this one's for the girls

one of the most meaningful times at the familylife weekend to remember was when it was just the women. it was great to be with my husband and hearing what God has for us as a couple and for our marriage but at just the right moment, girl time was needed. i'm going to share with you what was shared with that group of ladies...embracing God's wonderful design in our lives.

1. How do you become the wife and/or mother God has designed you to be?

A. Ordering your life according to God's priorities: growing in a relationship with God first,respecting and supporting husband second, teaching and training children third.

B. Ordering everything else in life: job, volunteer work, activities

2. A discerning woman chooses God's design rather than other influences

A. She intentionally pursues a relationship with God: praying and reading Bible, actively involved at church, spending time with other women who share her faith in God.

B. She welcomes God's design for marriage: man to be leader, woman to be man's helper and completer, having equal value but different roles in marriage

C. She actively works at being the best wife she can be: marriage most important human relationship, marriage takes priority over relationship with children, other family members and friends

D. She gives significant attention to her responsibility and call as a mother

3. A strong woman demonstrates love for her husband by respecting and supporting him

A. Men have a longing for his wife's respect and support

B. Respect is a choice to receive your husband in spite of his weaknesses

C. Communicating respect involves your attitude, your words, and your actions

D. Support is a choice to follow your husband's leadership

4. An effective mother lovingly teaches and trains her children

A. She looks carefully at the wisdom for parents that God provides in the Bible

B. She lovingly and intentionally guides and instructs the next generation: introduces them to God, communicates family's values, models godly womanhood, provides regular instruction, does not allow the home to become child-centered

C. She specifically guides children in identity, character, relationships, and purpose

D. She helps to shape the future by equipping and influencing the next generation

5. A wise woman depends on God

A. Marriage and parenting is hard work

B. Remember your priorities

C. The Holy Spirit will empower you

D. Trust God's design. Follow His plan. Leave the results to Him.

it's often easier to read this than to apply it. i know after sitting in the women's session i felt very overwhelmed...thinking i'm not where i should be as a wife and mother...the weight of the world on my shoulders to raise a godly child...etc. i know i'm not the only one with those thoughts, but it's always reassuring to know that i have help from my Father in heaven. His Spirit is with me always and enables me to do what needs to be done according to His will and that's what i pray for every day. life as a wife and mother can be very tough but we have a refuge, we have a source of power on our side to help us be all that God wants us to be. praise the Lord for that! that gives us hope, ladies!