Saturday, April 19, 2008

A Book Review ~ The BUSY Mom's devotional

A few weeks ago I received a copy of Lisa T. Bergren's book , The BUSY Mom's devotional to review.




My curiosity caused me to open the book up immediately and begin reading. I haven't purchased a devotional of this type in a number of years, so I wanted to see if this book was different than others I own. I remember when my older three children were young receiving several cute and sometimes inspiring mommy devotionals. Many of them were encouraging to me in those early years of motherhood. But it wasn't long before I desired more. My spiritual growth required it.

As I read Lisa's introduction and the first few devotions, I was pleasantly surprised and encouraged to see that it was more than just cute mommy stories tied in loosely with a scripture.

In the introduction Lisa says, "But the truth is, the devotional life is more a way of looking at life than anything you do. It's beginning to see God infusing every moment of your day." Lisa goes on to encourage us as moms to look for God in everything we do.

The devotional is broken up into four parts based on the four seasons. There are fifty-two devotions in the book. This is completely doable and could easily be incorporated into your week. It would also work well if you put it in your purse or diaper bag and whenever you found yourself waiting somewhere, you could pull it out and work through one devotion in about fifteen to twenty minutes.

I remember when my oldest was four and I had just given birth to my third child nineteen months after my second child. It was a busy season of nursing, two in diapers, double strollers, and endless piles of toys, laundry, and dishes. (we did not have a dishwasher). I longed for the days before children when I could sit for an hour and study scripture. I could spend a whole afternoon on a Sunday cuddled up with a book and I listened to countless messages on tape while cleaning our apartment. But those days were gone and getting my own spirit fed was now more difficult.

I am now at a different season in life. I have two more children, which means I am still busy, but as my children have grown I have learned to make the time each day to spend in quiet time with the Lord and the study of His word. It is not always easy and some days and weeks I still struggle with getting up early or sitting down and ignoring the toys, dishes and laundry for just a few moments to kneel before the Lord.

As I finish reading through this devotional, here are a few highlights:

The layout of each devotion makes it easy to understand and has a place for you to make notes and journal your prayers.

Each devotion begins with the Word of God.

On the first page of each day, Lisa provides a section called, Things on My Mind. There is a place to jot down your to-do list or anything that may take your focus off of what you are reading and cause you to be distracted.

The next section is her own personal story. She shares how God has revealed himself through her life and experiences. More than likely we all can relate to something she has experienced. At the end of this section she shares a prayer. This is usually where most devotionals end. But it is the next three sections that I appreciate most about this devotional:

What is God Saying to Me in This?
This forces us to think about the condition of our own heart and life, and not just be tickled by an inspirational story.

Making the Scripture Mine
In this section she takes us back to the word of God and helps us to look deeper. This section sometimes includes additional scripture references as well as background information to what we have already read.

My Prayer
In conclusion, she has provided a place to write a personal prayer.

I found Lisa's writing refreshing. The BUSY Mom's devotional could be used in many different ways. I have a sweet friend who is a new believer. She would benefit from these short and yet rich devotions as she is learning and growing in Christ. I personally will put mine in my car and when I am waiting at the school, or in the orthodontist's office, or any of the many places I find myself waiting, this will be a wonderful and practical way for me to spend a few moments sitting at the feet of my Savior.

This book would make a wonderful Mother's Day gift or even a fun baby shower gift. To purchase the book or to learn more about Lisa you may go here.

Lisa has graciously offered to give away a copy of The Busy Mom's devotional. Just leave a comment to this post and I will choose one name on Friday. (April 25th)

22 comments:

Heth said...

Sounds great! I love the idea of writing down "things on my mind".

beckyjomama said...

Sign me up!!! I can soooo use something like this! I am in the middle of a Beth Moore study - which means lots of homework and time in the word ... now. But it is over soon and then what? I need a regular routine. I need it for me and I really want it to show my girls what it looks like to study and crave time with Him!!!

In other words ... I would like the book. Yes please!
Becky Jo

Beverley said...

Wow - that sounds like the perfect book for this busy Mum! I also like the idea of writing down the 'things on my mind' so that I can concentrate.

Mocha with Linda said...

That sounds so good. I can think of a couple of new moms this would be perfect for. If I could be unselfish enough to give it away!

Cyndi said...

Just got back in town and popped over... LOVE the new blog design!! So fresh and fun!!

This book looks wonderful, too. :) Have a great week, Chris!

Anonymous said...

I would love to win this devotional - I like how you described the layout... I'd be so thankful to have a chance at winning this! Thanks for the lovely posts - I always leave the site with something to ponder throughout the day. Findstarlahere@gmail.com
Starla

Jodie Wolfe said...

If you have a few minutes, I would love your input on my blog in regards to the ten struggles that Christian women face. Thank you!

Jamie said...

Oh pick me, pick me! This looks like a great devotional and I'm needing a new one. I will be done with my current one in only 10 days.
Jamie
P.S. I just stumbled on your blog today and have spent some time looking around...I love it! I have saved you in my favorites, I'll be back.

Sarah@Life in the Parsonage said...

I'm with ya on how some devotionals are just cute mommy stories with a verse attached...but this one sounds really great, with more depth to it. Thanks for the review!

Ann said...

Right now, I've got it pretty good! I work on my study while Emily is napping, it gives me plenty of time and I don't feel rushed. I love it! But it will be harder to find that quiet time when the boys are out of school and home with me all day. A book like this would help me stay in the daily routine, even if it doesn't require as much time.

I also have a friend who just had her third baby. This is a wonderful gift idea for her. Thank you for the review!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reviewing the devotional. It sounds like a very practical devotional for a busy Mom who wants to keep her priorities right in spite of her busy schedule. That's something I'm struggling with right now as Mom to a hyperactive toddler!

Blessings
Jennifer

Kelly said...

Wonderful review--I feel that I have a good sense of the book. Sounds like a great gift, like you said, for a new mom.

Judy said...

Hi Chris,
WOW! All of these Mom's who are so deserving of a good boost of God's wisdom! It's humbling! In the midst of the daily grind when it's so easy to grumble and complain about all that has to be done, and how it seems things will never get caught up, a quiet moment to read a good Mom devotional would be such a blessing! I once again must add that I so appreciate your words of wisdom from this blog spot. You always seem to have something to share that is relavent to something on my heart, or something that needs to be on my heart. (Like how to treat my man!) Thank you for the oppurtunity to enjoy the wisdom God has blessed you with. You are a treasure!

Anonymous said...

This format sounds great, 4 seasons, 52 devotions, room for notes, personal stories, prayers. Thanks for the review!

Blessed said...

this sounds like a book I need!

Sandy said...

I, too, believe that there are different seasons to motherhood and spirituality. Devotional books were great in my earlier days, but I now find that I get more out of a "study" - with more meat, where I'm learning.
But it sounds like a great book, Chris!

Unknown said...

Wow. And I thought I was busy! I got nothing on you!

I'd like to read the book. Another blog friend is reading it now and really loves it, too.

Lisa Tawn Bergren said...

Wow, most bloggers give surface reviews, but you really took the time to study and understand my material. Thank you so much...it means a great deal when an unknown friend "gets" you, huh? Hmm...sounds a bit like a whisper from God. Thank you for passing the word--and may God bless each and every one of you.
Love,
Lisa

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Count me in! I love a good devotional book, and this book by Lisa Bergren looks like a wonderful fit for my daily routine...especially as the season changes, and I'm longing for a new author to read.

I'm new to your blog and look forward to visitng you in the days ahead.

peace~elaine

Grateful Gramma said...

Please enter me in the drawing. This sounds like a good book. Thanks!

Ginnie

Michelle said...

Thanks for the chance to win this book. It looks wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Hello Chris! My sister recently asked me to advise her about a Bible study to do; maybe this is what God has in store for her as a beginner! We'll see~ thanks!!!!!
kelly from lmessimer@aol.com