“Wise Words for Moms” a pamphlet by Ginger Plowman/www.shepherdpress.com
This pamphlet is actually a super useful chart for moms who want to guide their child’s heart vs. just correct behavior. I find it difficult to think of questions that will help children to look at their own heart. Its easier for me to label their problem before they even have a chance to see…but I know I easily can be off/wrong/or not focusing in on the issue the Holy Spirit wants to address. Good questions like those in this pamphlet let Him do the work in their hearts. I also like how she matches the “reproof” with the “encouragement”…. what to put off or on. The first example was so helpful. Yesterday the kids were all “stirring up strife” and aggravating each other. She gives a few questions to ask, “Are you purposing in your heart to promote peace, or are you stirring up trouble?” and “How can you show love and pursue peace in this situation?” Then she gives a verse for strife and one for peace making. There are a few additional verses one can look up that aren’t printed out, as well.
Family Feasts for $75 a Week: A Penny-wise Mom Shares Her Recipe for Cutting Hundreds from Your Monthly Food Bil
She has great tips for cutting costs. I knew maybe half of them…but buying this book did challenge me in some areas. She only snacks on popcorn and tortilla chips! The kids get bananas or carrots for a snack… that kind of simplicity keeps the budget in check, but would be a switch for me. I hope to try some recipes this week. The first one made me gag but Chad liked it! It was the Mint chicken couscous with apricots and raisins.
“The Ministry of Motherhood” by Sally Clarkson–a helpful follow up to “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”
When I started this book with www.goodmorninggirls.org, summer book club, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I just needed some structure to my quiet times with the Lord and some focus on mothering. I have been pleasantly surprised to find this book flow well with the last parenting book that I read by Tedd Tripp, “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”. Where Tedd Tripp is abstract, Sally is specific. She explains thoroughly how she seizes a discipleship moment: what she says, what questions she asks, how the children respond, how she could have missed it. She brings Ted’s ideals down from the sky.