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)