Set-Apart Motherhood

by Leslie Ludy

Being a mother is tough, and sometimes life can be hectic and disorganized. The truth is, moms don’t have to accept the chaos or resign themselves to the attitude of “this is just the way it is.” By God’s grace, every mother can purpose not to settle for anything less than His pattern for motherhood, and His pattern is victorious, triumphant, and glorious.

Now, women who first met Leslie Ludy in When God Writes Your Love Story and Authentic Beauty can continue journeying with her through the realities of motherhood. Leslie will encourage, inspire, and equip moms to be successful in raising their kids, managing their homes, and keeping Christ at the center of their mothering. Written from the perspective of a mom who is currently “in the trenches” with several young children at home, Leslie will help guide readers to become mothers who are set apart for God’s purposes.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian, Childrens, Christianity

176 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2014

About the author

Leslie Ludy is the bestselling author of Set-Apart Femininity, When God Writes Your Love Story, Authentic Beauty, and more than a dozen other books she has coauthored with her husband, Eric. She reaches thousands of young women each year and is passionate about helping them discover Christ's design for their lives. Leslie and Eric live with their three children in Colorado.

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good, sound, Biblically based book on motherhood. Much of what she says it's not what is popular these days, but she is constantly pointing her readers back to God and to his strength. Finding joy in His calling as a mom. There were some great discussion questions at the end of each chapter. I'll probably go back and re-read this with a pen and notebook.

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read about half of this book and skimmed the rest. Good encouragement to prioritize and pray for our children and homes, but I found the focus a little narrow (for instance, not every homeschooling family will have the space for a dedicated homeschool room in their home).

[Katie Van eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a blessing to me. It has inspired me so much to raise my little family not only to have good character through training, but primarily to help my children understand the True Gospel. It has helped me to see how important it is to mother my children intentionally, realizing how important it is to INVEST in their little lives in lieu of simply providing for their physical needs and hoping that they "turn out okay". As Christian moms, we're raising our kids to be the next generation of Christian men and women, and if we don't prepare them for that future, they will likely be unable to step up to such a joyful occupation. Leslie provides many practical methods and examples that can be used in order to help and inspire moms away from the world's definition of mothering, and into a Christ-like attitude which can be utilized functionally to help us rise up to the high calling of "Mom". Being a young mother of two little boys (20 months and 7 months) Set Apart Motherhood has given me a vision which I can begin instilling in my boys now, and continue in greater measures (as comes with their maturity) until they are men. It makes me so excited to think that God blessed me with such gifts, and entrusted me (and my husband) to raise them to His glory. Another great thing about this book is that it only took me 3 days to read it (here and there in the morning or during nap time, etc), despite caring for my busy little boys. I know that can be a must for busy mamas. ;)

[Heather Cofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderfully refreshing, both spiritually and practically. I love the emphasis on finding fulfillment, rest and satisfaction in Christ rather than in time spent doing things for yourself. And, that when we do have time alone, it should be for the purpose of being equipped to better serve and love our husbands and little ones. So very good! Also, Leslie's little tips on organization were so fun and helpful! I can't say enough about how encouraging this book is, and how highly I would recommend it to any mother with young children! I will definitely be giving this one as a gift to new moms!

[Deanna Dreher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do not read this if you’re not ready to seriously change. I started it twice and quit it both times because I felt that the standard she was setting was so unrealistic and unattainable. It took a lot of prayer to come back to it, but once I started reading again with more humility, it completely shifted my parenting. Within three months of implementing these ideas and practices, two of my kids made confessions of faith and were baptized- praise God!

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was single, I read everything Leslie and her husband, Eric, wrote. I really liked their perspective and their serious pursuit of God that was always challenging but helpful to read. Her book on motherhood retains that passion and seriousness. It was a great read where I felt validated in the hard and messy aspects of motherhood, yet it was also a challenge in many ways. Leslie was both encouraging young moms as well as challenging them to evaluate their heart, motives, and priorities and how they align to God's Word. I definitely feel like God used this book to reveal some deep-rooted bitterness, self-pity, and anger that has been mainly caused by a very trying season of motherhood right now. Each chapter ended with probing questions and Scripture references to help me work through different areas of motherhood. I was particularly challenged by a chapter that described how we can be strengthened through the hard parts of motherhood instead of giving into self-pity and wishing those hard seasons away. Leslie's passion for raising children who love God was inspiring and I appreciated how each chapter had a section with practical ideas to help equip moms. There were a few times when I felt like what she was proclaiming (that motherhood can be continually joyful, even on the hardest days, for instance) was hard for me to swallow and I wondered if I agreed fully. Yet, it was still helpful because it made me think through why I questioned these statements. I recommend this for Christian moms who are okay with a little kick in the pants. It is full of reminders of God's grace for the hard parts of motherhood, it has short chapters and is a relatively short book that are manageable for busy, frazzled moms, and it definitely pointed me to Jesus with every chapter. I will come back to this one often.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pretty much grew up reading books by Eric and Leslie Ludy in my teen years, and so when I saw this book offered for review I thought I'd give it a go. Now I will tell you now that I am not a mother, or even married, but I feel like this book doesn't have to be restricted to married people or mothers alone. After reading this book, I really felt that while this does talk some about children and learning to accept the chaos that at times is inevitable, it also talks about priorities in marriage and life.

This book would be a great read for expectant mothers, young wives, and engaged young women--of which I am none of these, yet I feel that this book would be perfect for some of my friends who are getting married and starting their families.

And while I can't really say that I will be applying all of the things in the book to my life in the near or even distant future, I still feel that I got some great things out of the book. I feel that it is a great topic for Mrs. Ludy to write about, as this is a book more reflective of where she and her husband are in their lives right now.

Overall, a great book definitely worth checking out, filled with encouragement, and Christ centered advice, great for wives, mothers, and engaged women.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me. One of my favorites to come back to! Some of her advice I wouldn’t necessarily implement in our home, but it’s very biblically-based & practical & gives me fresh mothering inspiration.

Lots of great reminders like this:
“Without God’s supernatural grace and strength, I would quickly become an exhausted, stressed-out, emotional mom yelling at my children all day long and constantly looking for ways to escape my responsibilities at home. But when I lean on the grace of God, everything changes.”

[Elyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The principles in this book are relatively elementary, but excellent reminders when you're in the hustle and bustle of mom life. I especially appreciated the reminders of the importance of a moms prayer life and our important role in raising little heroes.

Engaging writing, compelling stories, and excellent Biblical truths to live by as a mother.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes being a mother isn't easy. Children are God blessing but let's be real, our own children can drive us crazy. I've read tips to raise kids in a Christian walk but no one really tells you the difficult process that comes along with it. But thankfully Leslie Ludy changed the game! Reading her book made me realize I am not the only one. Raising kids in Christ isn't easy as it sounds and its okay. The best part is that it's okay. It's okay not to have the perfect children, perfect household etc. I really felt connected with the author. Made me realize the struggle is real but hey there is ways to overcome it. Incredibably easy read, I could have read this one in one day. (but at the moment I have a toddler so nope can't do that) Under 200 pages but you get blessed with each page!

"Taking time to appreciate the uniqueness of your children will help them feel even more special and loved, and it will add a refreshing splash of humor and sparkle to your motherhood role" pg 97

"Though they seem to usher only weakness into parent's life, in God's pattern they bring the most amazing strength." pg 136

**Page 157 has marvelous resources!!!**

[Leann Mazack · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's good to be back into Leslie Ludy's books! As a mom to a one-year-old 15 years after reading Set-Apart Femininity, this was a great recall to the high ideals and godly principles I learned from her and her husband (and their discipleship school) as a young adult! I needed it :) I hope to go through with a friend or a small group sometime to really dig into the discussion questions (I'd probably give it the 5th star after doing them). I know Leslie's style and examples could seem a bit narrow, but having known her in the past, it's easy to translate the heart behind her specifics to my own situation now. Give it a chance if you feel like Christian motherhood should be more fulfilling and Christ-centered than what you are experiencing.

[Reyna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good concepts and vision for your children

It’s a personal book full of practical ideas you may implement in your house and with your family. I imagine is hard to write something like this without a sound of “this is the right way of doing it” but you might find pearls of wisdom too. I think traditional Christian families in the USA may enjoy the content. I think it is not as useful for special needs children, or if the family has financial struggles, or lives in a different country with several differences of culture and economy. Is just my opinion as a Latin American woman.

[Brianna Gaines · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall Leslie had some great reminders for moms and gave encouragement to pursue Christ while raising kids. The one issue I had was she comes from a much more conservative viewpoint than myself which made some of her points hard to connect with.

[Foster Kasoma Bwalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and enlightening book. I felt happy and absolutely assured after I finished it. Its one of those books that speak directly to you. The author is very realistic about articulating motherhood and in addition, kingdom defined and centered motherhood

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convicting, encouraging, and helpful! There were a lot of very practical tips in this book which I did not expect. The chapters were fairly short and easy to read making it a great book for busy moms!

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5*
I enjoyed the practical suggestions the author gives. I found some of it to be wordy by the end, so I skimmed.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Teach your children to be dead to sin and alive in Christ."

[Jess Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fav

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set-Apart Motherhood was a refreshing read and I came away encouraged and challenged—encouraged in the reminder that God gives us all we need to fulfill His callings upon our lives, and challenged in what it means to trust and obey in the everyday humdrum of life. The straightforwardness of Leslie, balanced by her gentle humor and transparency, helped me see motherhood in the light of God’s beautiful pattern—instead of the mediocre human one I have witnessed too often.

This book isn’t about pursuing “parenting perfection.” Instead, it is a call to rely on God’s grace in order to become the kind of mothers He has called us to be. And that makes this book an inspiring encouragement. Picture-perfect families may look appealing, but when the rubber meets the road, it’s an unrealistic and misplaced goal resulting in discouragement and failure. In contrast, when our focus is on Jesus Christ and we are walking in His triumphant Gospel, suddenly motherhood (actually, whatever calling we’re in!) is simply an extension of our relationship with Him and it actually works. That’s what Leslie would call “set-apart motherhood.” She writes of her own journey with candidness and clarity—and with lots of practical examples and applications that would help even the most overwhelmed mom in knowing where to start in her own path to joyful motherhood.

Leslie isn’t perfect, and neither are her children, and she is readily honest about the need of growth in her own life in the areas she covers in the book (combined with the hilarity of very real-life and sometimes messy episodes with Ludy kiddos!). At the same time, however, she lifts up a high standard in a sweet and refreshing way that dismisses any discouraging defeatism. Yes, motherhood is a demanding calling that requires a full and constant commitment, but Leslie draws the reader’s attention to the rich storehouse of God’s promises in His Word and shows how we can build our parenting and home-keeping upon His truth and character.

I give this book a high rating and recommend it to moms of all stamps—to discouraged mothers who need a rekindled vision and hope, to homeschooling mothers who need practical ideas in the logistics of scheduling and priorities, to new moms who need direction as they venture into uncharted waters, and to experienced mothers who may want some encouragement and inspiration as they continue to invest in their children’s lives. Even those who aren’t mothers but are involved in ministering or caring for children (school teachers, ministry leaders, caregivers, etc.) will find Leslie’s perspective and emphasis helpful in expanding their vision, equipping them to have a Christ-centered approach in their interaction with the children under their care and influence. May this book be a means of causing many women to find their calling to set-apart motherhood sweet and rewarding as they walk it in trust and dependence upon their God.

[Lauren Noel Ottwell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Long before Gutenberg perfected the printing press, King Solomon cautioned his son, “of the making of many books, there is no end.” Leslie Ludy addresses one dimension of this truth in her newest book, Set-Apart Motherhood: “As moms, we are so eager for practical solutions to the everyday challenges we face with our children that we can forget about our biggest, most powerful parenting weapon: prayer.”

Parenting books inundate our Christian culture with promises of cheerful, obedient children and peaceful, orderly homes, often causing mothers to consult one author after another in pursuit of “The Answer,” all the while neglecting prayer and the Gospel. In Set-Apart Motherhood, Leslie reminds readers that every crisis and frustration has its solution in the person of Jesus Christ. Her central chapter, Tending to Their Souls, draws attention to a foundational principle of Christianity that rarely enters the parenting conversation: in Christ, every child of God has been given the power to choose righteousness over sin.

“After walking our children through the Gospel, and joyfully watching them give their lives to Jesus, one of the most important principles we have had to continually remind them of is the concept of the “old man” and the “new man” (See Romans 6:8-13) As they are newly planted in Christ, our children need to learn the principle of reckoning themselves dead unto sin and alive unto righteousness. When we see a sinful behavior pattern surfacing in their lives, we will often ask them where “old Kipling” or “old Harper” is. And they will remember that their “old man” is dead and buried, and that they are now “new Kipling” or “new Harper” who is in Christ Jesus. In their new position “in Christ,” they have the power to reckon themselves dead unto sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. It may sound like a complicated truth for preschoolers to grasp. But we have found that they truly do “get it.” They are very aware of the difference between their “old” and “new” man. The old man has no ability to overcome sin. But now that they are “new creations in Christ,” old things have passed away. Through Christ, they have been given the power to choose righteousness over sin. When we remind them of these truths often, we see an incredible difference in the way they live their lives.”

This particular chapter, Tending to Their Souls, is a timely word, whether you're a busy mom who isn't able to sit down and read an entire book, or a mother desiring to strengthen your focus on prayer and the power of the good news of Jesus Christ. Though there may be no end to “the making of many books,” Leslie points readers to the true weapons of our warfare; not human technique or worldly wisdom, but heavenly resources that are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

[Allison Sculthorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read through many books on “Motherhood” and books on how to enjoy being a mom and they all say the same thing: Make sure to set aside time for YOU, YOU have a right to be a stressed and worried mess, YOUR house does not need to be clean and organized while children are living in it, and just try YOUR best to be happy and love your kids so that they’ll grow up to be successful. We are told over and over by society that being a mom is stressful, chaotic, messy, scary, and it lasts for 18+ years… I don’t know about you, but if that were true I would not be excitedly jumping up and down when that pregnancy test says “POSTIVE”. Leslie’s book, Set Apart Motherhood, brought me to tears as I realized that the overwhelming feelings of stress and worry and inadequacy were never meant to stay there. This book is so far and beyond every book about being a mom that I have ever come across because it hammers home what I have always secretly known… In Christ I can and will be a stress-free, worry-free, confident, structured, organized, loving, patient, and FUN mom!! How? Leslie goes into so many very straight-forward and practical ways that you can start your day with a Christ-centered and cheerful mindset, how to keep your days organized but prepare for the unexpected, how to gauge what’s really important and what can wait, how to constantly enjoy your children, how to reflect their gaze to Jesus, and how to put aside the notion that motherhood is about YOU. The practical application sections at the end of each chapter allow you to dig even deeper and look at how you might need to change and alter specific areas of your life that you may have never considered altering before. But my most favorite section of the book was the one on Prayerful Mothering… I’ve been putting into practice praying for the little things since reading that and have seen such an incredible difference in my home! Praying over the fussiness of babies, the refusal to eat foods, new milestones such as potty training and moving into a big-girl bed… God is so faithful! He wants us to draw near to Him and as we do we will see Him work more mightily in our lives than ever before. This book breathes forth hope to all Moms and lets you marvel in who you are in Christ and all that He wants to be in you. Being a mom is a beautiful, lovely, dignified, and very special blessing from God and Leslie’s book really hones in on that. This book is the best one out there on Motherhood, hands down. Why? Because she’s right and I’ve seen what Christ-centered mothering can do. So believe me, you don’t want to miss out on this one.

[Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set-Apart Motherhood cuts to the heart of the gospel in yet another area of life. I have been convicted as Leslie pointed out self's tendency to make motherhood "all about me" instead of all about Jesus. At the same time, I have been refreshed to hear key truths of God's pattern for motherhood and be reminded of the privilege of pointing little souls to Christ. I appreciate that Set-Apart Motherhood is weighted with the reality that these souls are precious to their Creator, and it is mothers' and fathers' responsibility to guide them to God, preach the Gospel through their everyday lives, and do all they can practically to make a protected and heavenly-focused environment in which their children can personally know and love their Savior. Simply put, Set-Apart Motherhood (both the book and action) is neither about mothers nor children; it is about Jesus.

Set-Apart Motherhood is filled with practical ideas for running a home, spending quality time with children, protecting what is important, tending to children's souls, powerful prayer, and responding to challenges with gratitude and strength. Set-Apart Motherhood is not for wimps because truth is not for wimps. But if you desire the fullness of the Gospel in motherhood and in your own life, then I think this book will turn your eyes to the Savior Who gives His empowering grace to those who ask.

Although I am not managing a family and children, I feel that I have gleaned fresh insight into motherhood that is all about God (rather than me) and been reminded of truths which I had not thought of recently. Though I the book is aimed toward one's own family, Set-Apart Motherhood has also given me a desire to see children around me drawn to Jesus.

In a way, Set-Apart Motherhood is nothing new because the same truths in these pages are found in the Word of God. But I think you will be freshly inspired and equipped as you read these timeless truths. I would highly recommend Set-Apart Motherhood to all young mothers!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a single girl who works as a full time nanny, but I figured this book would have something in it for me anyway...and it did! Although written with mothers in mind, its not just for mothers. Its a loving call for a higher standard of womanhood; for any woman who works with children, or simply desires to be a mother someday. Although I do not have my own children, I fill in as a parent and take on a lot of the responsibilities of a mother. I often I find myself facing similar discouragements throughout my day as well. There is so much to get done, but children are so demanding and often I find myself stressed, frazzled, and alone trying to just survive the day. As much as I love children, I have had times where I have thought I never wanted to be a mother after a hard day with the children. I have wondered if I can't handle the stress of a parent during work hours, then how am I going to survive being a parent full time someday?! So I really needed the truth in this book! One of my favorite things about it was how Leslie takes a deep look into Proverbs 31. Yep, she takes the ever so popular chapter that shows up in most women's books and seminars but this book takes it deeper. Instead of leaving me feeling like Proverbs 31 was a huge checklist of traits I will never be able to have, I was pointed back to the feet of Jesus...the only way to live a victorious fulfilled life as a mother or nanny. I will never be able to live up to the Proverbs 31 woman apart from His enabling power. Set-Apart Motherhood walks us through finding where the joy and victory of being a mother is!
Along with all the life changing Biblical truths, this book is filled with practical tips for homeschooling, home care ideas, and how to teach your children to follow after Christ. So many awesome tips surrounded with life-altering Biblical truths!

[Rachel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a first-time mom with a 7-month-old baby. I’ve heard many women talking (or writing) about how difficult and exhausting it is to have little ones, but Leslie Ludy’s book Set Apart Motherhood provided a refreshing change of perspective. She is encouraging and down-to-earth; she doesn’t downplay the challenges of motherhood but points out that in Christ we have the strength to live with dignity and grace as young moms. As we seek Him, He grants to us all the wisdom that we need to handle both practical and spiritual challenges. It was uplifting to be told that exhaustion and chaos do not have to be the norm for a young family.

The first two chapters give a vision for God’s perspective on motherhood and children. Next are practical helps: ideas on keeping the chaos to a minimum, working to create a peaceful atmosphere at home, routine, tending your children’s souls, and building relationships. The final chapters include thoughts on the importance of prayer for your children, trusting God with your children, and child training for the right reasons (not just to make me look good!). One of the points I appreciated most was Leslie’s emphasis on the importance taking the time to introduce and emphasize the Gospel in the lives of our children--that no amount character training will matter if they don’t know Jesus.

It was nice to have a vision for Godly mothering given in a gentle and graceful way. Leslie gives many suggestions that may or may not be applicable to each situation, but she isn’t overbearing and encourages moms to seek the Lord and ask what He would have them to implement in their homes. I’ll be keeping this book around for reference as my little one grows.

[Ruth Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years I have been encouraged by Eric & Leslie Ludy, so when I heard that Leslie was coming out with a book on motherhood just months after I became a mother myself, I was so excited! Literally could not wait to get my hands on it! The book did not disappoint. Leslie gracefully talks about the day-to-day struggles of motherhood and lovingly reminds us of the importance of this God-given responsibility. Set-Apart Motherhood is very practical and yet at the same time so encouraging and convicting. I love the scripture references and verses throughout the book and how they so aptly apply to my life as mom. The questions at the end of each chapter were an excellent opportunity for me to dig deeper, to ask myself questions to challenge and grow me. As I am new on this road of motherhood, it was so timely for me to read this book. It is a book that I can see myself coming back to many times in the coming years. One huge thing that stuck out to me is that we should be teaching our children honorable behavior for the purpose of glorifying the Lord, not for self applause. The trap of wanting our children to behave so as to not embarrass us or for people to think we have such well-behaved children is not only selfish, but it can also create legalism and rebellion in our children when they see we want it for us. But when we live Christlike behavior out before them, and teach them to love the Lord, it gives much more meaning to the "why." This book would be an excellent encouragement to mothers in any walks of life. No doubt it would make an excellent baby shower gift!

[Jamila · Rating 5 out of 5]

~Sweet Conviction~
What God has done in me through this book is hard to put into words. He has used this book to stir and convict my soul in the sweetest way. In reading Leslie's description of motherhood (as God intended it to be) I realized that I was not honoring God in certain areas of my life. I was not living in such a way that showed Jesus that I truly cherished Him and desired to do all that I do as unto Him. What made this book unique was how Leslie addressed practical ways in which we as Christians can be honoring Jesus. For me, the most convicting was my daily routine. I did not have so much as a goal for a daily routine before reading this book because I never realized that having a routine would enrich my relationship with Jesus. I thought that I would just fit in time with Jesus whenever I happened to have it, whether throughout the day, late at night, or in the morning if possible. It didn't matter much to me when it happened as long as it happened eventually. I found that there are areas of my life in which I lack discipline, organization, and consistency. Although the book was intended for mothers, I personally felt that it was most instructive to my soul as I viewed myself as the child needing guidance and direction, and God as the Father willing to teach me such things. It really gave me perspective on the needs of my own soul and how our heavenly Father desires to fill those needs with Himself and grow us up into maturity. I see now that I must first learn to mother my own soul before I can mother the souls of others.

Oh what a Jesus we serve!

[Krista Walessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom to four young kiddos, Leslie Ludy's book, Set-Apart Motherhood, was sweet encouragement to my soul. I can easily relate to Leslie's experiences and greatly appreciate her honesty and openness. Leslie writes from her heart, as a real mom, who understands that motherhood comes with its fair share of noise, mess and chaos. But, instead of wallowing in all of the difficulties, Leslie refuses to allow the challenging moments to define her role as a mom. She gently encourages moms to take the focus off of themselves and their struggles and fix their eyes on Jesus Christ, the One who has promised to provide us with everything we need. Leslie's godly insight into how to overcome the emotional pitfalls that every mom faces is what truly sets this book apart from other parenting books. Rising each morning with a heavenly attitude, raising kids without fear or anxiety, experiencing joy in the midst of trials...these are the daily challenges each of us moms face and are powerfully addressed head on in this book with Scripture-saturated instruction. I was deeply convicted and yet inspired at the same time to live out the fullness of the Gospel in every interaction with my children. Loaded with practical gems of wisdom, Set-Apart Motherhood will start you on a journey of experiencing joy and beauty in family life. I highly recommend this book to all moms who desire to live in the power of God's grace and see their families thrive for Him and His glory.

[Rachel Garrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The role of motherhood is under attack like never before. There is a desperate need for mothers everywhere to rise up & reclaim motherhood for the glory of Jesus Christ! In her book "Set-Apart Motherhood, Leslie Ludy issues the call for us as mothers to do just that. Every mother who reads this book will be challenged, encouraged & blessed with a hope-filled perspective of motherhood. One that Leslie describes as being infused with God's vision for motherhood, which is "victorious, joy-filled & beautiful." What I love about Leslie's writing style is that she communicates truth powerfully & yet as a gentle encourager, inviting others to join her in this journey of set-apart motherhood. She doesn't come across as one who has arrived, but as one who is learning & who has learned to embrace the daily challenges, difficulties & struggles by depending on God & applying His truth moment by moment. I would heartily recommend this book to every mother who needs encouragement & renewed vision to persevere, because it is both practical & inspiring. Our children are waiting for us to embrace this calling with joy & vision instead of with drudgery & hopelessness! So, what are we waiting for?! Let's get started today!

[Ashley Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the point and beautifully written! As a mother of 3 young (and active!) children I appreciated that I could read a little bit at a time and not get lost when I went back to read as is often the struggle when you have little ones running around. At the same time I enjoyed how the author was able to connect and draw the reader in with her personal stories and propose a challenge to selfless living as a mother. She disrupts the social norms and fearlessly cultivates a sense of importance in a role that is so often seen as “lesser”. I love that this is not just another fluffy, pat-you-on-the-back-you-deserve-some-me-time book for exhausted mommas. It is filled with practical biblical truths for living out our calling as moms. It is eye-opening and encouraging, challenging yet heartwarming. The author is humble and honest and along with her own personal advice and scriptural offerings, she provides many resources throughout of people who have gone before her and raised the same challenge of set apart motherhood and of faith filled warriors for the kingdom. Lastly, I liked that at the end of each chapter there was a study section to take it deeper. It would be great to read through this book with a close mom friend and be able to challenge each other!

[A'Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always appreciated the insight that Leslie Ludy brings to the Christian community. Now that Leslie has entered the realm of parenthood, she brings her wisdom to other parents striving to raise their families the best they can.

“Set-Apart Motherhood” encourages moms to step up and not fall for the deception that familial life has to be messy and chaotic. Leslie does well at keeping the chapters short and succinct, wrapping them up with some questions to reflect on and Scriptures to chew on. For moms with busy schedules, this could operate as an excellent devotional.

The one reservation I had was that it felt as if Leslie was painting this ultra-conservative way to have the perfect family with all your ducks in a row along with the perfect house. It honestly felt a little unattainable to me; however, she mentions multiple times that it’s by the grace of God that order is achieved. As long as you hold on to the “grace of God” mantra, Leslie’s advice is very helpful and encouraging.