The 3 C’s- Cultivating a Heart for Motherhood

I want to introduce you to a beautiful Titus 2 woman, Carol Graham, although most people call her Mama Graham.  A doctor’s wife and mother to 5 grown children {and nearly grown grandchildren} she has a love for God’s Word, teaching and training the next generation, and a HUGE heart for hospitality. {She had this amazing cabin built on her land for missionaries to stay in and we have been blessed to live in it when we visit. She stocks the fridge and even leaves restaurant gift cards for each week so that we can eat out.  Then, she takes me and all the kids clothes shopping for the next FOUR years!!!}

She has discipled countless women in her home on the topics of marriage and motherhood.  She is such a beautiful example of a godly woman and I know that her legacy will be carried on for MANY generations.  Her daughter, Carrie, is one of my dear friends, and you NEED to read her blog, Carrie’s Busy Nothings!! She is witty, wise, and completely fun.

2 years ago when I was home on furlough, I asked her advice on what to share with a group of young moms.  She shared the 3 C’s with me.  It is simple, memorable, and Biblical.  So, here are the 3 C’s with ideas and practical tips added by me.  Thank you, Mama Graham, for investing in the next generation!

The first C in the 3 C’s is Constant Love.

“It’s in the midst of the trials and challenges of motherhood that the command comes to love our children.  Once again the Greek word phileo is used to describe the kind of love we are to show.  As with our husbands, we are to love our children with a tender, affectionate, and passionate love. Although many mothers are committed to caring sacrificially for their children, they sometimes neglect to enjoy them. They fulfill the responsibilities of motherhood but overlook the pleasures.“- Carolyn Mahaney, Feminine Appeal

It’s what a child truly needs from us as mothers!

1 Corinthians 13 says this,

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

Visible love is the only love a child can understand. You can’t tell a child, I love you, and expect them to believe it if your actions don’t back it up. Fill up your days not just with time spent with your children, but time loving and enjoying your children.

 Constant Love. Yes, but how?

• Smile. Really smile at them.
• Enjoy. Take time to revel in the wonder that is your child.
• Give them your heart.
• Engage.
• Dance.
• Play.
• Sing.
• Listen to their dreams.
• Whisper in their ear.
• Bake together.
• Goof off together.
• Make memories together.

“The mother who reaches the heartfelt needs of her children by helping them feel loved and secure, by believing in their dreams, by noticing when they stray and gently steering them back in the right direction, and by teaching them what they need to know to live full and meaningful lives accomplishes a great work for the Lord.” -Sally Clarkson, The Mission of Motherhood

Here are some additional posts I have written on this topic:

• Simple Tips for Engaging with Your Child Today
• The Ministry of Listening
• Encouraging Words
• A Note of Encouragement

Here is a list of the posts so far in the Cultivating a Heart for Motherhood series:

And here are the printables:

 We will tackle the other 2 C’s next!  Thoughts to share?

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