Mom Heart Moments: Daily Devotions for Lifegiving Motherhood

A friend of mine turned me onto this author, and this particular devotion, so I'm not familiar with her other works. They're easy to read in the morning and only take about five minutes. The topics are relevant for moms, and they end with questions to ponder for the day, and it makes you appreciate your roll as mom. I liked it so much that I sent another copy to another friend. Highly recommend!Here's an example (though most deal with being a mom--today's happens to be about marriage, but it's slightly shorter than average, so I'll share it):November 21Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another.1 Peter 4:8Most marriages start out with at least some idealism and romantic expectation. Mine was no different. Clay won me with bouquets of yellow roses (I was his yellow rose of Texas), romantic cards, and lots of dinners out.And then... there was life! Seventeen moves, six internationally; four children, three miscarriages; deaths of family members; car wrecks; financial challenges; illness; a fire and three floods in our house; church splits; ministry problems... and lots and lots of stress. Nothing quite prepared me, as a very immature, untrained young woman, to know how to bear all of the stresses we would face just being a family.One evening, I was sitting on my bed in the darkness, venting at God about Clay because, from my point of view, he was much more the problem than I was!Yet, as I sat there pondering these things, tears streaming down, it was as though God whispered, "What if the most profound work you ever did to please Me was to love Clay? If he never changes, can you worship Me in this place and release your expectations to Me?"Early, I learned that my marriage was a place of worship into which I could bring God's love, healing, and grace every day, or I could just live as a hypocrite saying that I was committed to God and would serve Him, except in my marriage because that was just asking too much!I think there is a point when a godly woman in a marriage must say, "This is the reality of the puzzle I have been given in my life and marriage, and this is the story I must stay in and live to the fullest with grace."Are you working to keep fervent in your love for your spouse, even in spite of imperfections?

I'm not usually a fan of devotion books. Many that I've read have felt too shallow/surface level to really challenge my heart, thinking, actions, etc. (Streams in the Desert is a wonderful exception.) I get it--they're supposed to be short and easy to digest, and it's hard to deeply impact someone in a few paragraphs. Yet Sally manages to do it in this book.I started this book on January 1 and look forward every day to reading it. I often stop and read some of the day's teaching aloud to my husband or kids. In a few short paragraphs, Sally always manages to challenge my thinking, teach me some Biblically-based truth, help me see a situation differently, encourage me, and/or remind me of the priorities and intentions that I want to have. I have felt encouraged in my role as a wife and mom, AND in my own spiritual and personal growth. I love how each day's devotion is paired with scripture; in some devotion books, the scripture component feels like an afterthought to what the author wants to say. In this book, I rarely feel like that, and often feel like she's teaching me something new about the scripture (pretty impressive for a short devotional).I have read a lot of Sally's books, and some of the ideas expressed in this devotional are already available in her other books--but it doesn't feel repetitive. It's counter cultural teaching, and so it's nice to have a slow, daily drip to keep the inspiration going! This will be my present to moms in the next few years.

As a mom of 5 kids 7 and under, I don’t always have time to commit to as much reading as I wish I could. A small one-page devotional is the perfect size to read in the morning, in the bathroom, as kids are settling down for naps/quiet time, in the car when you have a few minutes to before an appointment or school, or before bed. Sally is simultaneously encouraging and convicting, both essential aspects of discipleship. One small step at a time, she paints a beautiful vision of God’s heart for mothers while also giving practical tips along the way. Perfect gift for new moms and all moms!

Wow! Such a great blessing! Dear Moms and Grandmas across the globe this book is going to really minister to your hearts. I was blessed to receive a sample copy and found it hard to only read one day at a time. I wanted to keep reading and take it all in. So inspiring and encouraging- I’m very thankful for the time of growth and reflection each morning from the short sample I had. I found that it is still resonating inside my heart. I can’t wait to get my hands on the whole book and make it a part of my daily morning routine before their little heads awake!

Sally Clarkson is a wife and mother, who raised her 4 children to love God. This is such a great devotional book that'll encourage moms everyday for an entire year. I love that each devotion is one page in length yet packed with so much wisdom and love based on God's word. Her writing speaks to me as if I am sitting across the table from her with a cup of tea. All moms need this devotional that will truly speak to your mom heart. You will be blessed through her stories and inspiration that will guide you to embrace your motherhood journey. I highly recommend this book! I also enjoy Sally Clarkson's podcasts aired each Tuesday that are so down to earth and lifegiving!

As a homeschooling mama of three boys that are between the ages of 2 and 10, it is challenging to find quiet to sit and read/study during this season of life. However, this devotional is perfect! One page is perfect to sneak in before kids wake up or during a few minutes of the toddler being distracted :) her devotional is packed FULL of truth, encouragement, conviction, and so much more. So thankful for Sally's heart towards women and mamas and that she's willing to share wisdom and truth with us. This book has landed a permanent space on my bookshelf and will be my new go-to for gifts for mothers <3

A wonderful devotional! Such practical, helpful and deep writings from my favourite author!