Ch…ch…ch…CHANGES Are Coming in 2017 for TMI

The MOM Initiative is on the move and I’m super excited about some upcoming changes that we want you to know about. We are determined to prayerfully and faithfully stay laser focused to fulfill God’s call on this ministry and we are excited about the decisions we’ve made to move forward eagerly into 2017. Our goal to reach a million moms for Christ is what pumps blood through the veins of this ministry. That focus has been on the forefront of our hearts since before the ministry began. But we also wanted to provide online mentoring for moms, resourceful articles …

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What New Thing Are You Ready to See God Do in Your Life in 2017?

“Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19 This is it! The beginning of a new year! A new beginning! A time when people make resolutions with the lifespan of a butterfly. Beautiful while it lasts, but unfortunately, it doesn’t last long. I’m not into resolutions. But I am into reflection and redirection. I’m not into resolutions. But I am into reflection and redirection. @themominitiativ #Isaiah43:19 Click To Tweet It’s good to take a glance in …

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Heaviness and Newness

There is a painful swelling that happens during pregnancy. A round womb full of life, full of hope. But also very full and tired and ready. Ready for the birth of the baby. Ready for the heaviness to be over.   Isn’t this the way of birthing all new things? A painful swelling as something new is being knitted together. And the heaviness is exhausting. It irritates and stretches tight. Ready for the heaviness to be over.   When the knitting is complete, it is time. But birthing something new isn’t restful or easy. It is a painful labor, travail, …

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When Heaven and Earth Collided

“Unto us a Son is given…and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6 NKJV) The Bible is filled with prophecies of Christ’s advent. And many generations came and died without seeing Him. Until, the prophecies came to pass. When heaven’s Temple came down… “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” (Gal. 4:4-5 NIV) …a Son was given to Mary and Joseph. “…the One to be Ruler …

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Merry Christmas from the MOMs at The MOM Initiative

  I LOVE watching the movie Elf!  It’s one of those movies that has given our family an arsenal of cute quotes to draw from at random.  Quotes like, “Smiling is my favorite!”     And, “There’s room for everyone on the Nice List.”   And I love when Buddy discovers that Santa is coming to the store and shouts, “Santa’s coming! I KNOW him!”   More importantly that a cheesy, cute fairly tell, is the stunning truth that JESUS IS COMING…and I REALLY KNOW HIM!  How about you? Because the truth is, there is no Santa. Not anymore. Yes…I know …

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Two Books Perfect for Moms This Christmas

As Christmas draws near, we are all busy shopping for the perfect gift for our loved ones. Today, I wanted to share two books that make great stocking stuffers for your mom, sister, friend, (or yourself!).  The first book is a devotional by Jennifer Rothschild. It’s called 66 Ways God Loves You and is all about experiencing God’s love for you in every book of the Bible. I’m a big fan of Jennifer, having met her last year when my church hosted Fresh Grounded Faith. In the introduction, Jennifer shares about how she lost her eye sight at fifteen and now …

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Surviving December With Small Kids

What do you get when you mix two young children, one tired mom, and a Christmas to-do list? Definitely not peace on Earth. “Don’t step there!” My hand jerked toward my toddler’s ankles, but too late. Her foot crunched a row of Christmas ornaments arranged meticulously on the rug, prepped for hanging. “I sorry, Momma!” Her sock hovered over a sparkly blue star, crushed into five pieces. “I told you to stay on the sofa! Sweetie, if you want to help Mommy decorate the tree, you need to be very careful around the ornaments. Now it’s broken.” Her bottom lip …

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9 Ways to Raise a Rebellious Kid

Fact: Kids love to push the limits.  Fact: Rebellion is a human condition.  Yet there are things we do as parents that encourage the growth and intensity of a rebellious heart. Here are 9  ways to fan the flames of rebellion. Expect perfection: Performance based parenting focuses on the outside observables  rather than internal  notables. Notice outcomes but focus on developing your child’s character. Rather than only commentating on appearance or performance, “You look so beautiful” say, “Thanks for helping your sister today. You have such a kind heart.”  Punish for every infraction: Instead start saying what you want. When the child messes up, retrain. Next move to a natural consequence, …

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Add Peace to Your Christmas List This Year

We all need some reminders about Christ’s peace and how to attain it. In the craziness of this holiday season with dinner parties, Santa events, and of course shopping, let’s dig a bit further into peace and what God’s word says about it. Let’s make peace with others. To have a more righteous character, God asks us to be the sowers of peace. Try your best to get along with others in peace today and always. Pray to God for help with this. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness (James 3:18). If you want more peace …

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How to Help Your Child Think About GIVING at Christmas more than GETTING - Lindsey Bell on The Mom Initiative

How to Help Your Kids Think More about GIVING at Christmas Than GETTING

I’d love to tell you that my children think more about GIVING at Christmas than they do about GETTING. I’d love to tell you that we spend just as much time serving others as we do shopping for ourselves.  Unfortunately, if you look at my checking account, credit card statement, or simply watch my family throughout the month, you’ll know that’s not the case.  My seven-year-old has a wish list that is literally two pages long (and growing)! When he added yet another item to his list yesterday, I realized we might need to change our focus.  My guess is, you might …

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