It had been a really terrible, awful, hard day. So hard that I sat and cried. And yet, it brought me to the end of myself. And that was a good thing.
When I finished crying, I sat down to do some work and happened upon a story about Andrew Carnegie that completely changed my perspective as a mom and as a child of God.
Andrew Carnegie was the wealthiest man in America in the early 1900s, so wealthy that he employed over 42 millionaires. When asked how he developed these men to become so valuable that he would pay them that much money, Carnegie explained that “men are developed the same way gold is mined. When gold is mined, several tons of dirt must be moved to get an ounce of gold, but one doesn’t go into the mine looking for dirt — one goes in looking for gold.”
I’d been buried in the dirt that day. I was lost in the monotony of motherhood and felt like my days had no meaning. My discouragement and feelings of failure as a mom left me so disappointed in myself. And I was convinced God felt the same way about me.
I started wishing I had a gold-miner in my life who could see beyond my mistakes and find the gold in me. That’s when God whispered to my heart, “Renee, I am that gold-miner. You are the one who is so critical of yourself. You are the one who focuses on your faults. But I see the gold of My image in your heart, and I want to bring it to the surface so your kids can see Me in you.”
As I sat there trying to process what God was whispering to my heart, stories from the Bible started flooding my thoughts helping me believe that God really does see beyond who I am to who I can become.
That day God used His thoughts to give me a new perspective – of Himself and of myself. Then He challenged me to look for ways to transfer that perspective to my children.
It’s easy to get buried in the dirt of discontentment, disobedience and discouragement. You may even be thinking, Where’s the gold in it all? I wondered, too. But after reading Carnegie’s story and hearing God speak to my heart, I wanted to become a gold-mining mom.
As I thought about the gold I wanted to see in my children, character traits of Christ such as patience, kindness and contentment came to mind. I decided to make a list of golden attitudes and actions and look up Bible verses we could learn together. Then I made gold nuggets by balling up foil and spray-painting them gold.
In the following weeks, each time my kids showed a golden attitude or action, I’d reward them. When they saved up enough nuggets, they’d get a special treat. We also found new character traits and Bible verses, wrote down ideas to live them out and started making them part of our family devotions.
It took time for me to embrace a grace-based parenting perspective and let God’s new truths sink in. But I was so excited about having a spiritual focus as a mom. I started getting creative and about finding time in the midst of my busy days to get into His Word and get His word into me. And as I did, He used His thoughts to re-shape mine.
God’s Word became a part of our everyday lives as He taught me to take my eyes off of my children’s habits and focus on their hearts. Not only did it change my kids’ attitudes and actions, it changed me, too. For the first time in months, I was excited about my role as a parent. God had given me a new perspective, and a whole new sense of purpose as a mom!
Lord, thank You for not focusing on the dirt in my life but seeing beyond who I am to who I can become. Help me believe that, receive that and give it away to my kids, my husband and my friends. Help me look at their hearts and encourage the glimpses of You that I see in them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Portions of this post are in my book, A Confident Heart.
Copyright 2011. Baker Publishing. All rights reserved.
Purpose-Driven Mom Gift Pack:
Enter to win my Purpose-Driven mom message on CD and my “Mining for Gold in the Heart of Your Child Character Chart and The Mom I Want to Be by Suzie Eller. To enter, click “share your thoughts” below and share why you’d like win.
I want to let you know how much your words encourage me as a divorced mother of three. I truly feel blessed to have come across your site. I would enjoy the Voyager and would give the other to my mother. Thank you so much!
Your encouragement today really spoke to my heart. As soon as I'm done with this comment I'm forwarding the devotional to my mom's group at church. I'd love to win the GoBible voyager and I'd love to give one to my good friend Elka, for her sincere friendship and encouragement to me the past year.
Thanks!
Britt
[email protected]
Thanks so much for your devos. They are helping me so much. I am going through depression and anxiety right now and they have helped me so much. I would love the GoBible Original and would give the other copy to my dear friend and Prayer Warrior, email address is [email protected]
Thanks for the encouragement. A friend sent me the link, knowing we've been having trying times with our toddler. I hope to be back more often! I'd prefer the Voyager GoBible, and the second pack I would give to a family in our small group, with two young boys.
Thanks!
~Beth
I feel a little lighter after reading the devotions. Thank you for being our voice….you know the little ones in our head that we hear but don't often let speak out to anyone else. I would love the Voyager Go Bible. I would give the other one to my friend Chanda who is going through a divorce right now. She is leaning on God through this walk and I'd love for her to have it at all times.
Thank you for your eloquent words that help us all each day.
Sincerely, Missy
Thank you for the "Sometimes I just Wanna Quit" devotional. It really spoke to my heart and I could definitely relate having two boys (ages 3 and 4). Sometimes I could just pull my hair out. But, today I was reminded to rely on our Maker for strength. I would enjoy the GoBible Voyager and would share the 2nd with my good friend Erica. Thank you!
I'm still praying for more patience, understanding and compassion with my 3 YO DD. I'm a working mom, so my time with her is truncated, and I want to make a positive impression on her and impart God's love daily. If I'm chosen, I would like the Voyager. My best friend from high school (and still best friend today) would be the recipient of the other GoBible. We are both women on the go and would greatly benefit from this gift.
Thank you, Renee, for your words, your heart, and your love. If I am chosen, I would love the Voyager Go Bible, please! I would give the other gift pack to my Aunt, who was raised LDS yet searching still for truth. Also, her husband (My dear Uncle) is #1 on the heart transplant list, and has been for over a year. Time is running out, and to say that stress is running her down would be an understatement. She has many medical problems herself, mostly brought on by the stress of my Uncle's health, and having to take care of the household both physically and financially. Anyway, thank you again – God Bless you and your family!
Lisa Ross
[email protected]
Hello! Thanks for the encouragement and the chance to win. I would chose the GoBible Voyager. I would give the other one to my dear friend Erika. We don't "see" each other often anymore, but, we stay connected through email, FB and cellphones. She is a wonderful mother and a great encouragement to me.
Thanks!
Thanks Renee. I would choose the Voyager version. I would make use of the look-up verse, index options and all of the bookmarks.
I would give the second one to my friend Amy who is my sounding board and in the trenches of motherhood with me.
Boy can I relate to your devotional today. There have been many times I wanted to "quit" being a mom. I have never heard of the GoBible but I think the original would be great. I have a dear friend at church named Jacqui (who just had her 3rd child) and has suffered from post-pardom depression after the last 2 kids. I pray she does better after this one. I would love to share this with her. Thanks for the encouragement and to know that other moms go through these times also. Praise God for our Godly mothers!!
Thank you so much for today's devotional. I have two girls-8 and 6 years old. I've "quit" several times in the last few years, only to recind my resigniation after about 30 seconds! 🙂
I would love to win the GoBible Voyager. It seems so easy to use! I'd love to be able to share the second one with a dear friend from church who has a very active 3 year old.
Thanks again for your encouraging words! 🙂
Great devotion for moms! Thank you for sharing!GoBible Voyager and my email is [email protected]
Thank you so much for your devotion today: I have been in a hard place lately with where God has me as a mom, and this has given me some newfound inspiration and something different to focus on with them. It was perfect (God's) timing. I would love any of the Go-Bibles, but if could choose it would be the Voyager because of all the great options. The second set I would give to my good friend who has 4 children ages 6 and under, who is dealing wiht some really tough things right now in her marriage and with her mom who was just diagnosed with lung cancer. I think this would be a great encouragement to her.
[email protected]
Hi Renee I needed to hear this so much. My husband and I have recently started a new work – he is an MK and we've had a lot of experience working overseas. We have felt God leading us into supporting Christian mercy work overseas in order to further God's Kingdom. It has been a crazy few weeks and I've been "single parenting" while he has been immersed registering our new non=profit etc. Now he is in S India for 3 weeks and I am truly doing it on my own with 3 kids. Thank you for your honesty – it helped me today. I would love to receive the voyager and would give the other to a dear friend working close to the area where ObL was discovered on Sunday. Blessings Kate
Hi Renee I needed to hear this so much. My husband and I have recently started a new work – he is an MK and we've had a lot of experience working overseas. We have felt God leading us into supporting Christian mercy work overseas in order to further God's Kingdom. It has been a crazy few weeks and I've been "single parenting" while he has been immersed registering our new non=profit etc. Now he is in S India for 3 weeks and I am truly doing it on my own with 3 kids. Thank you for your honesty – it helped me today. I would love to receive the voyager and would give the other to a dear friend working close to the area where ObL was discovered on Sunday. Blessings Kate
God know when we need encouragement! I would choose the goBible Original probably and would share the other either with the new mom at my church or with my far away best friend (mother to 4)…tough decision. I could always give them both away!
Renee,
As mamas we all struggle with the image of perfection. Without God, we will always fall short. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. We mamas really lift each other up when we speak our truth – authentically, dust bunnies, muffin tops, temper tantrums and all.
I would enjoy any of the GoBibles. I love surprises! I would share one with a dear coworker who could use some encouragement as a newly divorced mother of three. She could use a little reminder that God hasn't forgotten her.
God Bless,
Alison
[email protected]
What a comfort to know that I'm not the only one with "I wanna quit!!!" feelings at times. Thank you for the reminder that it is not by my strength but by His that a live out each day and raise these precious children that He has blessed me with. I would really enjoy the GoBible Voyager and would love to share it with a dear friend that I know would be blessed by it. -juliemperezatyahoodotcom
Sometimes I too tell myself, that's it! I quit! Thanks for the encouragement to let God work through me in the lives of my boys. I can't do it on my own.
GoBible Voyager, and I would give the second pack to my friend Jennie whose husband is leaving for training with the Army at the end of the month.
Stefanie Dingledine
Thaks so much for the devotion. I have a five month old daughter and a six year old son. We are in the process of adopting our son. This last year has been tough. Adam,my son, has some mild behavior problems. As soon as I think we are on the right track he does something to set us months back. I often loose my temper with him. Which makes me feel terrible. Until I read this devotion I also felt like I wanted and needed to QUIT. I am hoping to be able to follow your example and let God help me become the great mom I want to be. If chosen, I would like the GoBible Voyager. I would give the second one to my stepmother. She has been my mom when she didn't have to be, when it was hard to be, and when my mother couldn't be. My mother still has four out of the six of us at home. Needless to say she is very busy and would apreciate a way to be able to get her bible study in. Thanks Jennifer Blanton.
[email protected]
Renee,
As mamas we all struggle with the image of perfection. Without God, we will always fall short. Thank you for sharing your personal experience. We mamas really lift each other up when we speak our truth – authentically, dust bunnies, muffin tops, temper tantrums and all.
I would enjoy any of the GoBibles. I love surprises! I would share one with a dear coworker who could use some encouragement as a newly divorced mother of three. She could use a little reminder that God hasn't forgotten her.
God Bless,
Alison
Oops….would love the Voyager GoBible!
Jennifer Wallin
[email protected]
So glad to read that I am not alone. I look at other moms and wonder hoe they do it all the time! I have 7 children from 2yrs – 18yrs. I would give the second pack to my best friend who has 3 boys ages 10 yrs- 17 yrs old. Thank you for your blogs!
[email protected]
I totally understand feeling like a failure as a mom. It is something I have battled with for years. Now I find myself homeschooling my 2 children and I am constantly questioning myself on the job I am doing. I would love to win a gobible. Would love to be pouring His Word into my mind as I am working out in the mornings. What a blessing that would be!!!!!! 🙂 Thank you so much for your ministry!!
Jennifer Wallin
[email protected]
I love your Devotions and look forward to the emails. I lost my Mother on Feb. 14, 2011; so this week has been really hard. She was a good Mother to my sister and I. I know that my Mother is in Heaven and I can say that God's Grace is seeing me through each moment of the day. I would like the GoBible Orignal if I won. The other I would give to my Sister.
Thanks for your ministry.
[email protected]
Wonderful Wonderful Devotion 🙂 I love the GoBible Original and I would love to share with my best friend who moved across the country about 2 years ago – she is a SAHM with little ones and often can be found digging into God's word and leading her family to do the same.
Thank you!
I would love the Go Bible Voyager. I'd give the 2nd pack to a good mommy friend of mine who lives far away from friends and family, and can use all the encouragement she can get.
Thank you for always sharing "truth," in such practical ways. I am a mom of 3 boys (16,10& 13 mo.) and a step-mom to two children. I am having a very difficult time with one of my step-kids. I too have been wanting to, "turn in my pink slip," and quit. "This is not what I signed up for," I have said. It is a very difficult balance to love the un-loveable, and to be a Godly woman, in spite of how I am treated. Hitting my knees in prayer and tears, is the only peace in the midst of this storm.
I would appreciate any of the bibles, and I would give the other to a single mom (oh how they need encouragement and love!)- my sister-in-law.
I would love to win the Voyager Go-Bible. It would be so helpful to have it at my fingertips anywhere, anytime. Your devotions are always so timely and touching. Thanks so much.
I'm having one of those days. Thank you for the encouragement.
Thank you for a wonderful devotion and bravely stating what someone like me is afraid to admit because of the judgement that often comes with it. I would be happy to have any of the GoBibles and would give the second to our local women's shelter in hopes of sharing the Word with someone who may not otherwise hear it. Although after reading through the other posts, I would have to say I'd love for the first poster – Amy – to win to give to her widowed friend.
You are speaking directly to me! I read your devotion and couldn't wait to read more. Thank you for being honest and vulnerable to share your story. It's difficult to even admit that it's hard being a mom sometimes. I would love the Voyager GoBible. I have never seen these before and love the idea! If I were chosen to win, I would give the 2nd gift pack to a dear friend of mine who has 3 children under age 4 and and 4th child on the way! She devotes so much of her personal time to serving in our church by leading Bible studies, teaching our preschool class and even cleaning the nursery every week! Thank you again! [email protected]
This is something I struggle with daily. So often I feel defeated; but I remember that is the enemy not me. As the mother of 4 children, all between the ages of 13-6, I often want to give up! 2 of my children are very STRONG willed. It is a constant battle to keep a Christ-like attitude. And I will confess, my flesh wins sometimes. I want so much to raise my children with love and to know The Father's love. If chosen I would take any GoBible…We are always on the go…so I can't be picky =). I would share the second one with my friend Jody. She is a stay at home mom with a special needs son, a sweet daughter, and an adopted boy (who has severe ADHD). Thank you again!
Ky'Anne Thomas
Thank you for the wonderful devotional and insight today. I recently began getting these daily devotionals and every one is perfectly timed.
I would like the Voyager Bible if I won. I would give the second pack to my sister-in-law Kris, a busy mom and minister's wife.
This is such a beautiful devotion filled with such encouragement! I have recently found my "adult" relationship with God and really am opening my heart to new ways to teach my kids about God's love and grace.
I would love voyager go Bible to help strengthen my faith and knowledege and also to help share these things with my 2 young sons.
I would love to share the 2nd with a friend that helped me find my Faith and is battling infertility. I want to find a way to encourage her as much as she has encouraged me as she walks this tough road.
I am loving listening to your cd. It speaks so much to my mommy loving heart! I would like the GoBible Original. I would give the second pack to my friend who also believes in the importance of living our lives to show our children who our Savior is. She is a wonderful friend and mama!
Thank you for the encouragement! When my three children were young there many days that I felt the same way but we survived. Now that they are all teenagers, I realize that they need me and God's Word more than ever! If chosen, I would be thrilled with any of the GoBible models preferably in a NIV translation. I would give the other one to my children's youth leader who recently moved. She was instumental in getting my children involved and acclimated to our new city when we moved here two years ago. She also became a very dear friend to me. She is also the mother of three very active children!
Thank you for this wonderful devotional today, I have been ready to quit so many times, I was ready to quit last night, when I was up till 3 am with a sick child, but I can't give up. God has intrusted 6 children into my car along with a teenage girl who I practically raised who has a 1 year old. If I won, I would like to have the Go Bible (either one) in NIV. I would give the second pack to a newly baptized young mother in my church, God allowed us to cross paths last year at VBS and since then she has grew in the Lord so much but still struggles, I am burdened for this young mother. Thank you Renee for all you do for Christ.
I enjoyed your blog. As a homeschool mom of 3 and step-mom of 2, there have been many days that I wanted to just throw in the towel and quit. My faith in the Lord is what changed me and sustains me. I would love to have an on the go tool to use like the voyager and would give the second pack to another homeschooling mom.
Today is the "day" for me. The day like you described — when i want to give up being a mom. Only God can handle what i am going through as a mother and your word today was God's way of reminding me of that! Thank you so very much! I will be on my knees surrendering it all to Him. I would love to have your GoBible Voyager!
Dee
[email protected]
Thanks for this devotion today. I had a really difficult mommy night with 2 not tired children and one very tired mom. Your timing is perfect!
If I won I would choose the original GoBible. The second would go to my very dear friend who struggles with the joys and frustrations of being a stay at home mom to 2 very active children.
Thanks!
Michelle
[email protected]
Your devotion came at the exact moment. I had just walked in the door from dealing with my son with a problem at school and wanting to give up. I glanced at my e-mail and the word "quit" caught my attention. I read it and WOW – God used your words!! Thanks!!!!!!
The GoBible Original looks great!!! Something my kids could use too.
I'd give the second one to a friend of mine who is doing an amazing job with her kids but is feeling overwhelmed with so many issues in life right now running her down!
Thanks again!!!
Kristi M. – [email protected]
Thanks for the encouraging words for us moms in the trenches! I would love to be able to win the Voyager Go Bible – what a great idea for all the time we spend in the car! I would give the other to my friend Karen who with a kindergartener, a preschooler, and a newborn is struggling with the early years as well!
[email protected]
What an inspiring devotion – here and P31! Any version of the Go Bible would be welcomed. I would give the second set to my sister – she has a young son and I truly wish I had read your blog while my daughter was a toddler (she is a Jr. this year) However, I work with children and teens at my church and would love to incorporate in my ministry. Thanks for the opportunity – have a blessed day
Michelle
[email protected]
Your devotionals have really been speaking to me directly. It's been a challenge to be the financially stable wife, consistent parent, and supporting wife. Sometimes I just want to run away, far away. I realized how spiritually mature I had become. I was able to share my feelings with my husband without the hurtful words. It's all a challenge, a test. I think I finally passed! I want to enter the contest for the Gobible Voyager and the second set would be for my sister in law who is single mom struggling to keep her eyes on Christ. Thanks!
Thanks Renee for you wonderful devotion about wanting to quit your mommy job. I can sure relate to the comparison game. I am an "older" mom of a 3 year old and already feel a bit removed from my younger "supermom" counterparts. It's a daily struggle to find my own style and confidence in motherhood. I would enjoy the Voyager GoBible and would give one to my mom friend of 2 under 4 who is struggling after being released from a mental hospital. She could really use God's affirmation of her as His child and as a mom through this great product. She has been listening to Christian music on her ipod for constant comfort for her soul.
blessing to you,
Meg Y.
The GoBible Voyager is definately the one I would LOOOVE to win! I would give the second one to a dear friend of mine who is a young mom and having a rough time with balancing the kids, her husband, trying to work, and God. It would be SUCH an encouragement to her! 🙂
Your devotional really spoke directly to me. It has been a challenge to be the financially stable wife, consistant parent and supporting wife. Sometimes I do want to just quit and run away. Far away. But after all of the stress I realized how much I had matured spiritually. I was taking it a day at a time and being able to express my needs without hurting my husband. Thank you. For the drawing I would love to have access to the GoBible Voyager. The second set I would give to my sister in law who is a single mom struggling to stay focused on God. Thanks!
Wow…this is something with which I've been struggling a LOT lately! I love the idea of the golden nuggets of character, and I know I need to be even more intentional about growing godly character in my girls (we just had our fourth daughter). I'd probably choose the original GoBible, and the second gift I'd pass on to a childhood friend who is doing the mom-thing right along side me.