Words of Wisdom - PART 2*

Last Saturday we gleaned from seasoned moms as they shared thoughts on motherhood with us. With many Godly women willing to share their insight, we decided to break it  up into two weeks. Enjoy the following encouragement and allow Him to speak to you through the lives of His people....enjoy!

 
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisers make victory sure.   - Proverbs 11:14

"I like what Chuck Swindoll shared,  to be careful when you train your child up in the way they should go, that you take into consideration their different personality.  You may have to figure out what gets through to one that may not work well with another.  It is worth taking the time.  And give them opportunity to share their feelings without being afraid that there will be reprisal.  You want to encourage them to communicate with you honestly, so that, as they get older they will be free to share what is going on in their life." 

-Chris, mom of three, grandmother of five

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. - Proverbs 15:22

"God has taught me to allow my children to be who God created them to be. They are all so different, and if we aren't careful, we can frustrate or hurt our children by pushing them to be who WE want them to be, rather than letting them follow the bent that God put in their hearts. God impressed upon my heart early on in motherhood to pray for wisdom daily and ask God to direct my children's paths in following their hopes and dreams. Proverbs 3:5,6 was a verse that my mom prayed over me growing up, and in turn, I've prayed that verse for my children over the years. God is faithful!" 

- Jan, mom of three, grandmother of 2

Instill in your children what they can do for others, not what others can do for you. The fruit from that for me has been that my daughter's friends at college can't believe she's an only child. Jesus came to serve, not be served. Matt 20:28. 

- Patrice, mom of one

Some of the best counsel I EVER received was from a sweet friend, Catherine, who reminded me in times of confusion, to stop and ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance. How grateful I am for those simple yet profound words I have remembered many days as a mommy. The Lord spoke through her at just the perfect time.

Thank you to all the moms who have ever encouraged another because of lessons learned through trials and testing in your own life. We are all better because of it!

Words of Wisdom - PART 1

Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. - Titus 2:3-5 MSG

It was last Saturday that my mom and I, along with my boys, ventured out to Target. On our way there my mom and I began a discussion that catapulted me into this blog post today. She shared with me wisdom she learned through her seasons of being a mom.  About how different things are now versus when she was raising us girls. Times have changed. I thought for today we would listen in on some wisdom from different moms, what they have gleaned and hope to pass on to you. Sit back, read, and allow the Lord to shine light on your life and where you can relate to these ladies. I pray you enjoy these as much as I have. P.S. My mom, a.k.a Brigid, is the first one to share below!!

"I was blessed as a first-time mom to have experienced moms around me who encouraged and supported me in my mothering. They gently nurtured me as I experienced the ups and downs of motherhood and helped me understand the value of being a stay-at-home mom. Some words of wisdom I've experienced... Cherish every moment you have with your child. Time passes so quickly and the day will come when you look back on those memories. Make the most of the time you have. Enjoy where you are and experience it fully. We are sometimes so anxious for one stage to pass, that we miss the joy in the present. Don't compare your baby or child to any other. Quality moments only happen when we spend a quantity of time with our children. People are more important than things. Don't be fooled into thinking you or your child need more "things" to be happy. Pray for your children daily. Pray, also, for the boys and girls who will one day be their godly mates."
 - Brigid, mom of three, "Mimi" to three grandchildren

"Don't be afraid to admit your mistakes to your children.  It is an excellent example when you apologize for a wrong and seek forgiveness.  Our children don't need to think that we're perfect!  They need to see a real-life journey of faith and trust in the Lord and the growth that brings! "
- Kori, mom of three 

"Enjoy every minute, they grow up so fast. Patience is essential. If you need a break, call someone to help. Even a trip to the grocery store alone will give you a different outlook. When they're small, the problems are small, a deep breath & a quick prayer will help. Allow yourself some alone time. "
- Linda, mom of two, grandma of two

"I would say to allow the words to really soak into your heart- THE TIME YOU HAVE WITH YOUR CHILDREN GOES SO FAST! It truly is a blink of an eye before it’s over and on to the next season. Our children are the most precious gift we could ever receive from the Lord!"
 - Suzi, mom of two

"Don't get discouraged by the culture. We can impact the world. God has your kids here, right at this juncture, its not accident. If you are following the Lord, God will often even overlook your sins and bless you because you are seeking to follow him. It's OK to be human. I look at my kids and say, "WOW! Lord, you are so cool!"
-Linda, mom of two, about to be a new grandma in March

"I would encourage mom's of young children to set boundaries at an early age. This will help set standards of Godly principles as it relates to Internet usage, social networking, t.v., dating, etc...as our kids mature into teens. I would also advise moms to learn how to talk WITH---NOT AT---your kids. I have to admit that I often times forget & struggle w/this simple fact. It is such an important element in communicating effectively with your teens."
-Yirsi, mom of two

to be continued next week...Words of Wisdom- Part 2