Mothering from Scratch by Melinda Means and Kathy Helgemo

Mothers are so different from each other! Kids are so different from each other! Babies are so different from each other! We all know this, in a philosophical way, so why are we so concerned when we are not just like other moms? When our kids are not just like other moms' kids? We all tend to compare ourselves to others (not for any positive benefit, however!) -- why?



I just read this book, Mothering from Scratch. It is a great book for mothers of all ages! It is encouraging and helpful -- there are 2 authors and they go back and forth, giving examples of things from their own life, successes as well as failures. They identify things that are positive in mothering and some things that need to give way to better things. For the most part I felt that the book was very encouraging -- "you're doing a great job" type feeling from reading it. There are helpful hints to how to handle some situations better and how God will give you wisdom and guidance.

I felt like a big message of this book is to stop comparing yourself to others and do a good job with what you've been blessed with.

I'd definitely recommend this book. It'd make a great gift as well!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.

Keep it Shut by Karen Ehman

Keep it Shut is a great book written by Karen Ehman on a topic that applies to all of us. This book is written in an interesting, engaging style, not accusatory, but kind.

The book teaches us about our words, what we say and how we say them. It hits on all kinds of topics, such as talking too much, speaking in anger, gossip (of course!), encouragement, when to not talk at all, and so much more. The author speaks of her own experiences, both failures and successes. She uses Scripture to guide us in how to properly use our words.

The author is a "talker" and it seems obvious that this book would be written for "talkers". HOWEVER, I am really not a talker, more of a listener, and I do believe that this book applies to me as well! Some of the great points I'd like to share from the book are things like sometimes we just need to go to God in prayer rather than blabbering to everyone who will listen to us about what is weighing on our hearts. He really IS enough. Some other things are the power of your words, both for encouragement as well as destruction -- and the importance to use them wisely. The thought that sometimes it is better to just not speak, just keep silent. Your written (or texted) words -- and how you should measure them as well.

This book has been a good guide for me as well in helping my teenage daughter reign in her speech. She (unlike me!) IS quite the talker, and she will benefit from the guidance offered in this book -- at this age and hopefully as her life progresses.

I would recommend this book. It is an easy to read, helpful book. It's written in a kind manner, you will probably identify with the author, rather than feel preached at. Give it a read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to write a positive review.