Mothering From The Heart - January 15, 2014

1.)    What is the best way for godly parents to set boundaries with grandparents? My husband and I are expecting our first child this spring, and both sets of our parents (who are Christians) live far away. In recent months, they have been visiting frequently, commenting about future visits in the next few months and later when the baby arrives. They also still speak to us as children, giving constant advice and questioning how we are arranging baby furniture, decisions about breastfeeding, decisions about me staying at home with our baby (leaving my career) etc. We are overwhelmed to say the least. We love our parents and want to honor them, but we don't know how to take on our new role as parents and set healthy boundaries. What are some good Biblical examples of how we might take on this challenge in a loving way?

2.) As someone who has served children and families for over a decade, I've become aware of a trend that I'll term "baby worshippers". By this I mean good natured people whose children or grandchildren become the center of their world, neglecting other relationships (e.g. with God, with their husband, etc.). I see this in person and in social media (e.g. posts on facebook that say "click like if your children are your everything"). I've also noticed the same type of woman may consider that her child is the smartest, most beautiful child, and often these mothers are competitive in conversation when speaking of their child's abilities to other mothers. There is a major sense that it is alright to spoiling children or grandchildren in this type of trend as well. I have loved children for so long and in no way mean to diminish the powerful role of motherhood. In fact, my husband and I are expecting our first child this spring, and we are so thrilled. I ask this because I want to guard against the mentality that children can become an idol. Somehow in our culture this seems acceptable, but where is the line for Christian women? I already love this baby more than any precious child I've ever come to love, but I want to do so in a healthy way.

2.)    Our first caller says that Audrey has addressed the birth control issue and said she was going to post this Scripture. This caller would like to know where she can go to see this Scripture or maybe Audrey could mention what Scripture she has used.

 Our next caller says that he would like Audrey's advice on the following situation: This caller knows an unsaved couple who have a preteen daughter. This daughter lies a lot. The father will admit that he knows that she does but the mother will not acknowledge the behavior. This caller would like to address this question because the lying is sometimes against other children. What is a tactful way to approach the parents, and, further, is it this Christian's responsibility to address this problem with the parents of this child who lies so easily?

Hey Audrey,
Thank you so much for your ministry, it's such a blessing to so many women! Thank you for living out your faith, for all to see, your children (and beautiful grandchildren) are a true testimony and heritage! Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you as his tool!
A few of us ladies have getting together and doing a bible study for about a year. We want to choose studies and books wisely, and have cast out a few already. I bought a dvd study by Sharon Jaynes, The Power of a Woman's Words. Interested to know if you recommend her teaching. There are so many false teachers.. I googled her and didnt find anything, but that doesnt mean much. I have previewed the first 2 sessions and don't see anything out of sorts. Really wanting an Audrey opinion..lol.
Do you have a list of Authors or studies you recommend for ladies?
Thanks,