Encouragement for Today...

This past weekend a friend and I got to talking about the old days. About 25 years ago. You know--the days before internet? Or maybe you don't know and I'm just dating myself here.

In any event I remember it as an exciting time in my life. I was a newlywed--everything was new to me and I wasn't only ready to take on the world, I was ready to take on some new recipes.

I spent hours on end thumbing through old magazines and filling out recipe cards. If I knew anything for sure it was this--I was going to dazzle my husband with my homemaking skills. I had time to clean up, time to cook meals, and plenty of time left for a social life. So dazzle I did.

As time past things started to change for us. Children came along, and life got busy. I wasn't impressing him with my homemaking skills anymore as much as I was with my ability to breastfeed a child while paying the bills.

I was blessed beyond measure, but life was busy--and some days downright chaotic. I was raising little ones and I was in desperate need of encouragement. That and some female companionship. 

I used to say, "It's nice to talk to someone that comes up past my belly button."

Praise God for "Ladies Morning Out." Every Tuesday we gathered together to read the Word and talk about things on our heart. Childcare was provided by the church (a dear soul who blessed us more than she'll ever realize). We didn't have an extra car, but somebody took the effort to pick me up each week, so I could attend. I needed that!

Raising young children will always keep a mom on her feet--that hasn't changed--what has changed however is that encouragement is closer than it's ever been. What I would have given to be able to click on the internet and glean encouragement when I was feeling discouraged. Just to have someone out there to remind me that these times pass too quickly. Someone to point me to scripture.

Today? There are a few websites I lean on to sharpen me. Websites like Proverbs 31 Ministries are created with us in mind. It's written by women who relate to us while encouraging us in our walk.

I'll never minimize the importance of the Bible which offers timeless wisdom and encouragement for moms--in fact I'm seriously addicted to it--but God has also appointed us to share the gospel with one another. And I'll never give up the opportunity to meet face-to-face with believers, but I'm grateful for P31 women like, Renee Swope, Lysa Terkeurst, Samantha Evilsizer, and Karen Ehman who encourage me with their words. Their words are a gift.

Just the other day, Renee shared a post called "Triggers and Truth." She writes:

Have you ever noticed how something can happen or someone can say something and all of the sudden thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “What is wrong with me?” will trigger a string of negative emotions?

Then, before you know it that awful, yucky feeling of self doubt comes over you and makes you want to shrink back in a corner. Self-doubt is like a bully. It makes us feel small, inadequate, less than and insecure...

Hands up if you've been there. Mine's raised high over here!

I won't give the rest of the post away. You can watch her short video here. Go ahead--watch it--I'll wait here until you come back. *smile*

Want more encouragement? The Proverbs 31 Ministries team has gotten together to write this devotional called, Encouragement for Today.

There are 100 devotions in the book, which I enjoy because they aren't too long. Each one is short enough to slip into a busy day.

Technically it's available on Tuesday, but you can pre-order it today! Get more information on Amazon.

P.S. Coming next week, I'm going to share another book I'm reading from Courtney at Women Living Well. You're going to LOVE that one too!

You are loved by an almighty God,



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