He Gives More Grace: 30 Reflections for the Ups and Downs of Motherhood Through the Years

by Sarah Walton, Linda Green

Devotional giving help and encouragement for Christian moms. Motherhood is one of life’s most joyful yet most difficult gifts. We are eager to get it "right," yet parenting usually highlights our weaknesses and leaves us worried about our mistakes. These hope-filled, positive devotions recognize the realities and pressures, joys and disappointments of motherhood and will give you a precious reminder of grace from God’s word to hold onto each day. They will help you to trust that God’s grace is enough for you and your kids. As the authors say in the introduction, “Our children do not need a perfect mother. What they do need is a mother who recognizes her need for a perfect Savior and understands that this is the greatest need of her children as well.” As you focus on the work of Jesus rather than your own efforts, you will feel less pressure and more freedom and joy in all the ups and downs of motherhood. Written by a mother-daughter combination (one with four kids aged 10-16, one with three grown kids and ten grandchildren) who are both grateful recipients of God's grace and faithfulness in the many seasons, situations, and realities of motherhood.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Devotional

256 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2023

About the author

Sarah Walton is the coauthor of the award winning book, Hope When It Hurts, as well as Together Through the Storms, and He Gives More Grace. She is the author of Tears and Tossings and The Long Road Home (children's book). She and her husband, Jeff, live in Colorado Springs with their four children. You can connect with Sarah on Instagram at @sarahpwalton and find more of Sarah’s writings at her website setapart.net.

Reviews

[Blessing Bloodworth (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I will be adding it to my lists of “Recommended Resources” and “Gifts for New Moms”!
Every short devotional chapter shines a light on the Gospel Grace that permeates motherhood and the beauty of living in that grace in every moment of parenting. This book is applicable to moms in every phase of mothering, whether you’re in the throes of sleepless nights & diapers or driving teens & preparing to launch college kids.

The writers don’t shy away from it : yes, parenting is uniquely challenging, but it affords us the unique opportunity to lean on the abundant grace available to us in God through Christ Jesus.
Both Linda (Mother) and Sarah (daughter) share about many different areas of their mothering experiences with vulnerability and honesty.
I especially appreciated the glimpses into their own journey as a mother-daughter duo and the work of Christ’s grace to them together & individually. I would love to hear more about this - maybe more books down the road!

I received a complimentary book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I didn’t realize I needed. Such a simple little book- with short “chapters” or daily devos to dive into with short scripture and some encouragement/ conviction from these two moms!

I felt so encouraged reading reach chapter & thankful for these moms who have gone before me- to share wisdom of the hard days and the good days!

This was such a refreshing book & it will be one I pass along and gift to moms alike!

[Sophia Lewis]

“Naturally, I respond to my children’s pain in the same way as I do my own. I want ease, comfort, success. I want answers. I want heaven on earth. But what if I knew that blissful happiness and health for the next seven decades would be the very things that would prevent my children from knowing Christ and the eternal healing He brings? Would I then still desire a pain-free life for them?”

[Taliah Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherhood is a sweet 𝘢𝘯𝘥 sanctifying gift. One minute we’re laughing with our kids and the next minute we’re praying that we won’t lose our temper. As you go about the ups and downs of motherhood, these devotions will help you lift your eyes to the hills where your help comes from. You will be met with God’s grace that is new for you everyday. Mother-daughter duo, Linda Green and Sarah Walton, do an incredible job at weaving in their motherhood experiences with biblical encouragement. I want to give this to every mom I know!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this audiobook. Loved this one! I would like to buy the physical book to reference it though. It was a short and sweet listen. I loved hearing the mother and grown daughter speak about motherhood joys and struggles. Every chapter pointed back to Christ as our source of strength in motherhood.

[Jordan Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to give this book to every mom I know! This is a simple read, short chapters, all packed with wisdom, humility, vulnerability, and truth. I loved this book and the encouragement it brought to me.

[Emma Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so practical. Short chapters that cover a wide variety of topics within motherhood, but every time come back to God’s grace for moms—He’s given everything that is needed to mother. The chapters on comparison and parenting a child who is suffering were some of the best. I really enjoyed and highly recommend!

[Clodagh Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Motherhood is a beautiful gift.
But it brings many challenges'

This book was so helpful and I already know I will be re-reading it over the years. I really appreciated the 'Grace in a line' and the reminder that I am not enough, but that's okay because He gives more grace and He is more than enough.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book! Easy to read in small bites for mamas but chock full of gospel truth about how God gives us super-abundant grace to face whatever comes. Mother and daughter, Linda and Sarah speak with authentic vulnerability welcoming you into their own struggles and their own victories with their children. Even delving into their own painful past that God has so clearly redeemed as they work together. I love the multigenerational Titus 2 dynamic of the wisdom in this book showing the timelessness of God’s Word and God’s grace!

[Panda Incognito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This 30-day devotional offers encouragement for Christian mothers as they deal with life's challenges. Sarah Walton wrote this with her mother, Linda Green, and they each cover different topics from their own perspectives, speaking to mothers of both young and older children. Although many books like this only focus on the early years of parenting, this book also includes encouragement and practical applications for parenting older kids, teens, and young adults.

Each chapter begins with a Bible verse and a short summary line, such as, "It's okay to be weak; my kids most need a mom who loves Jesus, not one who has it together all the time." Each reading is typically about four or five pages long, and they end with reflection questions and journaling space. The authors write about common issues like feeling guilt over your imperfections as a mother, comparing yourself to others, and feeling unsettled in your current season of life, and each chapter teaches a foundational truth that is relevant in many different life circumstances.

Walton and Green illustrate their points with vulnerable personal stories, but someone does not have to identify with their circumstances to benefit from each day's broadly applicable message. Unlike with many parenting books, the authors never assume that everyone else's experiences will match theirs, and they specifically address the dangers of prescriptive parenting messages that assume that everyone is the same, or that you can get a desired outcome by following a set formula.

The authors also strike a great balance between sharing honest personal stories and respecting family members' privacy, and the most detailed parenting stories are the ones that Sarah approved for her mother to write. My only critique is that it is sometimes difficult to tell which author is writing until you get to an anecdote with identifying details. The table of contents indicates who wrote what, but I think the author's name should have also appeared at the beginning of each chapter.

Another valuable thing about this book is that it includes reflections about raising children with "extra needs" and dealing with your own chronic health issues. These reflections are honest, wise, and full of spiritual truths that Walton has learned in a deeper way through her family's suffering. Again, she writes in a way that is discreet and respects her family's privacy, but she opens up about tough themes that often get ignored in conversations and books about motherhood.

He Gives More Grace is full of wisdom and encouragement for mothers in a variety of different life stages and circumstances. This book will be a refreshing alternative to Christian parenting books that depend on your identification with the author or try to teach you a single right way to parent, and the authors' grace-filled approach is very encouraging. I highly recommend this book to Christian moms, and because it is so generally applicable, this would make a great gift for new or struggling moms.

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Kate Guthrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such an encouragement to me! It is written by a mother and daughter who each share their unique perspectives and experiences. As the title suggests, it dives deep into Gods grace as it relates to our motherhood journey. The authors do not attempt to gloss over the hard parts of motherhood, but give refreshing and biblical encouragement that even when we mess up, God gives us grace. In our weakness he is strong, kind, loving and ready to help and equip us to be the mother our children’s need. I loved the encouragement that God gave us our specific children to raise and he will equip us and give us wisdom if we ask.

Below are a few quotes that were especially impactful for me:

“You are loved, and you are loved not because you are a perfect mom who is always patient with her children or keeps a spotless, organized home but because God set his affection upon you and chose you to be his daughter before the world was created, and sent his Son to redeem your life so that one day you can live forever in his presence. That is amazing grace.” p 23

“Be liberated from your own expectations and others demands, and rest in the truth that in his grace, God will not ask more of you than you have time or capacity for as you rely on him. By grace, God will equip and empower you to do all that he calls you to today.” p 69

“You still need God's grace every day. Your kids will too. So, marvel that God continues to forgive you. And that will change your heart towards your kids when they fall short too.” p 77

This devotional would be perfect to read on your own or with a friend. It’s broken down into 30 short chapters, each beginning with a verse and a statement about grace and ending with questions and a blank page for journaling!

[Lauren DuPrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received He Gives More Grace compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

He Gives More Grace is the latest book by daughter and mother, Sarah Walton and Linda Green. It is a devotional designed to remind moms of God’s grace that is present for them in the various circumstances that arise in mothering. The book includes 30 deeply encouraging encouraging devotionals. Each devotional begins with a passage of Scripture and contains a section called Grace In a Line which includes one to two sentences of encouraging truths. The devotionals are a few pages in length and conclude with a few reflection questions as well as a page with lines for journaling.

He Gives More Grace is a helpful resource because it points moms to Jesus and is full of frequent gospel reminders. I appreciate that the anecdotes shared are realistic and relatable. There are Christian books for moms that make it seem as if the authors have motherhood figured out and those types of books leave me discouraged and feeling like a failure since my mothering doesn’t measure up. He Gives More Grace is a book I’ve looked forward to reading alongside my Bible every morning.

While I finished the book, I could see myself rereading it every year due to how wonderfully it has pointed me to Jesus. I was hopeful after reading each devotional knowing that God is at work in my heart and in the lives of my children. He Gives More Grace is a must read for Christian moms and I’m pleased to give it my highest recommendation.

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is for the mama in any season of motherhood. Written by a mother and daughter, it shares the many forms of God's grace connected with motherhood. They share stories and encouragement throughout. Each devotion is short, but insightful with biblical encouragement, conviction, and points mamas to God's grace both for us and our children. I loved that at the end of each devotion there is a place to write notes along with reflection questions.

I loved this devotional so much! It came at just the right time while I have a newborn and toddler and we are adjusting to being a family of four. I loved the personal stories that I could relate to and the wisdom shared in a gracious way. This is such a great devotional for the busy mama as each devotion is short and points us back to God's grace and reminds us the many blessings of motherhood even in the midst of the challenges. I was reminded of so much truth in this book. One of the things that I appreciated was the reminder that we can't thwart God's will for our children through our failures or even our successes. Parenting is truly humbling and should make us depend on the Lord even more. I highly recommend this devotional. It would also make a great Chrisrmas gift for a mom friend this season!

This book is available December 1st!

Thank you @thegoodbookcompanyusa for a copy of this lovely book for my honest thoughts!

[Allison Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the perfect morning read— each chapter was short and did not require a large amount of time but packed a punch. It really set my perspective, grounding me in truth at the start of my day.

Not only did it provide wisdom and perspective, but many of the chapters included practical practices to implement when facing some of the challenges of motherhood. Something that sets this book apart. I so often find books that focus on perspective or practical implementation, but this is both!

I loved that there were not only reflection questions but a lined page for journaling. I paired these questions with prayer and reflection— asking the Lord to reveal what I needed to know on each subject.

I also found it to be unique in that it appeals to moms of all ages and stages. So often books lean heavily on the little years or teen years but I truly think this could benefit all moms!

While I read it within a month, I can see my keeping it close by to return to in seasons where I need specific reminders. Swipe for a look at the Table of Contents to get an idea of some of the topics covered.

Fun fact: it was written by a mother/daughter pair. Adding another layer of reflection in the dynamic of parenting and relationship that unfolds over time.

My favorite chapters: You’re Only Human (and That’s Okay) and A Mother’s Prayer.

I was provided this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can moms find steady strength in God? In He Gives More Grace, Sarah Walton and Linda Green give 30 reflections for the ups and downs of motherhood through the years.

What I most appreciated about this book was how it painted a realistic picture of the highs and lows of parenting. Children are truly a gift and blessing from God. And though it is hard work, we have an opportunity to offer humble acts of service like Jesus. Every moment as a mom can be used to rest in and share the grace of God.


To Live By Faith

I was most encouraged to see that God does not want us to be perfect, but to fear him and live by faith. He sees every secret sacrifice. When parenting crises come up, we can go to God in prayer. And we can find the strength to show our children that God is sovereign even in suffering. God had gifted each mother, and her kids have been given to her by God in a particular place and time for a specific purpose.

This book will give you a steady, daily dose of gospel grace. Your heart will be pointed to Jesus, and you will be motivated to love your children and the Lord.


I received a media copy of He Gives More Grace and this is my honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarah and Linda give such practical examples and encouragement on walking through motherhood with a right focus on Christ and His word. I was so encouraged reading this devotional style book. It had enough encouragement without being overwhelming. I loved the questions at the end of each chapter. They help you sit back and really meditate on what was said, and where you are in light of what you read. The book is not a, follow these steps and you'll have perfect kids, book; nor is it a, do it the way we did it, book. "God loves me! I really don't need to seek reassurance by comparing myself with other moms." The encouragement to be the mom God created you to be, flaws and all, was so helpful. Sarah isn't telling us to do it her way. She is sharing what she has learned and what Scripture teaches. I really appreciated the realness without being overly dramatic or depressive. I highly recommend you purchase this book. It would also make a great gift for a mom.

[Rachel Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

He Gives More Grace is a hope-filled and encouraging book for mothers everywhere. It is written by mother-daughter duo, Linda Green and Sarah Walton. Sarah Walton is a mom who still has four children at home, and Linda Green is her mother, who has raised three children and is now a grandmother.

Sarah is well acquainted with chronic illness and suffering, and as such, she has a perspective to offer on motherhood that chronic illness moms will appreciate very much. However, this isn’t a book just for moms with chronic illness. It is a book for every mom.

The chapters are short and accessible. If you are limited by time, energy, or brain fog, this is an easy book to read. Even though chapters are short, they are packed full of gospel encouragement, wisdom, and words of grace.

Each chapter is followed by a journaling page and questions for thought and discussion. This would be a great book for two moms to read and discuss together in a mentoring relationship. It is also the perfect book to gift to all of the moms in your life. I highly recommend He Gives More Grace!

[Sanjana Dewangan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved reading this book!
Highly recommend it to all moms in every season of life. This book is deeply gospel-saturated . Sarah and Linda (daughter and mom) beautifully share their personal stories, different life circumstances, and sin struggles, and yet, in all of it, the Lord’s grace shines through. I was personally so, so encouraged ! Will visit this book again for the many nuggets of wisdom it has to offer.

[Kim Goudzwaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best mom devotional I’ve ever read, period. All the others I’ve read told me I need to “do better” or “do more.” This one pointed me to Jesus and the truth of the gospel. I wish it would’ve been around when I had my oldest.

[Rhonda Amyx · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this books!

[Bella Serban · Rating 5 out of 5]

So ENCOURAGING! Every mom should read this!

[Brittany Rosentreter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this, and hope to reread at some point! Full of encouragement for this mom that needs to be reminded often of God’s kindness to me in the form of my children.

[Alison (readinginazaleawoods) · Rating 5 out of 5]

💭 “Whatever joys and sorrows, questions and insecurities, excitement and burdens you may be carrying today, know that you’re not carrying them alone. You have a Savior who not only sees you but who knows exactly what you need to care for the children he’s entrusted to you. Because, when all is said and done, you can be assured of this: he gives more grace (James 4:6).” – Linda and Sarah
 
 
🩷 WHAT I LOVE: How each chapter opens with a verse and then is summed up into a single, short sentence (“Grace in a Line”) that can be carried into each day and points your gaze towards Christ.
  
🪴 WHO IS THIS FOR: For every mom in every season who loves her family, loves the Lord, and wants to grow in His grace.
  
💭 OVERALL THOUGHTS: Rich in gentle reminders and profound truths, this book is a blessing and one that will meet you right where you are with grace, love, and wisdom.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit American in style, but a great resource for mums. Chapter 26 was especially helpful to me.

[Brianna Gifford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by a mother daughter duo, this book was encouraging, refreshing, simple yet profound.

[JeLy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very Bible based devotional that would be great for a mom in the trenches of motherhood.

[Janelle King · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional has been everything to me in this season! Sarah and Linda are a mother-daughter duo, who understand the complexities of motherhood and offer you encouragement for every stage of the journey.

As a mother, you don’t have to be perfect, you just need to know the One who is perfect, and Sarah and Linda point you to him day after day as you receive his guidance and grace to mother and lead your kid(s).

Every mother needs a copy of this devo — both new and seasoned!

Thank you to The Good Book Company for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Diana Legard]

Encouraging, beautiful read for Moms. A good reminder that there will always be ups and downs and challenges with kids and that’s normal; that none of us are perfect parents but that with God’s grace we can be what they need every day.