A monthly spotlight to celebrate real motherhood, anchored in grace.
Meet Our Featured Mom:
Name: Ashton Kannenberg
City/State: Pflugerville, TX
Kids’ Names & Ages: August (4 almost 5), Lillian (2.5), Nathaniel (in the womb-20 weeks)
Her Story & Calling
Before motherhood, how did you picture the kind of mom you’d be and what surprised you most about who you actually became?
For a long time I was not entirely sure if I would be a mother or what that would look like for me. I was primarily focused on my career for my 20s and into 30. The most surprising thing has been God calling me home full time with my babies for this time. I never expected to be home full time, but God has blessed and grown me immensely in this unexpected season.
What part of your faith has been deepened, tested, or completely transformed by raising your kids?
Trust. In so many ways. Trusting in his provision with stepping back from work and having my spouse be sole provider. Trust that if he calls me back to being a PA he will make a way. Trust that he loves my babies even more than I do and is the only one worthy of completely entrusting them to. Trust that God chose me purposefully to be their mother.
Is there a Scripture that feels like it was written for this exact season of your life?
Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Her Community
What brought you to this group and what made you stay?
Initially it was mostly something to fill some time and make sure my kids were socializing. What made me stay was a community that supported one another in the day to day while encouraging your individual relationship and dependence on God.
Describe a moment in this community when you felt truly seen by another mom, in a conversation, or just in showing up.
The first thing that comes to mind was playdates where moms are just all helping each other out. Not feeling judged when your child is the runner or throwing tantrums, but feeling supported and loved through it.
Honestly, being asked to participate in this process also reminded me that the story I have can be used by God for his impact and glory.
Faith in the Everyday
Describe a moment from the last month when you clearly felt God’s presence, even if the moment itself was ordinary or messy.
I was having a hard day with the kids. They seemed to be bickering constantly. My 2 year old was both throwing tantrums and struggling with disobedience. My 4 year old seemed to be reverting to more childish behaviors while watching his sister. My pregnancy hormones were encouraging an extra “rage-y” undertone. I had yelled and cried and asked for forgiveness (in my mind) too many times. When my husband got home I literally walked out the door, a solid hour earlier than necessary for an appointment. I felt I was losing it. While driving to my appointment, I felt God meet me there so palpably with “Please reach out and take this grace. It is for you.” I remember feeling a weight lifting as I began to feel almost thankful for the opportunity to experience that grace. After a long wait in the dr office and a surprisingly relaxing thyroid ultrasound offering ample time for prayer and reflection, I felt renewed. Odd to say a delayed ultrasound could be such a blessing but God is not limited in what he can use for drawing us near and for our good.
What does your prayer life actually look like right now, not the version you wish it looked like, but the real one?
Some days I start the day with God praying for what is on my heart that day and a specific people group/topic I generally focus on for the day. Other days it mostly consists of sporadic praises and cries for patience. Most days my kids are joined in for prayers of gratitude or fear or whatever circumstance may occur that day. We end our day in prayer with each child.
Where are you asking God for help most often these days?
Patience and forgiveness. Patience with my kids and spouse and forgiveness when I fall short. Also for help with truly accepting the forgiveness that is offered freely by God.
Grace Over Perfection
Tell us about a recent moment you had to choose grace, either for yourself or one of your kids. What made it hard?
The story I told earlier comes to mind. I think it was hard because I felt I had asked for forgiveness and desired to move on but I kept in the same cycle for what felt like a lifetime. Once I stepped away, had some time to reflect/pray and truly accepted God’s grace, I was able to feel renewed.
What’s something you used to believe a “good mom” had to do that you’ve since let go of?
Have constantly well behaved children. This is still a work in progress for me, but I have come to apply the concept that we are all sinners and God mercifully provides (oftentimes many) moments each day to point us and our kids to him and his loving grace.
What is God gently teaching you right now that you didn’t ask to learn?
That it is ok (and even a great blessing) to devote myself/the larger portions of my days to being at home with my kids. And to trust that God has a plan for my future even if I cannot see or grasp it. This was a mind shift and a trust exercise for me who, for so long, had poured most of my focus into a certain career. This has taught me that if you surrender to him, God uses you wherever you are for HIS good purposes.
Wisdom & Legacy
When your kids are grown and look back on their childhood, what do you hope they feel, not just remember?
I hope they feel that they can always come to me and Scott, but more importantly to their heavenly father. That nothing is too big for God’s abounding love and that it isn’t love that needs to be earned.
Finish this sentence: “Being a mom with faith means…”
Holding our children with an open hand deeply knowing their heavenly father created them with intention, has a plan for their life, and loves them more than we can imagine. And a lot of prayer.
A Scripture to Share
Is there a verse, prayer, or blessing you’d like to pass along to the moms reading this?
I have been coming back to Psalm 145 a lot lately. It has offered me great peace.
“The Lord upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear him; he also hears their cry and saves them. The Lord preserves all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” v 14-21
At MomQ we believe that motherhood is a calling from God. While it is both a privilege and an honor, it is by no means easy! Moms have a lot of questions/concerns and need caring support along their journey. Whether you are a brand new mom or a little more seasoned, MomQ is here to help you fulfill your God given role. Don’t see a group in your area? Contact us today about starting one in your community!
