Friday, July 13, 2018

The Better Mom

One of the many things I have always adored about my husband is his deep desire to never stop growing. He never wants to stagnate and I admire that so much. I strive for that myself and I find that for me, reading inspiring books is one of the best ways I can stay focused on that goal. I enjoy a good podcast/radio segment (I adore Sally Clarkson’s podcast while I’m folding laundry, and I always enjoy the quick Focus on the Family blurbs on our local Christian radio station), inspiring movies certainly don’t slide off me like water off a duck’s back, and a good sermon can certainly resonate with me… but reading tends to hit me in a way that listening and viewing simply don’t.



This week I had the pleasure of reading The Better Mom by Ruth Schwenk. I had never heard of her or her website before but I suddenly started seeing this book all over the place. It was on a list of potential review books for me and when I saw it at our Christian bookstore I flipped it open and saw testimonies from Ruth Soukup, Sally Clarkson, Kristen Welch, and Erin Odom (along with many others I didn’t know of). I like all of those writers, especially Sally, so I naturally requested a copy as soon as I was able.

While I wouldn’t say this book is groundbreaking or earthshattering, I would say it’s definitely enjoyable, encouraging, and inspiring. If you aren’t already reading a lot of Christian motherhood books I think you’ll definitely get a lot out of it. If you’re already reading books like this, I think you’ll still be encouraged and inspired but will probably still take a few things from it. A few sweet gems I copied down into my commonplace journal:

-“In God’s hands, our kids can grow up to fulfill God’s purpose of piercing the darkness of the world in which they live—they are like weapons of truth, life, and light in a broken and hurting world.”
-“Not only does God give us wisdom as we seek him in his word, he also teaches us wisdom through his people. Those who surround us inevitably shape us, and as we learn to become better moms, God can use relationships in powerful and redemptive ways. God makes us better, more mature, and ultimately more like Jesus.”
-“The best friendships, the friendships that help us grow as mothers and believers, happen when we choose our friends carefully. God wants us to choose our friends wisely because our communities of relationships profoundly shape our character.”

Have you read this one, or are you familiar with Ruth Schwenk through TheBetterMom.com, ForTheFamily.org, For Better or for Kids, Hoodwinked, or Pressing Pause? (Oh. I have Pressing Pause. I should recognize the name! I adore that journal!)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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