“How I Am Celebrating Lent” by Pam Turney
It is the season of Lent and I’ve learned to take this season to HEART. Generally, I plan a specific devotion series, pull down the Easter tote from the attic, start thinking about what to wear that won’t cost me anything, etc. Oh, and now that I’m newly married; yet, attending separate churches, I’m thinking about where we will attend together for this special time. And without a doubt I’m dreaming about the homemade oversized special order eggs made by the ladies at my husband’s church. They come in peanut butter, cherry, and coconut in case any of you need one. Delicious is an understatement.
This year I’m revisiting Ann Voskamp’s Lenten Devotion. Today’s reading came from Acts 2:42-47 concerning the response of the new believers at Pentecost. “They were devoted to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” We find later in verse 47 that the Lord adds to their number, day by day, others being saved because of their obedience.
The apostles were dedicated to the new believers and this truth prompted me to dwell longer on the words handwritten through this passage in my own bible:
“PROFOUND DEDICATION TO THOSE GOD ENTRUSTS TO US”
Further noted was who was actually entrusted to me: “family, life group, Mom Heart ladies, and friends.” So, I took note of what my dedication looked like to each of these presently.
Since at least 2008 God has entrusted a group of moms to me to lead. We began in the back room of the YMCA meeting weekly encouraging one another in the biblical design of motherhood, praying, fellowshipping, and feasting! Our meetings grew into annual retreats until we outgrew the venue. Then we began dreaming about how to get these heartfelt messages to other women to encourage, inspire, and strengthen their faith as they live out their unique puzzles in their homes with their individual families.
Last year we held our first annual Mom Heart of North Alabama Conference and our second year is quickly approaching March 24&25 at Life’s Journey Church in Huntsville. Because I lacked discipleship in my younger years, the Lord has given me a passion to share grace and truth of the rescue, redemption, and restoration of my life. It is my deepest desire for other moms to know the same gifts are available for them too. Through the scriptures and stories of faith from moms who profess that God truly can bring beauty from ashes, we hope to minister to those He entrusts to us this weekend.
summer park with a beautiful flower bed
If you are a mom in need of encouragement or more equipping in your journey, plan to join us later this month. The link to register is www.bit.ly/MomHeart2017 . I have been attending like conferences in other areas of the United States since 2000. What a blessing it is to fellowship with like minded moms who take God at His word and walk by faith. Every sacrifice I’ve made to attend annually has paid off immeasurably as my spiritual cup is filled. It is a refreshing that affords me the strength to stay strong in my journey. It is the desire of our local Mom Heart team that these faith messages are brought to our own community and made available to our own Jerusalem.
Won’t you join us? Scholarships are available to those in need. As we continue in this special season of Lent preparing our hearts to rejoice at Easter, let us be a part of your preparation. We would like nothing more.
Pam Turney
Pam Turney is a momma of five fabulous children and recently married to her most favorite customer, Marty. Pam’s entrepreneur spirit and missional heart has seen her local business Graves Grocery in Lacey’s Spring blossom over the last four years. She longs to glorify God through her family and her community. She has attended Mom Heart conferences since 2000 and has participated in four leadership intensives. Pam currently leads a monthly Mom Heart group as well as annual retreats. Be sure to read her blog, “River of Life” at GravesGrocery.com
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