A Mother's Heart

I read this book during the first few months of my daughter's life. I was overwhelmed with everything a new mother has on her plate, and yet this book was a wonderful reminder to me of the end result. Being a mother isn't just about helping a child latch on, sleep through the night, or potty train. It is about becoming a young man or woman of character who pleases God. Get this book for your personal library. It is worth the read!

Having read many books over the years on child rearing and mothering, I would have to say that A Mother's Heart is the most inspiring as well as useful I have encountered. It offers not only thought provoking topics, but practical ways to incorporate them into our lives. It is one book that I read with a highlighter handy for remembering things that stand out to me (most of the book is highlighted and written in!). A Mother's Heart is also a book that I re-read often. Each time I am able to unearth another nugget of truth. I would recommend this book to all mom's.

There are very few books which I see as essential to mothering - this is at the top of my list. I wish that I had read it before my children were born. I am slowly working through each chapter, using the questions provided at the end to truly evaluate myself as a mother - and it is work! This is not a light pick-me-up kind of book. Any lesson learned is never learned easily, and this is no exception. Mrs. Fleming's thoughts are true to scripture, and convicting. Parenting does not begin with the child, it begins with the parent. And, Mrs, Fleming does a wonderful job of helping mom to look at herself and her relationship with the Lord and her children first. This one book has had more impact on my mothering than anything else I have read, save for God's word itself!

This book is a "must read" for every mother. Fleming makes us take a long look at the highest honour God gives a woman. She causes us to prioritize our children and family in reference to the world and our other responsibilities. She also makes us aware that our children can get a glimpse into the heart of our Heavenly Father by the way we mother. My children have always been a blessing, but now I am more aware of the way I act, talk, and spend time with them.

Jean Fleming's gentle wisdom on mothering was both practical and encouraging. She gives practical advice on how to observe and pray for your child and creative ideas on how to teach your children about God. She describes motherhood as the challenging, creative, multi-disciplinary occupation/life that it should be known as. I highly recommend this book to mothers everywhere.