You might think that missionaries don’t struggle with wanting material things or perhaps that we are “above” wanting things to look nice.

Not so.

I, just like the next girl, like pretty things.  As a child, I dreamed of a little farmhouse with a cute picket fence beckoning you to come to the porch and sit a while.

Fast forward to life in a tropical city.  My idea of a dream house never included gecko poop on the walls or pythons in the backyard.   I never dreamed of the mold in the corner of every cabinet, ants marching in at every stray crumb left on the counter, or my couches that are meant to be “outside” couches but, alas, are in my living room.

And I struggled (still do at times). And, I would sigh, and dream of a walk down Target aisles.  A trip to the craft store.  And wish that my life looked different.

To hear the rest of the story, come visit me at Women Living Well today as I guest post over there! 

*the adorable candle in a jar pictured above was made by my sweet friend, Beth.*

Raise your hand if you want to be a godly mama to your precious little ones. Me too! Raise your hand again if you ever struggle with getting frustrated with your kids when they mess up, even when you KNOW in your head that is not the right response.  See my raised hand? I struggle with this, well, daily.

As a mother, I need so much grace as I go about my day.  God is so unbelievably faithful to meet me where I am and encourage my heart. That is why I want to reflect His love and grace to my kids. Giving them grace in the moment is my goal. 

To read the rest, head on over to The Better Mom today!

***GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*****

*Today will be the last day for giveaways this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed them!  Be sure to enter Monday and Tuesday’s giveaways is you haven’t already!*

Why Grace-Full Mama?

I titled this blog Grace Full Mama for two reasons:

First, as a mother I want to be daily reminded that I am and can be full of grace because of the amazing grace that has been given to me.  ”For it is by grace that you are saved and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

When I fail again, yell again, am grumpy again, it is so freeing that I do not have to wallow in my mistakes and assume that is where I will always be. I can know that I am forgiven and that I can get up, get grace, and try again.  It gives hope to the worn-out, tired mother (like me)!

And second, I learn to give grace to my children.

Grace doesn’t mean they get away with everything.

Grace doesn’t mean that there aren’t conseqences.

Grace doesn’t mean they are not held to a high standard.

It means that in all I do and say to them in their life, I want them to know that it is by grace they are saved and not through their works.

And when they mess up, I want to lead them to the Cross.  Lead them to the One who paid the price for their sins, to help them to understand that not one of us could stand without that grace. I want them to understand that it isn’t a try harder, do better, pull yourself up by your bootstraps life, it is a receiving and acting in thankfulness life.

It means that in the moment when they fail, I can draw on the grace I have been given to come alongside of them.  I can let them know that I still love and approve of them, give them a hug, and then meter out their consequence. 

For the longest time, I thought there were two types of parents; the disciplinarians (the good parents with obedient children), and the grace givers (the parents who let their kids get away with everything and had crazy wild children).

Now I realize that the true grace- full mama is intent on training with grace.  Truth and love.

She is full of grace, but she isn’t wishy-washy.

She is full of grace, but she doesn’t look away from sin.

She is full of grace, but she is working hard to see that her children, if they are saved, are in the process of sanctification.

She is right there delving into the heart issues, understand the root of the problem or sin, right there in the midst of the mess, training and disciplining her kids while leading them to the Cross.

“Parenting with grace isn’t another set of rules for you to follow.  It’s a story that you’re rejoicing in.  Share the story with your children.  Show them the Savior.  Show them Jesus.  Dazzle them with His love.” -Elyse Fitzpatrick, Give them Grace

Thoughts?

And, now on to the giveaways!! One of you will win all of this! *GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*****

1. Beautiful Scripture Wall Decal from A Great Impression-

  Mary is a beautiful woman with a heart to spread the Good News of the Gospel using her gorgeous wall art. She has a heart for missions (which I love!), and recently sent a whole box of wall decals to a mission base!! How cool, huh?!

I love decorating my home with Scripture and I think that adding one of these pretty decals is just the way to do it!

The one in the picture here (in size Medium) is the one she is giving away to one of you!!

Visit Mary at her website or on her blog!

2. Savoring Living Water Ebook-

Savoring Living Water Katie Orr and Lara Williams teach on how to have an effective time in God’s Word. Through the pages of this book, you will discover:

• A practical how-to method for studying the Bible on your own.
• Tips on connecting with God in a meaningful way through journaling and scripture memory.
• Ways to deal with the distractions that inevitably arise during a quiet time.
• How to apply God’s Word to the moments of daily living.
• …and much more.

****THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED****

I just have to say how very humbled I am by all of your kind words and encouragement yesterday.  I am totally overwhelmed by your comments and emails.  Thank you so very much.

As I said yesterday, I want this place to be the back gate where you and I can meet to share truth and embrace grace.

You can expect to find inspiration, ideas, and support as you seek to become the woman that God made you to be. Most of all, I want to offer you encouragement.  When you are weary, worn out, stretched thin, I want this to be a place where you can come to find a little shot in the arm, a little dose of refreshment.

And a big dose of grace.  And I’m hoping you’ll do the same for me.  Because when we are filled with grace from Him, we are able to be grace-full and gracious with our families.

It will also be a place to be real. I am not a been-there-done-that mama.  I’m an in-the- middle-of- it,  struggling- to- get- it- right mama.  I mess up. I fail…daily.

2 Corinthians 12:9 is my life verse and it says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”   It is in that weakness I want to show my children the amazing, astounding, incredible work of the Cross and trust that they will never be the same.  I know I never will.  

And, as I said yesterday, it’s place for high ideals, but real realities.  I’m not content just to be what I’ve always been, do what I’ve always done.  God is calling us to more….more of HIM.  As we dig into God’s Word, I pray that He will change each of us to be more like Him each and every day.  That is what sanctification is all about.

That’s why Grace Full Mama is a place where you can come to be inspired by the BIG vision of motherhood.   It’s a place where together we can look for the glorious in the mundane.  A place where we can dig into God’s Word to discover His wonderful love for us, learn about His plan for our lives, and revel in this great work that God has called us to.

And, if you are a woman who is not a mother, I invite you to stick around and join in the conversation.  I am certainly more than just a mother, and I will be posting about a variety of topics that are relevant to women.  I want to learn and grow together with you, too! So, please, feel welcome!

I invite you to subscribe and to come back tomorrow for the last day of giveaways!

Now for today’s giveaways!! One person will win all of this! ****GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*****

1. Doorposts Parenting Essentials Package ($59 value)!

Doorposts is one of my very favorite companies for practical tools and helps for bringing up your children.  I am always inspired and challenged by their amazing resources!  This Parenting Essentials Package has all of my favorite tools from Doorposts!!  It includes:

• For Instrutction in Righteousness Book- A 366-page topical reference guide for biblical training (newly revised!)
• The If-Then Chart- For Bible-based, consistent discipline in your home
• The Blessing Chart- Recognize and encourage your child’s godly behavior
• The Put On Chart- Learn to put on biblical character qualities (includes lesson book with 8 studies and a boy and girl paper doll).
• The Go-to-the-Ant Chart- What the Bible says about diligence and laziness
• and The Brother-Offended Checklist Teach your children to resolve disagreements in a godly manner.

You can visit Doorposts here!

2.  Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic-

   This is a GREAT book for moms who are in the midst of young motherhood. It is a very simple read, yet extremely encouraging!  I found myself nodding in agreement on every single page!!

The author, Rachel Jankovic, says, “I didn’t write this book because mothering little ones is easy for me. I wrote it because it isn’t. I know that this is a hard job, because I am right here in the middle of it. I know you need encouragement because I do too.”

Isn’t that great? I love her heart for encouraging other moms as she walks the same road.

Visit Canon Press to learn more about this awesome book!  You can visit them on Facebook or Twitter and also say hello to author Rachel Jankovic on Facebook!

3.  Give Them Grace, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

This book is truly amazing!  I have been humbled by the role of the Cross in my own life and in myparenting.  In many areas of my mothering, it has caused me to totally re-think many of the  ways I parent!!

“How are parents to raise children so they don’t become Pharisees or prodigals (rebels)? It’s all about grace-filled, gospel-driven parenting, says the mother/daughter team of Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. Christian parents, in their desire to raise godly children, can drift  toward rule-centered discipline. In Give Them Grace, parents will learn how to connect the benefits of thecross—especially     regeneration, adoption, and justification—to their children’s daily lives. Chapters address topics such as ourinability to follow the law perfectly, God’s forgiveness and love displayed at the cross, and what trueheart obedience looks like.”
Visit Crossway to learn more about this awesome book!

4. Seeds Family Worship Sampler

I love Seeds music.  It’s Scripture set to really fun music.  Our family enjoys dancing and playing around to this music.  It is a staple in our home!

This sampler has 6 great songs, all of which I love!

Here’s what Seeds says about the CD, The contents of this sampler may have a long-lasting impact on your family. Inside you’ll find God’s Word set to great music. And while kids will love it, the truth is, parents will too. Before you know it, the Word will start taking root in your heart!”

Visit the Seeds website!

To Enter:

Leave a comment

For extra entries (please leave a separate comment for each thing you do):

This giveaway is limited to the US only and will close on Tuesday, October 11 at 11pm EST

I hope you win!

****THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*****

I am so excited that you are here to help me launch Grace Full Mama!  My name is Joy.  I am the wife of a missionary pilot and we live in Indonesia.  We have 5 beautiful kiddos and I love being their mom.  You can read more about me here.

There is a rickety gate in my backyard that connects with the backyard of a dear friend and neighbor. She is a treasured friend whom I love. We meet for moments in the midst of life. She throws laundry in and our kids run around.  I head up to the gate with my coffee cup, my hair a mess and no makeup, and we get real.

It’s a little respite in the middle of busy life. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry.  We share our struggles and our successes.  We encourage each other to be better women, wives, and moms. And we encourage each other to reach out for that grace that He so freely gives.  I treasure that place.  It is a place where I feel  challenged, refreshed, and accepted.

That is what I want this place to be.  This place is my virtual back gate and I want you to come join me.  A place where we have high ideals, but live in real realities. And where those two meet, that is where we can join together at the back gate.  At the intersection of grace and truth. 

Come with your hair messy, without your make-up,  and let’s encourage each other.  Let’s share our highs and lows, and encourage each other on this journey.  Let’s reach out together for that grace as we seek to become all the He has created us to be.

I created Grace Full Mama because I have a passion for encouraging and inspiring moms in their job as mom.  I want to encourage you as a mom to walk in the truth of God’s Word while finding grace for yourself and your family.  And, I’m hoping that you’ll do the same for me.

Want to join me?  I invite you to subscribe so that we can join together on this journey.  And, come back tomorrow when I share my vision for Grace Full Mama and have MORE great giveaways!!

Now, on to today’s GIVEAWAY! ****GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED******

One person will win all of this!

1.   One 12×12 Gallery Wrapped Canvas from Red Letter Words (you pick which one, excluding custom prints!)-

Visit Dee at her website to see all the amazing prints and pick which one you would choose if you win!!  Find her on Facebook or Twitter.

2.  A beautiful handmade necklace featuring gorgeous original work from Beth Stone Studio (you pick which one)!

Isn’t this necklace beautiful?!  There are many more to choose from too!  I love these beautiful necklaces that are inspired by God’s Word and His creation.  Beth has an amazing way of including all sorts of beautiful elements into each one of her original pieces.

Beth says of her artwork, “My desire is that you would see God’s truth and beauty reflected in my work and in my life as well. I hope that my humble representations of the glories of Creation will point you toward the Creator, by Whom and for Whom all things exist.”

Visit Beth’s online studio to pick which necklace you would choose if you win!  Visit her at her beautiful blog,  Facebook, or Twitter.

3.  Give Them Grace, by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

This book is truly amazing!  I have been humbled by the role of the Cross in my own life and in my parenting.  In many areas of my mothering, it has caused me to totally re-think many of the  ways I parent!!

“How are parents to raise children so they don’t become Pharisees or prodigals (rebels)? It’s all about grace-filled, gospel-driven parenting, says the mother/daughter team of Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson. Christian parents, in their desire to raise godly children, can drift  toward rule-centered discipline. In Give Them Grace, parents will learn how to connect the benefits of the cross—especially     regeneration, adoption, and justification—to their children’s daily lives. Chapters address topics such as our inability to follow the law perfectly, God’s forgiveness and love displayed at the cross, and what true heart obedience looks like.”

Visit Crossway to learn more about this awesome book!

4.Hidden In my Heart CD from Breakaway Music!

This is one of my very favorite CD’s ever!  Don’t let the word lullabies confuse you, I call this my “mommy stays calm” music!  We play it in our home each morning as we do chores, and it refreshes my soul every day.

” The Word of God is so powerful, especially in a form where it can easily be absorbed.  That’s why we feel “Hidden In My Heart” can have such a profound impact on your children and even…. you!” Amen to that!!

And, something that I think is really cool is that 1 out of every 10 CD’s is donated to PregnancyResource Center!

Visit Breakaway Music or find them on Facebook.  You can download a free song here, and you can use this code: SL2011 to get 15% discount!

 To Enter:

Leave a comment

For Extra Entries (please enter a separate comment for each thing you do!):

This giveaway is limited to the US only and will close on Monday, October 10th at 11pm EST

I hope you win!

Grace Full Mama will officially launch on Monday, October 3rd.  It’s going to be exciting with lots of great giveaways!  I can’t wait.

In the meantime, please feel free to learn more about me and this site.  Also, take a moment to subscribe so you don’t miss the fun!

See you Monday!!

I am so glad that you have come to visit Grace Full Mama!  The official launch date for Grace Full Mama is Monday, October 3rd.  It is going to be big and exciting with lots of great giveaways.  I can hardly wait!

This site is in the process of getting a whole new look and I am working hard behind the scenes writing posts and all that fun stuff.  In the meantime, make sure you subscribe now so you don’t miss anything!

Look forward to seeing you soon!

Blessings,