Motherhood questions

Over at the 360 blog, we have be discussing the merits of motherhood and Veronica shared with stark honesty about her journey. All of this has made me think back over what I have experienced and learned in the past few years, and I wanted to answer some of the questions that I mentioned in my comments to Vern's post.
I have come to see the value of motherhood as both a sanctifying work in my life and as a service to the Lord and my family. A few verses that have strengthened me for this calling:
Titus 2:4-5 Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
(Tells me what I should be doing and learning.)
John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
(Motherhood is a daily laying down of my life in service to my Lord as He has called me to serve this family.)
Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.
(God ordained families and blesses them as the primary means for the growth of his Kingdom. What better chance for evangelism do I have than with the 3 little ones that He has placed in my care? The family is the most intensive, most real "small group" out there. It is my daily opportunity to show them Him by living out the Gospel where they can watch and learn.)

The world and many in the church have denigrated motherhood and treat it as little more than babysitting. It is so much more! As a mom, you shape the character of eternal souls that one day, Lord willing, will worship with you face to face before the Creator.
I have really struggled with the value of what I am doing because I have always been one to worry what other people think of me. Even in my mostly-Christian circle of friends and acquiantances, I feel isolated in my view of the sacredness of this calling. Below are a few articles that have been like water to my thirsting soul--refreshing me with God's perspective and reminding me to seek His commendation above all others.

• I Want to Be a Mom by Bethany Patchin--a general apologetic for motherhood. This one is by one of my favorite columnists.
• Finding the Center--A follow up article by Bethany Patchin Torode after the theory of motherhood becomes a reality upon the birth of her firstborn son.
• Motherhood on Trial by Megan Basham--if you only read one article, let it be this one. It follows the author's journey as she faced motherhood and also provides commentary on society's views on motherhood and contrasts it with God's.
• How Mothering Makes More of Us by Jenny Schroedel--A more philosophical look at motherhood. This one shaped much of my thought on how dying to self in motherhood becomes an opportinity for growth and sanctification.
• If You Want it All, You Need a Plan By Candace Watters--This one is written to young college age or professional women. This is one that I wish we all could've read and talked about at 360.
• My Inner Mommy War by Heather Koerner is not my favorite one, but it may speak to your situation. It talks about the author's struggle with giving up her job because it would mean dependence on her husband.
• This last one (Confessions of a Teenage Mom) is on the must-read list too. It is also by Bethany Torode and gives a Biblical view of children, love, marriage, and sex.