to find the task you're struggling with, and it'll come up with what you need + other related how-to's:)

If you're having trouble navigating it, let me provide you with some examples:

How to clean dishes by hand

How to make your bed (with visual demonstrations of each step!)

How to fold clothes (with visual demonstrations of each step!)

How to take a shower & dry yourself off (also provides ways to shave beards, armpits, legs and genitals)

How to shave legs, armpits, beards, pubic areas, etc. (a more in-depth guide)

How to mop the floor

How to sweep the floor

How to swallow pills

How to make small talk

How to make eye contact in different situations (or how to avoid it while still looking natural)

It's also perfectly okay if these don't help or aren't appealing to you. Unfortunately, nothing helps everyone.

[softhomemama]

you should really get comfortable believing in love and magic and whimsy or you’ll continue to live a half-life for the rest of the time you have on earth

[softhomemama]

people will really be bothered from you for being soft, and living life at ease. i’m sorry, i don’t run on chaos, cortisol, and victim mentality. i show up for myself. i put in the work. i’m kind because it keeps my spirit light, not for applause. you should try it, and you’ll feel less triggered from others living with calmness and appreciation.

[softhomemama]

For me, true joy is watching them dig their hands into the grass, touch the trees and flowers, play with sticks and mud. Have you ever watched a child discover nature? There’s something almost sacred about it, isn’t there? A little moment of pure magic.

I think it’s so important to give them the time and space to explore the world slowly, without rushing. Don’t you agree? And it’s not just a mother’s instinct—research, like studies published in Frontiers in Psychology (2021), shows that being in nature during the first three years of life helps cognitive development, reduces stress, and builds a deeper connection with the environment. A child playing with leaves, stones, and mud isn’t just having fun… they’re growing in the most natural and healthy way.

But how many kids today really get that chance? Ecologist Robert Pyle talks about extinction of experience: more and more children are growing up without ever climbing a tree, without getting their hands dirty in the soil. And when that connection is lost, something precious disappears—the ability to be amazed, to appreciate the beauty of creation.

That’s why I choose, every day, to give them these little moments: letting them touch the trees, pick flowers, and get messy in the mud. It’s not just play; it’s a seed planted in their heart… helping them grow with wonder, gratitude, and faith.

[softhomemama]

[Sorry for the not-so-great photo]

A quiet morning at home, wrapped in warmth and the sweet smell of baking… The kids and I measure out the flour and sugar; their little hands knead the dough with excitement as we laugh, covered in flour. We cut out shapes with care and wait patiently while the cookies bake; the whole house fills with that cozy, homey smell that feels like family, like a little everyday blessing.

And then, the hardest part—waiting. Letting them cool, trying not to sneak a bite too soon… Until finally, the best moment comes: gathering around, sharing, enjoying. With a smile and a little prayer of gratitude, we dig in, sipping fresh-squeezed juice—simple, sweet, and just perfect.

[softhomemama]

A man in control will bring about a sense of calm to a woman’s mind. ✨

[softhomemama]

we were meant to live slowly!!!! we were meant to savor moments and feel unabashedly lazy and frolic and smell the flowers and laugh with our entire hearts and love with our entire souls!!!!! don’t ever feel guilty for resting!!!!!! don’t ever feel guilty for slowing down!!!!!! enjoying life shouldn’t be something you’re ashamed of

[softhomemama]

[softhomemama]

Use your time with intention!! Something I want to get better at myself.

[softhomemama]

Change things up! Don’t be idle

[softhomemama]