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.
Thanks for the devotion! Being a mom can be hard sometimes but it's good to know I'm not doing it alone.
I'd love the GoBible Voyager! And I'd give the second one to my best friend!
What a great way to memorize Scrioture, too!
I forgot to add that I would give the 2nd gift pack to my best friend in the whole world. She has been an encouragment to me and always with a kind word or prayer!
Thank you so much for that awesome devotion. God really spoke to my heart with your words. I was wanting to give up on being a Mom! THrough your devotion I realized that it isn't about me and God has a bigger purpose for my life. I would chose the GOBible Voyager, because I stillhave a lot left to learn from God's Word. Thank again for the words of encouragement!
I have always thought of myself as the official wiper, but I love this new perspective! I WANT TO BE A GOLD-MINING MOMMY!
I could really use the Character Chart to reinforce and remind me to look for the golden character traits in not only my girls, but everyone I come in contact with. If I win, I'll share with the birth-mother of our 3 yr. old adopted daughter who is raising her birth sister.
Trying to focus on the positive when my first born was a toddler, I initiated a "Catch You Being Good" program where I would surprise her with a little gift when I "caught" her being good, but that system falls way short, for many reasons, compared to your idea. The more dirt I can dig through the more opportunity to find gold… Just IMAGINE…. finding gold every day!
Thank you Renee for this great post, now I not only have a new job title but a whole new mission statement.
According to Solomon, it is a gift from God to find joy in our monotonous labor, even toilsome wiping, and I'm so excited by the prospect of looking for gold while I'm wiping!
May God continue to pour out His blessings of wisdom on you so that you can continue to encourage us the way you so graciously do!
[email protected]
This devotion was so timely in my life as a mom to 3 little ones. I have renewed strength to focus on my kids' hearts more than their habits! I would love the GoBible Original. I would give the second to a precious Christ-loving friend, also a mom of 3, whose husband will be leaving for Afghanistan, again, this coming year. God's best blessings to you! Rebecca L.
I loved reading the devotional and follow-up blog post. It has inspired me to do more gold-mining with my daughter. I would love to have any of the GoBibles, but the Voyager would be my number one choice. The second set would go to a friend of mine who has 2 preschoolers and is a stay-at-home mom who could use some encouragement and her-time! My e-mail is [email protected]. Thanks! Lauren
Just discovered your blog through Proverbs 31 ministries and am definitely book-marking it. I can't wait to share some of your stories with my volunteer team at church.
I would love the Original GoBible, and would pass along the 2nd one to a good friend that just took a job in ministry. I think they would be a wonderful resource tool for each of us. Thank you!
I thank God for His timing and truth in this devotion. I am starting a study for a group of mom's that meet at the YMCA. The book we will be studying is The Ministry of Motherhood. These gifts will be a blessing for any mother. If chosen I would like to gift the GoBible Voyagers to whom the Lord leads.
[email protected]
Thank you from a motther of three preschoolers. There are many days I wished I could give up. Thank you for the incouragement.
[email protected]
How refreshing to hear a mom utter those words out loud!! I love it! I would share mine with my sister in law who is a new mom of twin boys and bit overwhelmed! 🙂 I would be happy with any of the fantastic GoBibles!! Thank you!
Thank you so much for the message I read this morning. With a fussy 2yo, testy 7yo, stressed husband, overwhelmed mother and a paralyzed father, I'm in a difficult season of life right now and needed to be reminded that the tough times bring out the gold.
If I won, I would choose the voyager since it has the text on the screen as well as the spoken word. I don't hear very well and so this way wouldn't miss anything. This would be a great resource for my husband and I to share. I would give the second to my father. He has several broken vertebrae and is unable to walk. He has a long rehabilitation coming up and this would be a wonderful way to keep him encouraged.
But if I don't win the contest, its alright because the war is already won by Jesus. And this post was a great reminder to be more like our Saviour.
Thanks so much.
BanaIzzyB (at) gmail (dot) com
Wow did I need this one! 2 of my 3 children have special needs. My oldest has had 8 major surgeries and still has a feeding tube and hearing aids and my middle daughter has behavior issues and is only 5. There are times I just want to quit and I ask God what he is thinking giving ME two special needs children. My days are full of trials and triumphs and too often I get stuck on the trials…or dirt. A friend of mine posted the link to this devotional on her Facebook and I know it was God's way of giving me what I need just when I need it…as he usually does! 😉
I would love the Voyager or the Original since they have most of the same features. Either one would be easy to use and a great way to get the Bible on the go 🙂 I would give the second one to my friend Christina, who is the one that posted this on her Facebook. She is a Christian who has found the fire again recently and is being baptized for the first time this Sunday on Mother's Day!
Thank you Renee for the devotion that reminded me that God will be there to find the gold in us mom's and it is our job to find in our children. After a horrible crash yesterday in which my daughter totaled her sister's car, I then discovered that Hospice has been called in for my Dad. If I win, I would choose the Voyager to use when I travel to see him and work with my daughter. I would give the 2nd one to my 3rd daughter who is working to raise 2 toddler boys to love God, respect each other and the world.As a busy working part-time lawyer,she could use the GOBible and share with other. Jackie
Renee Thanks so much for the devotional and the chance to win 🙂 I am a mother of 2 and I love my kids to death, yet I feel I am not a good mother to them. I just had some bloodwork done that shows I could have rheumatiod arthritis. I am having a hard time dealing with this news. How can I be a good mother when I am in constant pain?? After reading your blog I know that I have to look to God for my strength and ask Him to be my Rock. God does not give us more than we can handle. If I win I would give the 2nd one to a good friend of mine who has a child that almost died as an infant. He is 7 yrs old now and has severe behavioral and mental problems. She struggles daily with him and I think it would be of great help to her. Which go bible..really any would be great 🙂 Thanks
Wow! This is exactly the what I needed this morning. God is definitely speaking to me through you. I have three boys ages 3 months, three and four all at home with me. I have turned to God to help me with mothering because I have been at the "pink slip" point for some time and have been praying for guidance. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and I would love to get the GoBible Voyager so that I could use the year plan and have verses at the ready, plus listen in the car with my boys plus read it it while we are enjoying playtime outside. I would give the second pack to my newest and dearest mommy friend Melanie who has quickly become my best friend and spiritual guide but has been blessed with a new opportunity and will be moving in three weeks. She has a 6 month old boy and a 19 year old daughter.
Jessica
Thank you! The devotion really ministered to my heart! I'm a mom of 3 and have been struggling with some of the same things you spoke of in your devotion. God is always on time with his message. I would love to win the GoBible Voyager. I would share the other with one of the Alabama Tornado Victims that we have been working with. They have lost everything. Receiving this would be another way to show them God loves them and wants to help them.
Faith E.
[email protected]
Wow! Usually I just read over the blog posts on Proverbs 31 Ministries and don't give them a whole lot of thought, but yours really hit home…hard. I'm to the point of wanting to quit too, so I'm glad that other people feel the same as I do. I don't have a preference on which GoBible because any would be fabulous, but I would definitely give the other to my best friend, Bree, as she is a frazzled mom with three kids too.
What a powerful message in the devotion and your post. Wow, Renee'! I wish I had read this a long time ago. This is very good stuff!!! Gonna post the links on my facebook page. Want to share it with every mom I know and those I don't know! Than you for sharing.
Blessings,
Cheri
I love the concept that we are mining for Gold in the hearts of our kids. At times I do get discouraged as I guide my boys in becoming who God wants them to be. It literally is a mining process as the work is little by little each day – instilling Godly aspirations in their hearts and minds – praying that God will forge them into precious gems! Thank you for your ministry and early morning inspiration to keep me inspired!!
Hi Renee,
I would love the GoBible Voyager. Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to win one!
jbaehrel at hvc dot rr dot com
Renee, this could not have come at a better time! As a single mom of a rambunctious 3 year old boy, I see myself getting frustrated more every day. In reading this, I am seeing that everyone gets frustrated, but if I look for the golden nuggets, and pray for both myself and my son, we both will get along better.
I would like the GoBible Voyager. I would give the second gift to a friend who is having her second baby girl any day. This has been a rough pregnancy, and I know she would enjoy getting things that would help her teach her children about God.
Thanks for all your writings, and letting God use you!!
🙂
I am a very busy wife and mom with 4 kids ages 7-19 and I just went back to work as my littlest one went to school. Although being able to be a full time Mom was the biggest and most important job I know I will ever do, there were many days (and still are!!) where I thought that each time I lost my temper I also lost brain cells… "Can I really do this, Lord?" wasn't just a question…it became a mantra!! BUT I didn't always take the time to look to His Word for the answer! Praise God He is SO FAITHFUL…even when we are NOT!!! Thank you for encouraging all of us that he loves us especially at those moments when we do not love ourselves.
If I was to be chosen to be blessed I would pick the original go bible and give the other to another working mom of 3 children who is a believer but who is very hard on herself…we would be so blessed to have that available to us at all times!! Thanks for encouraging us so!!
Thank you for the much needed devotion today. I am a single mother of 3 with my oldest about to graduate from high school in two weeks. The past months have been had many struggles between us. Her strong desire to go out on her own and my panic as to whether I have given her all the tools to make it as a young adult have tested us both. I am so greatful for so many answered prayers in the recent months and would love to give a gobible to my friend Allison. She prays for everyone and has really helped me to make prayer more of a priority. She is a great inspiration and friend. If I won, I would choose the voyager. Thanks, Briana
You put into words what I've been feeling lately. I didn't know that others felt the same way, I thought only I felt like a major failure and couldn't seem to pull it all together. Thanks for the encouragement! I would be happy to recieve the original GoBible, what a neat idea. And I would give the other package to my friend Anna who is also going through the monotony of mother hood at times.
I loved reading this post. Thank you. I really like the Voyager GoBible and would give the second to my cousin who is like a sister to me and is always there for me, no matter what.
I saw the email in my inbox this morning and didn't read it I had so much to do I just wanted to get started, after I had finally dragged myself out of bed. I have 4 kids and I homeschool 3 of them. I was getting ready to go to sleep and then I clicked on the email devotional and it was just what I needed. I'm tired and run down and the days never end but I also love being the one to teach the little ones. I need to get past all the little snafoos that come up in the day and get focused on enjoying being the Mom and teacher. I would give the other copy to a friend of mine who has had a rough life and has since turned her life around but I know with 5 kids things get pretty hectic in her household and sometimes she needs the reminder too that God is with us and we don't have to do it on our strength but in His.
This was such a good devotion to read, as today was a tough day dealing with three that are 5 and under. I felt like I could have given the "pink slip" to my husband and then just before bed, read your story. How timely is our God!!! I would enjoy the GoBible Voyager and I would give the other to another mom . . . of 4, about to be 5. I love her dearly and have been encouraged by her greatly.
[email protected]
I had a gold nugget moment a few weeks ago. I'm not sure why after 3 daughters who are "easy" and mellow, God brought the most rambunctious, high-strung little boy into our lives. I've complained.I've cried. I've called in professionals. I've sworn one of us was going to take medication. But as I not so calmly told God I made a mistake, I must have misheard His calling us to adopt, He said "Be not weary in well doing for you shall reap in due season if you faint not" ONLY His calm reasoning could correct me and only my small brown boy's smile can melt all of the frustration away. I am like this boy and I need God to be not weary loving and teaching me too.
If you pick me I would like whatever you offer and the other to go to another adoptive momma I know with the same struggles. Thanks for the encouragement.
Becky [email protected]
Wow! Isn't it amazing how God knows how to put things in our path that our going to speak to our hearts at the exact moment we need it! And that my friends is what God does for me with your devotional. I am a busy wife, mom of three kiddos, nursing student, and part-time medical assistant at a physicians office. Although reading through these commments most moms are mothers toddlers, but I am will find myself the mother of a teenager in 9 days….eeeek!! I am also the mother of a 6 & 7 year old kiddos too! I had always thought that having my children grow older would ease the burden on parenthood. Not always true I have come to find out. Worrying about my children learning how to cross the street has been replaced with worrying about how I can keep my child from being influenced by "wordly" friends! Thanks you so much for all the encouragement you give each day through this devotional! If I were to win, I would pick the GoBible Voyager and would choose my dear sweet friend who is a stay at home mother of 4 ages, 10, 3, 2, and 9 months!
Wow! Isn't it amazing how God knows how to put things in our path that our going to speak to our hearts at the exact moment we need it! And that my friends is what God does for me with your devotional. I am a busy wife, mom of three kiddos, nursing student, and part-time medical assistant at a physicians office. Although reading through these commments most moms are mothers toddlers, but I am will find myself the mother of a teenager in 9 days….eeeek!! I am also the mother of a 6 & 7 year old kiddos too! I had always thought that having my children grow older would ease the burden on parenthood. Not always true I have come to find out. Worrying about my children learning how to cross the street has been replaced with worrying about how I can keep my child from being influenced by "wordly" friends! Thanks you so much for all the encouragement you give each day through this devotional! If I were to win, I would pick the GoBible Voyager and would choose my dear sweet friend who is a stay at home mother of 4 ages, 10, 3, 2, and 9 months!
I LOVE your devotions,,,they help me on a daily basis! If I win I would love the GOBible Original. I would give the second one to my Mother In Law who has been such a blessing to me and doesn't like to read. This would be a wonderful Mother;s Day gift for her so that she could read more!
Thank you so much for the encouragement. I think the go bible voyager have a lot of neat features. I look forward to learning more. Thank you.
Thank you for your devotional! Just what I needed today. And coupled with a phone call with my close friend, who is a mom of 4, and knowing I can lean on Jesus as a mom of 2, I feel much more at peace that I'm not the only mom who struggles! I would love the Voyager GoBible. [email protected]
Thanks for the great devotional. If I won I would like the GoBible original. And I would give the second pack to my cousin Ronica.
Thank you so much for this awesome devotion. You also so just the right things to encourage me. I enjoy the GoBible Voyager. I am going through a divorce and have three boys. This would enhance my time with God. I would give the second one to my best friend Jenny. You had been so helpful during this diffcult time. God's blessings, Nicole
Thank you for the divinely inspired devotion for today. It really spoke to me personally. I have 5 children ages 17 down to 2 and we homeschool so most days are busy and sometimes overwhelming. The GoBible (Voyager – NIV) looks awesome and would give me the opportunity to listen to His word throughout the day. It's so difficult to find time to sit and read. I would share the package with my friend who takes time to share her heart with me and listens on those days I feel like quitting. She would benefit greatly from this and would share it with others. Thanks for your transparency. What a blessing and neat Mother's Day giveaway. I hope you have a joyful Mother's Day. Lisa L.
[email protected]
I am such a tired mommy, I read biblical parenting tips, empowering parent e articles, pray for my child and still he is so rebellious and defiant I lose my temper and then hate myself for it. God show me what you want me to do, I want to glorify you through my behavior and not respond to my emotions. I am so tired and have tried everything. please help me, I am a good mommy and love my child more than anything
Today, I was a failure as a mom..at Bible study the page in my Bible included a Max "Life Lesson" with these words: failure with temper, failure with words…then I read your Proverbs 31 blog…He knew! and He loves move even though I had a bad day! Thank you for your words, Renee. I would love to win the gifts and would share with my friend Liz..a wonderful mother (I wish I was more like her!) As for the GoBible, I would take any one of them. God has certainly blessed you with words for which I am thankful. Blessings my Christian sister.
Well obviously I am a busy stay at home mom it is 11:11pm and I am just mow reading this post. How many dys do I decide to quit…just uncountable currently. But God is so faithful even when I am faithless. He continually places someone something in my life to spark me and remind me how to get back to Him through all the fog of this busy life of ours. Thank you for allowing Him to use you in my life today…I sooo want to look after their hearts and shepherd them to Him, not a life filled with stuff. I am afraid I have taught He gets our left overs. You reminded me today His mercies are new and I can have a do-over by shifting my focus back to the Word and in turn shifting theirs too! I would take any Of the 3, but sure the pretty white voyager would be a choice. I would give the second to my sweet friend whose husband is a youth minister and her life is quit often over booked as well. With 4 kids and a husband that has been gone 9 dys to equador for a church plant she deserves it more than I do. She has single parented for His glory this week and could use it in the car rider line or between ball fields….endless use! Thanks for a great devo today! [email protected]
Hello Renee, reading your devotion/blog was like one of those moments in church when you are listening to a message and are wondering how on earth the Pastor knew you were struggling with a certain issue….so what I mean was it was a total God thing! Lately I have struggled with so many similar feelings you described. Even if I wouldn't win I feel as though I gained some amazing insight and a direction with instructions!! Would love the voyager go Bible…and I would give the second to a dear friend who often feels alone in her faith walk as a mom and wife. Thank you for your transparency and honesty!!!
Amy
[email protected]
Thank you Renee for this much needed devotion. i am a grandmother of 3. Two boys, ages 6 and 7, and one girl who just turned 2. My daughter and the children live with us. She works full time and my husband and I take care of the childen, getting the boys off to school and taking care of our grandaughter all day. My husband is not well, but he does manage to interact some with them. Our 7 year old has autism and the 6 year old has problems also. They are a handful but we feel blessed. My daughter is exhausted when she gets home and tries so hard to devote her time to all 3, sometimes she wants to just go and hide(me too). Your story was so encouraging. I would love to win the GoBible Voyager and give the second one to my daughter. Thank you so much. Arlene C.
Oops! my e-mail address is
[email protected]
Thank you for the encouragment. While I would love to win your other stuff, I don't need the goBible, I have a free bible app on my phone (YouVersion) that I use every day and I would love for someone who really needs it to win. But I really identified with the wanting to give up being a mom thing. There have been so many days I've wanted to quit. (I have a 4 year old and 2 year old twins)I really loved the idea about searching for the gold rather than seeing the dirt. It's a good change of perspective. Thanks.
I am a military wife and mother of 2 young boys (one with special needs). My husband is frequently away, sometimes months at a time.
Thank you for your refreshingly "real" devotionals. I so relate to much of what you have gone through and often I cry when I read them b/c it hits home so deeply. Thank you for your obedience to the Lord in being vulnerable and courageous enough to share from the depths of your heart. I would love a GoBible voyager if I win and I'll ask God who to give the other pack to – it'll be His choice!
Blessings, Peace and continued strength to you Renee!
Haidee
Thanks for the amazing devotion today:) it really hit home with me. I would love either the Voyager or the original. The second one would go to my sister who is homeschooling her 4 girls. My email is [email protected]
I really enjoyed reading today's devotional entitled "Sometimes I Just Want to Quit" written by you from Proverbs 31 daily devotional e-mail. So often we as moms think that everyone else has the answers and we are the only one struggling. When in reality if we take the time to share with other moms what is on our hearts it can be just the encouragement we need. I currently have two boys that are very active- a pre-schooler and a toddler. Some days I question my decision to walk away from my previous job as an elementary teacher to now stay home and raise our boys. Then I remember we only get one opportunity to instill in them the values and faith that we desire them to have.
The Voyager GoBible would be my choice due to the features it contains. But, honestly any of them would be awesome!
I would plan to give the other set to a dear mom friend who is going through a rough time financially and emotionally. She is raising four kids and life for her is very stressful due to recent circumstances. She spends a ton of time taking and then waiting for her girls in dance classes and I know she would get use of the items. Thanks. Have a Happy and blessed Mother's Day.
Thank you for the encouragement! I have been in this position more than once! I really needed to hear the part of seeing my childrens heart ( and my heart) not the bad habits. How easy it is to fall into that. The voyager GoBible is the one I would choose if I would have the choice. I would give the second to my friend who is feeling no purpose at this time as a stay at home mom. Thank you for your honest devotions.
[email protected]
I really appreciate your post. Having a Down Syndrome child, I find myself losing control way too much. I am learning day-by-day when to hold my tongue and be the mom that God wants me to be. Staying calm does help. If I were to get a GoBible I would want the one that is in the middle on the page you directed us to. I would probably give a second one to my best friend or my Mom. Both would probably enjoy it.
I am so glad I found this! I am a mom of 4-ages 10, 4, 3, and 19 months. There are times throughout every day that I feel like I am a failure being a mom. I tell myself I want to be more patient and I mess up over and over. It is so nice to have guidance and understanding to look up to.
I would love to give my second set to my sister in law. She is a mom of 3 (one step daughter) and is growing everyday with the Lord. I really think she would enjoy this as well. I would enjoy the GoBible Voyager with the larger screen/type. Thank you!
J. Johnson