Hope for the Tired, Frustrated, and Empty Mom - November 13

As Thanksgiving is this week and the rest of the holidays loom closer, many of us feel even more tired, frustrated, and empty than usual, wondering how we can possibly give more than we already are. Christina Patterson's timely message was wonderfully encouraging as she shared how God can use the little we have for His glory.

Christina began by sharing how she felt that God was calling her to stay home after she had children, something she never thought would happen. She found it very challenging, and thought there was something wrong with her!  She told us that being a parent is supposed to be hard - we are constantly pouring ourselves out for our families. We often feel like we are not enough, and that we are doing it wrong.
Christina shared the story of Elijah and the widow from I Kings 17. The widow felt like she was not enough, when Elijah asked her for more than she felt like she could give. His response to her was that she should not be afraid.

• We always feel like we are not enough when we are operating out of fear.
• When we pour ourselves out for God, we will not run dry. We are to work unto God, and not unto men.
• God does not want your ability - He wants YOU to trust HIS ability.
• It's in our weaknesses that the power of God rests on us.
• He doesn't want us to try harder; He wants us to trust Him more.
• God will take what we already have and multiply it in miraculous ways.
• When God is in the midst, it will be enough.
• We can do more with God with a little bit than by ourselves with a lot.
• When we have more, we can start to make idols of those things (money, sleep, time, etc.) We don't need those things more than we need God

Remember - motherhood is a ministry that God calls us to! 

Christina is from a ministry called Beloved Women. There are some amazing resources on the website if you check it out!

Announcements: 

- Auction Fundraiser coming up in December! If you have anything you would like to donate, or know a business that you'd be willing to ask for a donation, please contact Rachel Chevalley at therachelchevalley@gmail.com

- Christmas Toy Swap coming up! Bring your unused kids' toys (gently used!) and Christmas decor items to our December 11 meeting, and swap with others!

Join us on November 27 for our Mentor Moms panel. 

Jamie-Lee, Lacinda, and Rosemary's groups will be bringing brunch. Sign up here at Signup Genius. You can also check out the upcoming brunch schedule and info by clicking on the "Brunch" tab here on the blog.

Surrendering Our Greatest Treasure: October 23 meeting

This meeting we heard from Felicia Bridges who spoke to us about "Surrendering Our Greatest Treasure."

Romans 8:28 tells us that God works for good in each of us. What does that mean for us and our kids?

We are commanded to trust God. He gives us freedom from worry. If we are truly free from worry, that will leave a void, which must be filled with the right things.






Thinking through these discussion questions may give us more insight into what God has for us to learn.

We also had an all-group playdate on October 30. The kids had a lot of fun playing at the playground! 

Announcements: 

- These are the final days for our Butterbraids fundraiser. Please bring your order forms to our meeting on November 13. The Butterbraids will be delivered on December 11.

- Auction Fundraiser coming up in December! If you have anything you would like to donate, or know a business that you'd be willing to ask for a donation, please contact Rachel Chevalley at therachelchevalley@gmail.com

Join us on November 13 to hear Christina Patterson speak to us about "Hope for the Tired, Frustrated, and Empty Mom". 

Amanda/Mindy, Ann, and Kristen's groups will be bringing brunch. Sign up here at Signup Genius. You can also check out the upcoming brunch schedule and info by clicking on the "Brunch" tab here on the blog.