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Mom Connection: Creating Vibrant Relationships in the Midst of Motherhood
Parenting young children is an all-consuming task that can make moms feel isolated, disconnected, and ineffective beyond the walls of their own home. They want to have a part in the bigger scheme of things, to have real friends, and to make the world their children will inherit a better place.
In this witty, encouraging book, Tracey Bianchi guides moms on a journey toward celebrating and discovering the underlying rhythm of their lives and how that rhythm pulls them into vibrant relationships. Through stories of her own life as a mom and the experiences of others, she shows moms how to gracefully engage the people who cross their paths rather than viewing others as tasks on a list. She also offers a way to find balance in this busy exercise called motherhood.
In this witty, encouraging book, Tracey Bianchi guides moms on a journey toward celebrating and discovering the underlying rhythm of their lives and how that rhythm pulls them into vibrant relationships. Through stories of her own life as a mom and the experiences of others, she shows moms how to gracefully engage the people who cross their paths rather than viewing others as tasks on a list. She also offers a way to find balance in this busy exercise called motherhood.
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Bianchi
2 books15 followersA blogger, author, parent, daughter, sister, speaker but most of all, hopefully a listener. Tracey Bianchi has three young kids and a goldfish named Stinky Pete. She and her husband camp out in the Chicago area where she serves on pastoral staff at Christ Church of Oak Brook.
Tracey is a sought after communicator who shares her musings everywhere from Sojourners to MOPS International to Christianity Today publications. Her first Book "Green Mama" takes a hard look at the responsibility of parents to live with care for the planet their children will inherit. An avid fan of all things outdoors Tracey's passion to preserve a viable future for her children as well as help them see the link between the environment and faith is one of her greatest passions.
She is also a founding member of the Redbud Writer's Guild.
Tracey is a sought after communicator who shares her musings everywhere from Sojourners to MOPS International to Christianity Today publications. Her first Book "Green Mama" takes a hard look at the responsibility of parents to live with care for the planet their children will inherit. An avid fan of all things outdoors Tracey's passion to preserve a viable future for her children as well as help them see the link between the environment and faith is one of her greatest passions.
She is also a founding member of the Redbud Writer's Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 4, 2013
This book was very practical and it was an extremely easy read, broken down into bite size chunks, perfect to grab when you have 5 minutes of time and energy. I was really impressed how she managed to be so encouraging without ever sounding holier-than-thou, and how she acknowledged that parenting small children is hard, but didn't make that the focus or stay mired in it, as seems to be the trend on lots of mom blogs lately. She gives tons of suggestions for books to read if you want to delve deeper into any subject, and I plan to follow up with lots of those.
April 1, 2021
I move every 2-3 years and reread this book nearly every time. I love this easy read and the applicable details provided for intentionally cultivating friendships.
November 27, 2012
Tomorrow is Mother's Day. A day we set aside to honor those who gave us life thanks to Julia Ward Howe (1870) and Anna Jarvis (1914).
Mother's help us connect with the world. They nurture us and they help us grow up into adulthood (and beyond).
So it should be no surprise, that sometimes mom's need to have a deeper connection - with their faith, their selves and even their family.
With her new book, Tracey Bianchi seeks to help mom's connect with the rhythm of life.
Divided into three sections, the book focuses on why mom's need to have a healthy rhythm in their life, good rhythms in their relationships (with family, friends and others), and developing a rhythm in their faith journey.
Each chapter ends with "five tested tips" that are designed to be "guilt-free" ideas mom's can use to apply the information to their lives. Three of the tips are "practical," one focuses on a prayer or blessing, and the fifth serves as a journal or writing prompt.
The book is written in a friend, easy to read style. I think it would appeal to a variety of moms - newbies and veterans alike.
On the scale of one to five, I give it a solid three. If you are looking for an easy to read treat for mom, this might provide just what you need.
Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
Mother's help us connect with the world. They nurture us and they help us grow up into adulthood (and beyond).
So it should be no surprise, that sometimes mom's need to have a deeper connection - with their faith, their selves and even their family.
With her new book, Tracey Bianchi seeks to help mom's connect with the rhythm of life.
Divided into three sections, the book focuses on why mom's need to have a healthy rhythm in their life, good rhythms in their relationships (with family, friends and others), and developing a rhythm in their faith journey.
Each chapter ends with "five tested tips" that are designed to be "guilt-free" ideas mom's can use to apply the information to their lives. Three of the tips are "practical," one focuses on a prayer or blessing, and the fifth serves as a journal or writing prompt.
The book is written in a friend, easy to read style. I think it would appeal to a variety of moms - newbies and veterans alike.
On the scale of one to five, I give it a solid three. If you are looking for an easy to read treat for mom, this might provide just what you need.
Note: As a freelance journalist, I was provided a copy of this book by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review was not influenced by a free book - just in case you (or the FTC) were worried about this detail.
May 12, 2012
Just considering how long it too me to get through this book and write my review attributes to the fact that I can definitely find myself as a kindred spirit to the author and quoted mamas in this book. Even as I type this I have my newly nine month old swatting at the keyboard and moving the mouse, my almost three year old sits behind us watching her newest preschooler entertainment on DVD and singing along to all the theme songs. I love my life, but I would love to find a connection in our new home! As a matter of fact in an effort to meet new mamas in the surrounding area I started a Facebook Group (there are 24 members, but nobody is really active there *sigh*).
This book definitely relays that which is on my own heart. Filled with “mom-tested tips” in each chapter. Actually reading this book is a bit bizarre because I find all sorts of topics that I have thought about in passing to be discussed in full paragraphs. It is a part get-out-of-my-head and part where-is-a-mama-like-that?! Go through this book as a straight read (when you find the moments) or even do a chapter at a time and end them with the questions and prayer and journal prompts. There are many ways to get into this little book with a big heart.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
This book definitely relays that which is on my own heart. Filled with “mom-tested tips” in each chapter. Actually reading this book is a bit bizarre because I find all sorts of topics that I have thought about in passing to be discussed in full paragraphs. It is a part get-out-of-my-head and part where-is-a-mama-like-that?! Go through this book as a straight read (when you find the moments) or even do a chapter at a time and end them with the questions and prayer and journal prompts. There are many ways to get into this little book with a big heart.
*Thanks to Revell Books for providing a copy for review.*
posted: http://creativemadnessmama.com/blog/2...
May 25, 2012
Overwhelmed? Out of rhythm? Off course? Lost in the endless cycle of motherhood? Out of touch?
This is the book for you. Motherhood is one of those seasons that many enter with false expectations.
This book is a great and realistic in it's approach to helping mom's stay connected in this busy time of life. I loved her approach to staying connected and finding a balance and rhythm in this often hectic and tiresome time. It is so easy as a mother to lose focus on the importance of relationships as we juggle being a wife and mother. Whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom you all have much to manage and juggle. We all struggle with finding the right balance of spending time with our husbands, children and friends and still managing to get done the things written on that ever growing to-do list and re-to-do list (the list that we have to do again and again and again every single day).
This author has written a book that is so easy and enjoyable to read that it will quickly bring joy and smiles to a mother's life. I am so glad to have gotten this review copy from Revell.
This is the book for you. Motherhood is one of those seasons that many enter with false expectations.
This book is a great and realistic in it's approach to helping mom's stay connected in this busy time of life. I loved her approach to staying connected and finding a balance and rhythm in this often hectic and tiresome time. It is so easy as a mother to lose focus on the importance of relationships as we juggle being a wife and mother. Whether you are a stay at home mom or a working mom you all have much to manage and juggle. We all struggle with finding the right balance of spending time with our husbands, children and friends and still managing to get done the things written on that ever growing to-do list and re-to-do list (the list that we have to do again and again and again every single day).
This author has written a book that is so easy and enjoyable to read that it will quickly bring joy and smiles to a mother's life. I am so glad to have gotten this review copy from Revell.
May 11, 2012
Cultivating friendships as a mom of young children can be difficult. Tracey Bianchi addresses just that in her book. She talks about the importance of healthy rhythm in our lives: that life gets overwhelming and how maintaining balance is important, but so difficult. Each chapter is filled with vignettes and ends with tips and suggestions, a place for journaling and additional references.
While Tracey's focus seems to be on mothers of toddlers and young children, this is a book for any mother of children. My boys are pre-teen and teen and while I'm not in the naps/diapers/play dates stage of life, we're all in the motherhood trenches together and there is much to learn from one another. I found much to learn here. This is a book that will go on my shelf and be reread.
Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
While Tracey's focus seems to be on mothers of toddlers and young children, this is a book for any mother of children. My boys are pre-teen and teen and while I'm not in the naps/diapers/play dates stage of life, we're all in the motherhood trenches together and there is much to learn from one another. I found much to learn here. This is a book that will go on my shelf and be reread.
Available May 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
November 21, 2013
I was a little nervous starting this book once I found out it was Christian. That sounds really bad, but I just didn't want to be preached to and have someone's ideas forced onto me. But I was pleasantly surprised and thought that there are a lot of great take-aways for all types of moms: new, seasoned, young, and old. I would love to re-read it to check out some of the sources listed at the end of each chapter and to put into practice some of the journaling ideas she mentioned. I could especially identify with the chapter about friendships; the challenge in making and sustaining friendships, especially as a SAHM.
May 9, 2012
Pour yourself a coffee and sit at the table while you read this ... why? Because that is exactly what it feels like, sitting down connecting with a friend over a cup of coffee.
This book is written in such a way that any mom is going to relate at some point throughout the journey from front cover to back. If you are like me this read will stir tips, tricks and ideas of ways that you can connect with all of your mom friends - digital and IRL (in real life).
Read my entire review at http://www.thehickmanfour.blogspot.com
This book is written in such a way that any mom is going to relate at some point throughout the journey from front cover to back. If you are like me this read will stir tips, tricks and ideas of ways that you can connect with all of your mom friends - digital and IRL (in real life).
Read my entire review at http://www.thehickmanfour.blogspot.com
July 26, 2012
Quick read, to the point w/ lots of humor. Almost in the Jen Hatmaker style. Tracey Bianchi made lots of great points for not only young moms but for Nanas (grandmothers) who are trying their best to understand this updated, connected but lonely, fast paced life style. One of her best points....if you want happy kids, pay attention to your marriage. Wise beyond her years.
August 26, 2012
Tracey Bianchi writes a thoughtful and concise how-to guide for cultivating meaningful relationships as a mom. Each chapter ends with five tips to follow, which support the information presented in the chapter. Additional books and websites are also included, so that the reader can delve deeper into any given topic covered in the book.
August 28, 2012
I actually finished it! It was good and well formatted, although I didn't feel I could summarize it well at the end. The hula hoop visual didn't seem to stick in my head, but some of the anecdotes- particularly the one about having the friend over and being anxious about the crumbs on her sleeve- were memorable.
October 12, 2012
It was ok. I really didn't feel like it said much besides "go have mom friends". Who doesn't already know that they need friends to survive mom hood? Sheesh. I'm not so impressed with MOPS in general. All fluff and no meat.
June 28, 2013
so so good! very easy to read. struggles moms have to connect with other moms during our busy lives. very down to earth suggestions and also gives other book and websites to use. share this one with everyone!
May 22, 2012
Some great ideas for connecting with other moms, your family, and neighbors. Some of it was corny and I could not relate to but some was right on.
September 6, 2012
Really great journaling questions and 'put it into practice' tips.
September 22, 2012
I thought this book did a great job of reminding me that all Moms are essentially in the same boat.
There were lots of things to think about in terms of building deeper relationships.
There were lots of things to think about in terms of building deeper relationships.
October 4, 2012
Transforming! One of those books that helped me feel like I'm not alone in this motherhood journey. I'll be buying a copy of this for every new mom!
November 19, 2012
This book spoke to me at this moment in my life. I'm planning to read it again and do the journaling and other recommended activities.
March 19, 2013
most encouraged mom book about raising our kids in a God inspired view of the world we are in now!
Living each moment as it is and soaking it all up in everyday moments with our gift from God!!!
Living each moment as it is and soaking it all up in everyday moments with our gift from God!!!
February 3, 2016
MOPS book from 2012 year - really enjoyed the easy way it was written with real-life application.
January 8, 2017
Loved this really good, practical ideas for how to combine Motherhood, family relationships, friendships and community involvement. This is one I'll be keeping on my permanent bookshelf!!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews