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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

D6 Moms and D6 Moments

Today I want to introduce you to a D6 mom, my friend and P31 teammate, Amy Carroll. When I first asked Amy to join me during our “Month of Encouragement for Moms” sponsored by D6 and Proverbs 31 Ministries, she was excited, but then her joy was dampened by a sense of failure. She shared with me that her mind started down the “Good Mom” list.“Good moms have daily devotions with their children.Good moms memorize new scripture each week with their children.Good moms don’t let their boys miss church EVER for soccer tournaments…” Can’t we all relate?

As we become the moms we’ve always wanted to be (and the moms God calls us to be) let’s guard our hearts from criticism and performance-based parenting. Satan would love for us to get stuck there. But, as God quickly reminded Amy, He doesn’t have a “Good Mom” list. However, He does have some amazing commands that tell us how to pass on a spiritual legacy to our children in everyday life moments.

Here is what Amy had to say:

I was still struggling with doubt after Renee emailed me, so I asked God: “Do I have anything I’m doing right that I could share about parenting?”I was pretty convinced I didn’t, but God gently reminded me of the foundational scripture for the D6 Conference .“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.Impress them on your children.Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

God reminded me how often I speak to my children of my Glorious Obsession. He brought back memories of using teachable moments to share scripture about Him and His plan for our lives. My soul was soothed with peace.

That night my boys and I were driving to church, jammin’ to Natalie Grant’s CD. In one of her song she sings, “I have been a wayward child. I have acted out. I have questioned Sovereignty and had my share of doubts…”

My 14-year-old suddenly asked, “Mom, have you ever had doubts?” Then he continued, “I mean, it’s really hard sometimes. I believe in God and believe the Bible is true, but sometimes it’s hard to love God and not have doubts since we can’t see Him.”

“Yes. I’ve had doubts,” I replied. “I think every believer that lives an examined life has doubts. It IS hard sometimes since we can’t see God.” Then I asked, “What are some ways we can remind ourselves that God is real when doubts start to creep in?”

The boys started listing: seeing prayers answered, watching lives be changed, reading the Bible about people who have lived before us and trusted God…. We talked all the way to church about ways to build our faith when we begin to doubt. I was so thankful God had given me a D6 moment with my kids that night.

Now, I still want to incorporate family devotions into our routine. I know God wants us to memorize scripture and consider our Sabbath activities in light of His Word. There are things on my list that need to be addressed but God reminded this week that He’s given me a passion for Him that I love to share with my children. He gives me opportunities when we’re laying around, when we’re driving to soccer practice, when we’re doing the nightly “tuck in” and when we’re getting ready for school in the morning. As we listen intently to our children, God will open doors of opportunity to speak truth. While I pray and address my list of the things that I need to improve, I’m going to continue to pray for teachable moments where I can point my children to Jesus while we live our everyday lives.”

Don’t you just love how God encouraged Amy’s heart as a mom and gave her an opportunity to connect with her kids spiritually that very day? Let’s ask God to encourage our hearts with His perspective today, and then with one D6 moment at a time. Let’s pray and look for one today. Let’s pray and look for one tomorrow, and then let’s share them here as we celebrate and encourage each other.

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Mom Give-Aways

Today’s give-away includes two D6 mom resources – a copy of “Revolutionary Parenting” and a copy of my “Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child” CD. Also, I’ve got aspecial gift for anyone living in Houston or nearby, two tickets to Girl’s Night Out next week! To be part of today’s give-aways, click on the words “comments” below this post. Be sure to let me know what City and State you are in. Also, PLEASE include your email in your comment so we can get in touch if you win!

Also, Amy has more encouragement for moms today on her blog . If you leave a comment there, too, we’ll double your entries in today’s drawing. And remember, we’ll be giving away gifts every day, so be sure to come back for more mom encouragement and resources from D6 and Proverbs 31 Ministries!

Comments

  1. I am surrounded by my four children on this snowy day and thankful for every moment I spent on child training and teaching. I gave countless hours to manners, life skills, reading, writing and math. But I can see that all of the truth and sweetness of His Word is essential to their wholeness, to their worldview, to their futures as they realize that HE is real and personally involved in their lives. So I will share more of HIM with them today.

  2. I’ve recently initiated reading devotionals with two of my young children. I am finding that more important than “doing devotions” and “Bible crafts” with my preschoolers is the way I model how to live. It is in the everyday unscripted moments that they can see my real actions and attitudes. Modeling Godliness is by far the most challenging calling. Amy’s natural conversation with her children is a great illustration of inviting God into everday moments without being limited to Bible study.
    [email protected]

  3. It is awesome how God has us do things inadvertly to remind us that he hears our thoughts and answers prayer. I clicked on this website from my daily devotional just out of curiosity and BANG my hearts cry for today was discussed. I am a mother of 2 teenage daughters and a 10 year old son. My husband and I have raised our children with Christian values and have to the best of our abilities tried to instill the importance of leading a life pleasing to God. I am struggling with the older daughters. The music, language and attitudes that they are coming up with go against what we have taught them on how they should lead their lives. My ten year old son is subject to their choices within the household. I will tell and my daughters and remind them of what is right and wrong, but they are almost numb to Gods ways maybe because it has been a part of them for so long. Today I told myself that maybe I should just give up trying to talk with them about their choices because its like talking to a brick wall and arguing is the end result. It is not fair to my son for my daughters expose him to much more secular choices than they have been exposed to at when they were his age. I even told myself that maybe I will just concentrate on his heart and try protect him and nurture him since my daughters no longer want to listen to me. todyas blog gave me hope and encouragement not to give up because if I do it will be giving up on God Himself.
    Todays blog also reminded me that I am not the only wife, mother, pt career and student who does not have her life in order everyday and ends up to be constantly on the go while trying to raise a family,keep the household running to maintain some type of order, playing taxi to the endless errands of our children, finances and not to mention trying to finish up a degree in the midst. Keeping everything somehow on a schedule and prioritzing endless duties and responsibilites can be overwhelming and stressfull. This reminded that I am not alone and if God didnt think I could do it, He wouldnof’t of put me where I am at. I need to be forgiving to myself when everything does not goes as planned for the busy days just as he is forgiving to me.

  4. Thanks for the encouragement. I’m constantly looking for those moments with my boys. At 3 and 2, those types of little talks seem to make a bigger connection with them than longer devotions. And it’s encouraging me to hide the Word in my heart even more diligently so that I can share it with them.
    [email protected], Creedmoor, NC

  5. Hello Renee and Amy.

    Amy, thanks for sharing your D6 moment. I really think you are sharing your love of Christ in the best possible way. It is obvious that your sons relate to you and feel comofortable asking about your spiritual walk. I pray that I have a relationship like that with my four and five year old sons when they are older. Thanks for shaing. I am a neighbor in Huntersville so please only register me for the resources.
    JD at [email protected]

  6. This is an awesome thing you’re doing, Renee. I love Amy’s D6 moments with her children. I had one on Sunday and I really enjoyed that moment with my daughter. It started out as a rebuke for her behavior and then it turned out to be a lovely moment with her. I needed to hear so much of the things Amy pointed out, because sometimes I can get so low with my attitude and forget my mission. I have really been encouraged today.

    Thank you.

  7. I love that story! That’s what I need right now – help recognizing those teachable moments. Too often I seem to miss them and then realize later that I missed a chance to really talk to my kids.

    Thanks for doing this series!

    (I’ve never wanted to live further south, but I sure wish I did right now!)

    Amy
    [email protected]

  8. Thanks for sharing. I’m currently struggling with making the most of those teachable moments…trying to refocus my priorites since they so easily seem to spin out of control.

    Jennifer, Grand Rapids, MI
    [email protected]

  9. I can totally relate to Ann. I have been struggling with my “motherhood shortcomings.” I never feel like I am doing enough. This blog was such an encouragement! Thank you so much for your honesty!
    Leigh Fant
    [email protected]

  10. I shared with a young woman this morning about this series of posts you are doing here Renee. She was in need of some “mommy encouragement”.

    My latest “teachable moment” was a lesson in failure, repentance and forgiveness. Driving my son to school we came to a 4-way Stop. Although another car was approaching to my right, I easily rolled up and stopped before this other car arrived near the stop sign. However….without even glancing my way or completely stopping…she just kept right on going.

    Immediately I responded. “Did you see that? She didn’t even stop? I was here before her. I had the right away. I….” It was at this moment the words flowing from my mouth made it to my brain as the Holy Spirit questioned my attitude. Before I finished the thought on my tongue, I said, “Oh, now this is living BIG”. (My Pastor is doing a sermon series on “living BIG” – you know…going the extra mile…showing Christ to others…really living to demonstrate that Christ is real.)

    God convicted my heart and I shared with my son how my reactions were wrong. We prayed out loud in the car as I continued to drive, asking for the Lord’s forgiveness, admitting the many times I fail throughout the day and thanking the Lord for convicting me, forgiving me and offering me another chance.

    I find many teachable moments come now as my 16 year old son sees that his mom is far from perfect, but praying that these examples will help him remember to repent quickly, pray and allow God’s Spirit to work in his life.

    Wishing that all my teachable moments were good moments,
    Joy

  11. I’m thankful that a friend introduced me to your blog today. I have been feeling like something is missing and my kids are growing up too fast. I feel the need to slow down but not sure where to start. I am a stay at home mom but somehow the days still get by us so quickly without any real quality time spent. Now my oldest is starting K5 this fall and it is hitting me like a ton of bricks.

    I would like to be included in the drawing…

    April
    Weatherford, TX
    [email protected]

  12. Wow, I prayed in the shower for God to give me a word today and this was SO it! My comment yesterday mentioned that one of my biggest struggles is feeling pulled in so many directions: kids, housework, church activities etc. But after reading todays entry, I realize that the “Good Mom List” is something I struggle with even more. I guess the two topics go hand in hand. The enemy often gets the best of me when I fall into bed at the end of a very long, busy day and think to myself, “I was not a Good Mom today.” I do need to remember that God can do anything and He is so much bigger than that “Good Mom List”. Today I was reminded of Philippians 4:13. Thanks again for the blessing of this blog and for refreshing moms like myself who need encouragement through God’s Truth! (And I would so love to win one of the resources!!!)

    [email protected]

  13. Praise the Lord, He does not have a good mom list! I was reminded of Matthew 7. What a great reminder to me to guard my heart against judging performance based parenting and to pray to instead be a source of encouragement to other Moms. Love the blog. Thanks for the encouragement!
    [email protected]

  14. Wonderful post!!! I, too, have doubts about whether or not I’m a “Good Mom.” My daughter is 16 months old and I often wonder if I’m doing enough. With one on the way, the questioning is stronger than ever before!!!! Amy, you have encouraged me today. THANK YOU!

    Rebecca
    Vancleave, MS
    [email protected]

  16. This couldn’t have come at a better time, as my youngest approaches 18 there’s not alot of opportunities to share moments together.

    I just have to make sure that I take full advantage of every opportunity God presents.

    Kim in Ohio
    [email protected]

  17. I love to read what you all have to say. Thank you so much for the encouragement. I think we all think we are the only mom’s out there with these dilemas and it’s nice to see there are so many other people with the same struggles.
    Thank you and God bless.

    [email protected]

  18. Hi, Just found this blog today, thru Carol's blog, cantcookalick.blogspot.
    Love the blog & the encouragement, I am mom to a 12yr old boy!

    Thanks & Blessings,
    Renea Harrin
    Candler, NC
    [email protected]

  21. As a fairly new and young mom, I am attacked daily with the feeling of failure. I am so thankful for the reminder that God does not have a “good-mom list”. I am amazed how God is using this month of encouragement in my life! I feel so refreshed each day. Thank you! I just recently moved from Houston to Ft. Worth; I would love to go back for the Girls Night Out and take a friend.

    [email protected]

  22. These D6 moments are such a blessing. I can’t imagine how much time you have invested in getting these ready. From the bottom of my heart, thanks!

    I wish I lived near Houston!

    Thanks again!

    Susan
    [email protected]

  23. Teachable moment witnessed, #1 –

    My 4-year-old has been struggling in Pre-K with his behavior and attitude. (He is only in Pre-K, now mind you. . . So I’m thinking, “Oh my, what will the rest of his school life be like?”) Everyday he starts off with a green sticker. If he has one time-out he moves to a yellow sticker. Two time-outs and he goes to a red sticker. If his behavior shows a pattern of bad behavior I get a call from the Principle. (Remember, he’s just in Pre-K!) For most of this year he has been unable to keep his green sticker. Rarely, has he been able to maintain his yellow sticker. But yesterday, praise God, he brought home a green sticker! YEAH!

    This was a wonderful teachable moment because since the school year started he has prayed at every meal and at bedtime, and sometimes on the spur of the moment throughout the day, “Dear Jesus, help me to follow directions.” (AWWH!)

    I was able to discuss with him that all this time that he had been praying, God was hearing him pray, but God wanted to know that in his heart he was really serious and ready to follow the directions. Although God always hears our prayers and he always answers our prayers sometimes we have to have our hearts right. For the past few days it has been like a lightbulb has gone off in my son’s head that he truly wants to be respectful and follow our directions. His attitude has become less defiant and more respectful and in our discussion I was able to point out how God is faithful to honor the prayers offered from a heart that is willing to be submitted to God’s will.

    Now, how awesome is that? Although I am not sure how much of what I have told my son he is truly able to understand and digest at his age it has been very good for us to be able to celebrate this victory with him. He was so excited about going to school today because he now believes that he is the ‘can-do-kid!’ (Thanks Renee for that title that I adopted from you!)

    Blessings all! And keep looking for those teachable moments.

  27. Renee,
    The comments on your blog and mine are such an encouragement to me, too! I love doing this bloggy event with you, and my readers will be thrilled to be in on the prizes.

    Hugs,
    Amy

  28. I also love it when God does that!!! When He gives us those wonderful opportunities to teach our children His Word!!!! I love that they just happen! It’s from those opportunites that I have noticed that what we have talked about has really stuck with our kids! Because it’s so casual and open, not planned(not that family devotional time isn’t great, it is!)but, there’s something about those impromptu conversations! I have overheard my children bringing those up with each other and their friends, and telling them what they learned and encouraging each other!!!! I just LOVE that!!

    [email protected]

  29. I love hearing stories of God’s amazing ways. About a year ago, I didn’t feel like I was a good mom at all. I had felt that my past was controlling my present identity. God spoke to a very dear friend of mine during a bible study on Daniel and the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. He nudged her to tell me that “you no longer smell of smoke. God loves you no matter the mistakes of the past.” From then on, I have tried, with God’s help, to focus on “the now.” God is awesome!

    I would love to have more mommy/daughter time next week at the Girls’ Night Out in Houston. I know the time is soon approaching for my almost 12 year old daughter to no longer “want” to spend time with her mom, but for the now, I will cherish every moment.

    Thank you for devoting so much of your time to these devotions. They are an inspiration.

    Lori Jackson, Dallas, Texas
    [email protected]

  30. WOW, God is always a step ahead of us. What encouragement that is. I see Him working in my life in great ways right now….more than I can imagine. It just is so amazing…

    Not near Houston, but wish I was! I heard about the Girls conference, and wish I was tons closer!!!

    Shannon
    [email protected]

  31. Wow, I prayed in the shower for God to give me a word today and this was SO it! My comment yesterday mentioned that one of my biggest struggles is feeling pulled in so many directions: kids, housework, church activities etc. But after reading todays entry, I realize that the “Good Mom List” is something I struggle with even more. I guess the two topics go hand in hand. The enemy often gets the best of me when I fall into bed at the end of a very long, busy day and think to myself, “I was not a Good Mom today.” I do need to remember that God can do anything and He is so much bigger than that “Good Mom List”. Today I was reminded of Philippians 4:13. Thanks again for the blessing of this blog and for refreshing moms like myself who need encouragement through God’s Truth! (And I would so love to win one of the resources!!!)

    [email protected]

  32. I think we all need encouragement as we strive to be the best mothers we can be. I am an avid reader of P31 writers’ blogs in large part because of the honesty with which you ladies share your struggles. In the same way that Amy’s sons wanted reassurance that everone has doubts sometimes, I think all mothers are reassured when we hear that other “good” mothers share our struggles.

    Thanks, Renee and Amy.

    Sherry, Ontario, Canada
    [email protected]

  33. I love what Amy shared – that’s something that’s doable for any Mom no matter how new she is at believing! Thank you for sharing that even Prov31 Moms can doubt their abilities!

    Kim
    [email protected]

    I’m not close to Houston either, so don’t include me in that drawing!

  34. I’m so glad to know that even the writer’s at Proverbs 31 have it all figured out. It’s so easy to assume that we are the only ones who still need to work on our parenting while those around us have mastered it. Thanks again for your honesty – which in itself is a huge encouragement!
    [email protected]

  35. “Don’t you just love how God encouraged Amy’s heart as a mom and gave her an opportunity to connect with her kids spiritually that very day?”

    I do love how God does that. Catching those kinds of moments is one of the main reasons I blog; I think He shows up for us lots of times, but we miss Him too many of them. I think that’s why I’m enjoying this series you’re doing; it helps me be mindful and aware both of the opportunties God does give me to reveal him to my kids, but it also helps me catch it when I’m on the right track. As a ministry family, sometimes I feel double pressure to get it right, and double discouragement when I think I’m not!

    (I’m not in or near Houston, so don’t include me in the giveaway for the tickets.)

  36. This reminds me of that simple saying “The best things in life aren’t things”. In the context of how time is spent, the to-do list is endless, but our days with our children pass quickly. These P31 devotions and blogs help me to focus on what is really important, and to continue to ask God for wisdom for those teaching moments as well as in everyday decisions. Bless you for sharing real life stories with real life moms!

    Loretta Jammal, Houston, Texas
    [email protected]