My children love to hear stories about when they were babies. Yesterday was no exception.
As we cleared the lunch dishes from the table, I told the stories that they've heard many times before. And as I recalled the memories of those days, I was reminded - once again - of the fact that my "baby days" are over.
No more feeling the movement of a new life inside of me.
No more snuggling with a newborn.
No more dozing on the sofa with a baby sleeping on my chest.
No more of the host of many other wonderful experiences that come from having a baby in my home.
I miss those days with my babies. But I do not miss the days of being a young mother with virtually no Titus 2 women in my life to be a mentor to me. I had so many questions. And so many times, I needed the listening ear of an older, godly lady, and so many times I was in desperate need of an encouraging word.
So I find myself in a new season of life now. And the Lord has impressed upon me to be the Titus 2 woman that I didn't have. Which is the sole purpose of this blog.
With (almost) 30 years of marriage, 7 earthly children, and 3 granchildren (our 4th grandbaby is due this summer - yippee!), I might have a few words of encouragement for young mothers. ;)
Not that I am anything in and of myself. But I pray that the Lord will use me however He sees fit in this area...whether the encouragement comes through this blog, or in person.
What about you, friends? What has the Lord been nudging you to do for Him? I'd love to hear from you!
"To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven." Eccl. 3:1
Have a blessed day!
linking up this week @ www.deeprootsathome.com
www.raisingmightyarrows.com
I was "nudged" a couple years ago to start up a Titus 2 Womens group in our church. But, the young mothers did not stick around long (without their husbands) and eventually all our small church was other Titus 2 Women (those who are older). So I still feel the calling on my life and try to teach my daughters and share with my sister in law and nieces. Praying that the Lord will open this field of ministry more in our area.
ReplyDeleteHow true, Monica. We can be Titus 2 women for our daughters and daughter-in-law. They should be our first priority, anyway. :)
DeleteI am thankful for your position and wisdom. You are a blessing to many! If we can't find Titus 2 women in real life, we'll find them online, doesn't matter. I can't tell you how helpful Christian bloggers have been in my life. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMrs. H, Thanks so much for the kind words. Soli Deo Gloria!
DeleteI appreciate having women in my life to encourage this season of my life of being surrounded by little ones. It is challenging and fulfilling at the same time! You are a blessing Lisa!
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to have Titus 2 women in your life, Stephanie. Thanks for the kind words. :)
DeletePraise God!!! Our culture is in need of more Titus 2 women! It seems that it is looked at as a thing of the past. Maybe that's why women don't value their job as a 'stay-at-home' mother. This is something that I've been praying for our personal fellowship. We are a young congregation in need of wise, faithful mentors. I'm very thankful that God has led me to some through the blog world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for passing on and encouraging.
Amen! If we can't find the Titus 2 women close by, we can certainly find them in the blogosphere. The Lord can use even the internet to serve His purpose. :)
DeleteLisa, I really love this post! Leading a Titus 2 bible study is on my 50 before 50 list. I know I get to do it every day with my precious 11 year old daughter and from time to time with my grown daughter and daughter-in-law. I've been praying that the Lord would provide opportunities for me in this regard with the younger women in our church.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a blessing to move through the various phases of life with the Lord providing my purpose. I certainly mourned the passing of my child-bearing years, but I rejoice that I am where I am and am thankful for all I've learned along the way!
Blessings, ~Lisa :)
Lisa, I,too, mourned the passing of my child-bearing years, but the Lord gently reminded me that instead of grieving for what I don't have, I should rejoice in what I do have. Thanks for the kind words. :)
DeleteWow, I didn't know you had grandchildren ! You are so blessed. I am really looking forward to being a grandma someday. Yes, I too hope to be able to be a Titus 2 mentor someday soon. Do share with us if you have stories to tell us in how the Lord is leading you in this area. I love to learn by example of others too. And I would love you to mentor us here on the web. I love when you have words of wisdom to pass on to us gals. You are such a blessing, indeed.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
Thank you for the kind words, dear Mary. ((hugs))
DeleteHi Lisa, I have nominated your blog for the Versatile Blog Award. Please go here: http://quietness-and-gentleness.blogspot.com/2012/01/tbis-received-award.html for instructions! Love, Kathryn
ReplyDeleteLisa, I have a tear in my eye right now. I am right there with you and feeling slightly sad and slightly glad. god knows our frame and also our seasons...I pray someday He will allow me to be a Nana and care for babies again! thank you for your heart!
ReplyDeleteJacqueline,
DeleteThe Lord does know our seasons and I am so thankful for that. And thankful for the encouragement you give on your blog. Thank you.
Amen!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. I cannot express how this was exactly what I needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteWe just started a Titus 2 Program in our church this past October. I had no problem getting younger ladies who wanted this kind of ministry but I struggled to get truly "older" ladies who wanted to teach the lessons and pray with the younger women. We are only in our 3rd month of meeting (once a month) but I have already had comments from young women...single and married who are appreciative of the input of older ladies in the faith.
ReplyDeleteSusan,
DeleteIt sounds like the younger women are like I was...hungry for encouragement from the older women. Hopefully, the older ladies will realize the need and "step up to the plate".
Hi friend as you have noticed my blog is empty i left a message to everyone so you can join me back..pff..stay hours doing this..dont want to lose my friends...in case here is the link who will bring you there past it on top of your page...or click the link on my old blog...im not there anymore just leaving it untill all things start to work hope you find me...loves and thank you..
ReplyDeletehttp://thebattleofthegoodfaith.blogspot.com/
Lisa, Bless you for this endeavor! What a blessing you are to your readers.
ReplyDeleteI too miss the baby days and the thought of new life inside me. Growing old is bittersweet for this very reason. Being faithful in Titus 2 will help with the bitter part. I believe God will bless your desire to do this and give new joys in new seasons.
I look forward to following your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for the women over the years that have stepped up to guide, mentor and encourage me, and their gentle, faithful conduct has been convicting of my own need to meet with girls younger than myself passing through seasons I have passed out of.
{I knew N. when they lived in GA, and also went to GWH, although we never knew each other there}
Hi Lisa. Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm so glad you did since now I have a new, awesome blog to read! We do use AO but mostly for nature, picture, composer study, and literature. I teach separately the core subjects using mostly curriculum from Memoria Press which is a latin based program. But my methods are all Charlotte Mason in that we narrate in many ways. I have some posts on my blog about combining children. Right now I am teaching my youngest 5 kids together in the core subjects. I can write more on that later. So glad to meet you.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to stop by and let you know that you have been awarded the Versatile Blogger award! You can read all about it here: http://countrymousemusings.blogspot.com/2012/01/another-sweet-award.html
Blessings,
Rebecca
And I am one of those young mom's (well not that young, 35), but only 10yrs into marriage and 4 children under 7.5, eager to glean from Titus 2 women like you! Thank-you Lisa, we need you!
DeleteLisa, thank you so much for this post and for your sweet encouragement on my blog. I do look forward to reading more about how to be a Titus 2 woman as it looks like I need to step up and be one. Even if I am the only one.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Rashel