As a Family Christian Blogger, I was provided this book to review. All opinions are 100% my own. This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy HERE. Thanks for visiting Life is Sweeter by Design.
“Mothering from Scratch” by Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo is a book that is steeped in good, Godly advice for mothers. Although I have been a mother for 17 years, I know that there are MANY ways I can improve and I am constantly trying to do a better job.
Melinda and Kathy are very honest in sharing areas of motherhood that they weren't successful at and how they turned those areas around. There are lots of Biblical references and verses to support their thoughts.
This book is a bit of a deeper read and there are many things I will be thinking about and pondering. I think the biggest lesson I took away from this book is that I need to keep my relationship with God strong in order to be the most effective parent that I can be.
I love the way the authors relate our spiritual walk with God to our mothering! Here is a quote that I really liked and really struck me….I am sometimes too hard on myself as a mother!
[tweetthis]We all fall short as moms–just like we do as God's children. #MotheringFromScratch #FCBlogger[/tweetthis]
Another concept that I took away from this book is that motherhood is a ministry! I think I sometimes forget how important being a mom really is! I am ministering to my family…my husband and my children. God thinks that is very important work!
[tweetthis]Motherhood is a ministry! #MotheringFromScratch #FCBlogger[/tweetthis]
There is a really good chapter on “mommy guilt” and I was able to glean a lot of knowledge from the authors! Here is a quote that I think will really impact moms everywhere.
“Mommy guilt stems from an illusion that we're ultimately in control. Yes, we can guide and influence our children. But from the time they're very small, they're making their own choices. The way they process information, their perceptions of us, and their interpretation of the world around them are uniquely their own. No, we're not the boss of them all the time, especially in their little heads.”
I don't know about you, but I really struggle when my children make choices that I feel are wrong. I take it on my shoulders and assume that I have screwed up as a mother because of their poor decisions. This chapter helped me see that it isn't all on me. I teach them values, morals and the Bible, but the ultimate decisions they make are their own. It doesn't necessarily reflect on my parenting. I loved the way the authors help us see what kind of guilt we are having…if it is conviction from God or if it is condemnation….not from God.
[tweetthis]Is your guilt from the Holy Spirit? Condemnation paralyzes; conviction energizes! #FCBlogger[/tweetthis]
Another profound idea in the book is the realization that we shouldn't actually strive to be perfect mothers! I know…it sounds crazy…BUT….think about this: “If we were perfect mothers, we'd be insufferable. We'd lack compassion and be fooled into thinking we have no need for God or each other.” Makes you think, doesn't it!
This book is about mothering….but it is also a wonderful reminder about our walk with God. I loved what the authors had to say in regard to that feeling moms have….when we think, WHO ARE WE ANYMORE? We feel like we don't have an identity apart from our children.
“How many times have we thought, I feel like I've lost myself in being a mom? Isn't it reassuring to know that's not possible? We can't lose our identity. It's eternally secure in the hands of the Savior who died to purchase it. Rest assured, we may lose our keys, our kid's soccer uniforms, and ever our minds from time to time, but we can never lose who we are in Christ.”
Being too busy is a concern for every mom I know! A lot of our activities are GOOD…we are helping others, serving in the church, helping at the school, etc. I was stopped in my tracks when I read the following thought….
“Ministry to others and volunteering are honorable, but not when we pour more energy into helping others than we do into the well-being of those closest to us.”
[tweetthis]May I never be a hero to strangers and a stranger to my own children. #MotheringFromScratch[/tweetthis]
I think you can see from the quotes I have put into this review…that these authors are very insightful! I actually underlined a LOT more in the book….but I don't want to give it all away!
This book is a solid resource for mothers. I think it will help a mother at any stage of the game! It will make you think about your mothering style and let you know that it is okay to do it your own way…you can do “Mothering from Scratch“!
You can find “Mothering from Scratch” HERE or at your local Family Christian location. If you would like to visit the author's blog click HERE.
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This sounds like a really helpful book. I know I struggle with aspects of motherhood at times (like everyone!) and this sounds like what I need.
I am loving these tweets! I tweeted out two they are so beautiful!
Thanks so much Aimee!!
Nobody can be perfect! And it’s so, SO important to recognize (and be okay with) that.
Ah so scary stepping into motherhood! My husband and I have decided 2015 is the year we will start trying to children. Sometimes I think I’m ready, other times I’m scared half to death.
I can honestly say it is SO MUCH HARDER than you think it will be! Totally worth it…but you are really putting your heart on the line! 🙂 I am sure you will be a wonderful mother!
It sounds like this is a powerful and encouraging book. I will have to remember it for when I have kids 🙂
Sounds like a positive book for mothers or mothers to be, nothing’s harder to overcome than “mommy guilt” 😉
So true Kelly!
Absolutely LOVE this book, have given some copies away! Melinda & Kathy are fantastic, wise women who speak with authenticity about the real struggles of motherhood and offer practical help for women in every season of mothering!!!
It was such a good book!
Oh how I can relate to the mommy guilt. I’m very grateful that God has been showing me over the past year that I most definitely am NOT in control and that I can totally trust Him for my children’s futures. This sounds like an excellent read.
It is hard isn’t it Amanda! I am a work in progress in this area for sure!
I pray daily for my daughters and hope I can be a good leader for them. My pastor always says that we were gifted our children to raise them up for the Lord as they are His children in truth. It’s hard at times to release them to Him yet also know we are to be their guides. 🙂
It is hard to trust God with our kids isn’t it! I struggle with that all the time!
So happy that you realize that no one is perfect at mothering.
So true Jessica! It is hard though!
Mothers all around seem to be unduly hard on themselves (myself included), and suffer the “momy guilt”. It helps to hear advice leap off a page to keep you sane in those moments.
So true Megan!