(A Refreshing Getaway)

This past weekend I had a great opportunity to attend a "mom's" conference in Irvine, CA hosted by Sally Clarkson of Whole Heart Ministries(www.wholeheart.org).  I host a discipleship group at my house and about a year ago we read one of her books, "The Mission of Motherhood".  It was such a blessing to this new mother.  (I highly recommend this book to new moms, great shower gift!)

Sally and her husband run this ministry because they felt, years ago, like the American family was in such jeopardy and wanted to create something that would train up and encourage families.  It was really neat because it truly was a family affair.  When they started doing conferences, they made it a point to have their children involved.  So even to this day, with 4 grown children, they are all usually involved is some way. Her husband and son lead worship...her eldest son is a piano composer and has several CD's.  He spoke some about his journey and then played some of his music for us.  Her youngest son was there promoting his first book written, "Wisdom Chasers".  He is actually trying to "break" in to Hollywood/acting.  He spoke and was so well versed.  Then her youngest daughter, a senior in high school, spoke about christians today being engaged in popular literature.  She is a competitive speech/debater and actually practiced her first place winning speech on us.  She was amazing for a 17 year old.  Her eldest daughter is currently studying a semester at Oxford, so was unable to speak.  But I was just so impressed with the whole family.

I get discouraged many days because I don't feel like great "mom" material.  But, I need to remember that this is my calling in life at this moment in time, it is a blip in time.  Some days it feels like it will last forever, that my little girl will snuggle on my lap always....but I have to remember that it won't and she won't.  This time is limited and it is what the Lord has called me to for today and tomorrow.

The theme of the conference was: The Heartshaping Mother, How to Open, Fill and Hold your Child's Heart.  I have to remember that I am doing Kingdom work and have an eternal life that I am pouring into.

I will copy some of the notes I took so that some of you moms might be encouraged too!

Are you being an adversary (in your face parenting/against your child) or
An Advocate (in your heart parenting...I will cheer you on and encourage you)
WE ALL NEED AN ADVOCATE!

What is a Heart Shaping Mother?
She shapes with relationship that opens her child's heart with grace.
Biblical model: Christ

She shapes with influence that fills her child's hears with truth.
Biblical model: Paul

She shapes with culture that holds her child's heart with love.
Biblical model: John


A Heart Shaping Mother's Heart is Shaped by God's Word
Every heart has two beats: Intake and Outflow

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - You cannot teach diligently to your child's heart what is not already on your own heart. (I am in a battle, my kids' hearts' will be filled by someone, who will it be? Me or someone else?)

Colossians 2:6-7 - You cannot overflow with thankfulness unless your spirit is rooted and built up in Christ.  (How can I overflow if I'm not being filled?  Seek out mentors!)

The Goal of a Heart Shaping Mother
1 Timothy 1:5 - But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  (Right is always right if no one is doing it and wrong is always wrong if everyone is doing it)

I think I'll stop there for today.  That was just Session 1: Message 1.
I hope there might have been a nugget in there somewhere.
Sally's blog is: www.itakejoy.com

Blessings today to all of you hard working Mama's!!

A wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands. 

 Proverbs 14:1