Today Tami is going to share some of her journey from becoming a new leader to growing into an experienced mentor of Mom Heart women. Tami is an inspiration because she jumped into ministry to mothers so wholeheartedly.The first Mom Heart conference that I attended was in 2009. I was searching for encouragement and rest. Little did I know how God would use that conference to change my life.
“Your children are your ministry.”
“In the absence of biblical conviction, children will go the way of culture.”
These life-breathing statements from Sally forever changed my perception on motherhood.In 2010, I was blessed to attend Sally’s first Mom Heart Intensive with about 45 other moms. We were taught by gifted speakers about writing, speaking, serving, cooking, praying, and making our home into a place of beauty. We were loved, encouraged and cherished by Sally and her Mom Heart team. I was given a desire to serve other moms in this same way. But how? I did not feel equipped to mentor other mothers.
Some members of Tami's Mom Heart group
Stepping out in faith/answering the call - Isaiah 6:8, “And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” After much prayer, and hearing clearly from the Lord, I started my own Mom Heart group. We have continued to fellowship together for over 5 years, meeting twice per month in a cozy home setting. We have read nearly all of Sally’s books and are currently discussing “Own Your Life”. The first half hour is dedicated to fellowship, followed by our book discussion and then we spend time praying for each other. We have other events throughout the year including teas and luncheons that bring moms together for a time of refreshment and encouragement.
A spring tea especially for mothers
Are you a Titus 2 mom?Titus 2:3 “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— 4 that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed.”God has an amazing way of stretching us, placing us in unfamiliar situations that we are not equipped to handle in our own strength. This is why it is so beautiful when you step out in faith and follow His will. Because you know that it is all Him and He gets the glory. When you are not equipped, you know it has to be God. Hebrews 13:21 “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.”If God has called you, He will equip you. God is in the small beginnings and the false starts. Often our efforts for God are attacked by the enemy. We can get discouraged so that we don't even want to try again. But God delights in taking the insignificant and making something out of it. Because of our nature, we might often feel we are not equipped. With the power of Jesus in our spirits, we never have to attempt a duty for which we are not strengthened. Look to Him for direction and do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin. (from Zechariah 4:10)A few thoughts from Tami’s group members:“Although I love that the book is the catalyst for us getting together, the book is secondary. Being there to listen and pray together is first. I have learned to ache for the ladies in our group. ““Our group has been an encouragement and a blessing from the Lord. I feel God brought this group of very different ladies together with the same heart to serve the Lord and become better moms through Christ. It is a safe place to share struggles and failures without guilt, to know your prayer requests are being lifted up to the Lord, and a place of community.”“So many times I have come in empty handed, all "poured out" without another drop to give. So many times, I leave full, encouraged in ways that only God knows. These like-minded women walk a similar path to my own. A path that wants to love and honor God, along with being a fully present wife and mother to those God has given us. They, along with Sally, breathe hope through the words spoken and written.” May we always trust and believe that when God calls us, He equips us, He provides, and He enables! He makes a way where there seems to be no way. Yes, it will take faith, hard work, diligence and persistence, but with God on our side, we can do anything! We need not rely on our strength alone ~ When God calls, He also equips!Tami's group meets in the Richardson/Plano area and she'd be happy to connect with any mothers in those areas. Her email is: tamicooke515 (at) gmail (dot) com.