Clay and I were sitting in our living room one evening after we had put our children to bed and I said, “I didn’t know this was going to be so hard!”
Giving, giving all day long, with nary a day off and then getting to 9 at night and having the smart, older children say, “Mommy, is there a God in the universe?”
Frankly, at that moment of the day, I found myself more concerned with getting into my own bed than answering a profound question.
And so I was baring my heart to Clay and said, He said, “What would help you?”
“I wish I had more friends who had my life, who shared my ideals, who agreed how demanding it is to be an intentional mother. I need someone who understands my life.”
“I wish there would be a retreat or conference where I could sleep on a bed with clean sheets, be an adult for a couple of days, be inspired, eat chocolate, share my issues with like-minded women, have a nice luncheon, speakers who would encourage, but not give guilt–just a place to be renewed.”
And, so my idealistic, visionary husband said, “Maybe we should do a conference like that.”
And so 14 years ago, we rented a hotel, and the Whole Hearted Mom or now the Mom Heart conferences started right here in Texas where we were living.
And now I am even more convinced than every, after seeing my children into adulthood, that moms need mentors, encouragers, companions, prayer buddies, women who can support them along the way. Without a spiritually encouraging friend and companion, many women will give up their ideals.
And so we are meeting today, with God in our midst to celebrate this wonderful, amazing role of motherhood. Afterall, as mothers go, so goes to world. So, this morning, I am excited to greet my day with all of you who are gathering with us here in Dallas. May God be lifted up and praised and may sweet women be encouraged to stay strong and to celebrate life with their children so that eternity will be different for their servant leadership and loving, giving hearts. Bless all of you in your labor of love today.
Sad to miss it this year!!! We moved to South Florida a month ago. Wishing you had one in FL.
Praying for an amazing conference!!!!
Praying that the Lord blesses you today and the conference in Texas! Wish I could be there!
I’ve been to several of the Texas conferences, so I know what I’m missing–wish I were there, too. Praying for all of you this weekend. You’re doing a wonderful and much-needed thing. Thank you!!
Thankful for this conference. My daughter attended last year and is looking forward to this year.
She came back so encouraged and uplifted last time. Praying for you as you encourage young moms and God bless you.
Thank you for following Gods path. Praying for you.
Reminded me of the CO Springs conference I was at just a few weeks ago. Thank you – I needed a refresher of that feeling this morning. It’s 10:30 and I’m just getting to finish my coffee, still in jammies, having answered so many questions already this morning that I haven’t had a shower. But it’s worth it and I’m not alone.
Celebration strikes me as the missing element when my days become dreary and filled with demands. I appreciate your posts. You continually remind me that all these moments contribute to a whole life and should be celebrated as they arrive.
My own kids are 19 and almost 21. They still want to talk about monumental ideas and questions in the middle of the night.
It helps me to think of my aquaintances who would give up many nights of sleep if their kids would just call to say hello occassionally. I am then filled with gratefulness and the energy that I need for the time. Thanks, Sally. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Oh Sally, we do need those times away. Thank you for seeing the need and being willing. I know the women in TX will be so very blessed this weekend. May you be strengthened physically and emotionally beyond measure and may God’s Spirit lead you every moment. We are praying for you, the family and the entire team.
Love you!
when are you bringing this to Oregon??