Whether through major trials or triumphs or just during our everyday encounters, I feel that God often uses my children to continue molding me into who I’m to be.
As I look back on the questions and statements I’m frequently saying to my children (and questions and statements not dissimilar to the ones Rachael Carman mentions in her book, How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You?), I can see how God can use the exact same questions to speak to my own heart.
In her book, Rachael shares her experience of how God uses her mothering journey to teach her. Encompassing both the energy of a woman on fire for the Lord and the spirit of your closest girlfriend, Rachael writes personal stories of her interactions with her little ones throughout the years.
Some statements she expounds upon include:
- Slow down!
- Share.
- Do you know what time it is?
- Be quiet!
- Be careful who your friends are.
- Don’t panic.
- Have you prayed about it?
Recognize any of your own words above? I recognized a few of mine right off the bat.
One of my favorite things about Rachael is her sincerity, wit, honesty, and love for her family. After hearing her speak on several occasions, I’ve witnessed her captivate a room, invoking both laughter and genuine soul-searching. I’ve never walked out the same person.
I felt the same while reading her book.
While How Many Times Do I have To Tell You? is an excellent book for a busy mom to enjoy—each chapter can be read in about 5 minutes. I think it would make a great gift for a new mom, an expectant mom, a mom whose children have left home, or even for a mom’s group.
Short chapters don’t equal fluff in this book. Packed with Scripture, there were days when I called it a devotional. Filled with practical advice, sometimes I thought of it as a real-life mom how-to. A homeschooling mom to seven, Rachael knows the reality of motherhood. With chapters ending with questions for discussion, journaling, or simply to help re-focus during a crazy afternoon of tending to many littles, it’s a great add-on to a Quiet Time or to share with a close friend over coffee.
A few of my favorite quotes:
I saw that the very things God is trying to root out in my character providentially show up in my children (pg. 16)
Where we go matters. We aren’t called to walk around aimlessly. We’re to run the race set before us, wherever He leads. (pg. 33)
God wants you and me to trust Him and obey without question, hesitation, grumbling, or stalling. He wants us to trust Him enough to simply act. (pg. 309)
During the last few weeks, one of my special needs children had a couple of unexpected reactions. One evening, I took this little book with me as I knew I had a good bit of time before the provider could give us the results. Incidentally, I opened to the chapter titled Where Does it Hurt?
Rachael gave the example of how often we ask our children where something hurts, just as I’d asked my own son during this time. Unable to tell me how he specifically felt, I saw much of myself in this chapter and even though I was upset and frustrated that I couldn’t figure out how to help my little fella, Rachael’s words reminded me that my own Heavenly Father cares enough about me to hear my prayers of telling Him where and when I hurt. In that moment, I hurt for my son, but even as I tried to pray, my emotions felt overwhelming, and I didn’t know where to begin. Fortunately, I know that He understands more than I do, and nothing takes Him by surprise.
As I wrote above, this book would make a great gift for any mom or a nice treat for yourself. If you want to be encouraged in your walk with the Lord, the 68 chapters will be a blessing. A portable 5 1/4 by 7 1/4 inches, this book not only fits nicely in one hand while cradling a nursling in the other, it also fits in my purse, the diaper bag, my tote, etc.
You can learn more about How Many Times Do I Have To Tell You? by visiting Apologia, where it’s currently on sale for 15% off.
If you want to be encouraged, inspired, and challenged, you can find Rachael Carman on her blog, Facebook page, Google+, YouTube, and twitter.
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