Known and Loved: 52 Devotions from the Psalms

by Caryn Rivadeneira

Behind the smiling face of so many new moms is a woman who has suddenly lost a bit of her sense of self. Many mothers of young children feel alone, isolated, and confused about their new role. They have a powerful desire to be known and loved.

Now for any mom who has ever wrestled with who she is at her core, Caryn Rivadeneira offers 52 devotions drawn from the Psalms that show women how God sees them, what he created them to do, and how he created them to be. She takes women through ten major areas of identity, weaving in stories from her own life and from the lives of other moms, showing mothers that they are valued and valuable.

The perfect gift for Mother's Day, Known and Loved will brighten a mom's day even as it deepens her faith.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Religion, Nonfiction, Spirituality

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2013

About the author

Caryn Rivadeneira is the author of seven books--for both children and adults. Her most recent titles include Grit and Grace: Heroic Women of the Bible and The Story of Noah’s Ark (both SparkHouse Family). Caryn serves on the worship staff at Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church and is a proud member of INK: A Creative Collective and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Caryn lives in the near-west suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three kids, and one rescued pit bull.

Reviews

[TheReadingKnitter/ Kasey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So for a while I had been feeling lost kind of. Almost like okay I'm Maddie's mom and that's what mattered. I'd also felt like God was trying to say seek him. One day I was flipping through channels on the radio and I stopped at this Christian station. But this was one of the ones I didn't listen to much cause they play more gospel music and I like contemporary Christian music. But something, not something but God had me stop on the station and it was an interview with the author. I felt like God was saying get this book and read it. So I went that night and ordered it from Barnes and Noble. I also went to the site and told this story and they gave me one for free! So I gave that one to my sister in law. But this book has been amazing. It's like the devotions were spot on for me. Loved it!

[Caryn Rivadeneira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best. Devotional. Ever. ; )

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been doing my own personal study of the Psalms, and found this devotional, though it was written for an audience of young moms, very apropos to my life right now.
I especially liked the invitation at the end to write our own Psalm and was surprised what I came up with!

[Bob Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for Moms by a Mom. I didn't realize that until I started reading — I apparently got it as a free book some time back and found it on my Kindle when I was looking for a devotional guide for the Psalms. I'm glad I didn't realize the "for-moms" part because I would not have read it. There were some really good insights into some of the Psalms. Some chapters less applicable to me since I'm a non-mom. I used it as a daily devotional supplement, reading one per day.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend to any mother who feels lost, helpless, even alone.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have gotten much more from this devotional if I had read it 10 or 15 years ago.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the right book comes to you at the right time (thanks God). This has been sitting on my kindle for years - I must have picked it up as a freebie at some stage - but have never felt the urge to pick it up.... Until 10 months into motherhood. This was everything I needed in this moment and more, helping me grapple with the personal challenges that come with this time in life. It made me feel seen, and understood, and I will be coming back to it again and again.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! Caryn is a very accessible writer and it was a plus for me that the full text of the Psalm was included. Definitely could read this several times (and plan to after the birth of my child).

[Lis K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This devotional is aimed towards mothers who feel they have lost their identity amidst all their different roles and responsibilities. It uses the Bible book of Psalm to show us that it is God who tells us who we are. The book is separated into ten broad categories. Each category begins with a chapter from the Psalms and then is divided into individual devotions. For example, Part 1’s category is “You are wonderfully made” and its devotion themes include “You are made just right; You are gifted; You are known; You are given unique desires.” Each devotion starts with a short verse from Psalm, a personal story and encouragement from the author, and a response section that includes a prayer and another Bible verse for further reading. Appendices include a section about background information about the Psalms and guidelines for writing your own psalm. The book ends with a guide for using this devotional as a ten-session group Bible study, including a format and questions for each session. Although anyone could learn from the lessons in the devotional, I think mothers would benefit the most as they could related to the author’s personal experiences. Each devotion is short and could be read within 10 minutes, which would be helpful to those who are pressed for time. I enjoyed this devotional but I think I would have also liked it as a group study in order to explore the individual topics further. Overall, this devotional is a quick encouragement for your day and a good reminder of who God created you to be.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional book! Read for MOPS Steering.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, simple, devotional for moms of young kids. Good way to start the day

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great devotional written by moms for moms. Read a chapter a day as supplement to my Bible study. I really liked the authors insights.

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good thoughts in this devotion. It starts with a Bible verse and then some personal reflections. Most are made for mums but many are still for everyone.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Predictable story line but I could not put it down.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent devotional book for mothers. The writer provides heartwarming, inspirational, honest and real examples of how the psalms apply to everyday motherhood.