Good Encouragement

Over the last few months I've been thinking of how I want to use this blog.  I want to make it more consistent without it interfering with my role as a wife/mother.  I really like using it as a journal about my family and I want to continue that.  There is so much more that goes on in my heart and my head that I wish I could put down.  I love to be challenged; especially as a mom.  I love to read articles that speak to the heart of staying home and being content and joyful in that calling.  I love to read articles that will make me think, and make me consider doing something completely "crazy" against the natural movement of most.

For as long as I can remember one of my biggest desires has been to be a stay-at-home mom.  I knew it was a calling worth fulfilling.  Just because the desire is there and I know it is worth it, doesn't mean it has come easily.  I struggle daily with my own selfish desires.  I struggle with wanting more time to myself to improve upon my talents and interests.  Some say there's nothing wrong with that.  What speaks deeply to my heart are the women who speak of serving their family joyfully and wholeheartedly.  Sacrificing some of what they want for pouring their souls into the lives of their children.  For what greater calling is there?

I know there has to be a healthy balance of taking care of me so that I can take care of my family...but there is a part of me that wants to swing more on the side of taking care of me.  I seek the encouragement of women who are on that same path, maybe a little bit farther ahead.

Saying all that, there are a few blogs I check regularly that spurs me on to love my calling.  Some posts seem to stick out more to me than the others and I want to remember those for myself and to share them with you.

So for encouragement #1:

A few months ago my friend Sarah recommended this book to me:

find @ Amazon

Before we left I downloaded it to my Kindle and I only have to find a converter so I can get it charged and start reading it!  We had a few conversations about the book as she was reading it and I look forward to the challenge as we raise 3 boys!

I came across this short video today and it reminded me of the book and the conversations I had with Sarah.  I pray that Tim and I are able to instill in our boys this definition of being a man.  Although I'm sure it gets more complicated as they get older, what a simple way to start!