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Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full: Gospel Meditations for Busy Moms
Motherhood is tough, and it often feels like the to-do list just keeps getting longer and longer every day no matter how hard we work to get ahead. From grocery shopping to soccer practice, running a household is exhausting, making it hard for us to experience true joy in the midst of the craziness of life. In this encouraging book for frazzled moms, Gloria Furman, a pastor's wife and mother of four, encourages us to refocus and reorient our vision of motherhood around what the Bible teaches. Showing us how to pursue a vibrant and ever-growing relationship with Christ—even when discouragement sets in and the dirty laundry is still waiting to be washed—this book will help you treasure Christ more deeply no matter how busy you are.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2014
434 people are currently reading
5184 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Furman
31 books291 followersGloria Furman (MACE, Dallas Theological Seminary) is a wife, mother of four, cross-cultural worker, and writer. In 2008 her family moved to the Middle East to plant Redeemer Church of Dubai where her husband, Dave, serves as the pastor. She is the author of Glimpses of Grace, Treasuring Christ When Your Hands Are Full, The Pastor’s Wife, and Missional Motherhood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 431 reviews
July 27, 2014
I feel a little like a heretic giving only 2 stars to a book that is about applying the gospel to motherhood, but I just found this book to be dry. I really wanted to love it but I just could not connect to this author. I ended up skimming the last several pages. For a similarly themed book with a bit more "oompf" (that I have read multiple times), go read Kimm Crandall's Christ in the Chaos.
June 3, 2014
Mercy, this was just the friendly, gentle slap in my face needed to knock me out of the dreary pity party of selfishness I'd created. There is so much wisdom packed in this little book, and it finally lifted my eyes where they needed to be...on Christ.
"The gospel stands above and beyond all the most practical, family-friendly, or cost-effective philosophies of mothering. The good news of Jesus Christ is superior to our to-do lists and metaphorical mother-of-the-year trophies. This is because the greatest problem a mother has is not a lack of creativity, accomplishment, or skill, but her inability to love God and others as Jesus loves her(John 13:34)."
It's easy to say I depend on the Lord, and I'm thankful for His blessings and His grace, but reading this book made me realize how little I actually live that out. I try too often to live in "me-ville".
"When I view motherhood not as a gift from God to make me holy but rather a role with tasks that get in my way, I am missing out on one of God's ordained means of spiritual growth in my life. Not only that, but I am missing out on enjoying God. No amount of mommy angst can compare to the misery that comes from a life devoid of the comforting, encouraging, guarding, providing, satisfying presence of our holy God."
Gloria writes this book with honestly and passion. I'm grateful she gets the message across with humility and gentleness. I'm the type of person that turns to anger and excuses if a person "disciplines" me with arrogance. Yes, a short browse through the book of Proverbs lets me know how wrong my attitude is there. I'm far from perfect! ;) A "holier than thou" attitude never works with me, though. I'm grateful that Gloria's attitude throughout this book was the perfect "discipline" method for me.
I really can't imagine a mother out there that couldn't benefit from this book! It covers the moms, like me, that struggle with feeling unimportant and "not good enough" to the moms who think they have the fictitious "mother of the year" award on its way to them(Ha! So not me!). Judging other mothers is covered, too, which I appreciate. I've been on both sides of that train, and I don't like either side!
"By God's grace we are to put off the old self, which instinctively prefers to lord over other mothers, and we put on the new self, which loves holiness(Eph. 4:20-24). We put away falsehoods, and we speak truth to other mothers, for we are members of one another. We don't angrily sin against each other and hold grudges for the Devil to use in his wicked work of causing division. We speak words to one another that are good for building up and giving grace to our hearers. We throw away all bitterness, slander, and malice that we feel toward other moms. Instead, we are kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us(Eph. 4:25-32)."
"Perhaps the most pertinent correction I've received in light of this temptation is what Jesus told Paul about boasting: "He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Cor. 12:9) Do I want the power of Christ to rest on me as I mother my children? Yes, please! Then I need Jesus to free me from my craving to be worshiped for my mothering. I need to own up to my weaknesses so that I can prize Christ's power."
There are *lots* of Bible verses used throughout this book! As I got to the end(on my kindle), I flipped through page after page of Bible verses listed in the "Scripture Index". I turned to Jonathan, while showing him the pages, and said, "THIS is what I expect!" While there are many references to what other people have said, there are more Bible verses. Though others' thoughts are important for encouragement and reproof, God's Word is ALWAYS more important, and I appreciate this book. I appreciate the friendly reminder that my eyes were focused on myself and worldly things.
"I want to hope in God when my kids wake me up before my alarm. I want to love God's Word all day when I'm entrenched in the mundane work around my house. I want to meditate on God's promises and praise him and remember him when I'm up with the baby at midnight and at 3 a.m.(and 10 p.m., 2 a.m., and 5 a.m. during growth spurts). According to Psalm 119, there is no time of the day or night when God's Word is not relevant to our lives. Even as we're more preoccupied with getting school lunches made and outfits chosen for family pictures, God's Word can raise our gaze to the horizon of eternity."
I read this book on my kindle, but it's definitely a book I'd love to eventually get in paper form, so I can highlight and mark up, and turn to when I need a "friend" to lift my eyes back where they belong. There's no filler in this book. It's all good stuff! I highly, highly, highly recommend it to all of you mommies out there!
*I was provided an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
"The gospel stands above and beyond all the most practical, family-friendly, or cost-effective philosophies of mothering. The good news of Jesus Christ is superior to our to-do lists and metaphorical mother-of-the-year trophies. This is because the greatest problem a mother has is not a lack of creativity, accomplishment, or skill, but her inability to love God and others as Jesus loves her(John 13:34)."
It's easy to say I depend on the Lord, and I'm thankful for His blessings and His grace, but reading this book made me realize how little I actually live that out. I try too often to live in "me-ville".
"When I view motherhood not as a gift from God to make me holy but rather a role with tasks that get in my way, I am missing out on one of God's ordained means of spiritual growth in my life. Not only that, but I am missing out on enjoying God. No amount of mommy angst can compare to the misery that comes from a life devoid of the comforting, encouraging, guarding, providing, satisfying presence of our holy God."
Gloria writes this book with honestly and passion. I'm grateful she gets the message across with humility and gentleness. I'm the type of person that turns to anger and excuses if a person "disciplines" me with arrogance. Yes, a short browse through the book of Proverbs lets me know how wrong my attitude is there. I'm far from perfect! ;) A "holier than thou" attitude never works with me, though. I'm grateful that Gloria's attitude throughout this book was the perfect "discipline" method for me.
I really can't imagine a mother out there that couldn't benefit from this book! It covers the moms, like me, that struggle with feeling unimportant and "not good enough" to the moms who think they have the fictitious "mother of the year" award on its way to them(Ha! So not me!). Judging other mothers is covered, too, which I appreciate. I've been on both sides of that train, and I don't like either side!
"By God's grace we are to put off the old self, which instinctively prefers to lord over other mothers, and we put on the new self, which loves holiness(Eph. 4:20-24). We put away falsehoods, and we speak truth to other mothers, for we are members of one another. We don't angrily sin against each other and hold grudges for the Devil to use in his wicked work of causing division. We speak words to one another that are good for building up and giving grace to our hearers. We throw away all bitterness, slander, and malice that we feel toward other moms. Instead, we are kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us(Eph. 4:25-32)."
"Perhaps the most pertinent correction I've received in light of this temptation is what Jesus told Paul about boasting: "He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Cor. 12:9) Do I want the power of Christ to rest on me as I mother my children? Yes, please! Then I need Jesus to free me from my craving to be worshiped for my mothering. I need to own up to my weaknesses so that I can prize Christ's power."
There are *lots* of Bible verses used throughout this book! As I got to the end(on my kindle), I flipped through page after page of Bible verses listed in the "Scripture Index". I turned to Jonathan, while showing him the pages, and said, "THIS is what I expect!" While there are many references to what other people have said, there are more Bible verses. Though others' thoughts are important for encouragement and reproof, God's Word is ALWAYS more important, and I appreciate this book. I appreciate the friendly reminder that my eyes were focused on myself and worldly things.
"I want to hope in God when my kids wake me up before my alarm. I want to love God's Word all day when I'm entrenched in the mundane work around my house. I want to meditate on God's promises and praise him and remember him when I'm up with the baby at midnight and at 3 a.m.(and 10 p.m., 2 a.m., and 5 a.m. during growth spurts). According to Psalm 119, there is no time of the day or night when God's Word is not relevant to our lives. Even as we're more preoccupied with getting school lunches made and outfits chosen for family pictures, God's Word can raise our gaze to the horizon of eternity."
I read this book on my kindle, but it's definitely a book I'd love to eventually get in paper form, so I can highlight and mark up, and turn to when I need a "friend" to lift my eyes back where they belong. There's no filler in this book. It's all good stuff! I highly, highly, highly recommend it to all of you mommies out there!
*I was provided an e-copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 4, 2014
BOOK REVIEW:
TREASURING CHRIST WHEN YOUR HANDS ARE FULL
A GOSPEL MEDITATION FOR BUSY MUMS
WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:
In the words of Gloria: “TCWYHAF is not a to-do list on how to be a good mother. It’s about our good God and what He has done.” Pg.20 and that is the essence of this book.
She poses the question in the opening stages of her introduction: “A mother’s hands are always full; but what are they full with?” And seeks to urge the reader that although mum’s hands are full, we need to seek our strength and anchorage, guidance and comfort, wisdom and joy from the God of glory and from the gospel of Jesus Christ. She reminds us of the beauty and brilliance and God-given dignity of a mother’s work and that day and night, moment by moment, we must choose to rest in Jesus.
Gloria makes a comment that perhaps a lot of moms, myself included, do not stop to think about nor believe: “A mother’s work is holy unto the Lord. ... He is our power to love God and our children”. We are reminded that with God’s power at work in us “we can humble ourselves in our work as mothers, because no one ever displayed more humility than our Redeemer as He abandoned His right to stay in heaven and died the death we deserve (Phil.2:3-8). With His power we can pursue our family with sacrificial love, because the Son gladly submitted to the Father’s will. ... He is our righteousness.” Pg.19
Gloria also points out that the flip side of this “gift of motherhood” and “holy work unto the Lord” is that motherhood is sometimes thankless work, seemingly futile and that mothers “feel that their hands are full of inconvenience.” However, in those moments, Gloria reminds the reader, “Because of the gospel I am rescued from having to respond to those troubles in the way my sinful flesh would prefer – I am strengthened by grace because I’ve been given the righteousness of Jesus Christ when I do respond sinfully.” Pg.29
And in a short summary of her entire book, Gloria tells the reader the gist of her book, understanding that a lot of moms may not be able to read much of the book: Because of the gospel – the news about what Jesus did on the cross to save sinners – mothers who make Christ their treasure can rejoice in their work as God works in them. Pg.32
The sub-title of the book, “Gospel meditations for busy mums”, is not what most perceive Gospel meditations to be. Rather than a portion of Scripture with a short comment following, it is an explanation of aspects of the Gospel; such as – “the gospel is not a matter of personal preference, it is news that is a matter of spiritual life and death. The gospel can shape our home as we mothers realise that we will not always meet the standards of excellence that we desire. If we want to give grace to our children, then we must be willing to receive it first from God.” “The gospel reminds me that a mother’s plans are not ultimate, God is.” “Only the gospel can persevere your faith through a spiritual blow-out.” “The gospel changes how we view our failures, and we see how God redeems our flaws for his own glory.” “The gospel of grace says that God accepts you in Christ. Through the gospel, God does something better for us than merely denying our guilt. God removes from us our filthy rags and clothes us in the righteousness of Christ.” “The gospel has relevance to your day today no matter how strong you feel at this moment. The response we should have to this news is overflowing praise so that others can see how God the Lord is to you.”
And after all these considerations, perhaps the summary could be: “It’s hard to complain when your heart is filled with praise. ... “my mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.” (Ps.71:8)”
IS IT ANY GOOD?
I adore the cover photo and the title of the book and I was so excited to read it and to be encouraged to treasure Christ in those difficult, mundane moments when my hands are extremely full and as a result I was disappointed that the book did not live up to its cover. I am a mum of three children born in a space of 24 months and 25 days. Yes, that is 3 children, 3 pregnancies, in 2 years. The first 5 years with my children were like a whirlwind and I too, as Gloria briefly touched on, found my usual, daily quiet time with the Lord vanish like mist as soon as the kids arose. I was sleep deprived and extremely sensitive to the screams of 3 babies. A lot of the time I was on my own as my husband is a pilot and I had no help. If I had been given a copy of this book then I would have received it with joy and elation, hoping for some help to lift my chin above the nappies and chaos of three young children so that I might see Jesus. However, my honest opinion is that I would not have gotten past probably the third page in this book. I found it a particularly difficult read. I loved the small sections where the stories were personal and I could relate. Other than that, it was a very wordy, theological read – and when you are scrambling between bottles, pacifiers, tantrums and dirty nappies... this book would have just been too much to get through.
TREASURING CHRIST WHEN YOUR HANDS ARE FULL
A GOSPEL MEDITATION FOR BUSY MUMS
WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT:
In the words of Gloria: “TCWYHAF is not a to-do list on how to be a good mother. It’s about our good God and what He has done.” Pg.20 and that is the essence of this book.
She poses the question in the opening stages of her introduction: “A mother’s hands are always full; but what are they full with?” And seeks to urge the reader that although mum’s hands are full, we need to seek our strength and anchorage, guidance and comfort, wisdom and joy from the God of glory and from the gospel of Jesus Christ. She reminds us of the beauty and brilliance and God-given dignity of a mother’s work and that day and night, moment by moment, we must choose to rest in Jesus.
Gloria makes a comment that perhaps a lot of moms, myself included, do not stop to think about nor believe: “A mother’s work is holy unto the Lord. ... He is our power to love God and our children”. We are reminded that with God’s power at work in us “we can humble ourselves in our work as mothers, because no one ever displayed more humility than our Redeemer as He abandoned His right to stay in heaven and died the death we deserve (Phil.2:3-8). With His power we can pursue our family with sacrificial love, because the Son gladly submitted to the Father’s will. ... He is our righteousness.” Pg.19
Gloria also points out that the flip side of this “gift of motherhood” and “holy work unto the Lord” is that motherhood is sometimes thankless work, seemingly futile and that mothers “feel that their hands are full of inconvenience.” However, in those moments, Gloria reminds the reader, “Because of the gospel I am rescued from having to respond to those troubles in the way my sinful flesh would prefer – I am strengthened by grace because I’ve been given the righteousness of Jesus Christ when I do respond sinfully.” Pg.29
And in a short summary of her entire book, Gloria tells the reader the gist of her book, understanding that a lot of moms may not be able to read much of the book: Because of the gospel – the news about what Jesus did on the cross to save sinners – mothers who make Christ their treasure can rejoice in their work as God works in them. Pg.32
The sub-title of the book, “Gospel meditations for busy mums”, is not what most perceive Gospel meditations to be. Rather than a portion of Scripture with a short comment following, it is an explanation of aspects of the Gospel; such as – “the gospel is not a matter of personal preference, it is news that is a matter of spiritual life and death. The gospel can shape our home as we mothers realise that we will not always meet the standards of excellence that we desire. If we want to give grace to our children, then we must be willing to receive it first from God.” “The gospel reminds me that a mother’s plans are not ultimate, God is.” “Only the gospel can persevere your faith through a spiritual blow-out.” “The gospel changes how we view our failures, and we see how God redeems our flaws for his own glory.” “The gospel of grace says that God accepts you in Christ. Through the gospel, God does something better for us than merely denying our guilt. God removes from us our filthy rags and clothes us in the righteousness of Christ.” “The gospel has relevance to your day today no matter how strong you feel at this moment. The response we should have to this news is overflowing praise so that others can see how God the Lord is to you.”
And after all these considerations, perhaps the summary could be: “It’s hard to complain when your heart is filled with praise. ... “my mouth is filled with your praise, and with your glory all the day.” (Ps.71:8)”
IS IT ANY GOOD?
I adore the cover photo and the title of the book and I was so excited to read it and to be encouraged to treasure Christ in those difficult, mundane moments when my hands are extremely full and as a result I was disappointed that the book did not live up to its cover. I am a mum of three children born in a space of 24 months and 25 days. Yes, that is 3 children, 3 pregnancies, in 2 years. The first 5 years with my children were like a whirlwind and I too, as Gloria briefly touched on, found my usual, daily quiet time with the Lord vanish like mist as soon as the kids arose. I was sleep deprived and extremely sensitive to the screams of 3 babies. A lot of the time I was on my own as my husband is a pilot and I had no help. If I had been given a copy of this book then I would have received it with joy and elation, hoping for some help to lift my chin above the nappies and chaos of three young children so that I might see Jesus. However, my honest opinion is that I would not have gotten past probably the third page in this book. I found it a particularly difficult read. I loved the small sections where the stories were personal and I could relate. Other than that, it was a very wordy, theological read – and when you are scrambling between bottles, pacifiers, tantrums and dirty nappies... this book would have just been too much to get through.
January 29, 2020
Pros: This book is not a self-help book. It is chock-full of Scripture and theological truths and every page is pointing to the message of the gospel.
Cons: I could not relate to the author at all and it was a dry read.
If I had to boil down the message of this book it is that because of the mercy of Christ who is faithful to save and forgive us, we can mother with grace. Yes, sure. But also, nothing about that is specific to motherhood. You can say the exact same thing about being an accountant. And nothing about it spoke to me directly as a busy mom. In fact, I found this difficult to get through as a mom "with her hands full." In some places this read like a research-paper, cramming in as many Bible references and quotes from theologians as possible.
I knew this book was not for me when the author told a story from her own life where her washing machine broke and she let out a cry of frustration (not a curse, mind you, just a frustrated noise) that brought her children running. And she immediately repented of her sin in being short-tempered and thanked God for the opportunity to model repentance in front of her children thereby pointing them to eternity.
Look, Gloria, you and I, we're not the same thing. Being convicted for losing your temper? Sure. But then you took it a step too far. I'm not saying she's wrong in her feelings and thoughts at all. I'm saying I found her to be extremely difficult to relate to.
Mainly, I just didn't feel like this lived up to the title. It's not a bad book. I think it might mean a lot to holier women than I. It just wasn't for me.
Cons: I could not relate to the author at all and it was a dry read.
If I had to boil down the message of this book it is that because of the mercy of Christ who is faithful to save and forgive us, we can mother with grace. Yes, sure. But also, nothing about that is specific to motherhood. You can say the exact same thing about being an accountant. And nothing about it spoke to me directly as a busy mom. In fact, I found this difficult to get through as a mom "with her hands full." In some places this read like a research-paper, cramming in as many Bible references and quotes from theologians as possible.
I knew this book was not for me when the author told a story from her own life where her washing machine broke and she let out a cry of frustration (not a curse, mind you, just a frustrated noise) that brought her children running. And she immediately repented of her sin in being short-tempered and thanked God for the opportunity to model repentance in front of her children thereby pointing them to eternity.
Look, Gloria, you and I, we're not the same thing. Being convicted for losing your temper? Sure. But then you took it a step too far. I'm not saying she's wrong in her feelings and thoughts at all. I'm saying I found her to be extremely difficult to relate to.
Mainly, I just didn't feel like this lived up to the title. It's not a bad book. I think it might mean a lot to holier women than I. It just wasn't for me.
August 1, 2023
Another Gloria Furman book that gets 5 stars from me, shocking 🤪
Gloria is so gifted at writing and I love how everything she writes is centered around the gospel and giving you the space to fit the gospel in your everyday life. And finding joy in the things that would make us go crazy.
The part that really resonated with me was when she talked about missing naptime for the baby because you were out getting groceries. As someone who treasures nap time- Lord help me treasure you more!
“When your eyes are fixed on the horizon of eternity, it affects your vision for motherhood. We need to have eyes to see a view of God that is so big and so glorious that it transforms our perspective of motherhood. In the context of eternity, where Christ is doing his work of reigning over the cosmos, we need to see our mundane moments for what they really are—worship.”
Gloria is so gifted at writing and I love how everything she writes is centered around the gospel and giving you the space to fit the gospel in your everyday life. And finding joy in the things that would make us go crazy.
The part that really resonated with me was when she talked about missing naptime for the baby because you were out getting groceries. As someone who treasures nap time- Lord help me treasure you more!
“When your eyes are fixed on the horizon of eternity, it affects your vision for motherhood. We need to have eyes to see a view of God that is so big and so glorious that it transforms our perspective of motherhood. In the context of eternity, where Christ is doing his work of reigning over the cosmos, we need to see our mundane moments for what they really are—worship.”
November 28, 2023
So many truths in this book. The author continually points the "hands full" mom to Jesus and eternity.
September 1, 2023
“The greatest reality a mother can appreciate and rest in is the work that Jesus has done on the cross on our behalf.”
Easily adding this to the list of Favorite Motherhood books!! Writing from a place of personal experience, Furman shares how the truth of the gospel and the reality of who Christ is changes the very essence of our mothering. Beyond just being another book with a to-do list on how to be a better mother, it’s a book about “ our good God and what He has done”.
So many things I loved about it! First off the audio is only 3.5 hours which makes it very attainable & accessible for mothers who are busy, well, mothering.
A few other specific things I appreciated:
- She lovingly calls mothers away from the victim-mommy-culture and self pity that’s so prevalent, and calls them to something more.
- Each chapter is absolutely filled to the brim with Scripture! “Don’t you love how scripture makes your heart stagger under a weight of glory while holding you steady at the same time?” The Lord used this to be both deeply convicting and to impress the beauty of the gospel upon my heart again and again as I listened.
- She encourages mothers to view the seemingly mundane moments as a call to worship; to look through these windows of grace with the eyes of your heart. “How good is our God to use ordinary moments to sanctify us.”
- Fully aware of the tyranny of the urgent within daily motherhood work, she reminds us that “the most important decision a mother can make each day is to fear the Lord and seek His wisdom.”
Easily adding this to the list of Favorite Motherhood books!! Writing from a place of personal experience, Furman shares how the truth of the gospel and the reality of who Christ is changes the very essence of our mothering. Beyond just being another book with a to-do list on how to be a better mother, it’s a book about “ our good God and what He has done”.
So many things I loved about it! First off the audio is only 3.5 hours which makes it very attainable & accessible for mothers who are busy, well, mothering.
A few other specific things I appreciated:
- She lovingly calls mothers away from the victim-mommy-culture and self pity that’s so prevalent, and calls them to something more.
- Each chapter is absolutely filled to the brim with Scripture! “Don’t you love how scripture makes your heart stagger under a weight of glory while holding you steady at the same time?” The Lord used this to be both deeply convicting and to impress the beauty of the gospel upon my heart again and again as I listened.
- She encourages mothers to view the seemingly mundane moments as a call to worship; to look through these windows of grace with the eyes of your heart. “How good is our God to use ordinary moments to sanctify us.”
- Fully aware of the tyranny of the urgent within daily motherhood work, she reminds us that “the most important decision a mother can make each day is to fear the Lord and seek His wisdom.”
June 29, 2023
Let me tell you what this book is not. It is not a practical guide to spiritual motherhood. I mean, the author does throw out a suggestion here and there (I don’t know a mother who can avoid sharing when something works, this journey is so tough), but this book is by and large all about how the Gospel fits into motherhood and how motherhood fits into the Gospel. There’s no guilt tripping, a lot of grace, and a lot of room for improvement...but she leaves it up to you, the reader, to determine what that looks like for you. Her personal anecdotes are heartwarming and relatable; her message is simple and encouraging. Each chapter leaves the reader with what the title promises: something to meditate on.
August 23, 2019
This book is about changing your perspective on motherhood by viewing it through the Gospel—Christ, grace, eternity, etc. It’s not about how to win in the frustrating chaos, but what to put your mind on through it all. Challenging and refreshing.
June 20, 2023
So very encouraging for Biblical womanhood regardless of whether or not you're a mother (though it is written with mothers as the audience). I also so appreciate her inclusion of adoption in her examples and commentary on mothering.
December 13, 2025
This book is so gospel centered it almost seems repetitive (in a good way). But I think that’s her point - the gospel impacts every aspect of motherhood. I will be going back to this one again and again.
January 14, 2019
Gospel soaked encouragement. Highly recommend for any mom, particularly moms of young children!
January 20, 2025
“God made me a mother because he jealously and rightly desires praise for his own name, and this is how he saw fit to do it. God aims to glorify himself through my family, and we all get carried along by his grace.”
“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” [2 Cor. 9:8]
I wanted to really love this book. The title spoke to a desire I’m currently feeling: I don’t want my busy and exhausting life to keep me from treasuring Jesus.
Do I feel like this book fulfilled that claim for me? Not particularly.
If you’re only going to read a couple books this year, I’m not sure I would convince you this should be one of them.
I really struggled processing this book and talked to several people to figure out where the disconnect was for me.
I wondered if I had just read too many parenting books recently that this one felt superfluous. I wondered if I was just getting distracted too often while reading so I was missing things I shouldn’t have. I wondered if I was just overthinking everything and trying to add prescriptions where there shouldn’t be.
I’m not sure if it was any, all, or none of those reasons, but I just felt frustrated with the lack of application in this book. There was a disconnect for me with taking what I was reading and how to put legs on it.
Gloria Furman has had a lot of challenges in her motherhood with her husband’s nerve disease and with their relocation to a new culture in the Middle East. She definitely has faced a lot and experienced how much she needed Jesus to endure these challenges.
I can tell from reading her book that she knows her Bible and she has a lot of wisdom. She can articulate the gospel well and knows the blessings and promises we have in Christ.
I can tell from her parenting examples that I can relate to many of them. I’ve felt the same feelings of anger, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, etc.
What frustrated me with this book was what I felt was the gap between these two things.
I know the feelings. I know the gospel. But how exactly does the gospel speak into this exact parenting moment. What should I be saying to myself or to my kids? What is the action? What does grace actually look like in this specific parenting moment?
In the heat of the moment when two of my kids are fighting for the millionth time about whether it’s dark outside, another one is singing karaoke in a microphone with the volume of an entire show choir, and the other one is asking me all the questions, not listening for the answers and then asking the questions again, and I’m stressed about making dinner and cleaning the house to host small group, I am yelling at all of them. I’m not sure I have the wherewithal in that moment to be calm and sing the praises of the Psalm. The arguments have to be dealt with, the things have to be done, the microphone has to be unplugged. I need to know how to get from the big feelings to the gospel when I’m maxed out. When my hands are full.
Maybe she explained this and I missed it. Maybe I’m asking for too many specifics.
I’m not sitting here wishing this book was a parenting hack, five step guide to perfect parenting. I’m not looking for a mom-hype book that misses the depth of reality.
I’m just trying to figure out how to treasure instead of be exasperated. I know about God’s grace. But at the same time grace often feels like an enigma. I have a hard to time knowing how to specifically apply it. Sometimes I think grace is misapplied or misused.
Maybe I just need to read a book specifically about grace? She did mention Jerry Bridges’ book called The Discipline of Grace. That may be something that would resonate more with me right now.
All that to say, there were a lot of things Furman said in her book that I liked.
She says there is “beauty and brilliance and God-given dignity to a mother’s work.” What we do is not pointless, meaningless, or common.
She says we should see our “mundane moments for what they really are— worship.” There are thousands of opportunities every day to worship God by doing what we are called to do. Every time we feed our children and discipline our children and teach them what is right and wrong is a moment of worship. When we sacrifice our time and our bodies for our children, it’s an act of worship.
She says, “Our joy cannot be wrapped up in motherhood but only in God… The gifts that God has given mothers cannot be contained or quantified by their children.” We can’t turn motherhood into an idol that defines who we are or gives us value. Of course being a mom gives us joy, but our joy has to go beyond that to One who gave us the gift of our children.
She says, “When I view motherhood not as a gift from God to make me holy but rather as a role with tasks that get in my way, I am missing out on one of God’s ordained means of spiritual growth in my life.” It’s easy to get into the routine of motherhood and see it as a checklist every day. But the purpose of motherhood is more than checking the boxes, it’s a way that God grows us and growth happens in the hard times, the dark times, the weak times.
She says, “I say things like ‘I really need the baby to take his nap this morning’ which is a fine thing to say and a fine thing to look forward to. But if, come lunchtime, the nap hasn’t happened, and I’m so emotionally wasted by it that it ruins my afternoon, then I’ve probably put more faith in that nap than in the never-changing circumstances of the gospel.” This was a convicting thought to me. I feel like I have put faith in a nap and that I’ve allowed bad days to get worse because I’ve let those feelings take over everything— when things didn’t go as planned I gave up the rest of the day to that attitude.
She says, “My children, although they probably can’t articulate it yet, are relieved that when I treasure Jesus, they are freed from the burden of being the center of my world. No child should have to shoulder the weight of her mother’s glory and reputation.” I see this happen to a lot of kids and know how important it is for parents to be secure in their life and identity in Christ rather than in their role of parent which often hinges so much on their child’s performance and obedience.
She says, “I need to own up to my weaknesses so that I can prize Christ’s power.” I need to stop doing everything in my own power and control but seek the Lord’s strength for every day.
She says, “The Bible describes motherhood as neither a diminishing of a woman’s personhood nor the sum of her personhood. Womanhood, ultimately, is about a different person altogether… the highest aim of womanhood is being conformed to the image of Christ.” We are not less than mothers but we are more than mothers and our ultimate purpose to worship God in all we do and become more like him every day.
The copy of the book I read was a re-release of this book which was originally published in 2014. This new edition includes study questions at the end of each chapter. I liked the questions and felt like they would inspire good discussion. They also offered a deeper reflection into other Scriptures which would add to a study to spend time in the Word.
As far as I am aware, that’s the only change in this edition.
Recommendation
This book is not a bust. A lot of women have read this book and felt like it spoke to them in life-changing ways.
There wasn’t really anything in the book that I thought was problematic. Although, I do agree with another reviewer who commented on Furman’s story about being frustrated about her washing machine and needing to repent about her reaction to it being a little over the top. I may have differing ideas about when frustration becomes a sin.
But, anyway, I’m not going to tell you not to read it.
If you’ve never read a book about motherhood and the gospel, then this may be more likely to resonate with you.
If you’ve read a lot of books like this, I’m not sure this one will stand out amongst the others.
I think for where I’m at right now, this just wasn’t the book for me. It’s quite possible I could revisit it another month, another year, and be more connected with what Furman is trying to say.
**Received a copy via Crossway in exchange for an honest review**
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“God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” [2 Cor. 9:8]
I wanted to really love this book. The title spoke to a desire I’m currently feeling: I don’t want my busy and exhausting life to keep me from treasuring Jesus.
Do I feel like this book fulfilled that claim for me? Not particularly.
If you’re only going to read a couple books this year, I’m not sure I would convince you this should be one of them.
I really struggled processing this book and talked to several people to figure out where the disconnect was for me.
I wondered if I had just read too many parenting books recently that this one felt superfluous. I wondered if I was just getting distracted too often while reading so I was missing things I shouldn’t have. I wondered if I was just overthinking everything and trying to add prescriptions where there shouldn’t be.
I’m not sure if it was any, all, or none of those reasons, but I just felt frustrated with the lack of application in this book. There was a disconnect for me with taking what I was reading and how to put legs on it.
Gloria Furman has had a lot of challenges in her motherhood with her husband’s nerve disease and with their relocation to a new culture in the Middle East. She definitely has faced a lot and experienced how much she needed Jesus to endure these challenges.
I can tell from reading her book that she knows her Bible and she has a lot of wisdom. She can articulate the gospel well and knows the blessings and promises we have in Christ.
I can tell from her parenting examples that I can relate to many of them. I’ve felt the same feelings of anger, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, etc.
What frustrated me with this book was what I felt was the gap between these two things.
I know the feelings. I know the gospel. But how exactly does the gospel speak into this exact parenting moment. What should I be saying to myself or to my kids? What is the action? What does grace actually look like in this specific parenting moment?
In the heat of the moment when two of my kids are fighting for the millionth time about whether it’s dark outside, another one is singing karaoke in a microphone with the volume of an entire show choir, and the other one is asking me all the questions, not listening for the answers and then asking the questions again, and I’m stressed about making dinner and cleaning the house to host small group, I am yelling at all of them. I’m not sure I have the wherewithal in that moment to be calm and sing the praises of the Psalm. The arguments have to be dealt with, the things have to be done, the microphone has to be unplugged. I need to know how to get from the big feelings to the gospel when I’m maxed out. When my hands are full.
Maybe she explained this and I missed it. Maybe I’m asking for too many specifics.
I’m not sitting here wishing this book was a parenting hack, five step guide to perfect parenting. I’m not looking for a mom-hype book that misses the depth of reality.
I’m just trying to figure out how to treasure instead of be exasperated. I know about God’s grace. But at the same time grace often feels like an enigma. I have a hard to time knowing how to specifically apply it. Sometimes I think grace is misapplied or misused.
Maybe I just need to read a book specifically about grace? She did mention Jerry Bridges’ book called The Discipline of Grace. That may be something that would resonate more with me right now.
All that to say, there were a lot of things Furman said in her book that I liked.
She says there is “beauty and brilliance and God-given dignity to a mother’s work.” What we do is not pointless, meaningless, or common.
She says we should see our “mundane moments for what they really are— worship.” There are thousands of opportunities every day to worship God by doing what we are called to do. Every time we feed our children and discipline our children and teach them what is right and wrong is a moment of worship. When we sacrifice our time and our bodies for our children, it’s an act of worship.
She says, “Our joy cannot be wrapped up in motherhood but only in God… The gifts that God has given mothers cannot be contained or quantified by their children.” We can’t turn motherhood into an idol that defines who we are or gives us value. Of course being a mom gives us joy, but our joy has to go beyond that to One who gave us the gift of our children.
She says, “When I view motherhood not as a gift from God to make me holy but rather as a role with tasks that get in my way, I am missing out on one of God’s ordained means of spiritual growth in my life.” It’s easy to get into the routine of motherhood and see it as a checklist every day. But the purpose of motherhood is more than checking the boxes, it’s a way that God grows us and growth happens in the hard times, the dark times, the weak times.
She says, “I say things like ‘I really need the baby to take his nap this morning’ which is a fine thing to say and a fine thing to look forward to. But if, come lunchtime, the nap hasn’t happened, and I’m so emotionally wasted by it that it ruins my afternoon, then I’ve probably put more faith in that nap than in the never-changing circumstances of the gospel.” This was a convicting thought to me. I feel like I have put faith in a nap and that I’ve allowed bad days to get worse because I’ve let those feelings take over everything— when things didn’t go as planned I gave up the rest of the day to that attitude.
She says, “My children, although they probably can’t articulate it yet, are relieved that when I treasure Jesus, they are freed from the burden of being the center of my world. No child should have to shoulder the weight of her mother’s glory and reputation.” I see this happen to a lot of kids and know how important it is for parents to be secure in their life and identity in Christ rather than in their role of parent which often hinges so much on their child’s performance and obedience.
She says, “I need to own up to my weaknesses so that I can prize Christ’s power.” I need to stop doing everything in my own power and control but seek the Lord’s strength for every day.
She says, “The Bible describes motherhood as neither a diminishing of a woman’s personhood nor the sum of her personhood. Womanhood, ultimately, is about a different person altogether… the highest aim of womanhood is being conformed to the image of Christ.” We are not less than mothers but we are more than mothers and our ultimate purpose to worship God in all we do and become more like him every day.
The copy of the book I read was a re-release of this book which was originally published in 2014. This new edition includes study questions at the end of each chapter. I liked the questions and felt like they would inspire good discussion. They also offered a deeper reflection into other Scriptures which would add to a study to spend time in the Word.
As far as I am aware, that’s the only change in this edition.
Recommendation
This book is not a bust. A lot of women have read this book and felt like it spoke to them in life-changing ways.
There wasn’t really anything in the book that I thought was problematic. Although, I do agree with another reviewer who commented on Furman’s story about being frustrated about her washing machine and needing to repent about her reaction to it being a little over the top. I may have differing ideas about when frustration becomes a sin.
But, anyway, I’m not going to tell you not to read it.
If you’ve never read a book about motherhood and the gospel, then this may be more likely to resonate with you.
If you’ve read a lot of books like this, I’m not sure this one will stand out amongst the others.
I think for where I’m at right now, this just wasn’t the book for me. It’s quite possible I could revisit it another month, another year, and be more connected with what Furman is trying to say.
**Received a copy via Crossway in exchange for an honest review**
Book Review Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | StoryGraph
July 31, 2025
Okay, okay, Molly. I'll write a review. I am struggling to articulate what I loved and didn't love, but I'll try. Furman is clearly a Bible scholar and an extremely trustworthy source to point you to truth. I had an updated version that came with Bible study questions, and THAT was exactly what I needed. In that sense, 5 stars. It was a lovely way to attach scripture to my very present moment. This would make a great gospel meditation for anyone expecting through young children. What was lacking, in my opinion, was maybe a more zoomed in, personal perspective from Furman? With a husband with disabilities and 4 kids and a seminary education, I was maybe hoping for more nitty-gritty. Instead, each chapter felt like a new presentation of the same gospel message (ex: does life feel mundane? = gospel message. Do you feel exhausted? = gospel message.) So can I complain about this? Like, no? lol. Obviously, it's of upmost importance to zoom out to eternity. I understand that's all that matters here and that's what will rescue me from the depths of any pit, but I would've loved a little more detailed story/heart meditations. When this did happen, I was highlighting and really holding onto those words because they were rich. So this felt more general gospel hope than SPECIFIC motherhood-centric gospel hope. So, again, I feel kinda weird "faulting" her for that. And I'm still holding onto lots of truth that she pointed me to in God's word!
October 30, 2019
This book is filled with scripture and rooted in biblical truth applied to motherhood. This is not a frilly/fluffy “Christian” book to make you feel like you’re an awesome mom. Every chapter uses scripture to remind us that we need to mother (even in the mundane tasks) with eternity in mind. Most of the chapters are humbling and require you to look at your heart and repent. Furman also reminds us that we are not enough on our own and no amount of to-do lists of how to be a better mother will make us a perfect mom. We need Christ daily and need to learn to show our children that we are all sinners together. This book is a blessing and I will continue to reference back to it. I know she made it clear that it isn’t a “how-to” book, but I do feel it would’ve been helpful to have a few practical tips on what scriptural application looks like on a day to day basis. I would’ve appreciated a few prayers to recite and maybe some tips on how to worship throughout the day with your kids. There are other books for that though so I’m only deducting one star.
September 3, 2023
Rounding up from 4.5 stars. I loved the scripture and the focus on the gospel, and the truths of doctrine that are what we deeply need more than practical tips. I do wish she’d drawn more direct lines to how the daily mundane hands-full struggles are specifically addressed by those deep theology truths. Towards the end there was more of that, that hit me where I needed to hear it!
January 21, 2024
A must-read for any mother, or anyone for that matter! This book begs us to turn our eyes upon Jesus in every aspect of our lives. As someone who can very easily lose sight of eternity in the newborn phase, I am thankful for this reminder of the beauty and worthiness of Christ.
November 8, 2023
Two words: humbling, encouraging! Lovely book, full of Biblical truth that I very much needed in this season of motherhood.
May 18, 2024
Oh so good! I needed a good reset. A beautiful reminder that motherhood is a privilege!
(My fave points from the book)
Accept love offerings from your children. (Rocks-drawings-paintings-ect)
-Daily petition: teach me your way oh Lord.
Psalm 86:11
-Yes my hands are full… and overflowing with Gods gifts.
-The gospel is not a personal preference.
-What if God wants to fellowship with us even in the midst of ordinary chaotic life?
-Jesus wants us to share in his infinite joy forever.
-Let’s not fix our eyes on these temporary pains, but instead fix our eyes on Christ
-Mommy and daddy love you, but who loves you most of all? JESUS 🧡
(My fave points from the book)
Accept love offerings from your children. (Rocks-drawings-paintings-ect)
-Daily petition: teach me your way oh Lord.
Psalm 86:11
-Yes my hands are full… and overflowing with Gods gifts.
-The gospel is not a personal preference.
-What if God wants to fellowship with us even in the midst of ordinary chaotic life?
-Jesus wants us to share in his infinite joy forever.
-Let’s not fix our eyes on these temporary pains, but instead fix our eyes on Christ
-Mommy and daddy love you, but who loves you most of all? JESUS 🧡
October 17, 2019
This book didn’t make me baby sleep through the night.
Or get my laundry folded before someone(ok maybe everyone) ran out of underwear.
Or keep my sink from filling up with dishes 5 minutes after it was emptied.
Or get me an hour and a half of quite time in the morning to pray and drink my coffee while it is hot.
But it did give me new perspective on all of those things. It gave them all a purpose. Which had changed my attitude.
Do I still put off folding socks ✔️yes
Do I still get grossed out by dishes in the sink ✔️yes
Do I still scream WHY!? In my head when I up yet again at 1am 3am and 5am ✔️yes
But now I am reminded that God had a hand in designing my life this way. I am fulfilling His will by getting up at all hours of the night, folding socks and doing dishes.
My hands are not full, they are overflowing with God’s gifts
Thank you @gloriafurman for writing this book. And to helping me see a new perspective!
Or get my laundry folded before someone(ok maybe everyone) ran out of underwear.
Or keep my sink from filling up with dishes 5 minutes after it was emptied.
Or get me an hour and a half of quite time in the morning to pray and drink my coffee while it is hot.
But it did give me new perspective on all of those things. It gave them all a purpose. Which had changed my attitude.
Do I still put off folding socks ✔️yes
Do I still get grossed out by dishes in the sink ✔️yes
Do I still scream WHY!? In my head when I up yet again at 1am 3am and 5am ✔️yes
But now I am reminded that God had a hand in designing my life this way. I am fulfilling His will by getting up at all hours of the night, folding socks and doing dishes.
My hands are not full, they are overflowing with God’s gifts
Thank you @gloriafurman for writing this book. And to helping me see a new perspective!
January 23, 2017
This was a profound little book. I enjoyed that it wasn't flowery or trying too hard to be funny. I think a lot of modern Christian literature tries too hard to relate with you instead of speaking the truth. Gloria Furman presented the truth simply and practically. She was relatable, but you could tell that wasn't her purpose. Her purpose was to point moms to Jesus and the Gospel. I appreciated that and would recommend this to other moms as well.
December 7, 2017
One of my most favorite books on motherhood. It is a quick and easy read. It gets to the heart of motherhood in light of the gospel and refocuses you when life in this season feels crazy and unpredictable. I've gifted this book several times. Highly recommend.
August 15, 2019
Good ideas; less than inspiring presentation (i.e., reads like a classic blog turned book). Though I'm far more theologically aligned with Furman, I enjoyed Tish Harrison Warren's Liturgy of the Ordinary so much more.
May 31, 2024
I’m convinced I would be a greater mother if I’d just quickly read this book every morning. But I’m sure the author doesn’t want that, which is kind of beautiful because this little book just points me again and again to the One who created life and who created mothers.
June 17, 2020
Yes!! One of 2 books I permanently keep on my nightstand.
June 14, 2023
This has been my nightly pumping book 😂 but I loved reading it in this season with a baby. Awesome read that showcased Christ as the center of motherhood. And personhood really.
December 21, 2025
Second read through, this time with 6 children. The truths contained in this short very accessible book are just as true and thought provoking 10 years after my first read.
I feel like I could lift a bus to protect my offspring but if you ask me to hand if my PB smoothie to one of them I’d have to really think about it
We tend to forget about tomorrow and eternity when our day is filled with the tyranny of the urgent
By God’s grace I can resist the temptation to treat my children as interruptions to my will for my life. Instead, God enables me to treat my children as gifts he is using to shape me into his image according to his will for my life
The greatest obstruction to our joy in God is not lack of time
“NEVER make sacrifices. I have never ceased to rejoice that God has appointed me to such an office (motherhood). It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege” - Dr David Livingston (this was a big one for me this time around as my teenagers go through really big things and want to talk about them late into the evening 😘)
Simply airing our discouragements does not provoke in is a thrilling sense of hope in God (pg 99)
Your worse days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace
Talk to yourself about what God’s word says. Work with an eye toward eternity knowing our work is not in vain the in the Lord.
When we make motherhood (or anything else) all about us, we eventually get bored. And of course we get bored with motherhood when we obsess over it, because motherhood was never meant to fully satisfy us. When we get bored we get cynical - Motherhood: a gift, right.
I feel like I could lift a bus to protect my offspring but if you ask me to hand if my PB smoothie to one of them I’d have to really think about it
We tend to forget about tomorrow and eternity when our day is filled with the tyranny of the urgent
By God’s grace I can resist the temptation to treat my children as interruptions to my will for my life. Instead, God enables me to treat my children as gifts he is using to shape me into his image according to his will for my life
The greatest obstruction to our joy in God is not lack of time
“NEVER make sacrifices. I have never ceased to rejoice that God has appointed me to such an office (motherhood). It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege” - Dr David Livingston (this was a big one for me this time around as my teenagers go through really big things and want to talk about them late into the evening 😘)
Simply airing our discouragements does not provoke in is a thrilling sense of hope in God (pg 99)
Your worse days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace
Talk to yourself about what God’s word says. Work with an eye toward eternity knowing our work is not in vain the in the Lord.
When we make motherhood (or anything else) all about us, we eventually get bored. And of course we get bored with motherhood when we obsess over it, because motherhood was never meant to fully satisfy us. When we get bored we get cynical - Motherhood: a gift, right.
April 18, 2018
Great, succinct, short read that reminds mothers everywhere of their purpose. You can drag this book on for as long as you want as there are a ton of verses to reference and meditate on. Or you can read through the book fairly quickly as there are lots of great points and reminders for the calling of motherhood. I especially liked how she was very abrupt with moms being competitive and self-centered with unrealistic goals (things i see in lots of moms including myself) and how that needs to be replaced with honest weaknesses so that we can boast in Christ. Lots of great points to reflect on and that I often found myself thinking about as I went about my day.
February 9, 2025
- so real and encouraging through her honesty. I love that she used her life/motherhood experiences to show how God works in her life and how He works in ours. I love how she pointed out that as we wake with our crying babies, at night, those cries are triumphing over satan because our babies are living little image bearers and their cries mean they are new life that bring glory to Christ. What a convicting thought for when I’m “annoyed” that I’m waking up “yet again.”
“Motherhood is a gift that points us to Jesus”
“Motherhood is a mercy. “
-two beautiful and encouraging quotes as I go through the daily “mom life.”
“Motherhood is a gift that points us to Jesus”
“Motherhood is a mercy. “
-two beautiful and encouraging quotes as I go through the daily “mom life.”
June 11, 2025
This is NOT another self-help book on the shelf. This doesn't tell you to wake up earlier to read your Bible, or spend more time praying, or how be a better mom. This book lifts our eyes off ourselves and up to our beautiful Savior. An extremely encouraging read for the mama who yearns to treasure Jesus amidst the piles of dirty laundry and the little hands smeared in spaghetti sauce. The Gospel is for you in the middle of the beauty and mess of motherhood. This book changed my motherhood journey for the better. I recommend this to every mom - future mom, new mom, and seasoned mom.
I will reread again very soon.
I will reread again very soon.
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