My daughter shared this marvelous quote on Instagram today.
I needed it.
Badly.
I have been in a drought. Wondering where all the blessings have gone and if, perhaps, I haven't been obedient, causing God to leave me to my own devices.
Yet, I know in my spirit that is just not true. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He leaves the 99 to go after the 1.
So, while I haven't run from God or thumbed my nose at His requests, I have doubted myself, tremendously, lately. Wondered at my Call. Questioned if I have purpose. Realizing, maybe, this is what "mid-life crisis" looks like!
Then He sends whispers.
Oh how I love His whispers in the silence.
He opens my eyes to see the battle... then he points me to the places He IS working, though small, it provides a pin-prick of light. I remember Hebrews 11 and the hall of faith and the fact that,
...faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
and suddenly, I can't help but keep walking forward!
Perhaps, like me, you are staring at the whole MID-LIFE and changing dynamics phase too... or maybe you are a young mom, trying to figure out how on earth you are going to get the floor mopped today when you can't even stay on top of the dishes... it is all a season, I promise!
I think, if I am learning anything through all of the struggles this year, it is that, Faith walks forward with hope in spite of what the eyes can't see!
Recently, I had the awesome opportunity to review Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday by Valerie Woerner. I believe it to be the mom's guide to more peaceful Christ-centered living!
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| Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday: Say Goodbye to Stressed, Tired, and Anxious, and Say Hello to Renewed Joy in Motherhood |
I may not be corralling littles anymore, but the dower spirit in this transition of my life reminds me of those early days of parenting when Grumpy Mom made regular appearances and this book reminded me of the importance of sending her out the door! Mrs. Woerner talks to her readers as friends; sharing her strategies, firmly rooted in scripture, for keeping one's head, finding peace, and being a more joy-filled mama in the moment. She is REAL, not Pinterest Perfect, the exact dose of what we moms really need!
The entire book feels like a coffee shop hang-out meets women's Bible study as she doesn't just suggest what a mom should be doing in hopes of compliance, but rather, she unpacks what Scripture says about our attitudes and inner-drive to become more like Christ. Her self-sacrifice of her own shortcomings and challenges as she shares how Scripture and personal revelation have driven her to send 'Grumpy Mom' packing reveals a greater Source for growth and a new and better attitude as Moms.
Her use of The Message translation would be my biggest complaint. I believe The Message may be refrenced as a secondary source for occasional clarity, however, I argue it's validity as "the Bible" and would prefer other translations and commentaries which do more to promote proper Scriptural understanding.
Grumpy Mom does do well to remind us that it isn't the stream of blessings we are to focus on, but rather, the blesser Himself who can transform our hearts and lives. HE equips us to send Grumpy, stressed, tired, anxious Mom packing and find joy enough for each day in life and motherhood.
Are you in a drought or relaxing by a bubbling brook right now? What has God been ministering to your heart lately?
Blessings,
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House for my review. This review is my opinion alone.
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