Moms in Prayer Meet Desperate

Last week our Moms in Prayer group/book club had the privilege of a SKYPE date with one of the authors of our book, Desperate.  After having met her and listening to her at the Mom Heart conference, I knew the group was in for a treat.  We came prepared to the computer screen (thanks, St. Alan) with a question on our minds or on paper minutes after we had discussed chapter nine and ten.  Sarah Mae greeted us enthusiastically with a little one on her lap who wasn't feeling well.  The conversation flowed naturally.  Who she is in the pages of the book is who she really is.  We all could see that and it was comforting because we had all come to like her; she was so relate-able.

She answered our questions truthfully and honestly.  She didn't pretend to be an expert.  She didn't even pretend to be really good at it--this whole mothering and wife role.  She was candid in her answers, and seemed to be getting through it one moment at a time, messing up plenty (just like the rest of us).  She focused on grace.  She focused on finding our strengths. She focused on trial and error and at the end of the conversation I was grateful for the opportunity to bring life to the book--to our club.  First meeting her at the conference and now this. . .it was only God's doing.  Only God.

Our group of women have been meeting regularly and readily admit it is only by the grace of God that we get through some of the messy mothering moments.  It is humbling to share your weaknesses, vulnerabilities, and fear to a group of women who you didn't know well until the reading of this book began only a month or so ago.  The pages of this book are bringing some women closer to God, more intentional with their kids, gracious with husbands.  This book has served as a springboard for examination of self, which may or may not lead to changes for the good of our kids, our marriages, our homes, our families.

While I realize not every author will commit to a SKYPE interview, I am so thankful that Sarah Mae did for the sake of our group. I was reminded not to  hero worship  as we are all in the same battle for our kids' hearts and minds.  In a culture that screams loudly for attention elsewhere, I was reminded by Sarah Mae's candidness and her opinions, to be okay with who I am and to listen to who God is calling me to be. I was reminded that I. Can. Not. Do. It. All.  I must accept that and move on.

Along those lines, it's okay to let my husband off the hook if he's not leading the way I think it should be done.  He is present.  That is enough.  My prayers are all I can offer, and besides--if I want it done then I should just do it. Don't blame him for not being where I want him to be. I needed to hear that. Such great advice!

I needed the SKYPE date, not because Sarah Mae is famous but because she is real.  All I can do is put my best foot forward and some days even that isn't going to look to promising.  That's my life.  And that's okay.

Mom's Heart Matters

This weekend was my third annual trek to the Mom Heart Conference hosted by Sally Clarkson.  I was especially excited because Sarah Mae (pictured in the center) would be speaking and she is the co-author of the book my group is currently three chapters deep.  This year, I would also be staying overnight with a friend--again, big difference from the first year in which I went alone--seriously being led by the Holy Spirit.  It has been two years, that I have been focused on more intentionality with my kids.  It has been two years in which I have grown and stretched as a mother who is in the Word daily.  It has been two years since I've consciously held the opinion, we need biblical convictions so we don't go the way of culture.


I've had to face expectations in some realms that may have been too high, while tightening the reins and lifting up expectations in other areas that I have slipped or just not gotten a grasp of well.  The whole time, I've been more gracious with myself sometimes for failing, than my kids--and I'm learning to ask forgiveness and put God's imprint on their little hearts.  There has been a shift in our home--one that breathes beauty and comfort and our faithfulness.  It is an atmosphere that I have created intentionally and a place where we all feel most at home.  It is flattering for others to feel it and to crave and seek its retreat.  This did not happen overnight.  I work at it daily.  We work together to write our story.  They are the best book I will ever write and I must parent with integrity and faithfulness.

And yet, I've found this journey to be a little. . .lonely. It is hard when I choose a bible study or book club over a Girls Night Out of drinks and gossip.  This group that was started a month ago, by me--was out of a desperate need to connect with real women who are on similar journeys.  Women who are in the trenches of motherhood--home with their littles trying to navigate the laundry and cleaning and creating hearts that love and shine for Jesus.  My struggles are different from my friends who work full time.  They just are.  Everyone must do what works for their family, but me being home with the kids to raise them to further His kingdom is what I have been called to do for now.  They are my mission field and I must continue to pursue their hearts and minds with passion and precise intentionality.  We are made for relationships--our text messages, emails, and blog comments aren't enough to sustain real meaningful, authentic friendships.  Cultivating friendships requires work and planning and love and attention.  All of which are difficult to give on days when I feel like the life is sucked right out of me as I try to keep myself in check for the sake of my husband and kids.  But I must try.  And so should you.

My desire for my family is to have a heart to listen to their hearts.  I am working on establishing a foundation of unconditional love, just as my Father has for me.  I want to instill hope in their spirits, I want our home to continue to breathe new life and ideals into their hungry minds--but primarily, I want them to ponder what does God want them to do with their lives?  I want their stories to be larger than life with purpose and beauty.  I will fight for these things because I know that THEY are a part of my story.  Pouring into them is exactly where God has intended for me to be and I won't get discouraged because God is always enough. Enough.  I have Enough.  He is enough.

February 14, 2012

Valentine's Day came and went. . .but not without a lot of preparation of showing our love! Ernie knows roses are not my thing--but sunflowers bring sunshine to our world and I love them!

 

I spent some time creating the perfect little place mats--just like my mom used to make before her Valentine's party hit the ginormous size.  I prepared the same meal she used to as well: lasagna.  Everything about this year reminded me of all those years my mom spoke her love into our souls with our quaint, home made family Valentine's dinner. Her legacy--lives on in the traditions I create for my children. Cool, huh?

The kids did the baking, frosting and decorating to pass out to family and friends.  I'm still finding pretty, pink, sprinkles all over the floor.  But so worth it!

Lene and I both received cards in the mail.  My BFF was on it this year!  The cards were adorable and represent to me what Valentine's is all about:  taking the time, using your resources, to reach out to those you love.  Anjalene and I were both squealing like school girls when these showed up in our mailbox.  Hopeful we get to deliver ours to them on Thursday. . .

One gift accompanied their meal. Simple yet appreciated and meaningful.  I love when things work out that way!

I had to pull out my shirt and wear it just for him.  The one who called me and asked if his sweetheart wanted any sweet tea before he came home from work.  Smiling.  I'm a blessed woman.  Creating a culture of unconditional love in this house is what I'm after.  Days like yesterday make it so easy.  The memory of these days should carry me through the bad days.  Always.  Be vigilant--take it all in.   
"The days are long but the years are short. . . "

February 5, 2012

Love is in our air. . .

I saw this idea, here.

I love that we are able to come here anytime to write a message of love or affirmation to each other.

This is our family verse that accompanies our mission statement--

it hangs clear as day now we all just need to memorize it.

Again, I saw this idea at the same site. 

I love the simplicity of it.

I love that we can do this for each holiday.

I love that we can use what we have at home.

I'm still waiting on the buttons to be spray painted pink.

I was banned from the garage with spray paint, no idea why...lol.

I've been trying to change out my candles and bring the soft glow of flames to our nights together.

For the longest, I had candles as decorations; however, they lasted forever because they were never used! Now I want the mood of our home to be one that is soft and encouraging, and pretty.

Candles seem to do that for me.

One of my favorite decorations of all times.

My son and I made this together at the Sawdust Factory.

This place is so much fun and allows the kids (or you) to be as creative as you want with all the supplies on hand!

These Valentines are so sweet and pretty, I mean, most things Precious Moments are, right?

These are going to school for Valetine's parties.

The back of a few of them say God's name--that's all right at a public school, isn't it?

Sure hope so, because they are going out soon!

While love is definitely in the air around this happy, little home,

so is my heart filled as I've just returned from a Mom Heart Conference with Sally Clarkson.

I have so much to process and pray about, so much to share.

I will save these for another day as I have a Super Bowl to snack at. . .I mean watch...just kidding: Bubba's fever is back so we stayed home and watched a movie instead.

Dec. 6, 2011

I'm going again!!

So far three friends are joining me and I am SO excited.

You should go too....I mean, if you want a refreshed mom heart and spirit--that is.