Today, as a welcome to our book study, we are so excited to give away a teaching from Sally’s Conferences! Click Below to Download Renew Your Hope!
A Welcome to our book study from Misty Krasawski
Hello, ladies! My name is Misty Krasawski. I’m married to Rob, and am also the always-busy mama of eight children, who range in age from two to nineteen. I’m so thrilled to be starting out on this new journey here at the MomHeart blog with all of you. Sally Clarkson has been a tremendous influence in my life since I began reading her books and attending MomHeart conferences many, many years ago. I’ve been incredibly blessed as I’ve gotten to know Sally personally, attending both of the MomHeart Leadership Intensives hosted by her fabulous team of mamas in Colorado, and working on projects together over the past few years. Sally has shaped and encouraged my ideals about mothering more than any other woman, and I know we’re going to learn a lot together as we study this book!
Every Thursday here at the MomHeart blog, we’ll have something new for you. We will include quotes from the book along with some of my own reflections, vlogs from Sally, questions for you to think through as you read, and of course a place for you to discuss your own questions or reactions to the book in the comment section! We are looking forward to a lot of interaction here—be sure to scroll down so you can read and respond to others’ ideas! We plan to cover one chapter every month.
If you really want to take it up a notch, get brave and use these notes and comments as jumping-off points for your own groups—just check out the post on “So You Want to Start a MomHeart Group,” then gather your own group of ladies together for fun and fellowship.
And Here We Go!
“The Mission of Motherhood.” It sounds noble, right? Most of us would agree (perhaps tentatively) that yes, motherhood is indeed a mission–a great purpose, a vision, a task we’ve been given. We might have some vague ideas about what a good Christian mom should look like, and also a long list of things we probably should be doing. We know we’re supposed to be something like the lady in Proverbs 31 with a little Titus 2 thrown in. Other moms seem to be juggling multiple balls gracefully, and we assume we should do the same. Many of us acknowledge that God created moms and families for a purpose, and that our homes should be places of grace and love.
Fewer of us, though, have thought through what the idea of the “mission of motherhood” exactly means to us as women on the front lines of diapers, laundry, character issues, and educational needs. What is the mission of motherhood, exactly? What does it mean? What does it look like as it’s played out behind the doors of our own homes? What does God have to say about motherhood, anyway?
Before my children were born, I had some pretty grand ideas. I wanted to go to the mission field—as in, out of my own country. I wanted to do something grand for God. I knew I wanted to have children and to build a wonderful family, but basically thought those two things were done sortof side by side. You know—have a great family, and then do something (else) for the Lord. I remember coming home from church meetings where people were encouraged to go into full time ministry here or to reach out to the people they worked with or to offer themselves overseas and I would think, “Half the time I can barely get us all to church, let alone evangelize my neighborhood!”
Reading Assignment: Introduction to the Mission of Motherhood
As Sally states in the introduction to the book:
“ For quite a few years now, my husband and I have been privileged to travel all over the United States and to other parts of the world, conducting seminars on the biblical vision of the family. Wherever we travel, I meet mothers from so many stations of life—from stay-at-home moms and homeschoolers to professional career women, from sweet young moms pregnant with their first babies to older mothers trying to reach the hearts of their teenagers. Though the choices and circumstances of these women may be very different, their hearts and desires are basically the same—to do the best job they can at loving and nurturing their children and to bring meaning and continuity to the life and relationships in their families. They all want to be the very best parents they can. They want to do motherhood right.
And yet, increasingly, I find that these women are unsure of what it means to be a good mother. They are confused by a culture that sends them drastically mixed messages about the importance of a mother’s influence and what her priorities should be. As a result, so many mothers I meet are baffled and frustrated. They don’t know how to reconcile these conflicting messages with the calling of God on their hearts and lives.
What’s the cure for this confusion? I believe it lies with a rediscovery of the traditional mission of motherhood, a rediscovery of what God had in mind when he first designed families. That fundamental design is still valid, although its specific shape in a given home may vary widely. And the fundamental mission of motherhood now is the same as it always was; to nurture, protect and instruct children, to create a home environment that enables them to learn and grow, to help them develop a heart for God and His purposes, and to send them out into the world prepared to live both fully and meaningfully. It’s up to us to embrace that mission as our own, trusting God to walk us through the details and to use our willing mothers’ hands as instruments of His blessings. ”
So
how about it, mom?
Where are you in this picture? Are
you confused about what being a godly mom looks like? Did
you grow up in a home where you saw Biblical motherhood modeled? How
would you answer the question, “What does God have to say about motherhood,
anyway?”
I
hope you’ll join us every week to look deeper into God’s heart for mothers
through this book—and lets chat, shall we?
Leave your responses and questions below in the comments! We can’t wait to hear from you!
About Sally Clarkson
I’m so glad you are joining us here! I’m going to hop in and comment once in awhile, but realize it’ll be impossible to answer everyone–plus that’s not really our goal! Please know we’re reading and praying for all of you. We’d love it if you would go ahead and respond to one another! This is all here for you. Leave questions, tell us where you’re struggling, or share a praise report. It’s a blessing to be here with you all!
Started reading my book and already most of it is highlighted or underlined…haha. I have found so many amazing nuggets of knowledge in just the intro and first chapter. The thing that stood out to me is really focusing on what matters for eternity. Everything else is of this world. Thanks Sally!
I’m so excited to be starting this book study. I don’t have a group of women to share with in real life, so I’m looking forward to this in a big way!
Did you say there was a free download? I don’t see it. Oh, Sally and Misty! I’m so excited to study this book. I really enjoyed The Ministry of Motherhood study I did last summer and I just bought this book a few months ago, but haven’t had a chance to read it. Sally, I feel like you are talking right to me! You have such an personable presence. Thank you for writing the book and doing this study with Misty!
Shonda, click on the words, "Renew Your Hope from the 2010 Mom Heart Conference" above adorable Joy’s picture!
Thank you so very much! I bought ‘The Mission of Motherhood’ today and I am so, so looking forward to this study! I have 8 precious ones, ages 16 years – 12 months. I am so thankful for the encouragement I am receiving through MomHeart from Jesus – how I pray I don’t keep it to myself, but do all I can to ‘pass it on’ & encourage all those dear Mums with whom I come into contact! May the Lord Jesus bless you & strengthen you for the work He has set before you.
Rebecca in Tasmania, Australia.
I’m so excited to start this book study. Sally, you are a blessing to all mom’s!
Thank you for your hearts, Sally and Misty! I’m really looking forward to this study on the Mission of Motherhood. What a great image from the dream.
OK, I see it now. Thanks!
I am so excited about this study! I am 30 years old and just over 5 weeks pregnant with our first child. SInce finding out we are expecting, my husband and I have prayed over our baby every night. One of our prayers is that God will help us to be the best parents we can be. No doubt, He led me to this study at just this time. Thank you for allowing God to use you to help prepare other mothers for this noble mission!
What a wonderful thing to be doing–and how wise you are to be creating a vision in your life before your little one is here! Thank you for joining us and sharing, Jamie. Bless you!
Oh, I’m so grateful. I’m 12 weeks pregnant with our third child and recently moved to a new state, Maryland, with our family. I have two daughters ages 4 and 5.
I’ve been praying for a mentor and a community since I long so much for our old friends.
Thank you!
I’m open to starting an online small group, anyone else interested?
(Ok, here’s my 3rd attempt at posting this… now watch all three of them pop up later and make me look silly! LOL!)
I might be interested, Christy! How were you thinking of doing a group like that?
"I’ve been praying for a mentor and a community since I long so much for our old friends."
I know that feeling well! (((hugs))) I hope you find that support in your new town soon!
I’m pregnant myself (with #5), just getting into that second trimester… we could be "pregnancy buddies" too! G
That’s what we’re hoping for this to become, Christy–an online small group.
You are a busy mama! It’s so hard to be in a new place. Perhaps there’s a neighbor who would come over for tea and you could share your thoughts? I pray you find tons of new friends soon!
I’m very excited for this course too! And thank you for the download. I’m a mom of two girls, ages 2 and 6! Looking forward to growing as a mom!
And its not letting me log in with fb or google…so hoping it’ll allow me to log in as guest!
I am going to join in with this in a few weeks as I am moving house and the dear packers packed the book!! I pray that this journey will be a real blessing for soo many. This will be the 4th time that I have done a study on Mission of Motherhood, I find that God has used Sally to speak to me in the many stages of parenting and mothering. Now that we are moving I shall be reading it again as my children acclimatise to a new culture and a new language.
Becky, I’ve read the book many times myself. Every time, the Lord speaks to me and reminds me of things I’d "forgotten!" Praying for you in your new endeavor and home!
Becky, I’ve read the book many times myself. Every time, the Lord speaks to me and reminds me of things I’d "forgotten!" Praying for you in your new endeavor and home!
I didn’t grow up with any sort of idea of what a godly mother/parent should look like. I’m ever so thankful for this ministry and Sally’s books. I long to be the best mother I can be to my children, but it’s extremely challenging and just downright hard! I’m looking forward to this study for the encouragement that I believe every mom needs in order to succeed! Thanks Sally and Misty!
Chelsea- I agree that mothering is downright hard and I had a really good mom. I feel like a failure daily with my 3 year old, but I know that I love him so much and that I need to put aside my selfishness and pursue the godly way to be a mom so I can impact my child for eternity.
I’m here with ya, Chels! I know you’re not ‘just down the road’ anymore, but we can still encourage each other on this journey from afar!! I love you…
I have just listened to the ‘Hope’ download. Thank you for the encouragement to "finish well".
We can have withstood much, through terrible storms, very conscious of Christ’s loving, powerful presence, and then become weary in well doing when life is simpler, more mundane. Sometimes I find that is the real testing place of faithfulness to Him.
Blessed hope of Easter – ‘for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross’ – so for the joy of knowing Him, being with Him, let us endure…
Amen, and amen! Hope seemed a fitting topic for all of us this weekend!
Our monthly Mom Heart Group just started reading this book a few months ago, so this will be a great way to review and reinforce what I’m learning – thanks, Sally!
I also struggle with not having a good idea of what a godly mother looks like. Growing up in a home without a godly influence, I didn’t experience much tenderness. I struggle with applying it to my own children. I have prayed many years for God to lead me in how to be a godly mother to them (12 yr old girl, 7 yr old boy).
I have enjoyed other books by Sally. I’m looking forward to this study!
Dear Shannon, we’re so glad you’re with us. Most people share your testimony, and we all need the Lord’s leading and grace and help as we strive to be gentle moms. I pray you are encouraged as we walk through this book together!
Looking forward to this study. I’ve read some of the book, but will start over and really let it sink in. Motherhood can be a very trying and lonely journey. It’s hard to stay positive, joyful, and encouraging when you feel alone. Community and Christ are very important in staying focused.
My mother was a wonderful mother. She was a single mom and did a great job with me. My brothers were ten years older so life when they moved out was very different. But I still find myself thinking that I want to do things differently; that my life with her was not what I want my children’s lives to be exactly. When I got this book I read it through in one weekend. I’m lending it to my neighbor right now so maybe I’ll have to borrow it back a weekend at a time to read the chapters as they come. I’m so inspired by what I read that Sally has written but so often I feel frustrated too, because I feel like I really don’t know how to do what she’s suggesting. I’m hoping this club will help me to solidify some ideas so I know how to transform my family into what I see that I so desire.
Dena, I’m a speedy-reading girl, too! And I race through things because I want to learn it ALL–and then realize I haven’t really internalized much of it! Anyway, I love that you’re sharing your book! I’m re-reading the current chapter every week. I find if I read slowly, with a highlighter and in prayer, I learn more. Thanks for joining us!
(this is more of just a test comment… I was having trouble earlier leaving a comment… please ignore!)
And of course NOW it finally works. LOL. Just my luck
Misty – feel free to delete these if you want!
Kali, you’re so cute! Ha! The same thing would happen to me! I’ll leave this up long enough for you to see this hopefully, then go ahead and delete them in a few! No worries!
I am so happy to be part of this book study! Misty, I have been reading your blog for awhile and I am always so encouraged by what you write. You and Sally both inspire and encourage me to be a mother who is present, who enjoys the day-to-day moments with my daughter. This will be the first time I have read "Mission of Motherhood" and I’m looking forward to it. It has been on my "To-Read" list for awhile. I had a wonderful, godly mother but I am realizing that as good of a mother as she was, I learned some ways that I do not want to repeat in my own mothering. I want to be intentional about my mothering and want to make some changes that will make me a better mother to my sweet girl.
Lisa, so wonderful to see you here! Thank you very much for your kind words. I think all of us have things we would say we "learned" that we wish we could "unlearn!" As we set our hearts toward the Lord and ask Him to help us, I believe He will do that and help us set new patterns into place.
I am so happy to be part of this book study! Misty, I have been reading your blog for awhile and I am always so encouraged by what you write. You and Sally both inspire and encourage me to be a mother who is present, who enjoys the day-to-day moments with my daughter. This will be the first time I have read "Mission of Motherhood" and I’m looking forward to it. It has been on my "To-Read" list for awhile. I had a wonderful, godly mother but I am realizing that as good of a mother as she was, I learned some ways that I do not want to repeat in my own mothering. I want to be intentional about my mothering and want to make some changes that will make me a better mother to my sweet girl.
Oops, sorry for the double post!
I am a mom of a 3 year old boy and 11 month old girl. I thought I knew all about being a mom before I became one and now I have been completely humbled and drawn to my knees in many feelings of failure and exhaustion especially this last year. I am a sold out lover of God and I want to be the mom he has called me to be. I had a wonderful mom who showed me unconditional love. She is a super prayer warrior for me and I want to be that for my kids too. I read The Ministry of Motherhood last summer with GMG and I grabbed this book because I knew that Sally has so much wisdom to share with me for being a mom. I daily want to change and be a better mom. Very excited about this study! I think God has a lot to say about motherhood! I’m ready to learn!
I’m so excited for this book study. This has been on my to-read list since I heard about it from Kat. So glad to be able to read it together in this community. I’m still waiting for my book to be shipped. =p I’m hoping and praying about starting up a group during the summer when most mom groups in our area are taking a break of meeting together.
I found Sally’s blog about six months ago and completely fell in love with her message. I am an idealist living in a realist’s world and she has been the encouragement that I needed. I am excited about the opportunity to learn more from Sally and the other ladies here.
Thank you for doing this book study. My book arrived yesterday and I’m so looking forward to read it. I am very thankful that the expectation is only 1 chapter per month… That is right at my pace.
One chapter a month–yes! We realize it could be read faster if one had the time, but to give ourselves time to "simmer" in the words seems more helpful! Welcome!
Looking forward to doing this book study. I have had it sitting on my shelf for some time now. I am the Mom of 3 wonderful children: 8,6, and 4. I have been struggling with my inadequacies as a mother. I think I know in my head how to be a godly mother, but putting it into action everyday is so hard. And I’m asking the Lord to show me how to be a good mother.
Thankful for this online small group of moms to learn and grow together.
Inadequacy is such a common feeling among moms! We all need the Lord’s help and guidance as we come up short. He is faithful to help us! Grateful for all of you joining us.
I am encouraged by reading these comments and seeing that so many others struggle with their inadequacies as mothers or figuring out what a godly mother looks like. It’s not just me! I know that God can really use this book and study to propel us all to become the wonderful mothers we desire to be for his glory. Thanks for sharing, everyone!
Thanks so much for sharing your dream Sally. I am so glad that there is a voice to declare and bring attention to the warfare that is going on for the souls of children. There are waves upon waves of ungodly influences that crash down upon us with the intention of drawing souls away from Christ and His ways……we must as you say….protect and guard our children from the onslaught of ungodly influence ….and bathe them in prayer.
I am a mama to a 13 month old. Sometimes I think I might be overly concerned about ungodly influences….especially concerning other family members. Every family member is going to influence our children in some way…it can be hard to step and say, Please don’t say that around my daughter." But I find that I don’t care about offending anyone when it concerns the welfare of my little one. I don’t want to be too over-protective, but I feel that I need to guard her influences as much as I have an opportunity to while she’s young.
Just wanted to share another thought! Someone once said to me that she felt the LORD tell her regarding the unborn………"The smallest change in the structure of an egg indicates that life is present. And when life is present, a soul is born." Our babies are eternal beings the very moment they are conceived.
What a beautiful thought, Gina! And true. Thank you for what you’ve shared here. We do feel it’s important that there be a voice calling out to moms to protect children–their own, as well as others! We are so glad you’ve joined us, as we’re better together. Bless you!
God has a lot to say about our attitudes and actions .As mothers, these two areas shape the atmosphere in which we raise our children
Well said! Why is this so easy to forget in the day to day grind?!
Thank you, dear Sally~ for offering the download. I just finished listening to it and it brought such encouragement to me. And what a delight to hear you speak! I’ve never had the privilege of hearing you before (I’ve only read your books) and it was such a treat to hear you. Bless you for your faithful love for Jesus and your service to Him!
~Stacy
I am trying to find the other posts and how to follow on this Mission of Motherhood study. Can someone please tell me how to find the next ones? I don’t really have time to go through and read every post though I would love to.