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5 Basic Needs of Mothers

This is a blog post from Lifeway's WM Blog . . . thought it was too good not to share.  Great thoughts when you are witnessing or ministering to another mother.


Mothers have basic needs unique to their stage of life. Help mothers in your women's ministry recognize their needs and see that each one can be ultimately satisfied by Christ:

1. Significance: "Sometimes I wonder if mothering matters."

Moms need to know their role has value and makes a difference in the lives of their children. But ultimately, they need to realize that their work as a mom will never be enough to earn the consistent significance they're looking for - God alone provides true purpose and significance.

2. Identity: "Sometimes I'm not sure who I am."

Because mothers' attention is focused primarily on their children, they may feel they've lost touch with who they are. But when they see themselves as God sees them, they can drop the burden of feeling they aren't good enough and focus on being all God created them to be.

3. Growth: "Sometimes I long to develop who I am."

Mothers often convince themselves that now is the time for them to nurture their children and they must put their own lives on hold. But they are better moms when they find time and energy to keep themselves as well as their kids growing.

4. Intimacy: "Sometimes I long to be understood."

Intimacy in relationships can't be put on hold while kids grow, even though relationships must adapt. Moms need to pursue intimacy in their marriages, friendships, and with God.

5. Instruction: "Sometimes I don't know what to do."

Mothers aren't born knowing everything about mothering! They need information and practical wisdom regarding parenting, relationships, finances, personal development, and appropriate choices. As a women's leader, you can be a trustworthy provider of this help by pointing to Scripture for the truth and guidance they'll need.

Little Sponges

The man of our little one's life sharing a book with her!

Have you ever watched a dry sponge when you set it down on top of some spilled water?  What does it do?  It soaks everything up.  What happens when you squeeze it out?  It releases everything it soaked up.  Isn't that how are children are?

I have the fortunate adventure of having teenages and a two year old.  The blessing in that is you see where you messed up with the older children and have a second chance with the little one.  Our two year old now probably knows more about the Bible than our older children did by the age of five.  Please know this is not a pat on our backs, because recognize we messed up with the older children.  But rather, my point is our little ones are like little sponges . . . whatever they are taught, they soak it all up and whenever asked they spout it all back out.  Ever been driving, someone does something ridiculous and you make an out loud comment of some sort.  What do you hear from the back seat?  OOPS!  The good and the bad, they soak it all into their little minds. 

You Mommas who get discouraged because you "just" stay at home . . . Don't let that get you down.  You only have a few precious years to do the best job in the world . . . Raising up the future church of believers.  Take advantage of filling those little sponges with the Word of God and setting the example of how Christ's love should be shared with others.  And you Mommas who have to work away and at home, just remember to keep godly examples in their lives while you are away, the treasure the time you have with them.  No one has perfected mothering, so all we can do is give them God's best - and that's through you!

And next time some bad driver pulls out in front of you, just "Bless him"!

Be Careful Little Eyes What You See . . .

Have you ever been doing something and felt like someone was watching you, to turn around and find no one?  Or have you ever done something thinking no one saw you and then found out someone was watching?  Both are awkward moments, right?

So often we go through our day-to-day activities not realizing what eyes may be watching us.  Perfect example, do you know how many times I had heard the word "stoked" before Ryan and Megan came?  Or the use of the word "stinkin'"?  Never!  Now I just chuckle everytime I see something posted on Facebook, receive a text or hear one of our students or the youth leaders use either of the words . . . They were words used by two respected individuals which were picked up by many.  Isn't it funny how things catch on!

Whether we know it or not, there's always eyes and ears paying attention to how we live our lives.  So how are you living yours? 

A few weeks ago we were on a little getaway with family friends.  One of the mornings, our little missy awoke and walked into the kitchen to peep out the back door at her friend "Miss Kim".  Immediately, she ran to me questionning where was her Bible.  Unfortunately, I had not brought hers - remembered mine, but not hers.  The beauty was that she saw "Miss Kim" having her morning quiet time; therefore, she wanted to emulate her.  So instead she just used mine and told us about Jacob and Noah.  How exciting! 

We have in our possession the greatest instruction book.  There are many in our community who are wanting needing an example of a godly life.  Live your life out loud the way God called you to live and be an example of Jesus' love to those who haven't yet met him.

Beth Moore . . .

I know many of you "Siestas", as Beth would say, are strong supporters of Beth Moore and love her Bible studies.  I just wanted to relay some bitter sweet information to you regarding Beth and her family. . . before  you panic, no, I know nothing about her ending her Bible studies!!! Shoooh!  Relief!  I can hear you Brenda, and all the rest of you!  Actually, it's very wonderful news . . . Beth's son-in-law, Curtis Jones, has been called to start a church plant in another part of Houston; therefore, Beth and her family will be leaving their home church of 30 years, Houston FBC.  I pass this information on to you to encourage you to pray over this family, the new church body and the geographical area to which they will be impacting for the kingdom of God.  For more information on this exciting news, please visit the following link to her blog. http://blog.lproof.org/2011/06/letting-go-and-welcoming-in.html