I struggled for a couple of years with my ministry.  Most of this occured after we left the home church setting and returned to a "traditional" church.  Some of it occured as I read about other homeschool moms.  It took a long time of prayer, my sweet husband's encouragement, and the encouragement of a couple of other ladies in my life~one here on blogger; one in my church~for me to accept that God is pleased with my ministry of motherhood being my main ministry at this point in my life.  You, see, I knew that in my heart.  I knew that this is what He called me to, but I let other people and their perceived expectations make me think I was falling short because I am not a Sunday School teacher, choir teacher, committee member, etc.  This is not to criticize those who are, but to encourage some out there not to do those things out of others' expectations, guilt, or confused thinking.  Of course I pray for others and encourage others as the Lord gives me opportunity, but without a doubt, discipling the 4 girls that God gave me is my ministry.  I have finally reached the point in the last year that I do not feel guilty, and I do not have to be concerned about the judgements of others. 

I hope Julie doesn't mind.  I stole this great video off of her blog.  Listen, and let the words minister to your heart, especially if you have young children who need you every waking minute. 

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Posted by tn3jcarter

I was just so blessed by your entry AND that music video... oh. my. word. I SO would have linked to it in THM if I had known about it ahead of time.

I know God is going to bless many mommas through that song. I'm going to share it on my blog and email it to my friends too!

Have a wonderful Mother's Day. I'm so thankful to have found you online. :O)

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Posted by HomeintheMitten

I am also thankful for being entrusted with such a ministry! What a gift from the Father.

Thank you, too, for encouraging me and praying for me. I am knowing much more peace these days, confident in a powerful God!

Blessings, Julie

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Posted by Juldos

Wonderful post!
Don't you love this video? So true that all we do for our family each day can be turned into an act of worship. I thank the Lord each day for allowing me to be a wife and mom. As we do all unto the Lord it changes our perspective.
Happy Day!
Julie

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Posted by Maria

Happy Mother's Day
I am at my sisters until Tuesday. I got to spend some time with my dad today. It's been a nice visit.

Love,
Maria

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Posted by bbullard

What a powerful and timely post. I, too, have had a similar struggle with, as I call it, the Supermom complex. Not only does it impact us spiritually, but I've also found that we get pressured to do it all and look as if we do it all effortlessly. Thank God for freedom in Him, and for being able to love ourselves and find peace in Him.

One of the hardest tasks in the Kingdom of God is growing comfortable with our place, and understanding that our place is as valuable for what we're called to do as is someone else's. Good for you that you've chosen to focus on your children; I know I could use a lesson in how to say no every now and then. The girls will be very blessed to have a mom who put her family first (such a rarity these days).

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Posted by MamaJ

I can relate to that. I often feel restless, like I should be doing something else. But after reading several verses again lately, I'm feeling the tremendous weight of responsibility of mothering. I can't be distracted by busy-ness. I'm taking for granted the gifts that God has given me in my children, and wishing for something else to do! It's always a blessing to read your blog.

Mama J.

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Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

Letitia, I have slowly realized that my kids are my mission field. I think of the apostles, they were given power when they became witnesses. The Greek word is martus, from which we get the word martyr. But, that understanding of the term came about only because the church was being persecuted and many witnesses were being martyred.

The original meaning is more clear by looking in Isaiah 43. Israel's, God's covenanat people, were to be witnesses, "so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me." I reflect God to my children.

I used to feel guilty. I like being with my children. I appreciate not planning Sunday school lessons, participating in meetings, and I don't have any desire to sing in front of anyone, ever. But, the real proof is in the fact that it is in my home, with my children, that I am empowered by the Holy Spirit. He bears witness to the fact that I am where God wants me to be for this season of my life.

Happy Mother's Day ~

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Posted by leastofthese

I love the video. It's such a good reminder that we are all on the mission field every day. May our lives reflect the love of Christ to our children.

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