God's Power Made Perfect!

Have you ever been there as a mother... wondering if you are doing a good job? Wondering if you are really doing the best you can? Wondering if God really knew what he was doing when he gave you the responsibility of motherhood?

We try so hard as parents to grow our children in God's word, to discipline them out of love, and hope they learn to depend on God and learn the important moral lessons along the way.... but then they begin to bicker and argue and act with selfish ambition ... and I find myself feeling inadequate and much like a failure. 

But then with just one brief moment, God is always so good to restore my confidence and hope. While the boys were playing video games yesterday(something that usually tends to bring out the most impatient and selfish attitudes), I overheard my oldest guiding his younger brother through the latest virtual level.. "It's OK, Cade. You can do it! I've got your back!" I watched as Cade sat up a little straighter, and focused a little more,  as his confidence was restored. At that moment tears welled in my eyes and God spoke this truth to me.

Audra,

You can do it.  I have provided everything for you!

 I am with you, seek me because...

 I've got your back!

God didn't make a mistake when he blessed our family with 3 boys... He was just reminding me of his power through my weakness.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

My Homemaking Mission Statement

Recently, I was reading an article at OrgJunkie.com about creating a weekly cleaning schedule.  I have somewhat done this automatically, and because cleaning is something I kinda enjoy... a weekly schedule is a little over kill for me; at least when it comes to house cleaning.  However, I do struggle with feeling a little unappreciated from time to time, and find myself  hinting for compliments from my husband and kids. But as read Laura's article I couldn't help read one section over and over.  She wrote a House Keeping Mission Statement! WHAT!! Talk about over kill, right... but as I read a peacefulness came over me.  There is definitely something to be said about being reminded of your purpose.  It brought me back to why I am a stay at home mom, and why I love it so much.  It is a my purpose, my service to my family and to obedience to my God.  So I decided I needed a mission statement of my own.  So here it is...

My Homemaking Mission Statement
I will live purposefully, continuing to allow God to prune me and discipline me as I strive to listen to the spurring of the Holy Spirit and obey His commands. I will maintain an inviting and peaceful environment, for my family and anyone that may come into our life/home.   I will set the example of commitment, joy, and orderliness daily, by doing myself or delegating the tasks needed to create a home sanctuary that is above all else pleasing to God. 


Whatever you do, Work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not men... Colossians 3:23


I printed it out, framed it and  placed it in the kitchen, beside the coffee pot, (The first place I go in the morning!) I love the encouragement it provides and the reminder of what my goals and purposes are during this season in my life. What would your mission statement say?

Christian Sisters: We are designed to need each other!

Image Credit

Yesterday I was watching a TV reality show and the comment was made, "I can't mess up, everyone is just watching, hoping, and waiting for me to fail.  No one likes a success story!"

It broke my heart and instantly resonated with me.  How many times have we been in a group, shared a victory in our life to only be doubted and shot down, or one upped by a so called friend?  I know it has happened to me on numerous occasions. Sometimes by complete strangers and unfortunately sometimes by those very close to me.  I have to admit I've been on both ends of this situation, and it stinks either way! And it stinks so bad, because that is not how we are designed, it's not what we are here for, we are not here to be in competition, but to encourage and support each other. 

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us now give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another -- and all the more as you see the Day approaching"  Hebrews 10:24-25

There is a resounding message and movement among the Christian community right now that screams biblical truth about the relationship that women are designed to have.  Here are a few that have resonated with me...

 ***There are some times that we will not succeed and will not be at our best. However, this is not a time to jump ahead of our sisters and leave them behind, instead this is a time to reach down and lift one another up in our Precious Lord's name! --" Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." Philippians 2:1-4 

***Older must teach the younger!  This is a great responsibility for both sides. Older women must seek out younger women with a heart of Christ,  being willing to be honest, loving, and truly wanting more for their young counterpart. Which also means that younger women must have an open heart to accept the wisdom and sometimes hard truths that we all need to hear; knowing that the information is coming from a place of love and meant to help in our success and influence as Christian women. --Titus 2:3-5 (below)

***Lead by example!  From body image talk, to calm (NON DRAMATIC) reactions, to truly celebrating in an other's successes.  We are representing our families, our churches, and most of all Our Heavenly Father! --^"Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.  Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.⁴ Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God."  Titus 2:3-5

While writing this post situations and people from my past keep popping up in my mind. There are so many things that I have handled with horrible scowls, and little to no mercy or grace.  So many times l dialogue turned selfish and jealous of a fellow sister in Christ.  But I  do try hand to keep myself in check and keep Christ as the center of my thoughts. I am so thankful for the grace and mercy in which my Savior embraces me; especially during those times of weakness and worldliness.  

Do you struggle with similar situations?  What do you do to keep yourself focused on Christ purpose in your life as a Christian woman?

Experiencing God's Blessings

This morning I was enjoying some cuddle time with my sweet Brennan Bear. And as he settled into his "just right" spot I started thinking about how much he has grown and with his big 3 year old birthday just over (last Wed. ) I go a little sentimental.  Breannan is the typical "baby" of the family.  He is a momma's boy, likes to be the center of attention, and can be as sweetest thing one minute and rotten to the core the next, but either way enjoys every minute of it.

This morning I told him "No More Growing, Ok?"  to which he quickly agreeed, "Ok, Mommy!".  So sweet!  But as much as I want Brennan and all my boys to stay small enough to settle into that "just right" spot, it is so fun to watch them grow and become what God has planned for them to be. I love to see the way they think and process situations.  I love to see them grow as brothers and as young men of God. And will continue to stay focused on that fact! 

Thank you Lord for blessing our lives with these sweet boys! Thank you for allowing us to experience and embrace our rolls as parents to these future warriors.  May they always follow in your ways and grow in stature and favor with you!  Amen

Being a Patient Mother

Lately I have been learning alot about God.   With the move, trying to make a new house a home, a growing Thirty-One  business, and trying my hand at some free lance writing, I have found myself in unexplored territory.  I am pulled in many different direction, and still trying to find a good balance.

Unfortunately, in the midst of turmoil, I have lost my focus and my patients.  I absolutely despise bad attitudes, but unfortunately it is something I struggle with. I have been going through survival mode, and putting up a very strong front... The Lord has continually used my children to show me  the meaning of Grace, and gives me opportunity to practice patients and self control everyday! 

While looking for some encouragement and guidance the other day I came across these scriptures. If this is something you struggle with I pray they will bring you as much peace as they have me.

A Patient Mother --

Ecclesiastes 7:8-9

The Message (MSG)

 ^7-8"But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,
   the woman who sticks with God.
They're like trees replanted in Eden,
   putting down roots near the rivers—
Never a worry through the hottest of summers,
   never dropping a leaf,
Serene and calm through droughts,
   bearing fresh fruit every season.

Romans 15:5

New International Version (NIV)

 ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

Galatians 5:22

The Message (MSG)

 ^22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Philippians 4:13

New International Version (NIV)

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

James 1:3

The Message (MSG)

 ^2-4Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.