Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors: How Less-Than-Perfect Parents Can Raise (Kind of) Great Kids

by Jami Amerine

"If, like me, you've stepped on a Lego while barefoot, it can be difficult to wrap your mind around the divine qualities of the path beneath your feet." Jami Amerine Come find the miracle in the mayhem. As moms, we know we've messed up in so many ways. Royally. Maybe you think you've failed your children, your spouse, and your God.

But did you know that in the midst of your failures and fears, you are still loved—royally? As a child of noble birth? Do you believe your children are in better hands than your own and that you don't need to hold on so desperately?

Jami Amerine, author of Stolen Jesus , delivers a totally relatable account of her hilarious and honest experiences and misadventures in motherhood. She's eager to help you see how to let your Heavenly Father parent you , so you can embrace peace as you parent your children.

Come meet with the One whose presence turns sticky floors into sacred ground.

Genres: Parenting, Nonfiction, Christian, Memoir

224 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2018

About the author

I am a wife to Justin, and mother to Maggie, John, Luke, Sophie, Sam, and Charlie. We are on a reprieve from foster care as we recover from the removal of a long-term placement. My husband Justin and I have a ranch near our home and we love to travel and “just be.” However, we recently relocated to the North Houston.

I have a Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling, and Human Development, but don’t let that fool you, I am not sure how I pulled that off. I also have an undergraduate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences (yeah, Home Ec.). I can cook anything, but don’t ask me to sew.

I love sharing the stories that take place in these halls where I fully embrace the Lord’s presence… He wanders around, stepping in juice puddles and stepping over laundry. I love Him, but more, I like Him. I also believe the GOOD NEWS is just Jesus. I am not here to explain Him to you. He wants to know you – but that is between you and Him. I tell tales of my adventures with Him, as He is mine.

Reviews

[Donna Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited anxiously for my chance to read the book because I fell in love first with Jami's Blog, Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors. From laughter to tears and back, Jami's smorgasbord of language and lovely storytelling gives the reader such a feast! The idea of not letting yourself be defined by your kid's struggles, the thought that a loving God will never let our children go, the idea that we can trust Him to hold them when we have the courage to let them fail and fall into Him, were only grasped by me way late in the game! Jami helps us see the sacredness of being a mother. Something I didn't ever think about. It is a book about freedom, love, hope and joy all woven together with laughter, encouragement and lessons of grace from our Heavenly Father. I can't reccomend the book enough to all the moms out there working away on their own private sacred ground and sticky floors! * I received an advanced copy of the book, but also pre-ordered my very own!! :-)

[Branalyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jami's last book, Stolen Jesus, and was so anxiously waiting to read Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors. I received an advance reader copy so I was able to read it just a bit earlier than most people. I'm so glad I did. It's a book on parenting...except it's not. It's not a how to or list of things to check off or anything like that. It's grace filled and a loving reminder that we all mess up and succeed in turns and, ultimately, all we can do is do our best. As a foster/adoptive Momma myself, I love that Jami has had those experiences to bring into the book. It's also so helpful that she's got the Originals, who are now grown or almost grown, and the Vandals, who are still preschool/elementary age. It gives her a great perspective to share-being in the trenches and yet having come through them before. I laughed and cried my way through this book once and know I will be reading it again. It's been about a week since I finished it the first time and I've put off writing this review because I'm not sure I can truly capture my feelings in words. Reading Sacred Grounds, Sticky Floors helped me feel peace, gently reminded me I need to go to Jesus more often, made me laugh and feel better about my own failings, and encouraged me that the day-to-day failings of parenting ultimately don't matter as much as we think they do in the moment. I highly recommend this book for any parent or hopeful parent.

[Jennifer Bleakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the first sentence of Sacred Grounds, Sticky Floors. Throughout the book, Jami expertly weaves together touching (and often hilarious) personal anecdotes with sound Biblical teaching—creating a beautiful tapestry of grace. Whether she is encouraging us to let go of our “If/then” theology, reminding us that our children’s struggles do not define us, urging us away from the trap of comparison, or exhorting us to believe God and be brave, Jami is at all times pointing us to the completed work of the cross and the abundant grace it provides. While Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors is technically a book about parenting, it really is so much more. It is a book about freedom. A book abounding in grace. It is a book of hope. If you have ever found yourself longing for meaning among the mess of life, Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors is sure to encourage and uplift your soul.
*I received an advanced copy of the book, but also pre-ordered three copies!!! ;)

[Ticcoa Leister · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a mom, yet I found this book full of wisdom to which I could relate.
Sacred Ground Sticky Floor may be targeted to moms, but it holds all-encompassing truth for all humans. It gives us permission to be imperfect vessels of love in a world that is sticky and in need of freely-flowing grace and compassion.
Amerine's writing reflects a real, raw, and humorous voice that meets you right where you are--whether you're ankle deep in a puddle of apple juice or lounging on a picnic blanket in a meadow of lush grass. Both are sacred ground.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

[Angela Brandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a book! Such an author! As a busy mom, I don’t have lots of time to read, so a book really needs to grab me. If it does, I sail through it with gusto. This was one of those books! I cried through it and laughed and learned. Jami is a relatable author and I love that we share similar issues, parenting, fostering, and adoption. These are all so dear to my heart and it’s a wonderful thing to hear encouragement and failures and continue to press on. So glad to have gotten my hands on it!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMARY: A super real, hilarious, tongue-in-cheek, painfully honest look at one mom's journey raising human kids.

WHY 5 STARS:
From someone NOT into parenting books, I picked this one up on a recommendation from a podcast because the quote they read made me laugh. And I kept laughing throughout Jami's book. There are no how to's or steps for success. She writes more about adjusting your own mindset and perspective as a parent, especially in situations that are nothing like black and white. I like the compassion, humility, and lack of judgment in how she writes. She deals with legitimately tough situations and heartbreaks and writes about those times with great honesty. Highly recommend to parents with kids of all ages.

READ IF YOU:
- Aren't into parenting books but feel like you should read at least one.
- Get discouraged by too "perfect" Christian parenting books and want something actually relate-able.
- Love authors like Tsh Oxenreider or bloggers like Crystal Paine.

[Christina DeVane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parenting requires of tons of teaching and training and tons of grace. This book is ALL love and grace and felt out of balance. I enjoyed hearing the author’s stories with 5 kids and many foster children. Parenting is not for the faint of heart! 🤗
However the continual problems of some of her kids is not inspiring, and left you with more questions than answers.
Would not recommend for practical parenting advice.

[Susy C. *MotherLambReads* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mehhh
I have a hard time leaving lower star reviews. But for someone looking for hearty content and deep principles ready to be applied to your parenting this isn't the book. I came away wanting more and confused especially at the end after her rants. Ending instead of fostering hope made me feel sad.
I do appreciate her stories and personal struggles with fostering and her love for the foster care system. Having started the process at one point ourselves I know it takes special people.

[Christine Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading "Stolen Jesus" and following her blog, I had no doubt I would love Jami's latest book on parenting. And I did.

Her authenticity always moves me and reading her real-life stories about raising her kids encourages me in my own parenting journey. There is so much wisdom that she shares from her own experience as a mom and her insights bring a new level of meaning and fulfillment to our calling.

Most importantly, Jami shares the profound message of Grace in Christ through it all, nourishing our weary souls and reminding us of the true freedom we have through the unfailing love of Jesus. Her words are poetic while they capture the heart of the Christian faith as she offers Biblical truth we can anchor all our hope in to forge ahead on this parenting road.

Throughout the book, Jami proves that no matter how sticky our floors may be, we are raising our children on Sacred Ground and I am strengthened and full of hope by that profound message most of all.

[Lorraine Reep · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This journey is not about being a perfect parent. It is about being parented by a perfect Father." In many ways, this one quote sums up the book, but it would be tragic to take settle for that summary and miss the honesty and joy of Jami's parenting journey. But the quote does set the tone for the reality that this book is about more than parenting. She weaves in so much humor with her unique writing style; she navigates hard topics like grief and loss. Because she writes honestly, I found myself relating to the truth in spite of experiences I could not relate to.

Parenting, whether by adoption or your own pregnancy, is not for the faint of heart. Jami has experienced both and she shares honestly and with transparency. If you ARE looking for some encouragement from someone a little farther along, this book is for you. If you are a grandparent watching your adult children raise babies, this book is for you. Perhaps you know other living, breathing humans....this book is for you!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Amerine, in her new book, reminds me so clearly that there is holy space within the chaos of motherhood. I first encountered Amerine's writing last year when I read Stolen Jesus. The writing in that book changed a major mindset for me. So I jumped into Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors with great excitement. I wasn't disappointed.

In the pages of this book, Amerine reminded me that we don't have to have all of the answers in parenting. But I do know the One who actually holds all of the answers for me - if I'd actually turn and listen to him.

The words in this book reminded me that I'm not going crazy just because of the chaos around me. I was reminded of how the truth of who Jesus is and the importance of the gospel plays into my parenting.

Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors is not so much a book about how to parent. It's not a how-to. Rather, it's an invitation. An invitation to lean on a heavenly parent (God) who is seeking to teach you how to parent. We have the best Father to learn from. And we must look to him in all those moments where we want to throw our hands up. It's a reminder of how to come alongside others in this thing called parenting.

It's a reminder that though our floors may be sticky, we are always on sacred ground. Every day our homes are a chance to point back toward God. To help little hearts understand who God is. And to hold loosely the way they turn out because ultimately we can't carry the weight of their decisions. We are only meant to carry the weight of what we do and who we are.

This book is a must read!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is my own, honest opinion.

[Amy Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

On a day when I need to know I’m not defined by my child’s choices, Sacred Ground and Sticky Floors met me right where I needed it most. “Let Jesus be Jesus.” Yes, this is the best parenting advice I’ve heard in a long time. He loves them so much more than we do anyway. Jami’s words brought healing to places I didn’t even realize I needed it. In her own words, this is not a “how to book, but a how He book” that will walk you straight into the arms of grace. *I received this book as part of a book launch team and influencer kit and I pre-ordered too.

[Erin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her book Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors, Jami Amerine takes us through her adventures in mothering. As a foster and adoptive family she has mothered up to 7 children at a time. Her mom experience span from child prodigy to #vandals and everything in between. Through it all she has learned that her identity is not tied to the successes and failures of her children, but to how Father God sees her. Her identity lies in Jesus.

Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors is grounded in Scripture, and guides to the Father. I've learned so much from Jami about Grace and Love, freely given. They don't compete with Truth, but gently guide to the Truth. I appreciate all the ways Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors reminds me of God's love for me and God's love for my children. Parenting is messy, but I'm convinced it is the best picture of grace we will ever experience.

[Emily P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jami Amerine once again delivers a grace-filled, funny, tear inducing read. I took my time with this book, simply because I didn't want it to end. Parenting is a tough gig, and Jami delves into the good, bad and the ugly in "Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors." She shares about her fostering journey, the trials and tribulations of her biological children and the misadventures of Sam and Charlie, the #vandals she shares about on FB just about daily. ( I LOVE those rotten boys! ;) )

This book is not just a parenting journey, however. We are all daughters and sons of Christ, and she explores the ebb and flow of learning to accept unconditional love from Him. We try so hard to be the 'pinterest perfect' parent, when all God asks of us is to love our kids like He does and do our best. Sometimes that looks like a four course meal, sometimes it looks like a Hot N Ready Pizza from a drive thru. Neither choice makes you a better/worse parent. As long as we do what we can for our kiddos and entrust the end results to Jesus, we can be sure we're doing a great job.

Jami is the supportive mama friend you've always wanted on your side. She is the type who would jump in and help you if you're struggling with a toddler tantrum in the middle of the grocery store --she actually speaks to this in the book--and calls us other mamas to respond with empathy and inclusion. How would you know if the mama across the way from you doesn't struggle with the exact same issues you're dealing with? Less judgement, more empathy. We must listen and notice each other, not compete. We're all in this thing together!

There are many moments of split your sides laughter in the book. Jami is great at having you crack up laughing, only to see the gravity and sacredness in that second. We can do everything right, and our kids might still disobey. Do we love them through rebellion and struggle, or do we blame ourselves? God has this. He loves our kids more than we ever could, and He has already called them by name. While every parent wants what's best for her children, we can't control their choices or what life throws at them. Rest assured that "Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors" will inspire, encourage and tug at your heartstrings. It's all worth it. You do not have to be the perfect parent to have great kids.

I received an advanced reader PDF from Harvest House publishers and chose to review. All opinions are my own.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jami has an amazing gift. She takes the everyday of mamahood and gives us a glimpse of how God can use it to bless our family and ourselves. Through the struggles with her own kids, varying in ages from 4-23, Jami encourages her readers to SEE the sacredness that God is showing us, daily, as we raise our littles into bigs and beyond. That sacredness is not really about us, as parents, but more about who God is. We just need to recognize it. As a fellow mama, I appreaciate her willingness to share her successes and struggles, as they help remind me that we are all on a journey. Instead of using the struggles for shame, they can be used for lessons in God's continued reminder of His grace.

Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors is a reminder that we serve a God who loves us and our children so much, that he sent Jesus to cover ALL the sins. We are merely along for the ride. When we finally realize how much this grace covers, we can be more forgiving towards ourselves, our kids, and each other. THAT is the Gospel message! The best question she poses is this: If I fix everything for everyone, why do they need Jesus?

Let's face it, even on our BEST days, we can't do what Jesus has already done. Let's let Jesus be Jesus and simply be more aware of His presence in our everyday lives.

[Kristy Rainwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need some rest and encouragement in your parenting? As with most mothers I feel so wrapped up in my kids successes and failures. It feels like my worth as a person depends on how well I do this job. These kids are my heart! I laughed and I cried as I read this book and found myself time and time again stopped in my tracks by the idea that God adores me, separate from my mothering, separate from whether I have a great mothering day or a really lousy one, separate from whether my kids are making great choices or lousy ones. In the end I need to love them and point them to the grace of the cross and understand that my Heavenly Father is also their Heavenly Father. He will meet them where they are just as he meets me where I am. If the perfect parent, God, can’t keep me from making poor choices, I shouldn’t expect that somehow I can do that for my kids and just as His love for me isn’t changed when I fail, His love for them isn’t changed when they make less than ideal choices. There are no formulas for raising perfect kids, but there can be such joy and peace and hope in the journey of raising pretty decent people even as a less than perfect parent.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. My review is entirely my own opinion.

[Beth Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even have young children and I love everything Jami Amerine has written. I discovered her blog a few years ago and was immediately hooked. I found myself anxiously awaiting her next blog. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better she wrote Stolen Jesus and now Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors. Jami Amerine is so REAL. I have cried and laughed until I cried while reading Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors. I urge every woman, of every age to read this book. It is so relatable, yesterday, today and tomorrow. Thank you, Jami, for sharing your love of God and your family with us.
P.S. I received an advance copy of Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors.

[Carey Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s takes good writing to hold my attention. I’m picky. And I only read authors who entertain me, share authentically, impart deep wisdom and are relatable. Jami Amerine is every bit of this… and more. She’s every woman, and I find my story in hers with each word she writes. Who else can find herself cleaning sticky floors one minute and in the backseat of a cop car the next? Yep. She’s my kinda girl. And I’ll read anything she writes. You should, too!!

[Ashley Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and advanced readers copy of this book. Jami Amerine has no shame in her hilarious, raw, and very real admission of not being a perfect parent. Instead, she points us to the One who is. She helps us helicopter Mom's let go of control and put all our trust and faith in Christ Jesus. She shows us how to gain the strength and courage needed to get through even the most trying situations with our children. This is a must read for any Mom that is overwhelmed, tired and overly critical of herself.

[Carolyn Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked Jami Amerine’s book, “Stolen Jesus.” I LOVED ”Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors.” The book is filled with humor, truth, grit, and sometimes raw pain all associated with the role of mother, wife, and even daughter-in-law. More importantly, it is filled to the brim with the proclamation of God’s grace and the value of a woman as a daughter of the King. Clearly written for a Christian audience of women, it’s a book that others would enjoy, as well. I was delighted to get to read this in advance of its publication date, having received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher.

[Jennifer Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for parents. The author reminds parents of where they end and where their kids begin. Parenting helps shape who kids become, but ultimately each child has a free will and will make choices that determine their destiny. These are not always reflective of their parenting.

[Amy Wilkening · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kept telling myself "Just one more chapter..." I loved being reminded that we don't have to parent from a place of panic, shame, fear, or comparison, and that our sticky floors can indeed be sacred ground.

I received an advance reader copy from Harvest House Publishers.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following Jami's blog, Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors, for a while and love her wit and humor. I have been anxiously awaiting this book and it does not disappoint. I'm only on chapter three, but true to Jami's style this book is full of real wisdom gained from life experience, peppered throughout with moments to laugh. Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors offers the reader real hope and affirmation that less than perfect parents are *gasp* the norm and also can rock this parenting gig. Bonus: #thevandals

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher.

[Suzann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so worth the read. It will encourage you, make you laugh and cause you to shed a few tears.
Too many times when I have read Christian Inspiration books, I have walked away half inspired to do better, be better. And half dejected, knowing I could never be as good as those Christian "experts" and would therefore almost certainly never be able to succeed at being a better Christian.
Jami sailed into my living room (via this book) with her stained blouse and Starbucks cup, wrangling a couple of tiny Vandals and juggling a handful of grown-up (and nearly grown-up) babies and tells the real truth.
Loving Jesus doesn't always look like a perfectly coiffed lineup of your children posing for the church directory. It doesn't always smell like brownies baking in your oven. And it certainly doesn't always sound like a chorus of pious children singing in the church choir.
No. Jami shows us that Loving Jesus looks like a mom with black circles under her eyes, smells like toast burning in the toaster and sounds a bit like muttering through clenched teeth "... or so help me!" at a child who seems to have forgotten, yet again, that markers are made for paper not walls.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. The views submitted here are wholly mine.

[Heidi Merchant · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. For all moms craving truth and freedom from our never ending guilt, Jami speaks so eloquently from the heart. You will laugh, cry, and relate. I received an advanced digital copy of the book and I can't wait til the release date to share this gem with others.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lady must be my long lost sister!! She is so real and so relatable that you truly finish this book wanting more! Her stories are my stories. There is no way I can even pick a favorite part. I literally could not put it down. I read it all in one morning. Thank you for putting yourself out there so that now I know I am not alone....maybe even somewhat normal?!?! Lol!! I did receive an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher.

[Gail Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this lovely book in one sitting. Jami’s stories and point of view about motherhood are not only captivating, they are (in some places) downright hilarious. Her writing will make you laugh and weep - sometimes simultaneously. A must read for moms - but also for anyone who is NOT a parent who has ever loved a child.
*I read an electronic Advance Reader Copy from the publisher.

[Jessica Schepis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in one day.Thank-you for writing Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors: How Less-Than-Perfect Parents Can. You can tell words are from your heart.we all need to laugh and cry some days are hard. Got advance reader copy of the book from the publisher.

[Donna London · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every mom needs this....it’s ok not to be perfect...

Jami begins this book with truth: “The thing I am certain of is that God is real, He is for us, and He is totally invested in you and your family here on the sacred ground—sacred ground with very sticky floors.”

She ends with truth: “From the first time we were called “Mom,” our identities were forever changed. So, too, we were transformed the moment we said yes to Christ. We are forever His daughters. We are forever perfected by the work of the cross. Believing in God isn’t the key to peace and happiness; believing God is. Peace can be ours—peace in spite of difficulties—when we do life with God. This is the peace that will sustain us. God calls us to be here. Right here. On common ground and the sacred ground of our homes—sticky floors and all. And together we reply to the Lord, “Here I am.””

In between....mercy, grace and her story of parenting, fostering and and Jesus.

[Beverly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the stories she shared. I do realize that how she talks about giving your children over to the Lord is the best, however I do see us definitely trying to be proactive in parenting. I want to do all I can to point my children to Christ and pray that they would know Christ as their personal Savior. I want them to understand the Bible fully.