Look UP!

Even though I was sad to see our Moms Group semester come to a close (we take a break for summer), we had an amazing last meeting in May. We reflected on all the good things the Lord had done. We saw relationships built, marriages made stronger, women in the Word, better mommas, encouraged women, changed lives. To God be the glory! Great things HE has done.

I am equally excited about all that we have to look forward to for the new year. A new focus. New friendships. New truths to learn. New battles to fight. New babies. New tables to sit at. New struggles. New victories.

Our focus, for the next year will be "Look up!"

I shared with those moms that I have a hard time (or feel guilty) asking for help. It's so hard for me to admit I'm failing or to admit that I'm not enough. Motherhood brought on a whole new set of needs. It challenged  my identity. Took my time. These kid's survival depended on me. Challenged my marriage. Changed my schedule, wardrobe and number of times I washed my hair. Suddenly I had a hard time having a quiet time. And I still struggle daily with that feeling of not being enough vs. not wanting to admit that I'm not enough. I feel empty some days - but I hate to admit that. Anyone else?

But as I was scrolling through a social media feed last week, a graphic of this verse stopped me in my tracks.

This verse is hopeful! I can be filled! And yet it also made me wonder, "Would I ever be filled if I never admitted to that hunger or need?"

A familiar story of Elijah seemed to keep resurfacing in my life. I heard about it a women's conference, at Wednesday night prayer meeting, in a sermon by my dad...and so, I shared what I had learned and what I had heard.

Elijah was a prophet - which simply means he was seen, in his day, as an inspired teacher. He was respected by God's people. And he was a proclaimer of the will of God.

Then the Lord said to Elijah, "Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon.

I have instructed a widow there to feed you." 

So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village,

he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her,

"Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?" 

As she was going to get it, he called to her, "Bring me a bite of bread, too."

But she said, "I swear by the Lord your God that I don't have a single piece of bread in the house.

And I only have a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. 

I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal,

and then my son and I will die."

But Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you've said, 

but make a little bread for me first. Then use what's left to prepare a

meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:

"There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time

when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!"

So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat

for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers,

just as the Lord had promised through Elijah."

I Kings 17:8-16, NLT

I am so thankful that God empties us so that HE can do the miraculous sustaining. 

As a mom, I can imagine her panic and fear. No one would have faulted her if  instead of obeying God she had said, "No, I am going to provide for my son's needs first." But her own efforts would have only sustained this family for a day. In her own efforts, she was lacking. She obeyed. And as a result, God kept sustaining. (for far longer than she could have ever managed on her own). 

In my emptiness, I must surrender. I must ask, "What is God asking me to do?

It may simply be that I need to admit that I am not enough! I wasn't made to be enough! If I was ever "enough" I would never need Jesus! 

It may be that I need to talk to my kids (and others) about how God is sustaining me. I think back to when I was growing up. I have always loved when my parents would tell stories of God supplying because they stepped out in faith. I never thought LESS of my parents and their lack of resources or knowledge...instead, I thought MORE of my God. 

Verse 24 of I Kings 17 tells us that this mother's faith was strengthened. In our emptiness, He can do the most miraculous things. Let's fill the void with HIM. And as a result, people will say, "That must be Jesus!!"

Next year, our mom's group is going to Look Up!  We are praying, expecting and hoping. We are looking up with our palms open, ready for the Lord to do the sustaining and filling. 

I look up to the mountains -- 

does my help come from there? 

My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth! 

He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

Indeed, He who watches over Israel

never slumbers or sleeps.

The Lord Himself watches over you!

The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

The sun will not harm you by day, 

nor the moon at night. 

The Lord keeps you from all harm and 

watches over your life. 

The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,

both now and forever. 

Psalm 121, NLT

This Psalm of ascent was one that the Israelites would sing on their journey to Jerusalem. As they traveled, those mountains in front of them were the surest, firmest thing they could imagine. And so they pointed and asked, "Does my help come from there? those mountains?....My help comes from the Lord!"

This group of moms is going to look to Him. We are going to admit our emptiness. We are going to let him do the miraculous sustaining. And we are praying that our kids and others we come in contact with will come to this conclusion: "That must be Jesus!"

Each mom went home with a loaf pan and a bread mix. Each time they make muffins or bread for their children, I pray that they will be reminded of the sustaining that happened in I Kings 17 as a result of  a mom's faith.

Each loaf pan was tied up with a tag reminding them of our Scripture focus for next year - Psalm 121. I pray that they will read it, write it and maybe even memorize it as they go throughout their summer. 

I pray that they regularly get in the habit of  Looking UP!  And if they weren't sure how that should look practically, we encouraged them to try this 30 Day Word before World Challenge. In those empty moments, it is so easy to turn to my phone, social media, Netflix, a snack...many things other than the Word!

It's never too late to begin this challenge! Or to start it over again!

Let's do this! Let's Look Up! Let's watch God do the filling and sustaining! He made us to need Him!

Spiritual Confetti

The Word of God is so precious to me. Lately, I have been loving how personally the Lord uses His Word to change and encourage me. As I have been studying Priscilla Shirer's Armor of God Bible study, I have loved her emphasis on the belt of truth. The Word of God is our source of truth in which every part of our lives can be based.

"Your Word is truth."   John 17:17

"And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

There is great freedom in knowing that the Bible is my guide, my answer, and my measuring stick. It sure takes a lot of pressure off me. 

But the Word of God is more than just a rule to govern my life by - it is full of comfort and encouragement as well. 

We know the power of encouraging each other (Hebrews 10:24-25). And when I think of encouragement, I love this quote:  

"Encouragement is to friendship what confetti is to a party. It's light, refreshing, and fun,

and you always end up finding little pieces of it stuck on you later. " Nicole Johnson

If you have ever been around a little girl in a glittery dress, you have experienced the sticking power of glitter. It lingers on family members and furniture for DAYS!

And I can't think of confetti without remembering the hand fulls that "friends" placed in the air vents of our car on our wedding day. 

Still, 8 years later, on certain days when the air is on full blast, a sequined piece of colorful paper will fly out at our faces, reminding us that confetti has a powerful tendency to hang around. 

"What wonders a bit of encouragement can do! It's one of the most awesome treasures

God has given us -- the ability to inspire, motivate, and reassure others."  Barbara Johnson

But what about those lonely days or those times when you aren't able to share your difficult circumstances with everyone, but you are still in need of some encouragement? 

That's where the Word of God steps in! 

"I weep with sorry; encourage me by your Word."  Ps. 119:28

"Such things were written in Scriptures long ago to teach us. 

And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises

to be fulfilled."  Romans 15:5

"As soon as I pray, you answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength." Ps. 138:3

Just as parents at a kid's sporting event cheer for their children...."You can do it!"  "You've got this!" "I'm so proud of you!" "Keep going!"  "Yeah!!!" there are so many instances when God has cheered for me, His child,  with His Word.  

And when He does that in your life, journal it, memorize that verse, highlight it, cover the margin in washi tape, underline it, put it in your house somewhere...let the Word of God continue to change, guide and encourage you. Let that spiritual confetti stick around. 

Today at Mom's group, a friend shared of the struggle in motherhood to grumble, complain and worry. It's not that we hate our lives, its just easier to focus on the hard parts of the day. Easier to feel alone. Easier to just grumble. And that affects our children, our spouses...it's not good. 

She told of the power of the Word of God and how it has changed her attitude...

"Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again -- rejoice!

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.

Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 

Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. 

His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 4:4-7

After some praising, confessing and praying took place, her perspective changed. She saw how God was at work and how He was helping her. And He did guard her heart and mind! The Word of God is that powerful. 

I gave the moms some little index cards to write out some spiritual confetti of their own. Verses that the Lord specifically led them to. Verses He had used or was using to encourage and point them back in right direction. And it was so powerful to hear the verses discussed at my table - the way that God's Word had done exactly what God promised it would do! 

His Word is the answer. It is truth. It can change us. It can encourage us. We just have to dig into it! 

What are some verses that the Lord has used in your life? What's some of your spiritual confetti? 

In the Mess and Chaos...

Yesterday, like many days, I felt that I was failing at all areas of life...as a housekeeper, as a mom, as a wife, as a grocery shopper, as a small business owner...Our pastor spoke Sunday about Martha's heart condition and busyness being her downfall. I've pondered over the importance of having margin in my life so that I have room (and time) to say "yes" when the Lord prompts.

Interestingly enough, I started a new Bible study today...the topic is prayer...and I must admit, this is another area where I am a failure. I'm not very good, or very consistent with my prayer life. I know how powerful prayer is. I know how vital it is. But somehow, it seems to always end up on the bottom of my priority list. I was excited about a new study...but also nervous - not wanting to admit my past forgetfulness in this area. Not wanting to admit that I needed a little help.

 

But I was reminded of the story of Susanna Wesley - a mother of nineteen children in the 17th century. I can only imagine her to-do list each day. Historians tell us that she was known for putting her apron over her head to signal to her children that she had entered her prayer time. "Susanna Wesley knew that she couldn't make it through the day without recognizing her weakness and her need for God's strength. She communed with Him in the mess and the chaos. She knew that it was better to meet with the Lord under an apron than not to meet with Him at all." (Well Watered Women, BREATHE - 40 Days of Prayer)

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,

or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. 

But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. 

They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season.

Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. 

But not the wicked! They are like worthless chaff, scattered by the wind. 

They will be condemned at the time of judgment.

Sinners will have no place among the godly. 

For the Lord watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. 

That first chapter in the book of Psalms talks of the importance of delighting in God's Word, meditating on it day and night, and choosing the right people to influence us. I do want to bear fruit. I do want to be on the "path of the godly." And I do need to admit the importance of stopping to meditate on God's Word and commune with Him. It doesn't matter how busy my day is. It doesn't matter what the world tells me is most important. It doesn't matter if I feel like a failure. I must remember that time with Him is vital to "prosper" (vs. 3).

As I read those familiar words, I also thought of the godly influencers in my life. I thought of a 5th grade Sunday School teacher who motivated me to memorize this first chapter in Psalms. Team mates on Encounter who lived out their love for Jesus and taught me to love Bible study. Mentors and professors in college. Friends. People I've served with at church. And even some people that I've never met but their written words resonate well with me, leaving me yearning for more of Jesus.

The right influencers. The right priorities. The right Book (the Word). The right perspective of prayer. The right margins in my life. This is how to succeed in God's eyes.

And, I've decided I may need to start wearing an apron, or at least hanging one in my kitchen...to remind me of Susanna Wesley and her realization that she could "commune with Him in the mess and the chaos.

Word Before World...they are never too young!

As many do, I have prayed for a phrase to focus on this year.  I've resolved to clean up the house at night because I love the fresh start in the morning. I don't mean clean base boards...I just mean dishes and toys.

A "picked up" house in the morning is magical, but I also wanted a goal that would stir my affections for Jesus. Well Watered Women pitched the idea of WORD BEFORE WORLD. I am loving the idea of training myself to reach for the Word before I reach for my phone. Not just first thing in the morning, but also throughout the day.

Our mornings are pretty normal here...after I get the kids breakfast, I help them start a cartoon or get out an activity for them so that I can read my Bible. While they are occupied, I have my time with Jesus. I believe that it is super important for them to see me in the Word and to see that Jesus is a vital part of my day...but is that enough?

I read the sweetest article this morning about Word Before World for Little Ones... So many resources. So many concepts to ponder. It made me immediately realize they are not too little for Word Before World.

Routine, schedule, planned activities...everyone seems to function better in this household when they know what is expected. When my babies were very small, we established a bedtime routine. It helped them to wind down and know what was coming next. Even to this day, we follow a version of that same routine every night. Sure, it changes as they grow and mature, but the routine helps us all.

Why would a routine time with Jesus be any different?

After reading that article (you really should read it!!), I paused my time in the Word, turned off the TV and told the kids to meet me on the couch. I grabbed a new Bible story book and told them that we were going to start our mornings with some Jesus time.

We read. We talked. I answered and asked questions. We prayed. We thanked God for sending Jesus to help our sin problem and asked Him to help us to act like Jesus today. We prayed for sick friends. And then started listening to some kid's Jesus songs...

The time was sweet. The time was quick (probably less than 10 minutes). But it felt so right.

Even now, the kids are singing and playing together in the living room (so glad I picked it up last night !!!). And sure, some may say that's just a coincidence...But I am choosing to believe that Jesus makes the difference.

I pray my kids start to see our Jesus time as a regular part of their day. I've asked the Lord to give me the discipline to cultivate this habit in their lives.

It does matter. They aren't too young. Jesus makes the difference.

Word before World. 

Chosen by God to be a Mom

Now that I am a mother, the story of Mary seems to take on a new light. Before, it was easiest to focus on the angel...the lack of room...the stable...the shepherds rushing to find the baby.

But this year, as I read that familiar account in Luke 2, I found myself reading the words and imagining all those "mom emotions" that I am sure Mary possessed.

In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you! 

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "Don't be afraid, Mary," the angel told her, "For you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name Him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David. And He will reign over Israel forever; His kingdom will never end!

Mary asked the angel, "But how can this happen? I am a virgin."

The angel replied, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail. 

Mary responded, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true." And the angel left her. 

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary's greeting, Elizabeth's child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, "God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said." 

Luke 1:26-45, NLT

The angel called Mary favored (vs. 30). Elizabeth called her blessed (vs. 45) because she believed that the Lord would do what He said. And Mary was chosen by God to be Jesus' mom.

God picked her to be the one to feed Jesus, rock Him, sing to Him, care for Him, kiss his boo-boos, stay up all night with Him, instruct Him, influence Him. 

I am so thankful that I have been chosen to be Hudson and Nora's mom.

When I pray with them at night, I let them hear me say, "Thank you God, for picking me to be Hudson and Nora's mom."

It's not by chance...God orchestrated the events to place these children in my care, just as He did for all the other moms out there. What a privilege to be chosen by God to influence these little lives. 

At our Christmas Moms Group meeting, we had a mug swap. Each mom brought a mug -some were filled with a sweet treat, a small gift card, an ornament, all kinds of fun things. We traded mugs, each mom picking a new one to take home. I encouraged those moms to think about when you open the cupboard to chose a mug for your coffee. Think about those things that make your favorite mug your favorite...color, handle shape, size, a memory attached to the mug. Whatever the reason, you choose a mug for the purpose of holding your coffee. You choose the one that is best and most fit for use. 

Those thoughts led me to these familiar verses:

In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. " 

2 Timothy 2:20-21, NLT

Knowing I have been chosen by God to influence and instruct my children...to mother them, I want to make sure that I am a vessel fit for use. Just as you wouldn't choose a dirty mug to drink from, I want to make sure that I am clean (regularly confessing) and close to the Lord, ready for use. 

But as for me, how good it is to be near God! 

I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, 

and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Psalm 73:28, NLT

I want Jesus to be the natural overflow of my heart. I want to tell my kids the good things He has done. I want them to know that I am better when I am near the Lord. I want them to know He is my shelter. I want to be fit for use, because the Lord has chosen me. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 reminds us that it doesn't have to be weird and stuffy...it can just be a part of your daily life. When you get up, when you lie down, when you go down the road, when you sit down to eat...That's how I want to pour Jesus into my children. That's how I want to be fit for His use. 

So, fellow moms out there...remember that you have been chosen by God to be your child's mother and that it is a privilege to be one of the first people to tell them about Jesus. Think about being that fit vessel for use when you pick up your chosen mug for your morning coffee. And commit to actively invest in your children for eternity's sake. 

Christmas is the perfect time to start - Advent simply means "the arrival of a notable person, thing or event." For believers, Advent simply means we are anticipating that arrival of Jesus. It doesn't have to be hard or in depth...just doing something to lead towards the celebration of Jesus' Birthday. 

1. It could be a devotional reading plan that you are doing on your own. I am using Well Watered Women's Advent study this year and it is amazing to focus on those names of God in Isaiah 9:6.  She Reads Truth has plans to follow. Or this Scripture Writing plan is great as well. Just get in the Word and let it be transforming you, cleaning you, making you fit for use. 
2. Involve your small children in a countdown for Christmas (Jesus' Birthday). And maybe even bake Jesus a birthday cake.  Add a link to a paper chain each day. Put up numbered ornaments on a Christmas Tree. There are 24 stories from creation to Jesus' birth in the Jesus Story Book Bible - read one each night of December. 

Thank you, God, for picking me to be Hudson and Nora's mom. Conform me into the mom that you want me to be. Adjust my attitude. Help me to be like you. Use me to influence these lives for eternity's sake. Help us to anticipate your birthday this season.

PS. Here's some mug ideas I shared with our Moms Group (in case they weren't coffee drinkers)

And my personal favorite tip...stick your phone in a mug for an instant sound amplifier...

However you use your coffee mug...let it remind you that God has chosen you and wants you to be fit for His honorable use!

Better Together: MOMs Group Kickoff

We had planned, prepared and prayed for this kickoff meeting of our MOMs Group (Ministry of Motherhood). I was anxious to see who would show up and how God would begin to work in these moms.

I told the moms that they probably entered the room that morning one of three ways.
1. Totally confident having attended in previous years. They saw familiar faces, felt comfortable dropping their kids off in childcare and knew where to sit.
2. Feeling like they didn't need anyone in their life.
3. Feeling totally alone as they entered a new room, new ministry and new group of faces.

But we were so glad that they came and we were anticipating what God was going to do in this group and in the families represented. The Lord has shown us over and over again in small and large details that He was in control and that He was up to something big.

I love that Scripture is full of parenting references and illustrations. The family dynamic has been a part of God's plan since the beginning. When I became a mom, I even understood my relationship with my Heavenly Father better.

I also love that God uses moms. We have the privilege of being one of the first people to share Jesus with our kids. 2 Timothy 1:5 tells of the significant influence that a grandmother and mother had on Timothy's spiritual life.

"I remember you genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois, and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you." 

2 Timothy 1:5, NLT

Our key verse for the year is such a good reminder of the fact that our God didn't want us to do this life alone. 

The Lord knew we would have long, discouraging days. And Scripture tells us over and over that believers are "better together." There is great strength in like-minded people pushing each other towards the same goal.

And although I appreciate any form of a compliment (great hair, nice shirt, cute house, etc), I think those verses in Hebrews are talking about much more than flattery. We are to be reminding each other of truth. Reminding each other to get back in the Word. Reminding each other to rely on God's faithfulness.

Last week, before our kickoff meeting, I did have a few moments of panic. Everything was planned out. Nothing was really wrong...but I was panicking. I told a friend of my struggle and instead of her saying "You'll do great." or "This will be so fun." She simply reminded me to get my eyes back on the goodness of our God. She encouraged me to write a list of all the things our God had done for this group - all the details He had arranged. And after about 5 minutes of listing all these details where He was at work, my attitude changed from panicked to excited. I just needed a friend to motivate me to rely on God's faithfulness.

We passed out the book Better Together to these moms as a resource and an encouragement. As chapters coincide with meeting topics, we will remind the moms to read. One of the intro chapters asks the question "Who are you momming with?"

The Bible gives an example of a friendship between two moms: Mary and Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-45).  Mary was the mother of Jesus. She was young and inexperienced.  She was needing a friend. She couldn't even turn to Joseph at this point because he was most likely still dealing with his own emotions and anxious thoughts. Elisabeth was a woman beyond the child-bearing years. She thought that she was baron, but became pregnant. She would be the mother of John the Baptist. Elisabeth was also the first to greet Mary as the mother of the Messiah.

I love that there is no rivalry between these two moms. Elisabeth didn't feel inferior or jealous of Mary carrying the Son of God. Their age difference was insignificant. She simply encouraged Mary and spoke truth into her life.

"Elisabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, 'God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed.

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what He said."

Luke 1:42,45

In contrast, the story of Hagar in Genesis 16 is full of rivalry. Hagar was a slave, a single mother, a victim of some awkward circumstances...and she was alone.

But even though she was alone, God encouraged Hagar. In verse 13 she refers to God as the "God who sees me." When she had no-one, God was looking out for her.

I encouraged the ladies with a few thoughts.
1. Praise God when you are blessed with a friendship like Mary and Elisabeth that helps you to get your eyes back on the Lord.

2. Know that the Lord will sustain you and encourage you during those lonely times. He sees you.

3. Look for lives to pour into. It's not just about our receiving encouragement.

I handed each of the moms a notecard (you can buy these cute notecards in a pack of 8 for $1 at Target). I challenged them to find someone to write a brief note to this week. Speak truth into their lives. Stick a stamp on it. Or drop it into a diaper bag.

"You are a great mom. I am praying for you as you invest in your children's eternity." "I see you taking your kids to Awana each week. Keep going!" "Praying you are able to keep your eyes on the rock as you face this hard time (Ps. 61:2)"

And I also challenged them to take a few minutes to write out the good things that God has done for them. They could wait til the next moment of panic, or begin the list when they were already rejoicing.  It could even be a list of the events that He orchestrated for them to be at MOMs  Group this week.

In closing, as I looked back at the key verses, I love that it reminds us to encourage and motivate because Jesus is coming back soon. That should always be our motivating factor. The Gospel is our priority. His return is near.

I am so thankful for this group of moms that came together today. The Lord has used so many in that room to encourage me. To motivate me. To help me get my eyes back on Jesus. It's a team effort. And we can all rely on each other.

As I came home to my two children and my husband, I was ready to implement these truths into their lives as well.


Lord, help me to motivate and encourage others to get closer to you. Help me to cultivate these principles in my children's lives. Thank you that we are Better Together. 

Better Together

Our last meeting for my moms group ended up being a Tea & Testimony.

The tables were set with care. Each place held a different thrifted plate. And above each place setting was a card which read...

Those dishes were from all different places. Different homes. Different families. If only they could tell us their stories -- what dinners they have held. What celebrations they were used for. Were they pulled out nightly for regular family dinners? Some maybe only ever sat on display. Some may have been used for special holidays. Some forgotten. Some hidden in attics. Others passed down to granddaughters. But I told the moms, where these plates went from here was up to them. 

I challenged them to think about their stories. What brought them to this place in motherhood. Think of who they are. How did they get to this point in their relationship with the Lord? Where had they been?

In 2 Timothy 1:3-7, Paul reminded Timothy of the spiritual heritage they both had. 

Beth Moore, in her Entrusted study said, "Let's take personal ownership of our spiritual lineage -- both in what we receive and what we pass down...You're a creative blend of all your main influencers mixed in with your own God-given uniqueness."

We can usually trace back a generation or two of our family tree without a thought. This is my grandmother... this is my dad...

But what about your spiritual lineage? Who has been your "main influencers"? I challenged the moms to write out five names. My list included my parents, Sunday school teachers who challenged me to memorize large portions of Scripture, college mentors who showed me the importance of ministering to women, friends who suggest books and podcasts, and even authors I have never met face-to-face have impacted my spiritual walk. 

We have to keep that spiritual lineage going. It's time to get excited about influencing the next generation. 

Psalm 78:6-7 says, "So the next generation might know them (the commands of the Lord) -- even the children not yet born -- and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set its hope anew on God, not forgetting his glorious miracles and obeying his commands."  

" They were to rise and tell their children so that they might put their confidence in God and not forget God's works, but keep His commandments." - Beth Moore

As I think about this group of moms, I love that one of our main goals is to encourage each other to be Jesus to our kids. Next year, we are calling our group MOMs - focusing on the Ministry of Motherhood. 

Since I became a mom, I understand my relationship with my Heavenly Father so much better. I understand more about how God relates to His Son too. It's relational, The love is unconditional. 

I love that the parenting relationship was part of God's plan all along. Through it, we understand Him better. 

At times, the "Ministry of Motherhood" sees daunting. I start to think about all the ways I could mess things up. I doubt my influence. I worry my kids are too small. Or I just feel too tired.

But when my son asks questions and responds on his own to Bible verses we are learning, I reminded that the Holy Spirit is at work and the Word of God will always accomplish what the Lord wants it to accomplish.

What a privilege it is to be the FIRST person to tell our kids about Jesus. We get to help start their spiritual lineage. God gave that to parents! And I can't tell you how excited and privileged I feel about that. 

When those doubts surface, I need to remember 2 Timothy 1:8.  It's His strength - not mine! 

It all starts with just letting these kids see that you love Jesus. Let them see you read the Bible. Let them hear you pray. (Even letting my children hear me confess my sins allows them to understand this life-long struggle of walking in the Spirit.)

And remember the plates... you're not alone. We are better together. 

I had these moms each take home their plates as a reminder of these truths of God's Word and the support of this group. And here's a few ideas of what they could do with these plates.

Or you can always bake another mom some cookies and tell her to keep the plate! Because she might need the reminder that we are repurposed for the Lord's use.

We are better together.

"And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near."  Hebrews 10:24-25