Question:
What has encouraged your heart lately as a mom? (It can be a quote, a book, a Bible Verse – something a friend said — anything that has helped you to press on in this life long labor of love as a mom.)
When I’m weary and exhausted, feeling like I’m not equipped and can’t go on . . . Sally Clarkson’s words from The Ministry of Motherhood are a precious reminder to me.
“The night before Jesus was to be crucified, his heart and mind must have been filled with weariness and exhaustion at the thought of what he would soon endure . . . Yet it is at this point that we see him making a beautiful gesture of love and service toward his disciples.” {John 13:1, 3-5}
This tender example of discipleship and service pushes me forward when I am tired, worn, and weary. I’m forever thankful He’s shown us how to disciple and minister to our most precious followers . . . our children. My prayer is I’ll never forget the sacrifices, service, and love that He’s shown . . . so I can in turn instill that same discipleship model to my followers . . . and them to their future followers.
Michael Hyatt shared this quote from James Dobson during his session on Creating a Life Plan at Blissdom: “The average child can survive the average number of mistakes made by the average parent.” That simple thought reached into this not-exceptional momma’s heart and gave me such sweet peace. There is grace … abundant grace.
I’m well aware that this is going to sound crazy but I mean it with all sincerity: I have been encouraged by pinterest. It’s given me new recipes, craft, game, & learning ideas (that I would never have come up with on my own) to do with the girls. I don’t know why I held out so long because it is a great example of social networking used to benefit and help one another. Love it. LOVE it!
During a recent Mom’s Heart Conference in Texas (also Sally Clarkson) many of my friends attending were live tweeting. I ‘stalked’ their Twitter stream hashtag and was so encouraged. One of the quotes was something along the lines of ‘what matters at the end of the day is your heart connection your kids.’ As I was thinking about this in regards to all four of my girls I asked myself, “What is the quickest way to connect with each girl’s heart?” It was like a bell went off in my head! I know my girls and the way to their hearts. So, when I think our connection may be drifting, I can find a way right to their hearts quickly. For one, that may be helping me cook. For the other it might be snuggle time before bed. Still another might just want to have my full attention to tell me something. The point is, everyday, check your heart connection! Loved it!
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Now it is your turn! What has encouraged your mom heart lately?
3 Comments
Pinterest is GREAT! the things that encourage me are just the moments that all 5 of my kids are sitting down playing together with no fighting (yes we have come to that point , this doesn’t mean we are a house with no fighting or teasing… because there are days when i just want to run away and not come back for a few days!) I choose to enjoy the moments of peace and love! =0)
These are great, ladies! I needed that encouragement today. Especially that quote from Dobson via Michael Hyatt, Terilynne. Wow, did I need that. And Stacey, I still need to remember to have that heart connection with my girls each day. For me that means shutting my laptop and actually looking them in the eye and having a good conversation. Believe it or not, that can be hard!
love these today!!
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