Can you relate to this week's title? Maybe you know you're magnificent as a mom, but you very seldom feel "ooh la la" about it! Maybe you're in one of those hard seasons of parenting where you don't even feel very magnificent. Let's face it, our children love us, but we can't count on hearing encouraging words from them very often. Sometimes you need to go somewhere and be reminded that you are magnificent, Mom!

     This week I'd like to tell you about a special conference for moms that takes place each year in Normal, Illinois and Rochester, Minnesota. Hearts at Home conferences are designed for moms to feel special and appreciated! "Ooh La La! Moms Are Magnificent!" was the theme for the 2008. Each year's conference features popular comedians, speakers, and musicians.Hearts at Home founder and CEO Jill Savage often speaks and I've gained so much insight from her. Hearts is an amazing weekend out for moms of all ages and stages! The conference includes featured speakers and workshops on topics such as parenting, marriage, spiritual growth, and family management. You can find out more about Hearts at Home and register online at www.hearts-at-home.org or call (309)828-MOMS. Hearts at Home is a Christ-centered organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood through various resources and events.

     Call up a friend and make plans to attend a Hearts at Home conference! If you can't go to Minnesota or Illinois, you can order a home conference packet. In it you'll receive a conference tote bag, program, and CD's of the keynote message and four workshops of your choice. Either way, I encourage you to check out Hearts at Home's website. It's full of encouragement for moms of all ages!

     I don't want this week's article to be just an advertisement for a wonderful conference, so I want to leave you with a few thoughts to ponder as you parent your precious children. First, enjoy them. Notice the funny things they do and the amazing way they get all they can out of life. We can learn from them. Let's slow down more often and enjoy the time we have with our kids. Next, discipline them. Teach them to obey you and their teachers and God. Children thrive when they have structure and boundaries, even though it's hard for us to provide that at times. Finally, love them. Make sure they know you love them. Say it often and show it in your actions, too.

     Moms, you're magnificent! Keep up the good work!