'Hearts at Home'

March 13 & 14, 2009 was the Hearts at Home National Conference in Normal, IL. The theme this year was, "Real Moms, Real Lives, Real Stories." Keynote Speakers were Jill Savage, Founder and Executive Director of Hearts at Home and Dr. Kevin Leman, internationally known psychologist, author and speaker.

It was a joy to serve as a conference volunteer both days and be a 'fly on the wall' and observe so many aspects of why Hearts at Home is such an encouragement to moms nationwide and internationally.

Hearts at Home is an organization that is committed to "Encouraging Moms in Every State of Motherhood". It is a Christ-centered organization that encourages, educates, and equips women in the profession of motherhood by offering events such as the National Conference and offering resources to encourage moms all year long like eNews letter, Website, Books, and HeartBeat radio spots.

What started out as a small group of moms gathering in Jill's living room grew to a large, church sponsored mom's group, which dared to dream about the concept of encouraging more moms through a conference with speakers and workshops. The dream was ordained and blessed by God, and has since grown to what happens today, all year long.

My first exposure to Hearts At Home was when Steve & Greg were in grade school. I was absolutely overwhelmed by my first conference, as I sat in the ISU Braden Auditorium (pictured above) with over 2,000 other moms. I realized that no matter what age you were, what age your children were, what 'social strata' you were part of, or what church on the corner you attended (if you attended)...a mom is really a mom. We all have common joys, frustrations, concerns, and goals. Most of all, to see in a new way what a gift motherhood really is, and to worship together with thousands of women the true Giver of Life was the ultimate highlight for me. I left my first conference forever changed. I also left my first conference determined that as much as I might have needed encouragement, there will always be other moms that need encouragement. Since then I have served on the staff of Hearts at Home full time, and now just during conferences...since working full time at our church office. I am also a Hearts At Home Ambassador and Prayer & Promote Partner. My passion to see the work of Hearts at Home advance is as strong as ever...so that drives my efforts each year to work behind the scenes so moms can be encouraged. The 'payback' is the knowledge that as women leave the conferences, lives are changed and perspectives have been enlarged for the good.

This year's conference did not disappoint! The Keynote talks by both Jill and Dr. Leman were warmly and enthusiastically received by the women. The many workshops were also well attended and blessed the attendees as they learned more about parenting, marriage, spiritual growth, and family management. They allow moms to spend time hearing from talented speakers and presenters about the issues that matter most to them at this stage of their life.

Hearts At Home ultimately points each and every attendee to each one's need for a Savior - Jesus Christ. Motherhood drives moms to their knees...and Jesus is faithful to provide wisdom, strength, endurance, patience and love in all those experiences of mothering. I praise God for the Hearts at Home organization, and my connection with it.

Invest in a mother...Influence a family...Improve a community...Impact the world!