The Joy of Being Mom : Embrace the Adventure (Paperback)

Motherhood is so rewarding, and also can be challenging, and at times, even exhausting. Judy Brisky's new book The Joy of Being Mom, encourages moms to see the every day joy in being a mom, in spite of daily circumstances. In this book, Brisky helps moms to cherish our current season, love our children well, and leave a legacy that will be remembered and treasured as our children grow into adulthood. I was really excited to read this book, because I knew that their would be a lot of personal application for my life. I liked how Brisky reminded her audience that no one is perfect, and what may be right for my family may not be right for someone else. I also was happy to see how she pointed moms to God first and foremost. She did not pretend to have all of the answers, but gave her advice from personal experience, and then pointed us to the One who does have all of the answers. I found this to be an engaging and encouraging read, so I read through it fairly quickly, but I plan to go back and read each chapter slowly, and dig a little deeper. I thought it was really neat how each chapter had a study guide to go along with it. The study guide includes a review of the chapter, scriptures to look up, reflection questions, heart connections (ideas on how to apply the content of the chapter), and a prayer. There is a coloring page after each chapter as well, which I thought was unique and fun! I also appreciated her personal stories, and how she was willing to be so vulnerable and share her experiences honestly. Some quotes that stood out to me from this book include: -"We intentionally invest in our children as we help them grow in their strengths and work through their weaknesses. When we ask for His help, the Lord will give us wisdom regarding the rules and standards for our families." -"We will not always understand everything that happens this side of heaven, but I can assure you from firsthand experience that God's faithfulness is all-encompassing and never-ending. He loves us, He sees us, and He will carry us through our toughest times." -"The most important part of a house is the foundation. If the foundation is properly laid, then the house will remain level and secure...The same is true for our lives. We need to be planted in the strong spiritual foundation that is found in Christ Jesus." -"Everything we do as parents tells our children something about their Heavenly Father. When we admit our flaws and ask for their forgiveness, we teach them that everyone makes mistakes and needs God's grace. When we forgive our children for their mistakes, we demonstrate how God is faithful to forgive us when we repent and turn away from our sins." -"One of the most important things that we can teach our children is that mistakes do not lessen God's love for us or our love for each other. Love is not something we have to earn, or is it something we have to worry about losing." I would highly recommend this book for any mom of young children, or even teenager

I have read a lot of books and Bible Studies. I would give this one more stars if I could. This book has blessed me as a Nana. We have five grands ages 4 to 7 and there was a lot of stuff in this book I wish I had known with my small children, but I get a "do over" and my kids now have this book in their hands, and I'll be ordering another to keep here and read again. I've already used some of her ideas with my grands this week. I loved all Judy shares from her heart about the different seasons and she even writes on marriage, the loss of a baby full term and another just a few months, raising children, punishment, and even daughter-in-loves. At the end of every chapter she shares a few pages of review, Bible verses, and even really cute coloring pages.