My mom heart matters!

I went to a conference last weekend called, "Your Mom Heart Matters." The main speaker was Sally Clarkson, author and mom of 4. It was so encouraging and inspiring. I came in with a burden, and left without it. You know the one... where you hear about what you should and shouldn't be doing as a parent, and just feel worse because you already know some of those things but now it's rubbed in?

I went with several moms from my bible study group, and we all talked this morning about a little bit of what we got out of it, so that those who weren't able to attend could be blessed. So, I thought I'd share here as well, a few of my notes and nuggets that I took away from the weekend...


* Of all the women in the world, God chose ME to be the mother to my children. With all my flaws and weaknesses and sinful tendencies, he decided that I was the #1 choice for them! I've had days where I've felt like they'd be better off with someone else, but God does not make mistakes. He gave my kids to me, not to the perfect mom


* Many of the things that I knew in my head that I should be doing better as a mom, got into my heart. So now, instead of feeling guilty for not living up to those standards, I feel encouraged and empowered to act on my convictions, even when they are very challenging. Probably every mom out there wishes to be more gentle and patient, and I can see it coming through me a little more now. Not that I'm perfect by any means! But God isn't looking for perfection, he's looking for our hearts.

* My kids' hearts are treasure chests, and I am a gardener of their souls.

* Life is hard so put some good music on when you wash dishes!

* Live according to the beauty around you, not the mess.

* What kind of woman do you want to be in 10 years? It will only happen if you are intentional and have a plan!

* The expectations of a perfect soldier actually hindered David from doing what he was supposed to.

* Don't let someone else's laws control how you feel about your life!

* God might not fix the kinks how you'd like him to, be he always provides a solution!

* Jesus chose discipleship as a means to change his world. Treat your kids like Jesus treated his disciples.

* You are either growing or dying in your spiritual walk.

* If you want to speak to the heart of a child, you have to invest time into it!

* How do you build an estate? One brick at a time.

* If you only live by what you can accomplish yourself, you'll be stuck in works for the rest of your life. Live by faith-- you have to try things you can't do yourself! God is not limited by anything except our faith.

* Don't wake up TO your children, wake up FOR your children.

* If you want to clothe yourself with dignity, you have to cultivate contentment-- no whining!

* You can't control what people do to you, but you can control your bitterness.

* When YOU take the leap of faith, you are launching your children! Do you leave a trail of faith for your kids, or spread anxiety? Faith isn't taught, it's CAUGHT. You have to model it.

* Pass on the knowledge of the Word-- memorize scripture, have devotionals, speak the Word morning, noon and night.

* God really does have a plan for my children! They aren't just mine, they're HIS.

* You can only teach your children what you know. Treat the Word like food-- you need it multiple times a day!

* Use character qualities to praise you kids. For example, instead of saying, "Great job!" Say, "Wow! You were so diligent to study, I wonder what God is gonna do with that diligence someday!"

* Take advantage of the time you have them under your roof. Then trust them to God! He won't let your investment go to waste.

* Peter was given to us an an example-- God gives a lot of freedom for personality, even when we don't show 1st time obedience!

* When you are squeezed, what comes out?

* If an angel came to you in the night, are you prepared to believe? Mary told the angel, "Be it unto me according to your word" Jesus said something similar shortly before his death on the cross. I wonder if he heard his mother say things like that his whole life?

* Identify what enriches your soul-- types of music, art, colors, scents, and cultivate that. If you aren't full, how can you pass that on?

* God meant for us to walk with people. We are most like Him when we initiate love.

*Traditions give kids a sense of identity. They are like anchors in the years.

* We must get outside to know the soul of God. Gen 1:1-- He created.

* My greatest need is not to be a excellent mom or virtuous wife, but to KNOW JESUS. So empty myself of me, fill me up with Jesus and let His excellence shine through!

* It is God's kindness that leads to repentance-- I should treat my kids with the same kindness.

* I'm not the perfect parent, but I belong to the perfect parent.

* Just because my child disobeys doesn't mean I'm doing something wrong and God is displeased. My kids display the sinful nature they were born with. Likewise, when they obey, I'm not more righteous. Train your child out of obedience to Christ, not to win approval.

* The world says our kids need lessons, clothes, computers, etc. God says they need our time, attention, validating their heart, letting them share with you, laughing, believing in their dreams, building a relationship with them.


All that being said, my son is awake from his nap now so I'm gonna go do my best to live what I learned!