I wanted to share our pastor's sermon from yesterday.  It was such an encouraging message for mom's~ to keep pressing on.  I hope it encourages those of you who read it. 

"Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.  And she made this vow: 'O Lord Almighty, if you will look down upon my sorrow and answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you.  He will be yours for his entire lifetime.' "  1 Samuel 1:10-11 NLT

To have children is to have the "Power of Motherhood".  God has given to every woman the right, ability, and authority to bring forth life into the earth.  Women are the carriers of life.  Within them, the Lord has given human creative ability.

To raise children is to have the "Spirit of Motherhood".  Hannah was filled with that spirit to be a mother.  Without mothers and those that mother and nurture us along the way, where would we be?

Discovering The Power of Motherhood

1.  Rejoice in your calling.  1 Samuel 2:1

God has given to every women the power of motherhood~ nurturing. 

Life application: Motherhood is the highest of the salaried jobs since payment is in pure love.

Hannah was rejoicing in her motherhood.

2.  Resist stereotypes.  1 Samuel 1:6

Everyone seems to have an agenda for women- find God's agenda for you.  Your assignment is consistent with how He made you.  People should love you for who you are and who you are to become--they shouldn't want to change you.  You don't have to be like someone else.  A mother's typical antagonist will most likely be another woman.

Life Application: Every woman has a cutstom-tailored call from God.

3.  Receive God's help.  1 Samuel 1:15

Find strength, security, safety, and perspective from God through prayer. 

Life application: There is no way to be a perfect mother but with God's help there are a million ways to be a great mother. 

Hannah knew to go to God and pour out her heart when she was troubled.

4.  Remember the goal.  1 Samuel 1:11

A child is your opportunity to prepare them for a lifetime of worship and service to the Lord.

Life application: A mother's goal isn't just to get her kids to pick up their toys but to pick up values and principles that will guide their whole life. 

You have supernatural influencing power.