Mothering Heights: A Novel Approach for Christian Mothers
by Keitha Smith and Susan Brereton.
Retail Value: $15.00
Book summary:
This encouraging book uses the charm of timeless literary works and the wisdom of the Bible to reconsider what is seen today as a classic role. Using selected quotes from novels including Sense and Sensibility, Treasure Island, and Great Expectations, the authors offer encouragement and exhortation to women of all walks of life who struggle and strive to be intentional in their parenting choices.
Author Bios:
Susan Brereton is a former New Zealand resident currently living in England. She is a wife, mother of five children, and an interior designer. For many years, Susan has run a Bible study for mothers of preschool children, and has had a long association with the Navigators and Moms-in-Touch.
Keitha Smith lives in New Zealand with her husband and two children, including one with special needs. With a background in training and education, Keitha leads the women’s ministry group at her church and serves on the local school’s board of trustees.
Check out Keitha’s fictional Mother’s Prayer Blog, The Jonah Tree. Also visit www.MotheringHeights.org.
A sample chapter is available for review on the Mothering Heights website.
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I was recently given the opportunity to review Mothering Heights. This book was of special interest to me because of my current involvement in the MOMS group at my church. I have been learning about my own faith and how to be a steward of my faith to my family and others. Being a mother that is Christian is not enough to me. I wanted to be a Christian mother. I want my children to know Christ through me.
The book discusses our expectations as mothers and how those expectations may need to change over time. As a mother of 5 children between the ages of 10 months and 16 years, I can attest to this. That is a hard thing to remember when raising children though… what may be good for one child may not work for another. In addition the book discusses acceptance of others’ opinions and expectations as well. Does my spouse have different parenting expectations than me? What about the expectations of my children or my parents? All these are important in my role as a mother. I am reminded to listen to others and be respectful of them.
The authors encourage mothers to not only grow in their own faith but to share that faith with their children. You, as a mother, are called to be a servant of the Lord… your service as a mother is one of the most profound and special there is. We are encouraged to “be thankful”, “be content”, “be aware”, “be realistic”, and “be transformed” when faced with difficulties in life and with the expectations placed on us by ourselves and others.
Through reading this book I have been able to understand that God sees my role as a mother, including all the ups and downs, as a way to be a steward to my children. I have been able to identify what is so hard to remember when you have screaming children and feel you are going to lose your mind; being a mother is a blessing. We, as mothers, should value the gift we have been given; the gift of our children.
*Disclosure: Mama Buzz and reviewers received a complimentary of Mothering Heights for review purposes
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