A Mother Undone is Second to None

A MOTHER UNDONE IS SECOND TO NONE!
I expected great things out of motherhood when I entered into it almost nine years ago! I mean great things - the well-behaved child: always clean, perfect manners, never throwing a fit, no messes or drama, all things on schedule.
I still, nine years later and 3 more kids(4 in all) expect great things of motherhood, the great things have just changed. You see quickly I realized that I could not do all things - someone had lied to me about motherhood, and the expectations, the standards were too high.
Motherhood is one of those seasons of undone things. Laundry - always undone, toilets - never as clean as I want them. Bathtubs - left with dripping wash cloths, and filled with toys that have to be cleaned. Laundry - I'm a mother of 4!! You don't even want me to go there! I came back recently from a trip - I had NO laundry in the laundry room. I took all four kids with me. I went to the laundry room to put up my dirty clothes (that amounted to ONE load) and almost had a stroke!! There was laundry up to my knees, I almost need a pitch-fork to clean it all out and sort it. My wonderful husband had cleaned the kids room while we were gone and gathered the laundry under the beds and mattresses, behind the dressers and anywhere else kids hide dirty laundry they don't want to walk ten steps to put in the hamper or clean laundry they don't want to put up. There are always dishes to wash, put away, or prepare with food. Toys - please - they are everywhere! Forget dusting - June Cleaver does not live here - and I have given the chore of the vacuuming to my oldest two (the kids are the ones who seem to get food everywhere and where does all the torn up tiny pieces of confetti size paper come from?!).
However, when I am absolutely exhausted and leaning on the dryer for support as I fold the third load of towels for the day and spend my prayer time with God. I am reminded in this season of being undone I have learned to be ever more dependent on God. May my life never reach a season when I am so comfortable and so "done up" that I become unuseful to God or cease to call on his name.
When my emotions are stretched tight as a clothes line cord that has heavy dripping sheets hanging on it that are whipping in the north wind and I feel as if I might snap - my Lord gives me strength - in a child's sweet "I Love YOU!"
When I feel as if I might run from my house pulling my hair and throwing my apron in for surrender (Yes, I really wear one), because my children have fought over every little thing and yelled all day long. My Redeemer whispers peace in a child’s gentle kiss.
When my kids have fought, and complained, made messes and yelled and I feel like a Military Cop instead of a mother. My Savior says you matter in a child's "Thank you mommy for the "appppple juuuuice".
In my very season of undoneness I have learned that true worth is in just that - being pliable enough to be undone so that God can work in me and through me for the salvation of my children. When I am undone, and I turn to him peace insues and I am able to stop and realize that all that matters to the world - - - all this that seems undone according to their standards can wait as long as what's done is done to the glory of God and what's done is my children first.
A Mother undone - is one on her knees asking for the wisdom to raise her children in the knowledge of the Lord, seeking his counsel. And that ladies is the woman in Proverbs that is more precious than rubies.
Let me be a mother undone for the glory of God!

Everyday life with the Four Amigos

My Children are a constant source of joy, and every other emotion known to man. I can remember praying when I found out I was pregnant with Anna for patience. I now tell women never to ask for this during the season of motherhood - - - just let it develop naturally. You don't need to pray for it! God has most certainly put me to the test. When asked how I handle all four I tell people I spend a lot of time in front of my dryer. You see in the season of my life there is no such thing as a prayer closet (mom's don't get private time). Early morning devotional time - - - forget that, if I roll over in bed all four heads pop up in the bedrooms to see what I'm about to do. Uninterrupted late night devotional? - - who ever heard of that. My kids suddenly develop growing pains, throat aches, sleeping problems, stomach aches, all that need my undivided attention and prayer. So my time with the Lord is folding clothes - - The kids run from that, no one wants the task of putting up towels, and socks and unders. Mysteriously during this time my children focus intently on home school or play silently and sweetly in the playroom so as not to draw attention to themselves. I have to pass this on though - when I become overwhelmed at being a mom I stop and give thanks for this brief season of life. Too quickly it will be over: no more feet to rub, no more foreheads to kiss, no more small bodies to scoop up into hugs, no more snotty noses wiped on my clean apron, no more fights, or messes, or mountains of laundry or gooey messes in carpets. So thank you Lord for inconveniences and troubles, and trying days - They make my snuggle days all the more dear. Take time today to tell your children how much you love them, how precious they are. Even if they are grown they need your affirmation: they need to know how proud you are of them. God never tires of us from the day we breath our first breath to the moment we take our last, in good times and bad, when we're wayward or obedient, when we are close and in fellowship or when we're silent and away. He still whispers his love, surrounds us with blessings, opens his arms, extends his hand, holds us close, lifts us up. So should we not do this with our own children? Scripture admonishes us not to "withhold good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it" (Proverbs 3:27). Today make a point to send a 'love letter' to your child, a 'just in case you were wondering' letter to let them know you love them and are praying for them. Give praise for some good quality you see in them. Be creative, email, text, send them a card, do a random act of kindness...

Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids, Reba Bowman

Battle Ready Moms Raising Battle Ready Kids, Reba Bowman
This is a new book from women’s speaker and former coach, Reba Bowman. I received this book as a review copy from Dare For More Ministries in exchange for my unbiased review. This is an exciting and challenging book. I enjoyed the military comparisons of motherhood as I feel often times I am in the battle field with my four young children. This book offers encouragement and guidance to mothers in the trenches of motherhood, when life can seem overwhelming and sometimes you feel like throwing up the white flag and laying down on the field. Reba challenges mothers to remember the vitally important role they are playing in their children’s life and the urgency of the call. We are responsible, first hand, for the next generation. Not only do we have a unique responsibility to our own children but also to the children that we meet in life and that our own children bring home. We are in the battle of a life-time and our children’s eternal souls are the thing at stake - - will you step up to the challenge, committed to not leave your post, but to give the very best you have. Reba does an excellent job of bringing out scripture to help and guide mothers.
I must say that Reba’s testimony of the young girl named Brandi made me think of a girl with the same name and a similar story that my husband and I helped while he was a coach, before surrendering to full time ministry. It is amazing how God opens our hearts and sometimes changes our goals when we least expect it, how he causes us to step out of our comfort zone only to find out we like it where he takes us.
May your ministry continue to be blessed Reba Bowman, as you follow God’s leading and reach out to women and girls. Your book is well written and worth purchasing, I recommend it to mothers everywhere.
You can visit Reba Bowman at www.Dareformoreministries.org

A Memory Between Us, Sarah Sundin

A Memory Between Us, Sarah Sundin
This is the second installment of the Wings of Glory series but great as a stand alone novel. I could not wait for this one to get finished because I fell in love with the characters from the first novel. Sarah Sundin does an amazing job of bringing to life her characters and making their emotions leap off the pages. This, much like the first book, is hard to put down.
While the first book introduces you to Jack, the eldest brother of Walter Novack, in this book you find the true struggles he faces. In the first book Jack is the older, all-accomplished brother that Walter feels he can never measure up to. Jack is a pilot and preacher – his father’s pride and joy. Yet in this book we find that he struggles with his faith and his calling. Wounded and in the hospital his path crosses with Ruth, a heavy-laden, heart broken nurse who is searching for her own path in life and meaning to the tragedy and heart-ache she faces. Jack falls in love with Ruth and must win her heart. The story keeps a reader on edge, constantly hoping for the best and itching to turn to the last page for a peak at the ending – just to make sure it all works out. An excellent story of God’s healing hand and redeeming love.
A highly recommended book! If you haven’t read the first one – buy it too….they are both worth owning! Sarah Sundin is doing an excellent job of bringing to life the drama and love of a perilous time in history. Even in the midst of war and tragedy God works!
Thank you Revell for providing this review copy.

Moms' Ultimate Guide to the Tween Girl World, Nancy Rue

Moms’ Ultimate Guide to the Tween Girl World, Nancy Rue
If you want a book that will make you appreciate the difficulties of your tween daughter as she navigates the treacherous waters of today’s world – this is the book for you. I found myself close to tears as I thought over the drama of my own tween years in comparison to the instability of today’s world and the additional stress on girls to grow up so quickly. I thought my own tween years were difficult, however, in light of the topics that girls now face in this grossly sexualized world – I believe we all need a dose of encouraging words to help our daughters become battle-ready “mini-women” of God. This book encourages you to spend time helping your daughter discover and develop a strong sense of her identity in Christ. This is sometimes difficult for the mom in the trenches of tween-ness as we battle back-talk, hormonal eruptions, and withdrawal of our precious little princess daughters. I really enjoyed the straight-forward manner of Nancy Rue as well as her humor and wit. I was unfamiliar with her until I received this book for review, but have quickly become a fan.
Thank you Zonervan for this review copy.

Follow, Floyd McClung

Follow, Floyd McClung
Powerful, inspirational, moving! It seems that God is inspiring a new realm of writers – those testifying of the life-changing power of God. This author gets straight to the heart of the matter, calling readers to examine their lives and thoughts about God. I love the direct manner he uses and the grace that is evident in his writing. If a person can read this book and continue in an apathetic, lukewarm, unefentful relationship with Jesus there may be a true heart issue. Floyd McClung addresses the very topics that American Christians need to look closely at. I think this is a must read for those seeking to lead a life consumed by God and led by His hand – for His glory on the mission field of life. If you are seeking to break free from religion, tradition and the chains of doctrinal rules – this is the book for you. Live in the liberating freedom of Christ’s calling – a life on the edge.
Thank you B&B Media Group for this review copy

The Least Among You, DVD

The Least Among You, DVD
Inspired by the true story of Rev. Dr. Charles Marks this is an emotionally charged movie with wonderful characters. The central character Richard Kelly, played by Cedric Sanders, is serving out a probation sentence at an all white seminary. His character is one filled with turmoil and strong emotions barely restrained. He has fought to better himself and to lift his family out of the gang-infested ghetto lifestyle they are in. He comes from a single parent home where his only memory of his father is drunkenness and beatings. His mother, now desperately ill, had struggled to lay a foundation of faith for Richard and to inspire him to greater things that those that surrounded him.
After being arrested in the Watt’s Riots Mr. Kelly finds himself at a seminary as the first black student. His heart not truly in it for God, bitterness, unforgiveness and anger drive him. However, he soon comes face to face with the grace and love of God in some unlikely allies.
In the end he must decide to follow God or to follow his own path.
This is a wonderful movie, though I would not recommend it for young children.
Thank you Thomas Nelson for this copy for review. www.abbiereviews.blogspot.com

A Hope Undaunted, Julie Lessman

A Hope Undaunted, Julie Lessman
This book grabs the reader’s attention from the very beginning with its real-to-life characters. Each character introduced in this novel is engaging and personable, they seem to leap off the pages with their emotion and reactions. I was surprised how thoroughly “fleshed out” all the characters are – considering the amount of people you are introduced to in this novel. One can not help but be drawn into their world, to feel each character’s emotions as they struggle with life issues. Anyone reading this book will be able to identify with one of the O’connor children or with Patrick O’Connor himself (the father) as he struggles at times to keep his faith intact as he leads his family. And if you can’t identify with one of the children you may identify with one of the many who fall in love with young, feisty Katie Rose O’Connor, the main character. Katie is strong-willed and determined, pushing the limits of all things and struggling to find where faith fits into the big picture of life. I found myself laughing and crying, and at times angry as I read the book. The author does an excellent job of making each character’s experience so real that you to feel that emotion. This is an excellent book, an easy read, and extremely hard to put down - - - it is one that is so tempting to look at the end just so you can assure yourself that it really does all work out for everyone (or maybe that’s just a temptation I face with a book that is so well written that you are on an emotional roller-coaster with the characters).
Go to your nearest retailer of Christian books and pick up a copy. Thanks Revell books for this review copy.

Making Waves, Lorna Seilstad

Okay! Who would’ve guessed the ending?! I found this book to be very interesting and can imagine that many young women have felt just like this girl. Marguerite Westing is a feisty young girl – her daddy’s baby. I like the fact that she is a dreamer and wants to push the edge in exploration of her talents and abilities. She has a true heart for adventure that is stifled by her mother’s desires for social standing and good marriages. Maybe you have been there – out on that date with the boy your mom thinks is “the perfect match for you”. This is where our central character finds herself. I could not help but laugh as she is day dreaming about being any where other than with him the whole while he is talking. I know I was there at least once in my life – as a I asked myself why anyone would think this person where a perfect match. In the midst of all this there are twist and turns as everyone’s true characters are revealed. This book most certainly keeps you on edge and the ending is wonderful!
What an adventure! Truly a story about making waves!
Thank you Revell for this review copy!

For Time and Eternity, Allison Pittman

This is a wonderfully written book. It is very obvious the amount of time and research this author put into this book to present a historically as well as religiously correct view of the time and happenings. I found the story to be very powerful in the fact that it shows how easily we can be led astray from the true teaching of Jesus Christ to false religions based on man's interpretations and desires. This is the case with the main character Camilla who so desires to be a part of something where she feels that she matters and is beutiful and loved. Many years and trials and tragedies brings this prodigal daughter full circle to the realization that what she has fallen into "Is not true" (p124). This is a devastating fact that she must face - and the realization that her own desires and the desires of one man's love was the driving force to leave behind what she knew to be the truth. Good read
Thank you Tyndale for the review copy.

BE Available, Warren W. Wiersbe

BE Available, Warren W. Wiersbe
Who knew the books of Judges could be so exciting?!
I do not know how any one could read this book and not feel compelled to take on the whole armor of God and fight! Warren Wiersbe’s commentary on the book of Judges is excellent. This is a great resource for Pastors and teachers. It would also be great historical reference for home schools. This is one of my favorite commentary series his bible studies are wonderful as well. If you want a library filled with rich, sound teaching, this is a great start!
Thank you B&B for the review copy.

It's No Secret, Rachel Olsen

It’s No Secret, Rachel Olsen
This is a great book! If you have ever heard her teach or speak on the radio you will greatly appreciate and enjoy this book. It is written in a very personable style that is easy and enjoyable to read. Each chapter is followed with an optional bible study. She encourages women to delve deep into God’s word and seek out the revelations he has hidden in his word for each of them. This would be great for a women’s bible study book.
Thank you B&B communications for this review copy.

Stronger, Jim Daly

Stonger, Jim Daly
This is a timely book in my life. It has been affirmation of God’s timing and purpose in our trials and tribulations. It is during these times that we grow stronger in the Lord. His message of refinement and strength in the midst of our tragedies and pain is wonderful. We must truly learn to draw on the true strength of Jesus Christ. This book is filled with inspiring stories of just that – testimonies of God’s amazing power and love toward us.The author does an amazing job at presenting the truth of God's word and the revelation of the power there in.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is easy and enjoyable to read and difficult to put down. Should be added to your bookshelf and re-read.

Truly refining moments that give us strength are when we think nothing at all is happening and our world is falling apart.

Thank you B&B Communications for this review copy.

Mockingbird Parables, Matt Litton

What a neat idea! This book is an excellent homeschool resource or a good personal read. I love the scriptural relevence that this author brings to this book. His style is personable and easy to read. The book opens a whole new level of meaning to a book that has greatly enchanted and amazed readers for generations. I was so impressed with the scripture listed and the way the information was presented. Each character was brought more to life and some of the greatest moments in the book where given a richness I had never seen before. I have always loved To Kill A Mockingbird. The lessons it teaches about life, friendships and looking beyond what is easily seen are timeless. However, this author does an excellent job of diggimg further into this book, exposing truths of human nature that are backed up completely with scripture.
I think it is a great way to teach children that all things should be lined up with scripture and truths be brought out. I would reccommend this to home school families seeking to enrich the lives of their children with good classical literature and biblical principles. Again the classical tale is timeless, but this book will also be a treasure in your library and ought to be placed right next to your copy of To Kill A Mockingbird.

The Boy Who Changed the World, Andy Andrew

The Boy Who Changed the World, Andy Andrew
I enjoyed this book as an adult. However, it is not really a good read for small children (toddlers or even kinders) as it is very long and a little hard for them to follow. It starts with the story of one boy, finishes his story then begins another story – the story of the boy who grew up to be the man who influenced the boy in the first story. This goes on and on until you finally end at the beginning. Though this sequence is easily figured out by an adult young children have difficulty following and processing such logic and there for the meaning of the entire book gets lost in it. We had to read it almost backwards for my younger ones to see that it is the things that the first man did that influenced so many after him. My nine year old followed the sequence well. I did enjoy this and think the concept and even the way each story is written is very good. In fact I took some of the stories individually to point out the how our decisions influence people we do not even know. Good book for older kids (upper elementary or even junior high).
Thank you Thomas Nelson for this review copy.

One Hands, Two Hands, Max Lucado

One Hands, Two Hands – Max Lucado
The colorful, kid-friendly, lively illustrations alone make this book a gem! Birds and dogs, bunnies and bears, kittens and frogs, a skunk and a girl grace every delightful little page. So much activity and color gave my kids things to point out and talk about on each page. Following each simple verse of rhyme we would discuss the activity of the page. My two and three year old eagerly acted out each part: “one right, One Left, One here, One there. Clap ‘em, snap ‘em, wave ‘em in the air.” Even my nine and six year old got in on some of the action! By the end of this delightful story your children will see how helpful and wonderful their little hands can be. They will see that hands are created by God for many, many things. Most importantly they were created for prayer and service of Go. The last page is a breakdown of ideas for little hands: how they can be helpful, kind, and loving. Ending with a challenge for little one to list ways they can use their hands for good.
Thank you Booksneeze for this review copy.