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.

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.

The Grass Withers – Visual Verse

October 2, 2014 By: Melissa

The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
Isaiah 40:8 ESV

I love this verse! If you click the link then you will also be able to see it in the NIV and MSG translation. It always great to see the different translations of the verse because inevitably something pops out you in a way that you’ve never noticed before. Go ahead…try it.

Visual Verses are simply verses that have been on my heart and that I’ve made into graphics. I am a very visual kinda girl and I love a pretty little pic along with my verse so that I can print them out and post them wherever I might need them…in the car, on the nightstand, or in my journal.

They are also for you too!

You are more than welcome to download them or even pin them on your pinterest pages.

As a matter of fact I would love it if you did, they are yours to enjoy as well.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

What If I Don’t Want To Forgive Them?

September 29, 2014 By: Melissa

Today I’m sharing over at the Internet Cafe Devotions site and I’m talking about something I’ve wrestled with a lot. Here’s a sneak peek.

When we hold on to that anger, resentment, bitterness, anxiety, frustration, and angst we are the ones left as a hot mess. Not the person or persons that “wronged” us, but us. Chances are they have moved on and gone about their lives while we wrestle and roll over what they said, what they did, how they deceived us or let us down.

We make ourselves sick.
We stress ourselves out and they have moved on.

Why? Why do we do that?

We don’t want that to happen.
We don’t want to wrestle with the anxiety and stress, but we do.

…to find out Why It’s Important To Forgive, Even When…We Don’t Want To make sure to go over to the Internet Cafe Devotions site today.

Want to know more about the Internet Cafe Devotions site?

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.

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!

Let Nothing Move You – Visual Verse

August 27, 2014 By: Melissa

2013-05-05 14.44.21

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

During my quiet time this week I stumbled upon this sweet little verse. It’s not necessarily “sweet” in the sense of ahhhh, that’s cute, but sweet because it hit me right where I needed it that day and was a sweet reminder that God is with me every single moment of every day.

I absolutely love to steadfastness of this. The strong words are powerful; “Stand Firm” “Let NOTHING move you” and “Always” — wow! There’s not a maybe, or you could have, should have, hem haw about it. It’s direct. It’s clear and it is powerful.

I pray it moves you as it did me. This is just as much for you as it is for me…

You are more than welcome to download them or even pin them on your pinterest pages.

As a matter of fact I would love it if you did, they are yours to enjoy as well.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

PS – I took this picture at an orphanage we served at in the Bahamas. One of the other girls on the trip with me left this reminder “God is Good” on the playground for the kids to find later after we left. It was the perfect pic for this verse!!!

The Cure For The Perfect Life Book Review

August 25, 2014 By: Melissa

My Thoughts About the Book:

Where to begin, where to begin…seriously, it feels like this book might have been made just for me. That my secret is out and has been on hidden camera for years. This book is so incredibly spectacular, especially if you struggle with being the “trying harder” kinda girl. I mean, isn’t that what we were taught to do. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

My copy is dog-eared, folded, highlighted and the margins are crowded from all my notes. The spine of the book is cracked and it is well worn in…and this is a brand new book. I’ve carried in on vacation, in my laptop bag, in my purse and wherever else I can if I think I might be able to sneak a few more minutes to figure out how to start living braver!

Check this out, on the very first page of the book I’m drawn in (I think you will too) with this statement;

“I also have this constant feeling that everyone else “gets it” (whatever “is” is–marriage, parenting, work, friendships, God) and I don’t. It is a struggle every single day of my life, feeling like ‘m out of the loop–that everyone else was handed some manual to life.”

Oh girls, this book has something in it for everyone. Run to your computer, go to amazon.com and order yourself a copy of this book, you’ll thank me later. I’m still in the process myself to learn how to start living braver, so why don’t you join me and we’ll go on this journey together.

From the back of the book:

Are you crumbling under the burden of perfection?

You know the expectations are unreasonable–even unreachable.

And when everyone else seems more together than you, where do you turn for help?

Meet Kathi, a disguised perfectionist always looking to put everyone else’s needs above her own, and Cheri, a formerly confused and exhausted poster girl for playing it safe. They’ve struggled just like you–and found the cure. With unabashed empathy and humor, they invite you to take part in their rebellion against perfection. Step-by-step they’ll teach you how to challenge and change unhealthy beliefs. As they free you from always seeking more or needing the approval of others, you’ll discover a new, braver way of living. At last, you’ll exchange outdated views of who you should be for a clearer vision of who you are in Christ.

The truth is you don’t have to be perfect.

You just have to be brave enough to read this book.

Website Link: http://www.TheCureForThePerfectLife.com

FREE download of Chapter 1: http://www.thecurefortheperfectlife.com/downloads/chapter1.pdf

Facebook Page (aka “Braver Living Rebel Headquarters”): http://www.Facebook.com/TinyActsOfRebellion

You can purchase a copy here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Cure-Perfect-Life-Trying/dp/0736957006

Kathi Lipp

Website: http://www.KathiLipp.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathilipp

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/kathilipp/

Kathi Lipp is the author of The Husband Project, The Me Project, The Get Yourself Organized Project, 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids, and several other books. Kathi’s articles have appeared in dozens of magazines, and she is a frequent guest on Focus on the Family radio and TV. She and her husband Roger are parents of four young adults in San Jose, California. Kathi shares her story at retreats, conferences, and women’s events across the United States. Connect with her at www.KathiLipp.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthorKathiLipp, or on Twitter @KathiLipp.

Cheri Gregory

Website: http://www.CheriGregory.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CheriGregoryAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CheriGregory

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/CheriGregory

Cheri Gregory is a Certified Personality Trainer; contributor to multiple books, including Wired That Way and 21 Ways to Connect With Your Kids; and frequent speaker for MOPS groups, women’s retreats, parent workshops, and educational conferences. She is also a high school English teacher and graduate student. Cheri has been “wife of my youth” to Daniel (her opposite personality), a pastor, for over a quarter-of-a-century; they have two college-aged kids (who are also opposite personalities). She blogs about expectations, “baditude”, and hope at www.CheriGregory.com. Connect with her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Cheri.Gregory.Author and Twitter @CheriGregory.

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.”

Visual Verse – Watch For Me At My Gates

August 13, 2014 By: Melissa

They are also for you too!

You are more than welcome to download them or even pin them on your pinterest pages.

As a matter of fact I would love it if you did, they are yours to enjoy as well.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

Moms Mold The Heart Of The Next Generation, by Stephanie Shott

July 13, 2014 By: Melissa

Have you ever felt like you wore so many hats that it was hard to really enjoy your mom journey? Or like you were so weary and worn out by your never-ending ‘to do’ list that you wanted to bury your head under the covers and get away from it all…even for just a day?

Me too!

Oh…like you, I LOVE being a mom. But for me, motherhood was like this messy experiment and my kids were the guinea pigs.

Motherhood is the best job on the planet!

Moms, more than anyone else, have the opportunity to not only mold the heart of their children but to mold the heart of the next generation. But we get caught up in dealing with the dailies of life and it’s hard to make it our mission to parent on purpose. Sometimes it’s so easy to parent the child they are and deal with the behavior of the moment that we forget about molding the heart of the person we long for them to become.

The Making of a Mom gives you a foundational look at real life biblical motherhood and provides the practical tools and inspiration you need to become the best mom you can.

While we all know there is no such thing as a perfect mom, we also know that WE are the perfect moms for our children.

The Making of a Mom encourages moms to embrace the significance of their calling to motherhood…a role that only we moms can fulfill…a role that God has called us to and equipped us for.

And The Making of a Mom was uniquely written to minister to the hearts of moms while also providing a key resource for the local church and para-ministries.

TMofMgraphic4-300x239

With venue specific Planning Guides in the back of the book, instructions on how to begin M.O.M. Groups that will help the local church weave mentoring into the fabric of the church and serve as not only an in-reach resource, but a great outreach tool as well. And the questions at the end of each chapter serve as a catalyst for conversation for ministry and small group leaders, The Making of a Mom is the perfect resource for every church!

The Making of a Mom works in tandem with The M.O.M. Initiative as a tool to help the church minister to moms who know Christ and reach those who don’t. Through The Making of a Mom, you can help your local church make mentoring missional and impact your community and this culture for Christ.

The goal of The M.O.M. Initiative is to reach a MILLION MOMS for Christ. The tool is The Making of a Mom. The vehicle is the local church. AND…if only 3 women in 1/2 of the churches in the United States would mentor just 3 other mothers, we could reach a MILLION MOMS for Christ!

To find out more about how you can begin a M.O.M. Group, click this link.

To find out how to sign up to be ONE in a MILLION MOMS who would like to be connected with a mentor and raise your children to know Christ, click this link.

To find out how to order The Making of a Mom.

CLICK the link to download a free chapter sample – The Making of a Mom~Chapter Sample ~ NOT ALONE

Stephanie Shott is crazy in love with Jesus and believes Him for the impossible. Through The M.O.M. Initiative, Stephanie is changing the world one mom at a time and she wants YOU to join her! Her heart resonates with William Carey’s quote, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” To invite Stephanie to speak at your next event, visit her website at www.stephanieshott.com. To find out more about The M.O.M. Initiative or to begin a M.O.M. Mentor Group, visit www.themominitiative.com.

Visual Verse: Hebrews 4:16

June 11, 2014 By: Melissa

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT

There’s so much wrapped up in this precious little verse, that you almost want to take a minute to look at it in chunks, like this;

– come boldly
– we will receive his mercy
– we will find grace
– when we need it most

I don’t know about you, but I am going to cling to this one tightly today…and every day!

Visual Verses are simply verses that have been on my heart and that I’ve made into graphics. I am a very visual kinda girl and I love a pretty little pic along with my verse so that I can print them out and post them wherever I might need them…in the car, on the nightstand, or in my journal.

They are also for you too!

You are more than welcome to download them or even pin them on your pinterest pages.

As a matter of fact I would love it if you did, they are yours to enjoy as well.

Seeking JOY on the Journey,

Melissa

« Previous Page

……….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.

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

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

…to find out Why It’s Important To Forgive, Even When…We Don’t Want To make sure to go over to the Internet Cafe Devotions site today.

Want to know more about the Internet Cafe Devotions site?

My Thoughts About the Book:

From the back of the book:

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:16 NLT

Visual Verses are simply verses that have been on my heart and that I’ve made into graphics. I am a very visual kinda girl and I love a pretty little pic along with my verse so that I can print them out and post them wherever I might need them…in the car, on the nightstand, or in my journal.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.
Hebrews 4:16 NLT