Refresh | May 2026

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, or, How to Celebrate Mother's Day Well in a Broken World

Hello!

Happy May! What a beautiful time of year this is, as the browns and grays of early spring give way to the cheerful pastels of tiny leaves and early blossoms. Spring always feels like a miracle, as new growth springs forth out of what seemed lifeless and barren. I hope you will set aside some moments to savor the goodness of our Creator as you delight in the bright surprises that this season gifts to us.

In this month’s issue of Refresh, you’ll find a make-ahead recipe for a delicious breakfast casserole, part one of a two-part series about how to shop smarter on Amazon (using it as a tool that serves you, not a master that controls you), and some thoughts on how this Mother’s Day we can “rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep” as we honor the often trivialized calling of motherhood.

A Mother and Child by a River, with Wild Roses, Mildred Anne Butler, 1919

I’m glad you’re here! Pour yourself a cup of something delicious and come, be refreshed!

A Nourishing Recipe

Maybe your husband and kids are planning to serve you breakfast in bed (a girl can hope, can she not?!), but if that’s not the case, this recipe for Biscuits and Gravy Casserole is a delicious treat that you can put together the night before and pop in the oven Sunday morning. Leftovers are also tasty the next day, so if you really want an easy breakfast, you could bake the casserole the day before and just warm it up in the morning.

If you try this recipe and love it, please share it with a friend and leave a rating so it’s easier for others to find!

Simplified Homemaking

How Smart Homemakers Use Amazon as a Tool Without Letting It Become Their Master (Part 1)

Love it or hate it, Amazon has entrenched itself in our modern world as the supermarket of online shopping. Since I live in a rural community, there’s a lot I appreciate about being able to efficiently source many of the things I need to keep my family clothed and fed, and have them shipped to my door at a price I can afford. One day last week, I ordered my husband jeans, one son dress pants, and another son dress shoes. Altogether, I spent about 30 minutes finding and making my purchases.

If I had shopped for those same items at a brick-and-mortar store, I would have had to drive 75 miles one way, navigate through the mall, and hope to find a store that carried the items and sizes I needed priced within my budget. I would have spent a quarter tank of gas, a half-day of my time, and a full supply of patience, since shopping isn’t my favorite thing to do.

I understand why many people are reluctant to spend their dollars supporting the giant internet retailer – a company that certainly has some questionable practices and poses a threat to smaller, independent stores and family businesses. Some people have decided to boycott Amazon completely, and others avoid the shopping behemoth whenever possible. I can sympathize with why they would feel compelled to do so.

Yet, perhaps a little sheepishly, I confess that I not only shop on Amazon but am also an Amazon affiliate. Admittedly, this can feel a little like warming myself at the enemy’s fire when I hear others’ impassioned reasons for avoiding Amazon shopping. However, for many of us, online shopping, including on Amazon, can be a useful tool in a savvy homemaker’s toolkit when used wisely. In this two-part mini-series, I will help you do just that.

First, here are a few reasons why I use affiliate links in my newsletters, and why I appreciate when other writers and podcasters do the same:

1) If I am suggesting a helpful resource and can point to the exact product via a link on Amazon, it’s an easy way to show people what I am talking about, whether or not they ever purchase the item on Amazon. Once they know what to look for, I often suggest that people watch for it at a thrift store or check a site like eBay, if possible.

2) If someone purchases anything on Amazon after going through an affiliate link, there is a small kickback that the ministry/small business receives, at no extra cost to the buyer, which means that part of the money spent goes to someone you fully support rather than all going to Amazon. It’s a little like being Robin Hood, only no one is stealing anything from anyone. 😊

3) Many small businesses sell their products on Amazon, and linking to them gives people a chance to support both a small business and a writer/content creator at the same time.

4) Amazon is still the place for finding books. I remember when book sales were almost all Amazon did, at least in Canada. This is the company that has paved the way for authors to affordably self-publish their works, and I appreciate this and love having an easy way to support independently published authors.

So there you have it: a few reasons why I link to Amazon. But I also want you to know that I do so with some caution, because I never want to encourage anyone to buy something they don’t need or can’t afford.

The Antique Hunter, Norman Rockwell

I realize that while the ease of online shopping can be a blessing, it can also become a burden and even a form of bondage if there are no wise boundaries in place for how you use the tool. Next month, I’ll share my favorite tips for making Amazon work for you by saving you time and money, while avoiding the pitfalls of overconsumption and overspending.

In the meantime, I would love to know your thoughts on shopping on Amazon. Do you avoid it at all costs, use it as your main one-stop shop, or something in between? If you do shop on Amazon (or other online shopping sites for that matter), what advice do you have for being a savvy shopper who uses the tool to her advantage rather than being taken advantage of? 😊

Biblical Encouragement

God places immeasurable worth on motherhood. From the promise given to Eve that, through her descendant, the evil serpent would be crushed, to Jesus giving his disciple John kind instructions to care for his mother Mary after his death, Scripture repeatedly reveals that mothers are near to the heart of God.

Since 1914, the United States has set aside a special day to show “love and reverence for the mothers of our country”, which is a wonderful way to honor mothers. Yet, Mother’s Day can be a difficult day for many women, especially those who have suffered infertility, loss of a child, or painful relationships with their own mother or a child. I’m part of a pastors’ wives support group, and every year at this time, I hear a lot of discussion about whether churches should even acknowledge Mother’s Day because of the potential sorrow it can stir up within their congregations.

While I understand why churches want to be careful to avoid causing unnecessary hurt, I believe that ignoring Mother’s Day (and, in a sense, mothers) is a tragedy in and of itself. In a society that devalues both children and the women who choose to pour their lives into raising them, we, as Christians, need to do more to celebrate, encourage, and equip godly mothers.

I say this as a woman who has experienced nearly two decades of infertility, and as a mother who has been graciously granted the gift of adopting my four precious sons. I say this as someone who is raising children with disabilities and medical needs that have pushed me far beyond my own wisdom and strength, and as a mom whose heart is fuller than my busiest days. In our fallen world, joy and grief will always coexist, but trying to shield our hearts from sorrow by refusing to acknowledge the blessings only amplifies the sadness we endure.

Motherhood is the greatest privilege and joy I have ever experienced, and it is also the hardest thing I have ever done. Much of the work of mothers is unseen and unpraised (though never, I know, unseen and unpraised by God). It is right, good, and beautiful that there be a day that honors mothers and their labor of love, a day set apart to remind them of their value and immeasurable contribution to their families and the world.

Scripture tells us that as Christians, we are to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12:15). This Mother’s Day, we have the opportunity to do just that: we can be sensitive to those whose grief is especially potent on a day honoring motherhood, while also being careful never to diminish the honor that mothers deserve. Like the husband and children of the Proverbs 31 woman, we can collectively “arise and call [them] blessed”, and in so doing, send a clear message that motherhood is a holy and praiseworthy calling, worth celebrating.

Something to think about:

1. What is one way that you can extol motherhood this Mother’s Day? This could be as simple as sending a note to a fellow mom to let her know you are praying for her, sharing a beautiful quote about mothers with your friends, or making an extra effort to honor your own mother (even if she is no longer living, you can honor her memory).

2. Ask God to remind you of a woman in your life who is grieving and needs some extra love this Mother’s Day, then pray for creative ideas for how to show her you care.

Gratitude Prompt

What are you most grateful for about your mom? Even if your relationship isn’t what you wish it were, think of something good she did for you or taught you. If she is still living, thank her for it. If she is no longer here, tell someone else what you are grateful for about your mom.

Conversation Spark (a fun and meaningful idea for what to talk about other than the weather)

What’s one biography of a Christian woman that you think everyone should read? (Thanks, Luba, for sparking the idea for this question!)

Quote of the Month

“Gilbert put his arm about them. ‘Oh, you mothers,’ he said. ‘You mothers! God knew what He was about when He made you.’”

L.M. Montgomery

Recommended Resource

Jenna from Faith With Jenna is a mom and a stem cell transplant survivor whose mission is to help other mamas find practical joy in their hardest moments. She has a free resource to help women stop fear-filled thoughts before they spiral out of control. Whether or not you are facing something as scary as an incurable disease, we all know how quickly fear can overwhelm and paralyze us, which is why Scripture tells us to take “every thought captive.” Her resource, Stop the Spiral, will help you do that.

You can access this simple, helpful printable right here, and learn more about Jenna on her Substack or website.

Something Else You’ll Enjoy Reading

Recently, I wrote my first-ever day-in-the-life style post over on my blog. If you’re curious what my real life looks like on a typical (if there is such a thing!) day, you’ll have fun reading this post.

In My Homemaker’s Toolbox

I bought this coffee grinder a couple of months ago to replace my old one, which was more of a bother to use than anything. It’s budget-friendly, does a great job, and, best of all, it’s automatic and hands-free, so no more guessing or peeking to see if your beans are properly ground.¹

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Thank you for being part of the Each Ordinary Moment community. I appreciate you!

Have a lovely day because you are loved,

Cara

P.S. Did you know that most of my newsletter subscribers are referred by a friend? If you know someone who needs encouragement, invite her to sign up!

1. This is an Amazon affiliate link. I only recommend products and resources I actually use and would recommend to a friend.