A Word To Boy Moms About Preparing Your Heart

March 10, 2015 By: Melissa

Attention boy moms, there’s going to come a time when you need to make room in your heart for your son’s special girl. Ouch, I know, that’s a tough one, especially if you have little boys at home right now. As a matter of fact it took me a long time to wrap my head (and my heart) around this, but I’m hoping that through my trial and error your transition might be a little smoother.

Attention boy moms, there’s going to come a time when you need to make room in your heart for your son’s special girl.

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Over the years it’s not always been easy, as any boy mom can attest to. They are rowdy, rambunctious, messy, smelly, and pretty much keep you on your toes every minute of every day. Yep, I’m a boy mom through and through. Those two precious boys wrapped this mama heart around their fingers so tightly that when they started to grow up it was painfully hard for me to let them.

I knew that the day would come when another girl would grab their heart but nothing really prepared me for sharing my boys with someone else. I had prayed for good, godly girls to come into their life, but when they showed up I struggled. Unfortunately it wasn’t a smooth transition either–for me, for the boys, or even the girls.

…for the rest of the post, head on over to the M.O.M. Initiative.

Tips for boy moms — learning how to share your boys with their girls.

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Don’t know about the M.O.M. Initiative? Here’s a little about what we do:

The M.O.M. Initiative is an acrostic for Mothers on a Mission to Mentor Other Mothers. Our goal is to minister to moms who know Christ and reach those who don’t.

As a ministry, we provide resources and support to help the body of Christ make mentoring missional…to not only begin to mentor moms within the four walls of the church, but to mentor moms beyond the walls of the church in order to impact our communities and this culture for Christ.

With resources for the local church and area ministries, training, an online database of M.O.M. Groups, daily online encouragement, and ministry support, The M.O.M. Initiative helps connect local churches and ministries with one another and with the community.

Did You Know That We Are Wired For Rest?

February 25, 2015 By: Melissa

Rest, it’s one of those four letter words that evokes a lot of varying emotions from people. There’s the exasperated sigh, the faraway gaze of someone in need of rest and also the “what are you, a wimp?” remark from someone that thinks you should just suck it up. But what if I told you that we are actually wired for rest. What would you say then?

Oh, I know, there are too many things to do, places to go and people to see to find time to rest. I get that. I’ve even heard it said from others that they’ll have time to rest when they die, but sweet friend, that is not how God created us.

Rest, is a four letter words that evokes a lot of varying emotions, but what it I told you that we’re actually wired for rest.

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———————> I’m over at the Internet Cafe Devotions today talking about how God wired us for rest. To find out what that means and how to get started on having some time to rest in your life, then visit me over at the Internet Cafe, you can click here to get there.

The Internet Café unites women of faith; unites women through the exhortation, edification and encouragement of each other through God’s guiding hand. We seek to unite women regardless of our stage of life or the signs that mark our church doors. Passionately we believe that through our written words we can support women on their own personal journey of faith, inspiring them to live as true disciples.

Book Review: Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions, by Aaron Tabor, MD

February 22, 2015 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About the Book:

Quick, easy to read and readily available for you to apply to your life right that instant with the interactive devotions. Each day you have an opportunity to connect with others — either online or in person. That’s a really cool aspect to this devotional that I’ve never come across before. There’s a practicality to it that allows the reader to do more than just read it, they actually get a chance to do something too. I also like that unlike most of the devotionals I have or have read in the past, this is one that the men in my life would like as well. Most of the others are geared more to women, but this devotional has a more universal aspect to it which makes it a great gift for anyone in your life. I’ve been enjoying it and I’m pretty sure that you will too! Interested in finding out more about this devotional? Keep reading…

About the book:

Based on the major themes found on the most active Facebook page in history, JESUS DAILY is a 365-day interactive devotional that goes beyond even the fan page to create a deeper experience and cultural movement that celebrates your redemption in Christ. JESUS DAILY presents a devotional thought but also challenges you to respond to each daily reflection using a variety of social media tools.

JESUS DAILY is a worldwide revolution in how you can connect, share, and worship the Father personally and with other believers.

Here’s a video trailer about the book:

You can purchase a copy here:

http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Daily-365-Interactive-Devotions-ebook/dp/B00I829RLK/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1424290938&sr=1-1

About the Author:

Aaron Tabor, MD, started the Jesus Daily Facebook page in 2009. He is the President of Gene Facelift, a gene therapy biotechnology company developing anti-aging and wound healing drugs. Dr. Tabor is a graduate of The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

They Can Choose To Go Their Own Way

November 18, 2014 By: Melissa

Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV

Chances are if you’ve been around any mom of faith then you’ve probably rubbed up against this verse a few times. It’s sort of like the parenting “go-to” verse. It’s a great truth that I’ve clung to many times while raising my boys…but, there’s one part of it that I never fully was able to grasp until now.

Here’s what I’ve been learning on my twenty first year as a mama bear, we can train up them up–but they can choose to go their own way.

Gulp. That one has not been an easy pill to swallow for me. I have crossed all my t’s and dotted all my i’s along this parenting journey and truth be told, I thought I would get to this point and be able to sit back and rest in the fruit of those many years of godly parenting.

Go ahead, you can laugh out loud.
I did too.

Seriously, I just had to stop and laugh at myself for thinking that if you did “all the right things”, or at least tried to, while your kids were growing that you would miraculously end up with these perfect adults and then…ta-da, you’re done.

……….I’m over at the M.O.M. Initiative today talking about this, stop by and take a few minutes to find out what I’ve been learning along the way.

The M.O.M. Initiative website exists as safe place to grow as a mother, to gain a better understanding of what a mother is and what a mother does and to foster and support mentor and mentee relationships. Along with practical tips, helpful tools, informative insight on current issues and godly wisdom on just about every aspect of a mother’s life, this website also offers a private chat room where a mom can connect with a ‘virtual’ mentor and find help in times of need.

The primary vision for The M.O.M. Initiative is that it not only be limited to those who enter the four walls of the church, but that it also be used to facilitate mentor relationships in homes for unwed mothers, in low income housing projects, apartment complexes, homeless shelters, prisons, juvenile shelters, schools, hospitals, the mission field and anywhere young mothers can be found. Planning guides for each of these venues will be available in the back of the book.

The M.O.M. Initiative is not just a book. It’s not just a website. IT’S A REVOLUTION!

Tackling A Few Motherhood Myths

October 21, 2014 By: Melissa

Today I’m over at The M.O.M. Initiative talking about

“Motherhood Is Hard Work – It’s Time For Moms To Stick Together”.

Without a doubt being a mom is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had in my life. Never would I have imagined the sheer number of emotions and the intensity each one brings with it. It’s true, motherhood is hard work, and it’s time for moms to stick together.

It’s my heart that by coming to you as a “seasoned” (that’s a nicer way of saying “older”) mom and sharing a little bit of what I’ve learned on the journey of being a mom.

Here’s what I can tell you…it doesn’t get easier.

Yeah, not the answer you expected, I know. Yes, each stage has its highs and lows, but the motherhood part–well, it’s just as hard today as it was the day I brought my little bundle of joy home. Now that bundle of joy is inching closer to twenty one and the “baby”, well, he’s closing in on nineteen.

So you see, I’ve been on this motherhood journey for a very long time. Here are a few motherhood myths that I’ve seen along the way.

Motherhood Myths

I can do it all on my own – This happens when we can’t, won’t or don’t ask for help. We put on our wonder woman suit and will do whatever it takes to get it done.

Here’s the truth – Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT

Here’s a better way – Seek out a couple of friends that you can count on to jump in and help you get it done. Whether it is a babysitting swap so you can get your cleaning done, or coordinating a group outing so that you can take some time to just slow down and breathe a little bit.

——————> Head on over to The M.O.M. Initiative to read the other 2 Motherhood Myths and while you are there, find out a little more about the incredible group of moms over there…you’ll be so glad you did!

Have you heard about the M.O.M. Initiative?

Here’s a little bit about what we’re doing…

The M.O.M. Initiative is an acrostic for Mothers on a Mission to Mentor Other Mothers. Our goal is to minister to moms who know Christ and reach those who don’t.

It’s Time To Clear Out Some Clutter

September 23, 2014 By: Melissa

ClearingOutTheClutter

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace… 1 Corinthians 14:33a NLT

If you are like me there are some cabinets or closets in your house that are shoved, jammed, and packed full of “stuff”. So full, in fact, that when you open them you have to be on guard and ready for anything to happen.

My tupperware cabinet is like that, you pretty much take your life into your own hands if you want to get in or out of that cabinet. Right now you’ve already started to think about that cabinet or closet in your house. Sweat beads are rolling down your face as you even think about it.

There’s not even a remote chance that you would show it to anyone…not even your very best friend.

…Everywhere I turn there’s “stuff”.
It slowly accumulated over the years.
I didn’t even notice it was there until I started to pack things up, that’s when I realized that it’s all over the place.

———————for the rest of the story head on over to TheMOMInitiative as I share a little bit about what I am learning while I start to clear out the clutter in my life.

Wanna know more about what The M.O.M. Initative is? Take a minute to read the Mission Statement, it’s pretty amazing!

IF THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE RULES THE WORLD –

THEN THE CHURCH THAT MENTORS THOSE HANDS WILL WIN IT!

The M.O.M. Initiative is an acrostic for Mothers on a Mission to Mentor Other Mothers. Our goal is to minister to moms who know Christ and reach those who don’t.

Our vision: To Reach a MILLION MOMS for Christ

Our challenge: If only 3 women in 1/2 of the churches in the United States would mentor just 3 other mothers, that would translate into reaching 1,000,000 moms for Christ and impacting over 2,500,000 children.

Our request: That YOU would join us in changing the world ONE MOM at a TIME!

Book Review: Think 4:8 40 Days To A Joy Filled Life For Teens

May 19, 2014 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About the Book:

I absolutely adore Lyn Smith, I was blessed to co-author a devotional with her back in 2011 (you can check it out here) so when I found out that she co-wrote a new 40-day devotional for teens with Tommy Newberry I knew that I had to find out more about it. I love the heart and mission of this book — it’s to introduce healthy thinking habits early in a teen’s life (oh how this is needed!) and show them that God can heal them and their families through a concentrated focus on Philippians 4:8.

She had me at hello. Teenagers, better attitude, fixing their thoughts on good things — count me in! With an easy to read format in a language that teens will understand this sweet little devotional is perfectly pocket sized so teens can take it with them (in their purse, backpack or car) wherever they go.

The daily devotional is short enough that it doesn’t feel like homework, but deep and rich enough that they will definitely be challenged by it. Then they take it a step further by making sure the teens get it a little more with sections called, “Work It” where they have to work it out in their own words, “Talk It” where they talk it out with God, “Stick It” where they have a little nugget to take with them for the day, and “Pray It” where they can close their time out with a heartfelt prayer to God.

So much godly wisdom packed in this devotional…if you want to help your teen have a joy-filled life, then you are going to want to check out this book! Oh, before I forget, they also have additional resources of help and encouragement at ww.think48.com as well as tips for moms. They really did think of everything!

About the book:

Focus on the Good Stuff!

Your mind is a powerful tool. What you choose to think about and focus on today can impact the rest of your life.

So take forty days to get your thoughts rolling in the right direction—to help you reach your goals and live the successful, purposeful life God has planned just for you. When you follow this forty-day game plan, you will start erasing weak, unhelpful thoughts and replacing them with strong, productive thoughts.

Fix your thoughts on what is true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely, and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can praise God for and be glad about. Philippians 4:8 (The Living Bible)

Think this, not that—start today, and live a joy-filled life.

I’d strongly encourage you to pick up a copy for yourself and your teen, you can do that here: http://amzn.to/1t7Ldkh

About the Authors:

Tommy Newberry
Tommy Newberry is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and head coach of The 1% Club, Inc. an organization dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and their families maximize their full potential. As a pioneer in the life-coaching field since 1991, Tommy has equipped business leaders in more than thirty industries to work less, earn more, and enjoy greater satisfaction with the right accomplishments.

Lyn Smith
Leader and Bible teacher Lyn Smith is the coauthor of three books, appears regularly on Christian Discipleship TV, and travels the world with her teaching. Known as a truth teller, Lyn brings the reality and power of God into daily living. You can find out more about Lyn at lynsmith.org

Book Review: Daily Reflections on the Names of God, by Ava Pennington

April 9, 2014 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About the Book:

I am a huge fan of daily devotionals, you may already know that. Some of my favorites are ones that I read for years and years — like Jesus Calling, My Utmost for His Highest, At the Feet of Jesus…and now one of my new favorites is “Daily Reflections on the Names of God”.

Ava Pennington has packed in the meat and potatoes on each day in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you but simply reaches in and digs a little deeper. Knowing the names of God and allowing those names to draw you closer to Him while also uncovering some new insights and nuggets that you may have never noticed before.

With little symbols on the top of each page they guide you to look at each name or attribute of God in the devotional that day by looking “up”, looking “in” or looking “out”. Each day is ready for you to sit and soak in while allowing you to lean in to who God really is. This devotional is sure to be one that I read over and over again for many years.

On a personal note, I just have to mention that not only is this devotional rich with goodness, grace and mercy…but so is the author, Ava Pennington. She sent me this book almost two years ago and through various rabbit trails and delays I am just not posting the review and I’m doing so not because I “have to” but because as a woman in ministry and as a writer/speaker myself I could not let this sweet little gem of a book go by unnoticed, nor could I let the incredible author go unnoticed as well. Thank you thank you thank you Ava for your grace. You are a true gem! ~ Melissa

About the book:

Perfect. Almighty. The One Who Sees. Jealous. Forgiver.

Every name of God revealed in the Bible shows us something about his character and his ways. As the facets of a diamond combine to reflect its brilliance, the names and attributes of God combine to reveal the transcendence of his nature and the glory of his ways.

Daily Reflections on the Names of God offers readers a wonderful opportunity to spend time each day getting to know God more intimately. At the end of a year, they’ll be able to say they know him better than they did a year ago.

This insightful guide to the names of God provides 366 life-changing, personal devotions for new Christians and longtime believers. As readers explore 122 names and attributes of God, they will discover something special about who God is, who they are, and how they relate to others. Includes a Scripture and name index for easy navigation to favorite verses.

You can purchase a copy here: Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional

About the Author:

Ava Pennington is thoroughly enjoying her second career as an author, teacher, and speaker.

Originally from New York City, she left a twenty-year corporate career as a Human Resources executive. But don’t call her retired! She now teaches a weekly, interdenominational Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 180+ women from September through May.

Her newest book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is published by Revell and endorsed by Kay Arthur, founder of Precepts International.

Ava also writes for organizations such as Focus on the Family, Christianity Today, and Haven Ministries. She has been published in 24 anthologies, including seventeen Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

She has also co-authored two children’s picture books, Do You Love Me More? and Will I See You Today?

Her training includes an Adult Bible Studies Certificate from Moody Bible Institute and an MBA in Executive Management from St. John’s University. If you’re looking for a speaker, she delights in challenging audiences with relevant, enjoyable presentations.

Please visit www.AvaWrites.com for more information.

Book Review: At the Feet of Jesus, by Joanna Weaver

October 12, 2013 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About:

I received this devotional to review from the LitFuse group and could hardly wait to dig right in. I’ve read all of Joanna Weaver’s books in the Bethany trilogy (Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, Having a Mary Spirit, and Lazarus Awakening) and absolutely love her heart and her passion for pealing back the layers of this well known story. I had no idea how much I would be moved by this devotional, especially since some of my favorite devotionals are “My Utmost For His Highest”, “Jesus Calling” and “Experiencing God Day By Day”, but it has not disappointed at all.

As a matter of fact, I would actually place this devotional right up there with those three and say that this past year as I have been reading it I have been profoundly moved, have shared parts of it via twitter, Facebook and even other parts in reading during one of my teachings in Women’s Ministry at my church. Joanna Weaver has a very precious gift and I am so thankful to be able to glean from her and watch God at work in my Martha heart to make me a little more like Mary every day. This devotional is FANTASTIC and I can’t say enough about how much I LOVE IT.

About At the Feet of Jesus:

You were made for more than serving God; you were made to know Him.Intimacy with God-to know Him and be known by Him. It is what our hearts desperately need, but somehow life conspires to keep us busy and distracted.For anyone who struggles when it comes to daily devotions, At the Feet of Jesusextends an irresistible invitation to set aside your duties and find the amazing peace and incredible joy that come from time alone with Him. Drawn from Joanna Weaver’s beloved Bethany trilogy, each reading in this 365-day devotional includes a Bible reading passage and reflection question. All-new material and “Going Deeper” sidebars are also woven throughout.

Discover for yourself the riches that come from spending a portion of each day alone with God. At the feet of Jesus-where true life begins! Includes a unique One-Year Bible Reading Guide.

Link to buy the book: http://ow.ly/erC31

Meet Joanna:Joanna Weaver is known the world over for her transparent and life-changing books, Having A Mary Heart in a Martha World and Having a Mary Spirit. Joanna has appeared on a wide variety of nationally syndicated radio and television broadcasts. She is also a highly sought after speaker and shares her message at intimate gatherings and several high profile events each year. But Joanna’s greatest joy is found in being a wife and mother and her role as a pastor’s wife.Find out more about Joanna at http://www.joannaweaverbooks.com/.

Praying For Your Kids: Simple, Specific, Power-Packed Prayers

August 20, 2013 By: Melissa

For years I had heard it said that we needed to pray for our kids. I get that, and I completely stand behind that thought process. What I didn’t always understand was the beauty and wisdom that came from praying simple, specific, power-packed prayers over my kids.

It took a lot of reading, praying and talking with my husband, but over the course of all that investigating we discovered there were some very practical things we wanted to pray for over our boys. It actually fit perfectly with my M.O.M. Mission Statement (see my post in May 2013) and very quickly became something that became a part of our everyday prayers.

I’d love to share with you what we do in my house and also share a little bit of the why behind it as well. It is by no means perfect and certainly not a one size fits all, but for our family, where we live, our heart, and purpose as our kids parents, this is what it means in our world.

Each and every day I pray over the kids before they leave for school AND we have scripture posted by the back door so that it is the LAST thing they see before they step out into the world. Friends, don’t ever be mistaken…we are IN a spiritual battle for our kids and we need to remember to bathe our kids in prayers each and every day.

So, here’s what we do at our house…

“Father God, thank you for these beautiful boys you have given us. Father I pray that you would help them to…

1) Do the right thing even if it is the hard thing,

2) Be the leaders that you (God) created them to be,

3) Seek you first in all that they do,

4) and help them to Stand Firm in the face of temptation that comes their way today.

They are your boys and we give them to you. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Short, sweet, and simple…but powerfully packed. Let me walk with you through the why behind these four simple, specific, power-packed prayers we pray everyday for them.

1) Do the right thing even if it is the hard thing.

Galatians 1:10 – Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Galatians 6:5 – For we are each responsible for our own conduct.

2) Be the Leaders that God created them to be.

Mark 10:43 – But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant,

Romans 12:8 – If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

3) Seek you first in all that they do.

Matthew 6:33 – Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

4) Help them to Stand Firm in the face of temptation that comes their way today.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Matthew 6:13 – And don’t let us yield to temptation,but rescue us from the evil one.

There are so many other things that we pray for when it comes to our kids, their future, their spouses (yep, that one is a hard one to pray for, mostly to even think about, but it will happen one day), the call on their lives from God. You name it and we pray for it.

This next verse is posted right by the back door so it is the last thing my kids see before they walk out into the world…

“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ.” Colossians 2:8

It took me some time to figure out what HE wanted me to focus on for my family, but once I took the time to actively seek His will out in this, He showed me the answers to what I was looking for.

Never wanting to take my kids for granted, especially after all we have been through with my oldest son (read his story here) and his health, being more strategic and focused truly helped me to be a better mom to my boys. It’s not easy, and it certainly is not what the world would tell us to do, but it is exactly what God has called us to do as moms.

My boys aren’t little any longer. As a matter of fact, they are practically grown men. My oldest is nineteen, in college and in a serious relationship with an incredible young woman of God. My youngest is seventeen and a senior in high school here in South Florida. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but with these simple, specific, power-packed prayers, I know that my boys have been covered in prayer every step of the way.

What about you?

Have you ever thought about making some simple, specific, power-packed prayers for your kids?

What are some of the hardest things to pray for over your kids?

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

This post was originally shared over at The M.O.M. Initiative – Mothers on a Mission to Mentor Other Mothers, check out their incredible website for a ton of useful, helpful and practical stuff for moms at www.themominitiative.com.

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