20 weeks of bed-rest gave me plenty of time to do something I really enjoy but find hard to make time for during "normal" seasons of my life - reading. I haven't read this much since studying for my counselling certificates from CCEF over five years ago!
Apart from the Bible (especially the Psalms), by far the most encouraging, uplifting, and spiritually rewarding book I've read over the past few months was Kelly Crawford's Devotions, Advice, and Renewal for when Motherhood Feels Too Hard.
With 31 chapters (and 10 ingenious survival tips), it's meant to be read as inspiration for each day of the month. However, things didn't quite work out that way for me. I was so caught up in the message of the book, I finished the whole thing in two days! Ooopsies. No matter though. I know I'll refer back to it many times throughout this motherhood journey!
Kelly's blog, Generation Cedar, was one of the very first blogs I started reading regularly after we heard of it during her interview with Kevin Swanson on Generations With Vision. I immediately fell in love with her writing style and the content of her message. She's been a well-spring of encouragement and her thought-provoking articles have initiated many a conversation between my husband and I.
As busy homeschooling Mom who is also "in the trenches" with her own brood of blessings (#10 on the way!), Kelly's message of encouragement is real. Chances are she's been there and done that. When Motherhood Feels Too Hard provides an honest look at the challenges mothers face in the raising of their children and reminds us why it's all worth it. We are called to our glorious work by the Lord and through Him, we can receive sustaining grace and tremendous reward!
If you're struggling with your lot in life as a mother, question your usefulness, or simply need to be reminded that this is all worth it, you need to get a copy of Kelly's book. At just $8.99 for a paperback ($4.97 for an eBook), Devotions, Advice, and Renewal for When Motherhood Feels Too Hard is available for an affordable price that can't be passed up.