Strength for All Seasons: A Mom's Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers

by Julie Lavender

A mom’s devotional of strength-bearing prayers and verses for overcoming the stress and difficulties of life and motherhood

In Strength for All Seasons , author Julie Lavender is beautifully candid about the difficulties of motherhood and offers encouragement and wisdom based on God’s most powerful words, reminding weary moms that he is the ultimate source of strength and resilience. This thoughtful weekly devotional gives moms the grace and space to go at their own pace and reflect on both celebrations and challenges while staying grounded in God’s truths. The seasons of motherhood are ever-changing with peaks and valleys and ebbs and flows, but the one thing moms can consistently count on is God.


• 52 WEEKS OF TRUTH-BEARING PRAYERS AND DEVOTIONS —cherry-picked verses of God’s most powerful living words are meant to transform, inspire, and motivate moms to seek God no matter the situation or circumstance

• REFLECTION QUESTIONS FOR RECEIVING GOD’S TRUTHS —each devotion ends with thought-provoking questions that give moms the opportunity to reflect on the lessons and truths that God is trying to convey

• WRITTEN FOR MOMS OF ALL AGES AND LIFE STAGES —no matter your age or what stage you are in, each devotion reinforces that God is with you every step of your parenting journey

• REAL STRUGGLES OF MOTHERHOOD —from mom burnout and guilt to hurtful comparisons, perfectionism, body images, and lack of self-care, this devotional deeply explores the struggles that moms wrestle with the most while reassuring moms that God knows their worth and chose them to raise and care for their children  

Genres: Devotional

128 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

About the author

A recent guest on Focus on the Family Broadcast, Julie Lavender is a journalist, author, and former homeschooling mom of twenty-five years who holds a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. Julie is married to her high-school and college sweetheart, and Julie and David are the parents of four, in-laws of two, and grandparents of one.

Julie loved living in various locations across the country as the wife of a medical entomologist for the United States Navy. After her husband retired from active duty, the family moved back to their hometown, and David began work as a wildlife biologist at a nearby Army installation.

Julie's is the author of Strength for All Seasons: A Mom's Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers, published by Zeitgeist, a Penguin Random House imprint. Children's Bible Stories for Bedtime, also published by Penguin Random House, is available in paperback and hardback, and a bilingual edition launches this year. She also wrote 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories (Revell/Baker Publishing) and co-wrote two devotionals with BroadStreet Publishing. Julie was one of twelve winners for Guideposts Magazine’s writer’s contest and attended a weeklong session in New York with Guideposts editors to learn more about writing for their publications.

Her writing appears in these magazines: Guideposts, Angels on Earth, Mysterious Ways, All Creatures, Clubhouse, Country Woman, Taste of Home, Today’s Christian Woman, Focus on the Family, Mature Living, ParentLife, Refresh, Southern Writers, Homeschooling Today, The Old Schoolhouse, Secret Place, and more.

Julie is the author of the homeschooling and family devotional: 365 Days of Celebration and Praise, the party planning book: Creative Sleepovers for Kids, and three teacher resource books: Wonder Women of the Bible, Super Men of the Bible, and Scripture Adventures.

Her work is also included in various compilations, like, Lighthouse Bible Studies’ Heart Renovation and Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Touched by an Angel, Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Merry Christmas, Gary Chapman’s Love is a Verb: 365 Daily Inspirations to Bring Love Alive, Guideposts’ True Stories of Extraordinary Answers to Prayer: The Desires of Your Heart, and Short and Sweet Too.
Julie contributed curriculum lessons in more than two dozen Group Publishing, Incorporated books and previously wrote for the children’s section of the Denver Post.

She is represented by Cyle Young, of Cyle Young Literary Elite.

Julie loves spending time with her family, baking, and traveling to new places.

Reviews

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like reading a devotional a day in the morning and this was a welcome addition to my collection and the first that focused on mothers. This devotional is supposed to be read once a week so you can really marinate in the message and the scripture, but I'm not built that way so I read it every day instead. I really enjoyed the format. There was scripture, examples, questions, and a prayer. It was nice and it's one I will definitely use again in the future.

[Ann Ingalls · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading STRENGTH FOR ALL SEASONS, A MOM’S DEVOTIONAL OF POWERFUL VERSES AND PRAYERS by Julie Lavender.
I expected this book to make me think about ages and stages in my life and how God helped me through many difficult passages. Each entry in the book features a bible verse, a short bit of narrative that makes the reader think about daily experiences and how they affect women, questions that encourage thoughtful reflection on life’s journey, and a gracious and lovely prayer at the end to remind us of God’s love for us, His support, and His constant presence.
As someone who sometimes struggles with self-doubt, I am reminded that even when I feel discouraged, God is always there to listen.
Having this book in hand reminds me to take time every day to contemplate where I am in my faith journey. Instead of feeling anxious, I feel reassured because I can instead focus on God and His message for my life.
I intend to purchase copies of this book as Christmas gifts for many of my friends. I cannot imagine a better way for all of us to share our ups and downs and reflect on God’s life-sustaining path forward. ---Ann Ingalls

[Tama Fortner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I wish I’d had this book as a new mom! But even as an empty nest mom, I’m still drinking in its wisdom (because we never really stop being a mom, do we?).

Julie’s writing is open, honest, and encouraging, gently walking us through the challenges and doubts of motherhood as well as the blessings. With thoughts for reflection, scriptures, and prayers for each week of the year, Strength for All Seasons is that whisper of hope that we all need, guiding us to the God who truly is our strength in all the seasons, joys, and struggles of motherhood.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Allison Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect 52-week devotional for all moms and mother figures in whatever capacity that may be. Each week includes a focused Bible verse, a short devotional with a reflection section and guided prayer. Each devotional is short and concise, perfect for mom's (because what mom has much time to herself). This devotional is modern and fresh in comparison to other mother devotionals I have read. Would definitely recommend for personal use or a Bible study group for mom's. The reflections could certainly be used for group discussion.

A few of the topics discussed for the devotionals - mom guilt, loneliness, worrying, breaking generational cycles, comparing, relationships, feeling overwhelmed, parenting styles, self-image, careers, self-doubt, trust, infertility and miscarriage, exhaustion, empty nesters, etc. This list is just a short glimpse into devotional topics and I believe it has a little something for every mom. Included also are links to articles for grounding through anxiety and other resources.

Absolutely 5 stars and I will be purchasing to hand out to my new mom friends!

Thank you to Julie Lavender, NetGalley, and Zeitgeist for the devotional in exchange for my review!

[Kathleen Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This devotional is essential reading for all mums and mother figures. Each week has a bible verse, devotional and guided prayer.

All devotionals are short enough to fit into any mum’s daily routine. Unlike other devotionals, this one is actually relevant and offers a fresh perspective for mums, covering topics such as exhaustion, empty nesters, careers, self-doubt, infertility and miscarriage, mum guilt, loneliness, worrying, breaking generational cycles, comparing, feeling overwhelmed, and self-image.

This is definitely a book I shall be returning to time and time again.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

This review will also be posted to my Instagram account @kathleenryderauthor

[Rebecca Trump · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers by Julie Lavender is an amazing book. There is a devotion for all 52 weeks of the year to ponder and help inspire mothers finding their way through each stage of motherhood. New moms to toddlerhood moms to school-age, middle and high school moms. Infertility and miscarriages are discussed. Foster parenting and adoption. I was blessed by her encouragement for college and soon to be empty-nester moms like myself. If you need guidance in any of these areas, no matter how seasoned a mom you are, buy yourself a present that will last the whole year through.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

[Kristen Parnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lavender packed this mom’s devotional full of powerful verses, prayers, and practical encouragement for all stages of motherhood. As the mom to a toddler, I relate so much to such topics such as comparison, overwhelm, juggling a career, and more. I love how each devotional starts with Scripture, provides a relatable message, and ends with reflection questions and a prayer. For days when I can’t fit in my full quiet time in the morning as I’d like to, these bite-size devotionals provide the perspective I need to start my day right. This devotional would make a beautiful, encouraging gift for the moms in your life.

[Deanna Beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motherhood is a journey. Julie Lavender takes us on a trip through the seasons of this beautiful title, Mother, we are honored to hold. These concise devotions contain stories that will resonate with mothers of all ages to validate feelings and concerns. Julie has provided appropriate Bible verses to remind mothers that God is in control. Reflective questions will help the reader ponder similar circumstances in their journey as a mother. A specific prayer accompanies each section. Some seasons last longer than others. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone on this path. Strength for All Seasons will help you weather the bad times and rejoice in the good moments.

[Jenny Leavitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Relatable and relevant
I found this devotional to be so spot on with what I go through as a mom (and wife) in middle age, but I can also relate to the entries for my years as a younger mom.
It tackles the kinds of emotions and issues that women of today deal with while offering solid, scripturally based, guidance. I love the topics for reflection and how they cause me to ponder the devotional and apply it to my own life.
I also love the sample prayer to get me started talking to God about what I’ve just read and considered.

[Heather Lamm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength for All Seasons: A Mom’s Devotional of Powerful Verses and Prayers by Julie Lavender is full of encouragement, inspiration, and love. As I read each devotion, I feel I am sitting with a beloved friend and wise mentor. This book sweetly encourages while inspiring readers to dive deep into their hearts to see where they may need help. Each devotion wraps up with a prayer to God, because we all need His help to become the best version of ourselves! I highly recommend this book for moms of all ages and stages of motherhood!

[Annette Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've purchased countless devotionals in my lifetime, many of them written specifically for moms. But THIS book was so much more than the feel-good sentiments I've read in most. EVERY single devotion I read spoke deeply to my heart and ministered to some very dry, weary, raw places. This author knows the realness of motherhood and offers encouragement from a heart of experience and from THE Source that never runs dry.

[Barbara Latta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strength for All Seasons is exactly what the name implies. This book contains devotions that are short enough to read in a few minutes which is a must for busy moms. But it also delivers a powerful message that can help weary women who may just need a little encouragement in their daily life of child-rearing. The stories resonate with the lives of moms and shows them that God loves them and that their jobs as a parent are important and they are not forgotten.

[Janet McHenry · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many emotions controlled the day-to-day of my mom life when my husband and I were raising our four children. Someone's bad mood or circumstances often triggered responses in me that only escalated the tenor of our home. Julie Lavender's book is a lovely gift for moms who need truth dose of God's Word each day that will strengthen their hearts, minds, and souls for the challenges they face. I recommend it highly.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Strength for Al l Seasons" was a very encouraging devotional for this momma's heart. Throughout each devotional, I was reminded that I am not alone, that God is with me, that God gives me strength, and that I am abundantly loved. I enjoyed having a weekly Scripture verse as well as reflection questions to help me take a deeper look at my life. This ARC was given to me by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Cheryl Schuermann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mothers need encouragement and, yes, strength. The fifty-two short devotions include applicable reflection prompts and a brief prayer. They are easy to work into a busy day in the morning, in the car line, or right before bed. Strength for All Seasons is a wonderful resource for all the moms in your life. This book will be my go-to shower gift for new moms!

[Esperanza ( ig: bookish_belle91) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love devotionals and this is a really good one. As a mother, we tend to spearhead the families spiritual health and well-being. This gives you prayers at the ready and really helps keep God as the focus

[Brooke Delage · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly I would maybeeee give this to someone who had just heard of Jesus ?? But there is so little Bible in here and all the versus are out of context… not a great “Bible study”

[Iris Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple, weekly devotional for moms. It’s nothing earth-shattering, but I found it down-to-earth, applicable to life as a mom, and encouraging.