Preparing Our Hearts for Celebration August 31, 2007

Many of us will be leaving today for Celebration South.  As Moms it’s easy to get caught up in the busyness of just getting everyone out the door, that we neglect to prepare our own hearts for hearing from God. 

William Barclay once said,
"Prayer is not a way of making use of God; prayer is a way of offering
ourselves to God in order that He should be able to make use of us. It
may be that one of our great faults in prayer is that we talk too much
and listen too little. When prayer is at its highest, we wait in
silence for God’s voice to us."  Click here to Read 6 practical tips  to help you prepare your hearts to hear from God at Celebration or in preparation for our Sunday Celebration if you will not be joining us at the conference. 

Have a great weekend and Drive safely!

Time Flies August 30, 2007

My children are grown.  The time flew by so quickly, yet God still has
a purpose for me as a mother of these three adult children as well as in my
relationship to my son-in-law and daughter-in-law. 

For many of you, my season of life brings tears to your eyes.  You
can’t imagine what it will be like to let your children go. If thoughts like
these are left unchallenged we must realize that we are embracing a worldly
perspective and this does not bring God glory.  We must remind ourselves
that the reason God gave us children was so that they would grow up to love and
serve Him, and He uses them to sanctify our hearts from selfishness, pride and
self-sufficiency in the process.  We must keep this vision ever before us
as our children are growing under our direct care.  This is why the Metro Moms meetings are SO important! 

For others, you may find yourself in the same season as me, or drawing close
to it.  What will your life look like without children always coming and
going?  What will occupy your time and attention?  What will be your
passion?

It would be easy for me to start "living my life", by doing the
things I’ve always wanted to do, but didn’t have the time for.  Yet, I am
challenged that the same convictions to raise my children to know and love God
with all their heart, mind and soul, haven’t changed just because they no
longer call my house "home".  God has called me to give my life
away for the purpose of seeing His Church built up in faith in the lives of my
children and their families, as well as the lives of other young moms who may not
have a godly mother to help them.  Why?  It’s certainly not because He
needs my input!  But it’s because it’s in the giving away and dying to my
selfish desires that He continues to transform my wayward heart to be more like
Christ.  This call will never end, until the days He has planned for me
are completed.  This is why it is important to volunteer to serve these young moms by caring for and loving their children once every two month releasing them to partake in these meetings.

I know now more than ever that the days are short; time is limited.
Every conversation is an opportunity to remind them what they have heard and
what they believe.  It is a time for me to help them in raising their
children with eternity in mind.  I must encourage them when they are weak
and tired.  I must come alongside them reminding them of the Truth when
they are tempted to believe lies. 

There is a saying that quips, "A mother holds her child’s hand for a
little while, but their hearts forever."  This is true. Our call as
mothers to train up the next generation in the way they should go doesn’t end
when they walk out our door.  We are mothers from the time we hold our
first baby in our arms until we are welcomed into the presence of God.

Martin Luther said, "There are only two days on my calendar: this day
and That Day.  I am living this day in light of that day."  What
we do today matters in eternity.  That day seems so far away, as does the
day when your children will all be grown, but we still must look ahead to That
Day in faith, knowing that all we do now counts for eternity.

We as older moms have a wonderful opportunity to sacrifice our time and
serve these young moms. Every other
month beginning in September Metro Moms meet in order to train young moms in
their call to be godly examples to their children. We can serve them practically by watching
their children. This is more than a
babysitting service, it is coming alongside and helping the future church to
grow and mature.

Won’t you consider joining us next month?  Only
eternity will reveal the fruit your labor of love produced.

Posted by Debi

Walking Together August 29, 2007

As I eagerly look forward to the Mom’s meetings starting up, I can’t help but look back as well at all the faces of those who have helped, counseled, prayed and answered the endless questions I have asked about mothering.  I did not grow up in a Christian home and did not even become a believer until I was in my twenties.  When I finally became a mother, I was clueless in so many areas.  It was not just the Spiritual areas, but even the very practical areas that seemed such a mystery to me.

I vividly remember spontaneous conversations which I know were ordained by God, that changed the course of my parenting.  I recall desperate times spent with those who have gone before us trying to help and encourage us on how to get our child to sleep or how to discipline.   I remember hearing bits of conversations before I even had children and didn’t understand then the meaning of what they were saying, that have now come back to me and encouraged and convicted me.

I cannot even fathom how different my parenting would be if I did not have all these moms in my life.  Not that we are perfect, far from it.  But they have all helped me to draw on the grace of our Lord, look to his Word and fall down at the Cross.  They have continued to point me in the right direction, sometimes even needing to give a little push.  My heart overflows with gratitude for the women He has placed in my life.  Oh how I need them to help me on this journey.  Being a mother is the most wonderful, amazing thing in the world.  I still am overwhelmed that the Lord has given me these children to care for as my own.  And I am so grateful that He has given me other moms to help me honor him in this great task.  I could not do it on my own. 

The moms meetings are a great place for us all to develop those relationships, to have our questions answered and to walk out this journey together.  I look forward to seeing all the Lord will continue to do in our relationships and we continue on down this blessed path.

Posted by Elyse

I LOVE the Mom’s Meetings Because… August 28, 2007

Ha!  You might have thought that I was going to come up with a top ten list!  I really love doing those and it would be very easy to come up with more than 10 reasons why I love the mom’s meetings.  But, this morning I wanted to share with you one reason that has come from all the other reasons.

Today, I love my husband and children more than I did two years ago.

One short line with just 14 words to sum up two years of great meetings, but those 14 words have pretty much changed everything in our home!!!!  So I would have to say that the chaotic mornings getting everybody out the door were worth it, enjoying a yummy breakfast with other mommies was worth it, hearing from those that have gone before me, washing my kids faces after they have been painted, getting to ask those hard questions to a panel, loading everyone back in the car to go home, all worth it.  I am starting to realize what a precious resource that God has provided for me to grow.  I don’t want to take it for granted!  It has had a tremendous effect on our family ~ I am super excited about this coming year! You really really don’t want to miss it!!!

Posted by Taraleigh

Much needed August 27, 2007

Raising children is a big job.  It isn’t easy, it often comes without immediate gratification, in fact fruit from the hard work of mothering may not come for a long time – maybe years!  So is it any wonder that a mom NEEDS to be encouraged?  We need to be reminded of the big picture – that those daily chores and training sessions with our kids are not for naught! 

The wonderful thing is that the Lord knew that we would need to be held up during this time in our lives.  We need to be trained!  He so graciously provided a plan just for that reason in Titus 2.  He has instructed the "3 Older women … to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children…"  Isn’t the Lord kind?  We need older women to impart wisdom to us!

That is why I benefit so much from our Mom’s Meetings.  I walk away refreshed, challenged and reminded of the reason I do what I do!  It is amazing that my perspective can be adjusted in such a short time. 

If you are a mom that is in need of encouragement (and who isn’t?), I hope you give our mom’s meetings a try.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

Posted by Stephanie

Our Mom’s Meetings are Returning! August 24, 2007

Next month our Mom’s Meetings resume!  For those of you who are from out of town or are unfamiliar with them, Mom’s Meetings are for moms of children of any age, but are particularly helpful for those with small children.  Moms with older children have also benefited from the meetings.

For now our plan is to meet every other month on the third Thursday (easy to remember, huh?) of the months of September, November, January, March and May.  A third Thursday exception is on our first meeting…it will be on September 13th.

You never know what to expect at a Mom’s Meeting but here are some things you can anticipate:

• Teaching geared to your unique season of life
• Group discussions
• Question and answer times
• Panel discussions
• Surprise gifts
• Honoring of moms for their example and godly character
• Yummy breakfast (you just gotta try Emily’s chicken salad on croissants!)
• Free childcare for the kids with crafts, face painting, gym time and lots of fun.  Many Metro kids ask Mom regularly "when’s the Mom’s Meeting?"
• Message links on the blog for those who are out of town or who miss a meeting.

Next week we will be sharing testimonies about the Mom’s Meetings.  Even if you don’t attend or are from out of town, please tune in.  The truth is we all need training and mentoring in our season of life. God has designed His people to live and grow in the context of Christian community.  So whether it’s through Mom’s Meetings, biblical fellowship over coffee or a phone chat, observing and imitating the godly example of a seasoned older mom in your life, or soliciting the counsel of a mom whose children demonstrate the kind of passion for the Lord you hope to see in your kids…we need each other!   

Posted by Sheree

Daddy Time August 23, 2007

My kids get so excited when their daddy gets home.  We usually take just a few minutes to straighten up and then anticipate his arrival home at the window.  There is lots of loud greeting when he walks in and all of them want to tell them about their day and hear about his day.  Its so fun to watch, I just wait in the kitchen for a few minutes before I can even greet him! 

One of their favorite things to do with daddy is when he just lays on the floor with them in their room and plays with their toys after dinner. It’s the simple things they love, but they also love the surprises.  If you have boys I totally recommend The Dangerous Book for Boys.  It shows boys (and dads) how to tie knots, read the clouds, and learn about famous battles.  Al Mohler did a review of the book here The Dangerous Book For Boys .  For Father’s Day this year the boys bought their daddy this book, and he has really enjoyed looking at it and getting different ideas for "daddy time" with his boys.  Enjoy!

Posted by Taraleigh

Our Favorite Things To Do August 22, 2007

One thing I have found from my children is that almost anytime is fun time with Daddy, especially if they get to spend time alone with him.  Even riding in the car by themselves with him can be considered a special time.  So, I’ve asked my children, ages 8 and 5, what are their favorite things to do with Daddy and these are their responses (in no particular order). 

Go to Duncan Donuts

Watch Golf on TV

Play Tickle Monster

Go to Daddy’s Office

Go to a Movie

Eat at a Restaurant

Gardening

Go Shopping (Hope)

Talking together in bed

Telling Funny Stories

Cuddling

Bike Rides

Going out for Ice-cream

And for us moms, it can be just as much fun to watch our children have fun with their Daddy’s.  What  a wonderful blessing it is!!

Posted by Elyse (for Matthew and Hope)

Date Nights With Daddy August 21, 2007

For years it was a weekly event in our home – Date Nights With Daddy.  We have three children, so Tom would take each child out to do something special one-on-one and the fourth week of the month we would have a family night.   

Some of my favorite memories are getting the girls dressed up for their special date with their Daddy.  He would sometimes bring them flowers, always open the car door for them, and purpose to give them his full attention.  Our son enjoyed just having a "boys only" night.  I remember one time Tom arranged for he and Jason along with another dad and his son to go fishing in a houseboat on a lake.  Jason was so excited, that is until the sun began to set and a cloud of blind mosquitoes descended upon their little boat.  Needless to say, they ended their fishing excursion unexpectedly.  But this was a memory they talk about often.

Posted by Debi

Breakfast with Daddy at Mr. Quick August 20, 2007

Continuing with our "time" theme of the past month, we wanted to offer some suggestions on fun times with children and their dads.  As moms, we can encourage the relationship between our children and their daddy as a foundation for the important adolescent years to come.  As you read this week’s posts you may be tempted to make comparisons — either resulting in attitudes of inferiority or superority depending on the kind of relationship your husband and children share.  This is a good time to cultivate gratefulness for the evidences of grace in your family, and to be inspired by the example of others.  Enjoy!

My boys LOVE to spend time with Daddy.  They love to go to the music store with him, or even to the computer store.  Of course any trip to Toys R Us is a huge treat (Daddy is as excited about the toys as they are!) 

However, the thing that my boys really enjoy doing with Daddy is going to breakfast at "Mr. Quick!"  It is a greasy-spoon, old-fashioned diner that makes incredible breakfasts!  It is right around the corner from where my husband grew up, so he has many of his own memories there.  Now he is sharing them with the boys.  There is something pretty special about Saturday morning at Mr. Quick!  I really hope that they make memories there that will last a lifetime!

Posted by Stephanie