Speaking Mom-ese: Moments of Peace and Inspiration in the Mother Tongue

by Lisa Whelchel

Mom-ese is the mother tongue of moms. Lisa Whelchel definitely knows how to speak the language of motherhood. From the days you just want to break down in tears because the kids are sick and cranky and the house is a wreck, to the joys of seeing your kids' eyes light up when they "get" a new understanding of God's love, she's been there and can relate. Through fifty-two mini-devotions, Speaking Mom-ese provides encouragement and connects moms to each other and to God.

Genres: Christian

240 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2005

About the author

Lisa Diane Whelchel is an American actress, singer, songwriter, author, and life coach. She is known for her appearances as a Mouseketeer on The New Mickey Mouse Club and her nine-year role as the preppy and wealthy Blair Warner on The Facts of Life. In 1984, she was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Inspirational Performance for her contemporary Christian album All Because of You. In 2012, Whelchel participated as a contestant on the CBS competitive reality series Survivor: Philippines and tied for second place. She was also voted fan favorite and was awarded $100,000.

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this book the first time in 2011. I probably got about halfway through and for whatever reason, did not get back to it. I found it on my bookshelf a few weeks ago and decided to re-read it. Having grown up watching "The Facts of Life," I could hear "Blair" narrating in my head. What was surprising to me was how relevant the stories still were to me as a parent in relation to my kids 9 years later! That is the mark of a good book. I completed the devotionals and prayed the prayers Lisa provided. I also appreciated the relevant Scripture verses that accompanied each story. There are 52 little gems of wisdom in this book!

[Michelle Hart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like all of Lisa Welchel's books, this book has some too cutesy parts mixed in with some wisdom. At times she comes off as too proud of her 'deep thoughts' ahem but there *are* some nuggets here. You just have to know in advance that you need to...take the good, take the bad, take them both and there you have...a book by Lisa Welchel. ;)

[Dana McReynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was passed on to me and when I saw that 'Blair' was the author, I just had to read it. I appreciated her honesty and found it helpful. I probably read through it a little too quickly for a devotional and I didn't do the journaling. Although I can see that it would be beneficial.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great morning devotional book, brief but meaningful.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

52-week devotional for moms - good thoughts and stories in short nuggets - nothing groundbreaking but easy and somewhat helpful.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love these "mini-devotions" as they're called. I may need to buy the book to use the journaling topics because they are thought provoking and interesting.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this so encouraging

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

great devotional for moms!

[Priscilla King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teen actress Lisa Whelchel grew up, became a mother, and kept a devotional journal of the time she was able to make for prayers. That journal grew into this book. The idea of Whelchel being a spiritual teacher was a bit of a switch for those who remembered the rich-brat character she played on a TV sitcom, but everyone must eventually grow up.

A few times, while reading this book, I found myself laughing at Whelchel rather than with her. Picture God as a loving, indulgent grandparent, Whelchel suggests. I found myself picturing what C.S. Lewis would have said about that idea.

Other times I found myself thinking, "She's right." Whelchel endorses the idea of using physical force to correct children. Of course we all want to discipline children by positive persuasion, but life does not always go as we want. I suspect children are better off even being slapped than being wards of the state.

I think Whelchel wrote this book more as a peer counsellor than as a "rabbi," but Christians who have been advised to teach have been specifically advised to "Be not many masters." Peer counselling is fine. Whelchel does seem at least to be thinking, in this book, about being a serious, radical sort of Christian.

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not prepared to love this book, and especially not ready to receive the messages presented. Although we follow different faiths, the path is similar. I love she shared the faults in her former marriage and problems with parenting. Too many times on current social media, we see touched up photos of perfect memories. Nothing REAL. She shared that’s she’s human and had made lots of errors. I felt like I was reading a friend’s book.

[Heather Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for a mother with any age of children. Funny and real