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Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions
What and who should get the best of us?
And why is it so enticing to choose lesser things instead of lasting things?
As moms we know the magnetic pull to steer away from what’s important and choose what feels irresistible in the moment. In Shiny Things , Amanda Bacon and Anne-Renee Gumley bring to light the distractions moms face every day.
Honoring God and loving our families are our highest priority, but sometimes we need help keeping them there. For all of us who find ourselves caught in the cycle of distraction but are looking for a way out, Shiny Things will help us: It’s never too late to take hold of what’s most important. Today’s a great day to start.
And why is it so enticing to choose lesser things instead of lasting things?
As moms we know the magnetic pull to steer away from what’s important and choose what feels irresistible in the moment. In Shiny Things , Amanda Bacon and Anne-Renee Gumley bring to light the distractions moms face every day.
Honoring God and loving our families are our highest priority, but sometimes we need help keeping them there. For all of us who find ourselves caught in the cycle of distraction but are looking for a way out, Shiny Things will help us: It’s never too late to take hold of what’s most important. Today’s a great day to start.
- GenresParentingNonfictionFaith
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 16, 2019
41 people are currently reading
1359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 23, 2019
Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions is both timely and timeless. The authors take the reader on a journey, helping her unpack the reality of distraction and invite her to recalibrate her priorities. The book is filled with relatable mama-tales, real-life lessons and tangible take-always. Best of all, the authors continuously point the reader back to Jesus. You will finish this book with a refreshed resolve to take back your time and spend it on what truly matters.
April 16, 2019
This book written with in the trenches wisdom and biblical truth is fantastic for any mom who suffers from distractions. Written with bite sized chapters for the busy woman who wants practical ways to be intentional with the life she is living! This book should definitely be on your must read for 2019!
May 22, 2019
Very good. I will definitively read it again!
March 31, 2019
Shiny things, pretty things, new things, or what about too much of a good thing, doing too many things, not saying no when we should, wasting those in-between moments with useless things that often instead of filling us, deplete us. These are the type of things that can cause us to be distracted over the things that we should instead be paying attention to more or doing. Scripture talks about numbering our days, using our time wisely. Read Ephesians 5:15-20, and I think you will see how we should live our life and to pay attention to what matters. But yet, I know the struggle with doing the right thing but yet doing the wrong thing. I think we are all guilty of that at times. There is hope, because: “Discipline is a learned skill, one we must practice to improve. It’s imperative we find a way around what hijacks our minds, because what we want most is waiting.” This new book Shiny Things ~ Mothering on Purpose in a World Full of Distractions wrote by Anne-Renee Gumley and Amanda Bacon, is a book wrote for moms who want to overcome distraction, feel the pull of a hundred-and-one things that need there attention, and in this struggle desire to want to focus on what is most important in our lives and the purpose God has called us to.
As moms we all desire to love our families well, engage in our children’s life and also reach out to others too. I don’t know about you, but there are times I struggle, trying to do it all, feel conflicted and wonder am I spending my time wisely!? I know the answer is simple, but not always easy to apply. This is why I need to be seeking the Lord in all things, let Him lead me, trust Him in the timing and the results. These words were so helpful: “Saying yes because we feel obligated rather than invigorated by an opportunity can hurt more than it helps. Wise decision making and a gentle no can take us further than guilt ever could. Sometimes we need to say no to good things, so we can say yes to better things.” Things that we are meant to do, that God has given us to do. Most often those things are right in front of us, right in our own homes. Sometimes we get so busy serving and doing, we miss out on the needs that God has given us in our family. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying not to serve and help others, but I do think that if our serving is affecting our attitude and families in the wrong way, then we are not glorifying God and instead doing it in sin. That is exactly what these authors share too! “If we want to be intentional with the people and tasks God has put before us, we must learn to weigh the right time with the wrong time and the right things with the wrong things. Because God desires the best for His children – for our good, and His glory.” A great question to ask ourselves is what is our motivation, who gets the glory if I do this?
The authors share through their stories, struggles, and scripture how to gain victory over our distractedness. They share: in the end it is about putting our trust in the Lord and seeking His Kingdom first in all we do. Giving all our good and bad to God, who handles every thing and let Him guide and teach us the way, all for His glory. Which I agree with 100%! This for me was a light easy to read, with short chapters. At the end of each section there is a helpful summary of the main points, along with a challenge to apply. This is perfect to read when you are short on time. The authors did that intentionally as they relate to our struggles, especially for mom’s with little’s. I found it to be an encouraging read and sometimes that is what us moms need, to feel like we are not alone in our struggles, and a reminder to turn to God, to seek Him. Yet, at times I felt convicted, as I struggle in some of these same areas they shared about. This book reminded me of where I need to be keeping my focus, not get caught up in what people think of me, to not waste idle moments scrolling or doing busy-work, as these don’t add value to my life or those around me, but instead to turn to my Lord and His truths! “Eternal things draw us closer while temporary things can draw us away.” Read 1 John 2:15-17 for some truth and see if we might have our attention or goals backwards! Living this way often isn’t easy, but the authors reminds us: “We choose the hard but the good. The unselfish. The sacrificial. The soul filling. The priceless. The kind of life where our pockets may be empty, but our hearts are overflowing, filled with the knowledge of an extraordinary peace and a sacrificial love.” Living for what truly matters, instead of just worthless stuff or wasted time. “Pursuing God’s righteousness over our right-ness, because right relationship is worth it. To leave our hands open to God’s leading rather than squeezing our fists tight. It’s giving Him full control and full rein of our future and future plans.”
In addition, you will find in this book some helpful suggestions and scripture to focus on. Here are a couple more quotes from the book I highlighted that I found helpful:
Real-life mothering calls for being responsible, intentional, and whole lot of sacrifice, yet mothering is worthwhile endeavor that will bring the biggest blessings into your life, some obvious, some not so. (I will say God sure has used it as an area of sanctification for me.)
Each generation has been exposed to distractions. (So you are not the only one, can’t blame it on your cell phone.)
What we decide to let distract us is a true indicator of what we unwittingly make important with out first calculating the cost.
The pushing aside of what’s most sacred to us in favor of easy escapes is a big deal, but it’s never too late to lay claim to what we deem most valuable.
Too often our goals become our gods, and their distraction becomes our way of life.
We begin to see that this delicate balance isn’t just about things, but about living lives pleasing to the Father. Lives that long to bring Him glory. Lives that yearn to be one with Him and with His purpose for us here on earth.
His good versus our own, His way over our will, His glory and His kingdom, first and foremost. Not because it’s easy, but because His omniscience trumps our plans every time.
As moms we all desire to love our families well, engage in our children’s life and also reach out to others too. I don’t know about you, but there are times I struggle, trying to do it all, feel conflicted and wonder am I spending my time wisely!? I know the answer is simple, but not always easy to apply. This is why I need to be seeking the Lord in all things, let Him lead me, trust Him in the timing and the results. These words were so helpful: “Saying yes because we feel obligated rather than invigorated by an opportunity can hurt more than it helps. Wise decision making and a gentle no can take us further than guilt ever could. Sometimes we need to say no to good things, so we can say yes to better things.” Things that we are meant to do, that God has given us to do. Most often those things are right in front of us, right in our own homes. Sometimes we get so busy serving and doing, we miss out on the needs that God has given us in our family. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying not to serve and help others, but I do think that if our serving is affecting our attitude and families in the wrong way, then we are not glorifying God and instead doing it in sin. That is exactly what these authors share too! “If we want to be intentional with the people and tasks God has put before us, we must learn to weigh the right time with the wrong time and the right things with the wrong things. Because God desires the best for His children – for our good, and His glory.” A great question to ask ourselves is what is our motivation, who gets the glory if I do this?
The authors share through their stories, struggles, and scripture how to gain victory over our distractedness. They share: in the end it is about putting our trust in the Lord and seeking His Kingdom first in all we do. Giving all our good and bad to God, who handles every thing and let Him guide and teach us the way, all for His glory. Which I agree with 100%! This for me was a light easy to read, with short chapters. At the end of each section there is a helpful summary of the main points, along with a challenge to apply. This is perfect to read when you are short on time. The authors did that intentionally as they relate to our struggles, especially for mom’s with little’s. I found it to be an encouraging read and sometimes that is what us moms need, to feel like we are not alone in our struggles, and a reminder to turn to God, to seek Him. Yet, at times I felt convicted, as I struggle in some of these same areas they shared about. This book reminded me of where I need to be keeping my focus, not get caught up in what people think of me, to not waste idle moments scrolling or doing busy-work, as these don’t add value to my life or those around me, but instead to turn to my Lord and His truths! “Eternal things draw us closer while temporary things can draw us away.” Read 1 John 2:15-17 for some truth and see if we might have our attention or goals backwards! Living this way often isn’t easy, but the authors reminds us: “We choose the hard but the good. The unselfish. The sacrificial. The soul filling. The priceless. The kind of life where our pockets may be empty, but our hearts are overflowing, filled with the knowledge of an extraordinary peace and a sacrificial love.” Living for what truly matters, instead of just worthless stuff or wasted time. “Pursuing God’s righteousness over our right-ness, because right relationship is worth it. To leave our hands open to God’s leading rather than squeezing our fists tight. It’s giving Him full control and full rein of our future and future plans.”
In addition, you will find in this book some helpful suggestions and scripture to focus on. Here are a couple more quotes from the book I highlighted that I found helpful:
Real-life mothering calls for being responsible, intentional, and whole lot of sacrifice, yet mothering is worthwhile endeavor that will bring the biggest blessings into your life, some obvious, some not so. (I will say God sure has used it as an area of sanctification for me.)
Each generation has been exposed to distractions. (So you are not the only one, can’t blame it on your cell phone.)
What we decide to let distract us is a true indicator of what we unwittingly make important with out first calculating the cost.
The pushing aside of what’s most sacred to us in favor of easy escapes is a big deal, but it’s never too late to lay claim to what we deem most valuable.
Too often our goals become our gods, and their distraction becomes our way of life.
We begin to see that this delicate balance isn’t just about things, but about living lives pleasing to the Father. Lives that long to bring Him glory. Lives that yearn to be one with Him and with His purpose for us here on earth.
His good versus our own, His way over our will, His glory and His kingdom, first and foremost. Not because it’s easy, but because His omniscience trumps our plans every time.
September 9, 2019
I confess I'm not usually very quick to pick up books on parenting. Not because I don't love my people. Not because I don't want to improve. I just struggle with books that pile on so many guilt-inducing "should"s and "should not"s that I feel too overwhelmed to implement anything.
But Amanda and Anne-Renee's book isn't one bit condemning or overwhelming. Not only are the chapters short, making it easy for busy moms to read, but they are also filled with wisdom, kindness, humility, and humor. Amanda and Anne-Renee understand how easy it is to get caught up in the pull of this world's distractions. And their willingness to be honest about their own struggles makes Shiny Things feel like you are sitting down with good friends who say, "Girl, we get it. We're so in the same boat as you. But we're believing for all of us that, with God's help, we can do better. That we can start choosing lasting things instead of lesser things. And here's how..."
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the way Amanda and Anne-Renee provide questions we can ask ourselves. Questions that may sting at first, but that will help us get to the root of our distractedness and help us start living like we deep down truly want to live. And this book isn't just for moms. It's for anyone who wants to start taking hold of what's most important in life.
I'm grateful they teamed up to write this book! We all need friends who understand where we are but challenge us to grow.
But Amanda and Anne-Renee's book isn't one bit condemning or overwhelming. Not only are the chapters short, making it easy for busy moms to read, but they are also filled with wisdom, kindness, humility, and humor. Amanda and Anne-Renee understand how easy it is to get caught up in the pull of this world's distractions. And their willingness to be honest about their own struggles makes Shiny Things feel like you are sitting down with good friends who say, "Girl, we get it. We're so in the same boat as you. But we're believing for all of us that, with God's help, we can do better. That we can start choosing lasting things instead of lesser things. And here's how..."
One of my favorite aspects of this book is the way Amanda and Anne-Renee provide questions we can ask ourselves. Questions that may sting at first, but that will help us get to the root of our distractedness and help us start living like we deep down truly want to live. And this book isn't just for moms. It's for anyone who wants to start taking hold of what's most important in life.
I'm grateful they teamed up to write this book! We all need friends who understand where we are but challenge us to grow.
April 29, 2019
Have you ever thought that God made a mistake when He made you a mom to those beautiful, amazing creatures that roam your home and eat all your food? Well I have, and I know God doesn’t make mistakes and I know He created me to have purpose in my life. Mothering my kids in such a way that brings glory to God can be challenging when we have things in our lives that will fight to make themselves priority over our higher purpose. The authors of this book poured their hearts and souls into helping us remember that we are called to be mothers of purpose and the message within these pages challenges us to think about the things that are holding us back or distracting us from being that purposeful momma. You cannot read this book and come away from it unchanged and if you ask me, isn’t that beautiful? Don’t we wanna be mommas that allow God to mold our hearts and souls to be more like Him and look at our children through His eyes? I know I do and this book helped me re-center and re-organize my priorities and I know you will feel His presence as you digest each page, even if you have to read this book in a closet with tiny fingers pressing under the door and a bag of cookies you convinced the kids doesn’t exist.
June 7, 2019
Wow what an excellent read! I will be recommending this to my Mom friends. It has really made me think about distractions in my own life.
There is much to like about this book. I like that the chapters are quick reads. Each one is about 4-5 pages which make it convenient to read in one setting. It is divided into ten parts each with four chapters each. The parts end with an overview of things to remember. I was able to read through it fairly quickly.
We all have distractions in our lives. This book addresses those distractions and how to handle them. It is practical and easy to read. Moms will be able to relate to the stories and feelings shared in the pages of this excellent book. I appreciate the authors don’t claim to be experts on getting rid of distractions and having this mastered in their own lives. They said this book is for them too.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“But too often our goals become our gods, and their distraction becomes our way of life.”
"Sadly, sometimes we've been at this comparison game for so long that we're no longer sure what we personally like or feel or want."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Thank you.
There is much to like about this book. I like that the chapters are quick reads. Each one is about 4-5 pages which make it convenient to read in one setting. It is divided into ten parts each with four chapters each. The parts end with an overview of things to remember. I was able to read through it fairly quickly.
We all have distractions in our lives. This book addresses those distractions and how to handle them. It is practical and easy to read. Moms will be able to relate to the stories and feelings shared in the pages of this excellent book. I appreciate the authors don’t claim to be experts on getting rid of distractions and having this mastered in their own lives. They said this book is for them too.
Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“But too often our goals become our gods, and their distraction becomes our way of life.”
"Sadly, sometimes we've been at this comparison game for so long that we're no longer sure what we personally like or feel or want."
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review. Thank you.
September 26, 2019
What a fantastic and easy read that includes Biblical truth and helps me as a mom to identify the priorities in our life that need to be modified and altered. God has a purpose for each and everyone of us and so often we let the things of this world distract us from God's Great plan. Amanda Bacon states that she is not an expert and that she has just written this book for herself as well. I think we all need constant reminders that even things in our life that seem good and are good can distract us from God's plan when they consume our lives. Shiny Things has so many great life lessons and take aways that we can apply to our everyday life. We need to have new eyes to see what matters and help us refocus our minds and hearts to God's plan for our life verses our plans for our life. So often we get caught in things of this world that only provide a temporary happiness and only satisfy for the moment. When we can focus on God's plan, we can have a joy that only He can provide and last eternally. I enjoyed reading this e-copy of the book that I purchased my own physical copy to highlight and share with friends.
Thank you Netgalley for the early galley and all opinions are my own.
Thank you Netgalley for the early galley and all opinions are my own.
April 10, 2019
Have you ever had a day as a mom where you wonder why? And then you forget that thought and get caught up in the amazing post of the mom with beachy hair and happy kids all playing in the sand. You wonder how, how did she do that? This book gives moms the support that they need to keep going to stop looking around and look forward. Forward to that sweet face of you child who just finished a sugar cookie he loved, or your son who is sweaty all over but so excited that his team won that soccer game, and your teenager who mindlessly wanders around looking for something better but always comes back to her mom and gives her a hug to let her know in the smallest way that she is loved. I am that mom, the mom that my son hides my phone and I see my children following in the same pattern of looking around. Anne and Amanda give us the grace that God already provides to start today over and love our lives. There are lots of shiny things out there but this book is the best Shiny Thing that I have ever had.
April 16, 2019
Do you feel weighed down by distraction and conflict? Do you feel pulled in many different directions? Are you struggling to put Jesus first and steward your time here on Earth well (especially your time raising children)?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Shiny Things is for you.
From the very first page I felt like Amanda and Anne-Renee got me. It was such a relief to know that I am not alone in my struggle to live a focused life - a life of putting Jesus and my people first - a life of making the most of my days by spending my time on the important things rather than the shiny distractions. Many times it seems like no one talks about how hard it is to be in the trenches of motherhood. We post our highlight reel on social media - cute pictures of our cute kids doing cute things - but we very seldom get honest about our struggles. Amanda and Anne-Renee are those friends who come beside us and say "me too" as they share there struggles to live a focused life, along with ways they are trying to combat the distractions that pop up along the way.
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then Shiny Things is for you.
From the very first page I felt like Amanda and Anne-Renee got me. It was such a relief to know that I am not alone in my struggle to live a focused life - a life of putting Jesus and my people first - a life of making the most of my days by spending my time on the important things rather than the shiny distractions. Many times it seems like no one talks about how hard it is to be in the trenches of motherhood. We post our highlight reel on social media - cute pictures of our cute kids doing cute things - but we very seldom get honest about our struggles. Amanda and Anne-Renee are those friends who come beside us and say "me too" as they share there struggles to live a focused life, along with ways they are trying to combat the distractions that pop up along the way.
November 11, 2019
This was a quick, easy read as promised from the beginning - perfect for sneaking in a few chapters before bed or while waiting for kids! I enjoyed the premise of the book and felt myself challenged and convicted by many of its points on being pulled away and distracted by "shiny things." However, I did struggle with the seeming underlying premise that motherhood is THE most important thing one can do - and even pursuing calling or serving at church can be a shiny thing or distraction. I'm not sure I agree with this idea - in fact, I think a healthy picture of motherhood finds tension between the two and asks the Holy Spirit for wisdom. It also seemed to appeal to the idea that many women can choose to stay home and focus solely on kids - which, for many is not the case
Overall, it was a good read and I appreciated the writer's hearts, but had some.hesitations.
Overall, it was a good read and I appreciated the writer's hearts, but had some.hesitations.
April 12, 2022
I want to mother on purpose. I want my children to know how desperately they are loved by me simply because God chose to give them to me and He loves them so very much. This was such a timely reminder for me that I need to stop wasting time and redeem the days I have. Today I really didn’t pick up my phone like other days, and guess what? I handled a deep heart issue with one child while we did homeschool and we did our family Bible study, plus I had time for all the chores, working out, kid activities, and one-on-one time with my oldest. Amazing! I know my kids felt loved today, and so did I for loving them. Sometimes you need a book that smacks you upside the head, and this did that for me!
April 16, 2019
I received an early copy of this book from the publisher to review. I am so glad and thankful that I was able to! I was crying within the first few pages of the book, it really caught my heart! There were other parts that I laughed, but overall so many pages that I related to! Amanda and Anne-Renee co-wrote this book and it flowed so well that it really could have been seen as one person writing. They focus on the distractions we as mothers face and we know there are so many! The focus is to get back to God, get back to the Scriptures, and be captivated by the things that really matter. I would definitely read this book again and pass it on!
April 13, 2019
An extremely timely message for ANYONE feeling the pull of distraction. Moms are distraction pros, but it has been interesting to have conversations with my kids and husband about what I'm reading from Anne-Renee and Amanda. We all struggle with distraction! None of us want to spend more time on the unimportant when the most important things in our lives are waiting in the wings, waiting for our time, attention and love. Goodness no! Their examples, suggestions, and gentle reminders make me feel that they are walking this road right alongside my distracted self. The short chapters are a momma's best friend too. Great read!!
May 20, 2019
This book was convicting, but you need to read it with the right mindset and be in the right place as a mother. The authors do a great job of using their own personal stories to illustrate that our priorities are often way out of whack as moms. However, if I'd read it even six months ago, when I was in the midst of severe postpartum anxiety, I think it would've just made me feel guiltier than I already did.
I also took off a star because I enjoyed one author's POV significantly more than the other's, and sometimes the sections felt disjointed. I wonder if the book wouldn't have been better if it hadn't been a co-author situation.
I also took off a star because I enjoyed one author's POV significantly more than the other's, and sometimes the sections felt disjointed. I wonder if the book wouldn't have been better if it hadn't been a co-author situation.
March 24, 2021
Shiny Things really digs into the distractions modern-day moms battle with. Love the questions asked and the advice offered. It is an easy read. I was able to get in a chapter every morning with coffee while the kids were running around. It definitely helped to shape my perspective on the day and focus on what matters and Who matters.
I will say that a lot of the thoughts are ones that I have heard before or pondered myself before reading this book, so for that reason, I'm giving it 3 stars. Although I have to say that if i were reading this towards the beginning of my intentional parenting journey I would have given it a 4. Would read another book by these gals in the future for sure.
I will say that a lot of the thoughts are ones that I have heard before or pondered myself before reading this book, so for that reason, I'm giving it 3 stars. Although I have to say that if i were reading this towards the beginning of my intentional parenting journey I would have given it a 4. Would read another book by these gals in the future for sure.
April 16, 2019
This book could not speak louder to me at this time in my life. As my 2 older kids are heading into teenage years and I want to be present and in the moment in their lives. It’s so critical that we understand what really is important.....and not be afraid to say no to those shiny things that distract us from our #1 purpose!
Love how these ladies opened up their lives and shared with us some real raw truths, love love how at the end of each chapter we can reflect.
It’s a must read for us mothers in this “now” world we live in full of distractions left and right.
Love how these ladies opened up their lives and shared with us some real raw truths, love love how at the end of each chapter we can reflect.
It’s a must read for us mothers in this “now” world we live in full of distractions left and right.
April 19, 2019
I absolutely love how this book defines what I've sort of known...that distractions are yes, a real thing. But Amanda and Anne-Renee put words to WHY this happens and help us understand that they're not all bad. It's what we do in each moment, how we choose, and where we focus that makes all the difference. I'm thankful for this book and their hearts of encouragement. We're all in this mama thing together -- let's talk about what's not working, and stand together to get beyond the shiny things. Thank you, Amanda and Anne-Renee!
May 10, 2019
A book not just for mother’s but for fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers. It’s a book providing challenging perspectives, asking us to choose wisely what we do with out time. Grace, hope and intentionality are the theme showing us the hidden ways we can choose differently through the eyes of two moms who have been challenged in the same way. It points us to the right people, the right “trend” of life that calls us, despite what the world or our demanding schedules may tell us. Take time and read this book!
May 12, 2019
Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions is a resource for all ages with practical, Godly wisdom that points the reader back to Jesus. While we are all distracted in our own way, this book helps you work your way back from the distractions, learn to set your priorities and help mothers to encourage them to take steps back to setting the right priorities. This book will help you feel refreshed after reading it and your mind will be be at peace as your priorities have been set straight. This book is a great read and I enjoyed it!
March 6, 2019
I received an early copy of this book by the publisher for review and I’m so glad I did! This book is like girlfriends chatting about meaningful things. They put to words many things going through my mind. I loved their thoughts and how they continually used scripture throughout the book. The format was great, short chapters that could be read in those few moments we moms have available. I’d highly recommend you add this book to your “must read” list when it launches in April 2019.
April 17, 2019
Full of mom-wisdom, practical applications, and biblical basis, this book is transforming and refreshing. It was like listening to a friend, with casual writing style and yet well thought out. It's easy to follow after a tiring day, and the chapters are short and sweet. I loved the take-aways at the end of each section, along with thought provoking questions we should all be asking ourselves. This is a must read book mommas!
May 25, 2019
This book will meet you right where you are at! If you’re looking for a book that is relatable, encouraging, and challenging...look no further! I personally know the authors and it has been my utmost pleasure to read their hearts. They don’t act like they have it all together or are perfect. They’re honest and heartfelt and compassionate. This is a wonderful book to do as a group study, or on your own!
May 31, 2019
As my children are out of elementary school, I find myself not finding Christian mom books as useful to my growth as a mom as many are geared at moms of younger children. I love that Shiny Things is a book for all moms to remember to be attentive to the lives we are leading. The authors don't judge the reader, but come aside to let us know they too struggle. I found the book is great for reading a chapter a day or to read and discuss with friends.
September 18, 2020
Shiny Things: Mothering on Purpose in a World of Distractions is both timely and timeless. The authors take the reader on a journey, helping her unpack the reality of distraction and invite her to recalibrate her priorities. The book is filled with relatable mama-tales, real-life lessons and tangible take-always. Best of all, the authors continuously point the reader back to Jesus. You will finish this book with a refreshed resolve to take back your time and spend it on what truly matters.
March 7, 2019
I absolutely loved this book and how the author seemed to pen the words that I could have written from my own heart. It was so very relatable and easy to read and apply to my own present circumstances. To any mom who finds herself distracted too often with “stuff”, especially that of social media, I would highly recommend this book!
April 16, 2019
A timely book for all Mommas!
More than anything I want to be an intentional mom who teaches my kids about the things that truly matter and yet there are so many lesser things pulling at me. I'm so thankful this book exists because it puts words to so many things I think and feel on a daily basis and points me back to Jesus. Read this book and your momma's heart will be encouraged.
More than anything I want to be an intentional mom who teaches my kids about the things that truly matter and yet there are so many lesser things pulling at me. I'm so thankful this book exists because it puts words to so many things I think and feel on a daily basis and points me back to Jesus. Read this book and your momma's heart will be encouraged.
July 22, 2020
Wow what a great read especially right now given current events with so much news and life changes weighing heavy on my heart right now. This book really helped encourage me and provide tangible ideas on how to rid distraction while placing my energies into things that provide true rest and satisfaction.
February 2, 2023
I found this book because I knew I needed to make changes in my parenting and this book affirmed what I already knew. I did enjoy the read and found it a good kick in the rear, but I wish there was more practical help in how to achieve a more present parenting life and also how to tell when it is the time to get your spiritual time for yourself and when it's the time to be present with my family.
January 12, 2024
While, as a homeschool mom to many littles who is very content being at home, I don't fully relate to or agree with everything in this book yet I found many wise convictions and encouragements. A good read.
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