{"product_id":"the-beauty-of-motherhood-grace-filled-devotions-for-the-early-years-9781640656000","title":"The Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions","description":"\u003cb\u003eBook Synopsis\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoving devotions for mothers, inspired by common milestones for young children\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoms, get ready to reclaim your grace with this tender collection of stories, vibrantly recounted by two women working to embrace God’s presence during their own parenting journeys. Each narrative reflection opens with scripture and concludes with a practice or questions to ponder, followed by a prayer. Spanning infancy to early childhood, \u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood\u003c\/em\u003e encourages mothers and caregivers to take a deep breath and find the holy in those everyday moments that inspire laughter, frustration, and awe.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTogether, the authors explore an unflinching spectrum of parenting experiences, including growing pains, pregnancy, birth, weaning, body image, exhaustion, delight, comparison, vocation, friendship, and more. Readers will feel empowered to recall memories of God’s grace in their own journeys and be inspired to claim and share their own truths.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBusy parents will appreciate the short, engaging reflections that can be picked up and read between feedings, or use them to conjure up a brief oasis after a hectic day. A wonderful gift for baby showers, baptisms, birthdays, and Mother’s Day, \u003ci\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood \u003c\/i\u003eoffers a warm and knowing embrace to mothers everywhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTrade Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e“You will not meet more tender guides for your mothering journey than Kim Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis. A beautiful blend of story, application, and prayer, \u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood\u003c\/em\u003e is a master class in experiencing God in the everyday moments of motherhood. These pages are soaked in love, glimmering with grace, and will surely be a gift to mothers everywhere.” \u003cstrong\u003e—Ashlee Gadd, Founder of Coffee + Crumbs and author of\u003ci\u003e The Magic of Motherhood \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003cem\u003eCreate Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“These poignant and prayerful meditations will bring you back to yourself – and the love God has for you and your children. The spiritual reflections and soulful prayers in this book affirm what many of us know to be true: On our wonderful, messy mothering journeys, we experience God in new ways. I’m grateful for the depth Erin Strybis and Kim Knowle-Zeller bring to these chapters, which are short enough for us to receive even in our most depleted moments. May their words care for your soul as you care for your family.” \u003cstrong\u003e—Kayla Craig, creator of Liturgies for Parents and author of\u003ci\u003e Every Season Sacred \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003cem\u003eTo Light Their Way\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Erin Strybis and Kim Knowle-Zeller share their deep intimate reflections of motherhood with profound tenderness. While reading, I found myself thinking of my own children while also imagining my mother as a young woman, cradling me in her arms decades ago. Certainly, no single devotional can address every aspect of motherhood. Yet, Knowle-Zeller and Strybis provide a poignant, compassionate, devotional for young moms that is inspirational and honest.” \u003cstrong\u003e—The Rev. Angela T. !Khabeb, ELCA Pastor, \u003cem\u003eLiving Lutheran\u003c\/em\u003e columnist, Public Theologian, and \u003cem\u003eGood Morning America\u003c\/em\u003e guest contributor\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Where was this book when my children were young? In an easy-to-read, invitational style, the authors of \u003ci\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood \u003c\/i\u003eshare a myriad of true-life stories that cover the messy, the mundane, and the marvelous moments of being a mom. Readable, relatable, and real, the stories are woven together with prayers, scripture, ponderings, and practices that combine to make this book an inspiring, perfect gift for any mom. Simply lovely.” \u003cstrong\u003e—Glenys Nellist, author of \u003cem\u003eGod Made Mommy Special\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eThe Wonder That is You\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“With honesty and wit, [the authors] offer mothers stories that will encourage, restore, inspire, and convict. They turn doubt and worry into faith and hope, sadness and frustration into gratitude and joy. Kim Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis look to and write about parenting challenges with a faith and a love that will fill mothers’ souls so that they in turn may attend to the souls of those they’ve been called to mother.” —\u003cstrong\u003eCallie R. Feyen, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Teacher Diaries \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003cem\u003eTwirl\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“When a new baby is born, a new mother is also born, whether it is her first child or her seventh. With gentle yet incisive wisdom, Erin Strybis and Kim Knowle-Zeller invite mothers into the beautiful, personal story that God is writing through their parenting journeys, ‘one that requires imagination, revision, and plenty of faith.’ This devotional is savory nourishment for the postpartum soul, beautifully accompanying the fresh fears, anxieties, frustrations, and tender epiphanies of those early years. I will be buying a copy of this timely book for all of the new moms in my life.” \u003cstrong\u003e—Kelsi Folsom, poet, speaker, and author of \u003cem\u003eBreaking the Jar\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Kim Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis are two women whose words come from hearts that are so for you and your mothering story. Reading these devotions felt like being handed a soft blanket and offered a place on their family room couch to rest. I’m thankful for their stories, their compassion, and their gentle invitation to truly experience God’s love as you do the holy work of parenting. \u003cstrong\u003e”—Katie Blackburn, contributing writer at Coffee + Crumbs and author of \u003cem\u003eGluing the Cracks: Reflections on Motherhood, Disability, and Hope\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"\u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood\u003c\/em\u003e brings a much-needed depth, authenticity, and intimacy to the genre of devotionals for women.\" \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e—Englewood Review of Books\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Tender and true, \u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood\u003c\/em\u003e is a balm to mothers. Whatever moment you find yourself in on the sacred journey of motherhood, this book will leave you feeling seen, heard, and loved. Kim Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis kindly accompany us — the mamas — at 3am, at the door of the daycare center, in the quiet of snuggles, in the center of unencumbered laughter, and in the middle of a tantrum (ours and our children’s), as we build a life of love. With Bible verses, stories, practices, ponderings, and prayers, this generous and thoughtful book allows us to soften, take a breath, and rest in God’s abundant grace. Motherhood is a remembering, a coming back home to our Creator’s love for us all.” —\u003cstrong\u003eEllie Roscher, author of \u003cem\u003eThe Embodied Path\u003c\/em\u003e and co-author of \u003cem\u003e12 Tiny Things\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"Boy I wish I had this book when I was in the early years of parenting! I’m so glad it exists now. Kim Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis are great storytellers who have created well-rounded devotions that combine sweet moments with practical ideas and prayers. I know what I’m bringing to the baby showers in my future!\" \u003cstrong\u003e—Melanie Dale, author of \u003cem\u003eCalm the H*ck Down: How to Let Go and Lighten Up about Parenting\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Finding the right devotional is like searching for a good, sturdy pair of shoes: you want it to hold up well as you journey through the mountains, valleys, and storms of life. This devotional is just that. Currently pregnant with my first child, I wholeheartedly trust Kim Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis’ words to faithfully carry and guide me as I enter the adventure of motherhood. Becoming like those shoes that are well-worn through the ages, this book will live on my nightstand for years to come.” \u003cstrong\u003e—The Rev. Kelsey Beebe, founder of Dancing Pastor Ministries and host of the \u003cem\u003eLady Preacher\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cem\u003ePodcast\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Being a mom is often incredibly hard, so I'm grateful for Erin Strybis and Kim Knowle-Zeller’s words and stories and reflections that give a space for softness and gentle reminders that we are not alone in this calling of motherhood. Whether you are looking to weave your faith more deeply into parenting or need to borrow new practices and meaningful prayers, these pages will nourish you.” \u003cstrong\u003e—Jenny Booth Potter, author of \u003cem\u003eDoing Nothing Is No Longer an Option: One Woman's Journey into Everyday Antiracism\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Like gentle, wise friends who know when you need an encouraging word—and dinner dropped off on your doorstep—Kimberly Knowle-Zeller and Erin Strybis offer mothers a lifeline with \u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood: Grace-Filled Devotions for the Early Years\u003c\/em\u003e. Drawing from their years of mothering babies, toddlers, and big kids, \u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Motherhood\u003c\/em\u003e brims with honest stories, peaceful prayers, and simple practices to nurture your faith in the joyful chaos of parenting. For every mother who’s ever pleaded with God at 3:00 a.m. or wondered ‘Am I the only one?’ Strybis and Knowle-Zeller are here to remind us that we are never alone and God is always with us.”\u003cstrong\u003e—Laura Kelly Fanucci, founder of Mothering Spirit and author of \u003cem\u003eEveryday Sacrament: The Messy Grace of Parenting\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eTable of Contents\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Blessing for Beginning\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINFANCY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLetters to our Children\u003c\/em\u003e: Writing our Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eJoy in a New Creation\u003c\/em\u003e: First Doctor’s Appointment\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eBecoming a Mother \u003c\/i\u003e: Seasons of Beginnings\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePermission to Be New\u003c\/em\u003e: New Motherhood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Power of Names\u003c\/em\u003e: Naming our Children\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSwaddling Fear and Wonder\u003c\/em\u003e: Managing Anxiety\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMy Alleluia Song\u003c\/em\u003e: Birth Stories\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWonderfully Made\u003c\/em\u003e: Body Image and Motherhood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNourished\u003c\/em\u003e: Community and New Motherhood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eA Worthy Calling \u003c\/i\u003e: Milestone: Going Back to Work after Maternity Leave\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Moon at 3 AM\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Sleeplessness\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Note to the Sleep-Deprived Mama\u003c\/em\u003e: Motherhood Milestone: Broken sleep\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBlessing our Kids\u003c\/em\u003e: Faith Formation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEmbracing Fullness\u003c\/em\u003e: Motherhood and Identity\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWaiting on Words\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Comparison\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRinsing Bottles and Searching for Peace\u003c\/em\u003e: Grappling with Mom Guilt\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePrayers of the People\u003c\/em\u003e: Learning to Pray\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSomeone to See Me\u003c\/em\u003e: Working Motherhood\/Friendship\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMarriage and Missing Puzzle Pieces\u003c\/em\u003e: Marriage\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTODDLERHOOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eCries in the Night \u003c\/i\u003e: Coping with Illness\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e“You’re Doing Great, Mama!” \u003c\/i\u003e: Seasons of Doubt and Uncertainty\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaking Home\u003c\/em\u003e: Comparison and Contentment\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eEach Day a Gift \u003c\/i\u003e: Days of Small Things\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eForgiveness at Mealtime\u003c\/em\u003e: Managing Emotions and Saying Sorry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Favorite\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Trust\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEvery Ending a Beginning\u003c\/em\u003e: Milestone: Weaning\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowing up at the Park\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Letting Go\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat We Carry\u003c\/em\u003e: Emotional Labor\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTaking Care\u003c\/em\u003e: Learning to Mother\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHow We Measure\u003c\/em\u003e: Comparison\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Lesson from Hide \u0026amp; Seek\u003c\/em\u003e: Connecting with God\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Beauty of Christmas\u003c\/em\u003e: First Church Pageant\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRemembering Loved Ones\u003c\/em\u003e: Grief and Memories\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eShe Taught Me to Mother\u003c\/em\u003e: Mothering Mentors\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGod’s Masterpiece\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Trust\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEnjoying the Crumbs\u003c\/em\u003e: Our “Good Old Days”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrowing as a Mother\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Growth\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCHILDHOOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Gentler Approach to Mornings\u003c\/em\u003e: Motherhood and Anger\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“What’d You Have for Breakfast?”\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Connection\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWater and Light\u003c\/em\u003e: Milestone: Baptism\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMorning Quiet Time\u003c\/em\u003e: Investing in the Mother\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Miracle of Rest\u003c\/em\u003e: Self-Care for Moms\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWorshiping with Children\u003c\/em\u003e: Faith Formation\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Mommy, Follow Me!”\u003c\/em\u003e: Catching Faith from our Children\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Mother’s Hands\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Change\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Power of Words\u003c\/em\u003e: Learning Generosity from our Children\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMore than a Mess\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Paying Attention\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Sledding Date to Remember\u003c\/em\u003e: The Power of Play\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNothing is Lost\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Small Things\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWaiting on a Miracle\u003c\/em\u003e: Season of Trying to Conceive\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHand-Me Down Love\u003c\/em\u003e: Connection with Others\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhen Grief Speaks\u003c\/em\u003e: Loss\/Miscarriage\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Weight of Worry\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Anxiety\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHope in Flowers\u003c\/em\u003e: Pregnancy After Loss\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSummer Days are Meant for the Pool\u003c\/em\u003e: Remembering our Baptisms\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eTell Your Story\u003c\/em\u003e: Motherhood and Identity\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eImportant Work\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Paying Attention\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“I’m Sorry”\u003c\/em\u003e: Asking Forgiveness\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSame Team\u003c\/em\u003e: Marriage and Parenting Together\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBefore You Were Born\u003c\/em\u003e: Trusting in God\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003ePrayers While Expecting \u003c\/i\u003e: Preparing for a New Baby\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Another Jesus Story, Please!”\u003c\/em\u003e: Sharing the Gospel with Children\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI Can Hear You!\u003c\/em\u003e: Listening to Others\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBrave and Scared\u003c\/em\u003e: Milestone: First Day of Preschool\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirst Day of Kindergarten\u003c\/em\u003e: Milestone: Starting Kindergarten\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGoodbye Diapers\u003c\/em\u003e: Milestone: No More Diapers\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Calendar of Prayers\u003c\/em\u003e: Practicing Gratitude\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRooted\u003c\/em\u003e: The Gifts of Community\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBecause You Say So\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Insecurity\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe are One\u003c\/em\u003e: Prayer with Children\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLet’s Go for a Walk\u003c\/em\u003e: Community and Prayer\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFrom First Steps to Riding on His Own\u003c\/em\u003e: The Miracle of Milestones\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSibling Love\u003c\/em\u003e: Sibling Relationships\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eGrace in Transitions\u003c\/em\u003e: Navigating Growing Pains\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFights Worth Fighting\u003c\/em\u003e: Learning to Coexist with Others\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWelcoming a Little One\u003c\/em\u003e: Expanding your Family and Sibling Relationships\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e“Are We There Yet?” \u003c\/i\u003e: Being Present\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBirthday Blessings\u003c\/em\u003e: Marking Milestones\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpting Out (For Now)\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Rest\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Gifts of Other Mothers\u003c\/em\u003e: Friendship\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Women at the Well\u003c\/em\u003e: Seasons of Nurturing Community\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eUltimate Superhero\u003c\/em\u003e: Grace over Perfection in Motherhood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eImagine\u003c\/em\u003e: The Beauty of Motherhood\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBeauty on the Path\u003c\/em\u003e: Seeing Ourselves Through God’s Eyes\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfterword\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Church Publishing Inc","offers":[{"title":"Default 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