Image by barnabywasson via Flickr
Sit and stay awhile!
Our children and spouse inspire us to grow deeper in Him, to grow as a person and to strive for depth as a family. From this passion was born Inspired by Family Magazine.
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.” Eric Liddle – Chariots of Fire
This quote has been foundational in my life as a woman and as a mother. I truly believe God made me with multi-purpose written in my genetic coding. Outside of having the honor of being a mother and wife I believe He made me to glorify Him in EVERY thing I do, from removing pee sheets off the bed every morning, to cuddling with my little men, to sitting in a counseling session with a client, to writing articles about crafts, family, food and life. I believe God made you for a purpose; mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, uncle, brother, sister…..
Our beginnings:
About two years ago, I had a strong desire to start an online magazine. It seemed overwhelming for this momma who knew nothing about widgets and page layouts, no budget, no web designer or graphic designer. In spite, of all the obstacles the Lord kept this vision on the forefront of my heart until I could no longer ignore it!
Inspired by Family was born in 2011 from the desire to: leave a legacy behind to our children, to strengthen our family relationships, to encourage us to create, laugh and live life together. And with the belief that you shouldn’t let life just happen to you. No matter what your circumstances are we have a choice: to either become a victim of our circumstances or to make the best of it and move forward. Please know that I don’t say this flippantly or with a finger pointing in your face. Oh, I know that sometimes it’s hard, curled up in a ball on the floor sobbing hard, but with His strength we have to move forward. For the sake of our kids, our family and yes even for ourselves we have to move forward and continue running the race for His glory with His strength.
Running the Race
Fill this in with your answers: I believe God has given me the honor of being a mother/father, guardian…., but he also made me _______. And when I _______ I feel His pleasure. If you are still trying to discover what this is I pray that you don’t give up because He delights in giving you His pleasure.
Mine would be: I believe God has given me the honor of being a mom, but he also made me creative and compassionate. And when I create and serve those around me; whether it’s in on cyberspace, in my community or in my home I feel His pleasure.
“I would like to give you something more permanent, but I can only point the way. I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way. And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, “Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.” If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.” Eric Liddle
Blessings as you run the race and thank you for letting us journey alongside of you as we create, love, laugh, grow and celebrate life together. And the reality is sometimes we will cry together because life hurts and there will be tears. But my hope as we journey together is that we would inspire each other to get back up and continue living life and not just let life happen to us.
You can find us here:
We are web syndicated by: Justmommies.com
Spanglishbaby.com
Babycenter.com
That is one of my favorite quotations. I often use it to describe how I feel in being a wife and mother. I share your passion for family, God and being a wife and mom that glorifies God. Thanks for your honesty and your beautiful site.
Emily
Emily your words are so kind. Thank you!
Oh my goodness, I LOVE what you just said. I feel this same Knowing and Passion in my own life. I’ve been planning to do a little series leading up to Mother’s Day…and this is the feel that I want it to have. I would be so, so honored if I could feature your article on my blog. Of course, I would give you credit for your work and provide a link back to your blog.
I am looking forward to getting to know you and your magazine as a new follower.
Sharon @ mrs. hines class
Sharon, I am honored! Blessings, Mari
Mari, I love your magazine, you have a true gift in showing God’s love thru this site. Keeping you all in my prayers and hope you get back to Georgia soon. Love you all very much. Aunt Vickie
Hi Vickie,
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Yay, family stopped by! Thanks for the prayers. Lord willing next summer we will be sweating our butts off in GA with you all
Mari I love your website and your beautiful article above! You put into words so well something I feel in my heart! So glad you created this online magazine and site. It is just wonderful! And I am grateful for my friend Kelly whose Notable Nest site sent me here to browse!
Jill / Seattle, WA.
Jill, Thank you for taking the time to write such an encouraging note. I am also glad Kelly brought you over our way. I love her creative cards! Thanks, Mari
I have loved following your blog for a bit now. I love how you take the simple things and turn our focus to Christ. LOVE it. As such I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. You can read about the nomination here: http://www.lifewithmyblessings.wordpress.com/im-a-vba-winner/
Tammie, I am so sorry I didn’t see this before. Thanks for the nomination, you’re so sweet. And thank you for the kind words. ~mari
I love it! I do feel His pleasure when I write, something I only recently discovered was something He wants me to do
Treasures in the Dust, Isn’t it a wonderful feeling! So glad you discovered it! Blessing on your journey. ~ Mari
Blessed Mari,
I love you. The LORD lead me to your site this morning through Knitting Paradise and somone looking for a lamp shade cover made from a sweater. How appropos since you are truly letting HIS light shine through you! Keep up the good work and I will keep you in my prayers.
Glory a Dios,
Katrina