Wednesday, August 13, 2008

The Ministry of Motherhood



I've been reading this book called "The Ministry of Motherhood" and have been so incredibly blessed by it. It's written by a woman named Sally Clarkson, mother of four, and author of several motherhood books and teachings. She describes a day when she and her husband sat down and realized that they needed a plan in raising their children, they needed a goal and they needed to be on the same page. To actively "raise" and disciple their children with a purpose as opposed to just living day to day aimlessly and hoping they turn out okay in the end. In that sitting they came up with the acronym GIFTS -the gift of Grace-Inspiration-Faith-Training-Service. She begins each of the 5 parts with and example of Jesus and how he implemented each one of these in the lives of His disciples. Each part is filled with explanation, examples and funny stories from her own life and at the end of each part is a page for study and discussion. Its been really enlightening and encouraging for me ...so for any moms out there in need of a little direction I recommend this read.


"They don't need sweet platitudes of faith that will momentarily placate their emotions. They need the authentic strength that comes from the true foundation of a biblical world-view and a proper understanding of the real Christ who is worthy of their worship. They need an unwavering, internal, moral and spiritual compass that will help them weather today's storms and tomorrow's and will guide them for the rest of their lives. They also need to see what real faith looks like when lived day in, day out, so they will have a pattern to follow. The process of providing such GIFTS to my children is what I've come to think of as the ministry of motherhood. " -SC

4 comments:

Corynne Escalante said...

wow. you should be an official book reviewer. great review! sounds like a good read. i've been reading a book a friend let me borrow called "The Hidden Art of Homemaking" which has been inspiring me a little. but along with every piece of advice i get from books and stuff comes a big load of stress about not being able to do it all!

but i like the perspective of having an actual plan for raising your kids as opposed to just winging it.

Al said...

All I know is God has blessed me with a wonderful Mom for my grand daughters. Keep up the good work Nina

Love Pops

Brandi said...

Where did you order thsi book from? I want one!

sarajeancooksey said...

that book sounds really cool. It will be so neat to see how your little ones blossom into young women. They've got a great example in their mom :)

love you lots.