Whether you are headed to the grocery or church knowing how you will get there is quite helpful. I am reminded of a quote that's stuck over the years:
FAIL TO PLAN, PLAN TO FAIL
When I became a mother, I needed a plan. My growing up years had not included alot of time around infants or toddlers. I managed to live a fairly self centered life. About the time I came to the end of myself, through many trials, toils, and fears, I found myself a mother to a living being who needed me for everything.
Within a couple of years I was expecting again.
At a loss for what to do with these little people God entrusted to me I found myself depressed and even angry at times. I was isolated and ill equipped to handle such a big responsibility. We muddled through the first few years of life with family but I longed for something more. I just didn't know what. Something deeper for my children. It was about then I reached out to an old college friend who sent me to the nearest bible study. She recognized the signs that I was in need of community and time with God.
Getting into God's word opened my heart and mind to hearing from the Lord personally and better understanding the nature and character of God. Our family had decided to homeschool so I was in more need of community than ever. A friend at bible study introduced me to the Clarkson's
Educating the Whole Hearted Child. The discipleship model of parenting resonated with my spirit and freed me from the burdens of legalism imposed on me by my own mind and well intended others.
The next 15 years included yearly Mom Heart Conferences, recent summer intensives, and the birthing of local mom heart groups to encourage and equip one another. What I didn't expect to transpire was a failed marriage and the onset of becoming a single working mother of five children.
I needed a new plan. But I didn't need a new God. The heavenly father that I had been cultivating a relationship with carried me, sustained me, and gave me new hope for ALL of His promises to still be true in spite of my new marital status.
I'm so grateful the truths afforded me by my mentor Sally Clarkson rang true during the most difficult season of my life. Because my faith journey had grown leaps and bounds over the past decade God equipped me through His word, His body, and His Spirit to walk through this very hard and dark place.
Maybe you are walking through a difficult time.
Maybe you are struggling with a wayward child.
Maybe you are beaten down by your past.
Maybe you need help with your plan.
Whatever your circumstances, I believe you will be encouraged by attending the upcoming Mom Heart conference in Illinois. It would be my honor to meet you as I share from my heart
"Can Broken Stories Have Happy Endings?"
Come and meet several of my friends, strong women of faith, who haven't had an easy life but serve a great God. We look forward to meeting you the first weekend of November.
Find out more information about the conference here:
www.amomsheartinil.com
