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Since then, I got to go to a Mom Heart Conference at the beginning of the year with 5 other women from my church who after wards, got inspired to start a Mom Heart Group. We started meeting once a month at the end of spring and I've gotten to meet 2 new moms through that group. And now, about 2 years later, I have been given the opportunity, with another woman from my church, to lead a weekly Women's Bible Study through The Mission of Motherhood! Now 6 other moms are being introduced to the book for the first time and I've found more like-hearted women to fellowship with and learn from!
Introduction: Hearts and Hands
Last Tuesday was our first meeting and I wanted to make something special for our ladies. After reading through the Introduction to The Mission of Motherhood, I got inspired to design a keepsake bookmark from one of Sally's quotes on page 3:
Introduction: Hearts and Hands
Last Tuesday was our first meeting and I wanted to make something special for our ladies. After reading through the Introduction to The Mission of Motherhood, I got inspired to design a keepsake bookmark from one of Sally's quotes on page 3:
"...the fundamental mission of motherhood... to nurture, protect, and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and [H]is purposes, and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully."
Click on Image to Enlarge
I printed the schedule for our study on the back of the bookmark, laminated them, and included them with hard covered notebooks I found at the Dollar Tree. Both my co-leader and I wanted to make our table feel homey since Sally is always writing about creating an inviting environment with lit candles, a bouquet of flowers, hot tea, yummy treats, etc. (and I remember the Mom Heart Conference being set up that way too), so my co-leader bought a bouquet of flowers to adorn the middle of our table.
A Journey Like No Other: Discovering the Mission of Motherhood
Today chapter 1 was discussed. The plan was to share what stood out to us from the chapter, go over the 4 questions in the Something to Think About... section at the end of the chapter, and see if any of the women did one of the suggestions in the Something to Try... section. I personally liked:
A Journey Like No Other: Discovering the Mission of Motherhood
Today chapter 1 was discussed. The plan was to share what stood out to us from the chapter, go over the 4 questions in the Something to Think About... section at the end of the chapter, and see if any of the women did one of the suggestions in the Something to Try... section. I personally liked:
"Put pictures of your family or favorite snapshots of the kids in a prominent place where you can see them during your prayer times. Use these pictures as a joyful reminder as you pray for your family or as you plan the priorities of your life."
Click on Image to Enlarge
I had read a similar suggestion in another book, so I finally got around to setting something up. I used a frame I had lying around, a piece of fabric, and some lace to make a bulletin board. I attached a quote I like about love and a couple of my favorite pictures of my husband and daughter. I hung it up on the wall where I would see it first thing in the morning, next to my bookshelf that holds my alarm clock, and the Bible and books I'm using for devotions, study and spiritual encouragement. I'm looking forward to adding a picture of the baby once she's born in a matter of weeks and maybe an updated picture of Leala after she turns 2!
As for buying a blank book and writing the child's story in it, adding to it every year as they grow, I would like to do that, but have never gotten around to starting Leala's. I bought a book for her I think before she was born, but I'm not very good at sitting down and doing scrap booking. Maybe the task seems so big and overwhelming that I don't even know where to start. But I love the idea and before too much more time passes, I hope to try this suggestion. The birthday scrapbook the character Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) has in the movie What a Girl Wants is an inspirational start.
Yesterday, while reading through chapter 1, I got inspired to create a centerpiece for our Women's Bible Study table from Sally's following quote:
I signed up to do the childcare this morning so I don't know what was discussed in the group concerning the chapter. However, I went ahead and wrote down what stood out to me from the chapter and answered the questions. Since I've already written down highlights from chapter 1 in my notebook for my once-a-month group, for this weekly study, I decided to write down a list of affirmations I noticed this time. So here's a glimpse into my notes:
♥ Affirmations:
"... motherhood, while demanding, is one of the most fulfilling and meaningful roles a woman can fill." (p. 8)
"The mother who reaches the heartfelt needs of her children by helping them feel loved and secure, by believing in their dreams, by noticing when they stray and gently steering them back in the right direction, and by teaching them what they need to know to live full and meaningful lives accomplishes a great work for the Lord." (p. 14)
"... those foundational years in the life of a child - those same years when I sometimes thought I was accomplishing nothing - have a lasting effect on almost every aspect of the rest of that child's life." (p. 14)
"A mother's relationship with her child is one that will encompass a lifetime. How blessed is a child who has that anchor of strength and support." (p. 14)
"The mission of motherhood is strategic in providing the next generation with wholehearted, emotionally healthy, and spiritually alive adults. It is not simply a lifestyle choice. It is a divine calling that will indeed affect eternity... in my acceptance of [H]is call, my children can rest in the peace and security of my commitment to them." (p. 16)
"God had a design in mind when [H]e created the family. When we follow [H]is instructions and design, we emerge as a productive, flourishing family. God's Word gives us the instruction manual to [H]is design." (p. 17)
For Thought and Reflection:
1. (Psalm 127:1) The success of a godly family is that the LORD builds it. Anything we do that's not following God's path is done in vain (having no real value or significance; worthless, empty; without force or effect; futile, fruitless).
2. (Psalm 127:3) God views children as valuable as an inheritance (a heritage) and He has meant them to be a reward (a gift) from Him. This contrasts with the view that children are an inconvenience, an extra expense, a burden, an irritation, or a consequence. This verse is foundational for me as a mother, helping me keep a godly perspective when I'm tempted to feel otherwise.
3. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) The attitude the mother has in this verse is that she cherishes her children. I really do count it a privilege to get to stay at home everyday with Leala and I feel like I can honestly say that I delight in my daughter daily. But I have to pray every morning that God would give me the love and patience I'll need to care for Leala that day. I do get frustrated and tired and have to rely on God for strength and wisdom to parent the way that's pleasing and glorifying to Him.
4. (Titus 2:4-5) The older women are supposed to teach the younger women good things including loving their husbands, loving their children, being discreet (able to make wise choices and decisions), pure, homemakers (managers of the home), good, and being obedient to their own husbands. When we obey these standards, as I had heard it said once, we make God's Word attractive and I think we prove that God's Word is true like I read in my devotions recently, "As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the LORD is proven..." (Psalm 18:30).
Recommended Resources
I have been blessed over the years by the ministry of Revive Our Hearts, whether through their 20 minute radio programs or True Woman blog. This chapter reminded me of a few radio programs or blog posts that have ministered to me related to Psalm 127:3 and Titus 2:4-5. These resources have either encouraged me to be a better wife and mother or challenged the way I viewed having children:
As for buying a blank book and writing the child's story in it, adding to it every year as they grow, I would like to do that, but have never gotten around to starting Leala's. I bought a book for her I think before she was born, but I'm not very good at sitting down and doing scrap booking. Maybe the task seems so big and overwhelming that I don't even know where to start. But I love the idea and before too much more time passes, I hope to try this suggestion. The birthday scrapbook the character Daphne Reynolds (Amanda Bynes) has in the movie What a Girl Wants is an inspirational start.
Yesterday, while reading through chapter 1, I got inspired to create a centerpiece for our Women's Bible Study table from Sally's following quote:
"... I have come to picture the heart of each child as a treasure chest. Each chest is empty and needs to be filled with the riches of unconditional love, spiritual nurture, and the emotional heritage of family and traditions; with mental stimulation that comes from excellent sources of truth, morality, and inspiration; with a sense of physical and emotional security; and with guidelines for all of life, including purpose, relationships, and proper behavior.
Each child whose treasure chest is full will have abundant resources on which to draw in the midst of life's demands."
Click on Image to Enlarge
I signed up to do the childcare this morning so I don't know what was discussed in the group concerning the chapter. However, I went ahead and wrote down what stood out to me from the chapter and answered the questions. Since I've already written down highlights from chapter 1 in my notebook for my once-a-month group, for this weekly study, I decided to write down a list of affirmations I noticed this time. So here's a glimpse into my notes:
♥ Affirmations:
"... motherhood, while demanding, is one of the most fulfilling and meaningful roles a woman can fill." (p. 8)
"The mother who reaches the heartfelt needs of her children by helping them feel loved and secure, by believing in their dreams, by noticing when they stray and gently steering them back in the right direction, and by teaching them what they need to know to live full and meaningful lives accomplishes a great work for the Lord." (p. 14)
"... those foundational years in the life of a child - those same years when I sometimes thought I was accomplishing nothing - have a lasting effect on almost every aspect of the rest of that child's life." (p. 14)
"A mother's relationship with her child is one that will encompass a lifetime. How blessed is a child who has that anchor of strength and support." (p. 14)
"The mission of motherhood is strategic in providing the next generation with wholehearted, emotionally healthy, and spiritually alive adults. It is not simply a lifestyle choice. It is a divine calling that will indeed affect eternity... in my acceptance of [H]is call, my children can rest in the peace and security of my commitment to them." (p. 16)
"God had a design in mind when [H]e created the family. When we follow [H]is instructions and design, we emerge as a productive, flourishing family. God's Word gives us the instruction manual to [H]is design." (p. 17)
For Thought and Reflection:
1. (Psalm 127:1) The success of a godly family is that the LORD builds it. Anything we do that's not following God's path is done in vain (having no real value or significance; worthless, empty; without force or effect; futile, fruitless).
2. (Psalm 127:3) God views children as valuable as an inheritance (a heritage) and He has meant them to be a reward (a gift) from Him. This contrasts with the view that children are an inconvenience, an extra expense, a burden, an irritation, or a consequence. This verse is foundational for me as a mother, helping me keep a godly perspective when I'm tempted to feel otherwise.
3. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) The attitude the mother has in this verse is that she cherishes her children. I really do count it a privilege to get to stay at home everyday with Leala and I feel like I can honestly say that I delight in my daughter daily. But I have to pray every morning that God would give me the love and patience I'll need to care for Leala that day. I do get frustrated and tired and have to rely on God for strength and wisdom to parent the way that's pleasing and glorifying to Him.
4. (Titus 2:4-5) The older women are supposed to teach the younger women good things including loving their husbands, loving their children, being discreet (able to make wise choices and decisions), pure, homemakers (managers of the home), good, and being obedient to their own husbands. When we obey these standards, as I had heard it said once, we make God's Word attractive and I think we prove that God's Word is true like I read in my devotions recently, "As for God, His way is perfect, the word of the LORD is proven..." (Psalm 18:30).
Recommended Resources
I have been blessed over the years by the ministry of Revive Our Hearts, whether through their 20 minute radio programs or True Woman blog. This chapter reminded me of a few radio programs or blog posts that have ministered to me related to Psalm 127:3 and Titus 2:4-5. These resources have either encouraged me to be a better wife and mother or challenged the way I viewed having children:
- Why Have Kids?
- Start Your Family Series: Stewardship Over Your Fertility
- Start Your Family Series: Are There Enough Children in the World?
- Start Your Family Series: The Rewards of a Parent's Sacrifice
- Choosing to Delight In My Children
- Embracing God's Gift of Children Series: A Full Quiver
- Embracing God's Gift of Children Series: God's Provision for Children
- Feminine Appeal Series: A Mother's Example
- Feminine Appeal Series: Loving Our Husbands
- Feminine Appeal Series: What True Love Looks Like
Wow--what a great post. So fun to see this. Blessings to you in all you are doing and with your sweet ones.
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