Grace for the Imperfect Mom

Dominique Book Review, Parenting and Kids, Parenting Views Christian book, Motherhood

Grace for the Imperfect Mom

Grace for the Imperfect Mom: A 31-Day Invitation to Refreshed Mothering by Julie Fisk, Kristen Dermey and Kendra Roehl is a book which reflects on the journey of a mom.

Within a span of 31 Days stories are shared on how motherhood has been for the author in the areas of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and grace.

It is not easy to be a mother. There is a lot of learning through trial and error. Sometimes we look too much at perfection to learn how to let go. To find joy in the imperfect and to simply be there in the moment to be fully with the kids as we go about spending time together each day.

There are so many ways which we rob ourselves of our happiness and joy. We give in to our doubts and worries and let negative thoughts flood our minds at time. This prevents us from surrendering the problem to GOD. Sometimes we think of the worst and it burn our brain cells over it and in the end nothing bad occurs. In fact the terrible scenario which we tried to preempt ourselves for does not happen.

We try to control too many things on our end and forget that there is a higher power (GOD) which we can turn to give us the peace that we seek.

My thoughts

I found this book and excellent read. There are questions asked at the end of each chapter which makes one reflect on the current way that she is parenting and to be more accepting of her flaws and victories.

As a women we need to love ourselves and value our achievements. Don’t down play what you have achieved so far and be more accepting towards compliments which are given.

I totally agree with this statement in this book. We were taught from young to underplay our achievement as it would not make others think that we are proud and arrogant. This is a very negative way of expression/thinking which should not be promoted. One should always celebrate their achievements and also strive to do their best.

Most of us set our standards based on the world’s standard instead of focusing on GOD’s standard. We assume the right way and the best thing to do is what society wants of us instead of really thinking through to see if it is appropriate for us and in line with what GOD wants us to do.

The misalignment occurs as we are stressing over every little thing in seeking perfection and recognition by others. Giving into earthly desires and wants have caused us to look at others through tinted lenses.

Through the stories shared in the book the author shows how it is possible to experience love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control and grace. We just have to have faith in GOD and surrender it all to him.

Grab your copy of Grace for the Imperfect Mom: A 31-Day Invitation to Refreshed Mothering today

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine. This post has affiliate links.

May 6, 2015

Making Sense of the Jigsaw Puzzle

Dominique Book Review, Parenting and Kids Autism, parenting book

Making Sense of the Jigsaw Puzzle

Making Sense of the Jigsaw Puzzle: A Parent’s Account of a Child with Autism by Theuns and Tania Henning is based on the Henning’s experience with their autistic son Reuben.

Reuben was their long awaited son who arrived after years of fertility treatments which they had underwent. Initially it was perceived that they may have a child who was inflicted with down syndrome as previously suspected. It came as a total shock when the doctor announced that Ruben has severe autism. It was a lifelong disease which had no cure and there was very little which could be done to alleviate his condition.

Theuns and Tania would have to learn by trial and error what worked and what didn’t with Reuben. It wasn’t an easy journey for them and they are still learning now what has to be done for their son to be able to live a “normal” life.

They were fortunate to have help from their community and have friends and relatives reach out to them in their time of need. The physical and financial help that was rendered to them was invaluable and helped them tie over all the difficult periods that they went through.

My Thoughts

It was a refreshing read to hear from a parent’s perspective how dealing with Autism has been like. I have Autistic kids before and it is very challenging trying to get their attention and understand how they tick.

It’s remarkable that the authors were able to overcome their own mental and physical barriers to be able to reach out and provide for their son. The amount of patience and love that they have is really amazing.

I would have given up long ago if it had taken 18 months of diligently bringing my child to the potty every 5 minutes to toilet train him like what they did for Ruben.

It takes a lot of discipline on the part of the parent and being consistent for an Autistic child to be able to learn. Most of the time there is no clear indication that the child is able to understand the given instructions and only in moments of clarity will things suddenly click and the lesson taught product results.

Theuns and Tania Henning are really an amazing couple.

Do pick up a copy of the book Making Sense of the Jigsaw Puzzle: A Parent’s Account of a Child with Autism to experience the Henning’s story.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review purposes. All opinions are 100% mine. This post has affiliate links.