Motherhood Without All the Rules: Trading Stressful Standards for Gospel Truths

by Maggie Combs, Jessica Thompson (Foreword)

Ditch Pressure for Freedom in Christ

Any mom who has tried to create a godly home for her family knows it doesn’t happen automatically. Through books, blogs, and Instagram accounts, culture asserts that good moms must follow certain standards and abide by certain rules if she want what’s best for her children. She must do everything she can—and she must do it all just right.

Following the suggested steps and recommended rules may seem best, but what if we’re missing the point? This is something Maggie Combs came to realize while seeking to be a good mom to her three sons. Though the world around us may have critical expectations and rules for mothering, Christ instead calls moms to an intimate, abiding relationship with a triune God. In Motherhood Without All the Rules, Maggie identifies the main “rules” moms today often feel pressured to follow and counters them with gospel truth. You’ll discover how the character of each member of the trinity practically impacts your role as a mom. Join Maggie in forgetting the rules, so that instead of being a good mom, you grow to become a holy mom.

Genres: Parenting, Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Family, Self Help, Christian Non Fiction

176 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

About the author

Maggie Combs is the author of the upcoming book Motherhood Without All the Rules: Trading Stressful Standards for Gospel Truths (Moody Publishers, Fall 2020). When motherhood overwhelmed her, God drew her closer to him through writing her first book, Unsupermommy. She loves playing games with her husband and three boys, herding goats on their family farm, and reading young adult literature and cozy mysteries in her free time. It is her joy to disciple women in her local church and through her writing. You may have read or heard Maggie before on The Gospel Coalition, Risen Motherhood, Revive Our Hearts, The Journeywomen Podcast, and more. Find more gospel hope to unburden your soul at www.maggiecombs.com or on Instagram and Facebook as @maggie__combs.

Reviews

[Katie Klein · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know a book is good when it’s beat up, water marked and over-underlined. I love that Maggie not only accurately identifies the lies currently being pushed on mothers and replaces it with gospel truth, but also give a practical, spirit-filled application on how to combat them! I don’t know many other books on motherhood or parenting that are this applicable or practical. I love that this is a quick read and short chapters! I found myself reading a lot of aloud it to my husband...so that says a lot! I highly recommend this book to any mother who feels swept up in the world’s idea of motherhood and is looking to be grounded in the truth of God’s ideals and reality. My spirit truly felt lighter and more equipped in reliance on the Lord after reading this!

[Hunter Beless · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I’d had “Motherhood Without All the Rules” when I first began my mothering journey. In it, Maggie Combs shows mothers how to walk in the grace of the gospel while prayerfully relying on the Holy Spirit. This book is a gift to mamas in any stage.

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Synopsis: “What is the point of all this pressing on? Is it to meet the world’s standards for good motherhood?…No…The prize isn’t perfect motherhood. The prize is a deep relationship with God on earth, until one day we experience the glory of perfect fellowship with Him in heaven.” The world has an idea of what motherhood should look like. Actually it has a lot of ideas. But what does God actually expect from us in our calling as moms? That’s exactly what Maggie Combs explores in her book Motherhood Without All the Rules. This short yet powerful book dives into the lies that the world offers us and confronts them with the truth of God’s Word. There is freedom from the pressures of parenthood in a relationship with Christ.

Analysis: I cannot believe I haven’t heard of this book more because as a young mom with a world of social media in front of her, this is exactly what I needed for this season of life. The pressures of motherhood are overwhelming, and it’s easy to get caught up in a plethora of lies from the internet, our (well-intentioned) peers, and ourselves. But Maggie confront these lies such as “you do you” and “everything depends on you” and shares biblical and practical truth to encourage us deeper in our walk with God. Even in the busy season of being a mom. I loved this short read, the short chapters, and easy-to-apply steps plus a prayer at the end of each chapter. Highly recommend for any mom out there! (I do feel it is directed toward moms with elementary age kids and younger, but I think this book would make a great gift and be wonderful for mentoring 🤍)

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ana Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very encouraging read! I would recommend this book to any mother who feels overwhelmed with everything the world (and ourselves) tells us we should carry on our shoulders.

-

Las estrellas dejan mucho qué desear a la hora de evaluar un libro. La manera en que tú interpretas 1, 2, 3, 4 o 5 estrellas probablemente será muy distinta a la manera en que yo interpreto 1, 2, 3, 4 o 5 estrellas.

Aquí va la «traducción» del sistema de estrellas de Ana al español:

⭐️ - Malo
⭐️ ⭐️ - Me costó terminar
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ - Bueno
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ - Muy bueno
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ - Me cambió la vida / No pude soltarlo

Para saber más sobre cómo doy estrellas, puedes escuchar este episodio de mi podcast.

[Natalie Herr · Rating 4 out of 5]

An especially helpful book for moms who feel a lot of pressure to be a “certain kind” of mom. Maggie helps take the pressure off by with gospel truths and practice-based helps. She hits on a lot of half truths that society/social media is communicating to moms and helps to move the reader from the world’s view to God’s view.

[Bailey T. Hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so excellent. Combs understands societies pressures on moms and uses the gospel in such a powerful way to help us all remember that we want to turn away from the kingdom of mom and turn towards the kingdom of God. Buying this for all my mom friends right now

[Taliah Kendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been on my list for years and I finally got to read (listen) to it and man, it is so timely in this season of motherhood. It is not filled with prescriptive ideas of motherhood (we’ve got enough of that)–instead, it is gospel-centered and points you to Jesus! Throughout the book, Maggie points out the “rules” moms are told to follow and counters them with the truth of the gospel. Highly recommend!

[Shauna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an answer to so many questions asked and prayers prayed since I've begun navigating my walk with the Lord post-the instagram worthy quiet times I'd become accustomed to during 31 years of not being a mother. Nothing new to the believer, necessarily, but presented in a way that made me feel like Maggie was reading my mail, I mean, seen...and helped me to realize I've been simultaneously making excuses and generally overthinking my pursuit of the Lord in a season where virtually nothing is ideal.

The only thing I would have invited Maggie to add is the clarification that not only are things like chocolate, bubble baths, and new clothes not bad things, they can serve as buffers against depression in difficult and everyday seasons of constant sacrifices which take a legitimate toll on your mental health. They're gifts from God and tangible representations of his heart toward us. I don't think she would disagree with this, but the both/and nature of these relationships (as in, you're welcome to enjoy them AND beware of them as idols) wasn't named to my knowledge.

To summarize: if you're a Christian mom, read this book. Then read it again. It's one of the few I've finished exuding gratitude.


“When you aim to grow closer to God instead of living up to the ‘good mom’ standards of the world, you will finally experience both the freedom and the transformation you desire.”

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. God used Maggie words to really tug at my heart while reading this book. I really struggle with trying to be the perfect parent to my three kids. But none of us are perfect and that is why we need Jesus. I think so many times I want to be the good parent without God's help. In Maggie's book she made a statement that really hit home. When you let God be the best parent, you no longer stand in God's place in your kids lives.
I love when Maggie made this statement in her book. " Your job isn't to save your kids from hardships but to point them to their only true Savior.
There are so many times that I don't want my kids to have hardships, but God can use those hard times for his glory.
I recommend this book by Maggie Combs. Your life will never been the same and God will use it to pull you close to him.

[Alexis Segler · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some really great nuggets of truth and wisdom in this book that I learned from!

“Righteous children are not your inheritance despite all the hours you spend teaching the gospel, discussing and explaining theology, or redirecting wayward hearts. Indeed, in Jesus you have a better inheritance - unbroken relationship with God Himself.”

Standard of the world - “you are not supposed to be your kids friend.”
Gospel truth - “your children are your nearest neighbors”

[Amy Fukunaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie does such a wonderful job of pointing everything in motherhood back to the truth of the Gospel. This book was equal parts encouraging and convicting. She gives very practical ways to break free of the “rules” we often feel constrained by in motherhood. Everything in motherhood comes back to Jesus but it’s so hard to remember that when you are in the middle of it. I am so thankful for this reminder of the Gospel!

[Ashlee Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie’s words were just what I needed to hear. She provides gospel truths and applications over what society says is best. Motherhood Without the Rules is a book that I plan to go back and reread and highly recommend it to any mommy out there!

[Aubrey Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book on motherhood thus far. A great resource to understand identity in motherhood and the lies we so easily fall into. So much biblical insight and I felt constantly pushed to God’s Word.

[Kristi Kanas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Profound, wise, convicting, inspiring. 5+ stars

[Hailey Kerlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally EVERY. MOM. (and every will-be-mom) should read. So much Biblical wisdom.

[Taylor Estes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a refreshing book full of the gospel and wisdom! I felt encouraged every time I read a chapter. Will be on my re-reading shelf for sure.

[Jenna Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am on the launch team for this book, so I began reading it knowing that I would write an intentional review. Because I knew I was writing a review, I took notes throughout my reading as I thought about what I would want to say. Three things got repeated multiple times in my notes:

1. This book is full of gospel truth. Maggie shares much of the gospel in most of the chapters. In many ways, Maggie reminds us that motherhood isn’t about us, it’s about God. Our children’s salvation is not dependent on us or our parenting. God can save a child raised by the best or worst parents.

2. This book is extremely countercultural, even countercultural to Christian culture in some instances. The whole point of the book is taking messages that the world throws at us about being a mom, and pointing out the error of those messages in light of the Gospel/Scripture. I was uncomfortable at times as my own thoughts and attitudes towards motherhood were challenged.

3. While this book is definitely geared towards mothers, there is much of it that is applicable to all relationships. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the whole book to someone who isn’t a mom, but I also think that any woman could read it, and find herself challenged, encouraged, and convicted in many ways.

Overall, this book makes me want to love Jesus and my kids better. In a book like this, that’s the main thing I’m looking for. I look forward to reading it again and digging in more slowly. My personal favorite chapters are towards the end, so if you start it, definitely finish it!

[Doreen Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

MOTHERHOOD WITHOUT ALL THE RULES
Maggie Combs

I received this book on Kindle for the purpose of review from #NetGalley.

A totally refreshing book for first time mothers. First time mothers in the Christian community
there are expectations, in their minds, that seems completely impossible. As I said in their minds.
I have been there and felt the pressure.

Once we become mothers we place certain rules on ourselves that mostly do not matter. Ms. Combs
has taken a real struggle for moms and helped talk you through them. Ms. Combs instead focuses on the real job of mothering: nurturing, compassion, discipline, boundaries etc. She places no judgement on mothers for not having the cleanest house, gourmet dinners, cleanest children and on the list goes of what mothering in our minds is.

She points out that the number one item as a Mom is to exhibit Christ and teach/live out in accordance with the Bible. She goes on to say it is not something we rev up on our own but with a constant eye toward God's word and our walk with Him.

I highly recommend this to any mom with children or grandchildren.

Worth the read.

[Ruth Potinu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for addressing the idea that motherhood is a woman's greatest calling. Yes, it is important but not an ultimate identity. Love how the author breaks down common culture pressures. Moms really can not do it all. How refreshing to be reminded that we are not supposed to put all those pressures on our shoulders. I highly recommend this book especially for new moms who feel so much judgement from modern society.

[Debbie Hymer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my life I have been confused by pride and self-doubt. This is a hard lesson to understand and fully comprehend, and an even harder lesson to learn and move forward positively. Maggie Combs book, “Motherhood Without All the Rules” touches on this concept and opens our eyes on the truths. Instead of being filled with guilt, and instead of being filled with pride, Maggie gently leads the reader to being filled with God’s Grace. To living in a relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Raising four children, I have struggled with many of the topics Maggie touches on. Though I have learned by experience many of the concepts that she shares in this book, I would have loved to have this information years ago. Even now, as our children are grown and some with children of their own, I benefit from the perspective Maggie has been blessed with and is sharing in this book. In fact, I still today, beat myself up for one reason or another on the way I handled the care and teaching of our children. It is so refreshing to hear that it does not matter what others say, or how we think we failed, or what we feel we should have done differently. Maggie encourages us moms to seek God’s Grace, God’s will, and God’s Kingdom. Even as a mother of grown children, I feel the judgmental stares of others, the judgmental silence when the choices of my past upbringing of our children are questioned. As a mother of four, (the first two twins), stay at home mom, homeschool mom, running an in-home day care, active in our church, and later in life a full time working outside of the home mom, writing books in minutes and seconds of time grabbed here and there, I remember the judgment from friends, family, world, church, work, strangers, and self. The encouragement of well-meant remarks, like…” You’re a good mom.” “You’re doing a great job.” People reciting the scripture, “Bring up a child as you should and they will not depart”, all add to the burden, the pressure of, you do not really know me or now I have to live up to their expectations, now add to the stress of being, the “perfect” mom. Maggie brings this all up and explains why. (It is always good to encourage each other, but without the proper God perspective, these compliments can indeed be a burden instead of an encouragement.) I always cringe when my children do something good and someone tells me, you did good. You raised them right. Maggie gives me words and understanding to my feelings. For if I did good when my children do good, then I also did bad when they mess up. And they will, we all do. As this book illustrates over and over, no matter how good of a mother we are, no matter how many mistakes we make, it is God’s Grace! It is God Glory! The sooner we realize that the freer we will be. Let our children learn the most important thing from us. A relationship with God our Heavenly Father through His Son, Jesus!

Maggie brings out the most important truths and the importance of God focus. I immediately thought of my daughter-in-law, who is a fantastic mother of four young children, twins as well, and two adopted cuties. She is a mother seeking to please God and has a heart of gold. Motherhood Without All the Rules would be an excellent read for her to free her from preconceived ideas. Her own, as well as others. It is a liberating book with a scripture reading challenge after each chapter to further help us focus on God, not the world or self. I hear and see my daughter-in-law working so hard to be a great mother that she exhausts herself. Maggie’s words lift the burden of being the “perfect” mom.
I think of my daughter, who is pregnant with their first. She is full of questions and ideas of how to be the best mother. I feel the simple read of this book will liberate her and guide her to focus on the most important role in life, to seek Gods will and honor Him in everything. She said the most frightening thing to me the other day. She told me she wanted to be just like me! That statement could puff me up, and it did a bit. But then I quickly became terrified. Terrified because I know the real me! And it is not pretty. Maggie is honest and right to the point when she explains in this book what I am feeling. I do not want my daughter to be just like me. I want my daughter to seek Gods Kingdom and Gods will. God made her unique, and He has great plans for her.
I also think of the ministry that God has placed so strongly on my heart. The ministry to help other women. This book is an excellent tool to use for encouragement, spiritual growth, and to help moms depend on God for their roll in life.
Maggie is open and honest all throughout the book. She has some great points for our current social world. She does not condone or condemn social media yet brings to our attention the warning of misuse and misfocus. I love how she does not say we must give up all social media yet focuses on the root. Us, our relationship with God. All though the book Maggie returns to our need to focus of God and His grace and will for us. Our world around us changes constantly and will continue, changing our needs and the way we do life. Everybody’s family looks different and if we focus on our self, others, social media, the world, we as Maggie puts it, create a self-kingdom. We must keep our focus on God, Gods Kingdom. It is refreshing to realize that some of the “good” things people say about us moms are in fact burdens. I myself felt guilty when somebody tells me I am a “good mom” and then I felt guilty for feeling guilty. Now after reading this book the guilt is lifted, the burden taken away, and replaced by Gods Grace. It is His gift to all His Children. If we live a guiltless life we live with pride. We live the best life when we live in God’s Grace, Focus on God Kingdom. Thank you, Maggie, for sharing God’s words with the rest of us moms.
Whether an empty nester with grown children, a mother in her prime of raising children, or a new mom just starting out, Maggie Combs words encourage a personal relationship with a Holy Father, and lift the burden of expectation, guilt and shame from the world, the family, and from self. Life is full of opinions and suggestions. Life is full of expectations and temptations. But God is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow, full of Grace, Love, and Encouragement. (I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my review.)

[Panda Incognito · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up.

This book is full of wisdom and encouragement for Christians moms who are struggling with comparison, judgment, and a sense of defeat. Maggie Coombs pushes back against unhealthy standards in secular culture and within the church, helping her readers focus on gospel truths instead of the lie that they must always do enough, be enough, and love themselves enough to be effective and worthy. Coombs also offers great advice for how to treat your children with dignity and love them as your closest neighbors, instead of treating them as vehicles for self-fulfillment. Although she respects her children's privacy and does not write about their sin struggles in detail, she shows how she has grown over time in dealing with discipline issues that she perceives as personal attacks. This chapter was one of my favorites, and is full of realistic, clear-eyed wisdom.

However, Motherhood Without All the Rules does not focus on communal judgment to the degree that I hoped it would. Coombs writes about an experience with external pressure, admitting that she used to feed her children organic snacks in public and regular snacks at home, but she focuses on the spiritual and emotional elements of this without addressing how people can change negative societal patterns. I wish that she had spent more time addressing how people can navigate disagreement in a charitable way, cope with criticism of their choices, and evaluate when they are judging others. Even though this is a great guide for dealing with internal struggles, someone who is expecting guidance on how to end mom judgment in their church or circle of friends may find this disappointing.

Mothers in Different Situations

Coombs keeps her book inclusive to single mothers, stay-at-home moms, working moms, and those who juggle childcare while working from home. However, even though she makes an effort to be inclusive and not overlook anyone, she does make a significant assumption about her married readers. In the chapter where she takes on the stressful standard that "Mom and Dad have to be on the same page," she tells her readers that even when they and their husbands disagree on lifestyle and parenting issues, they can cherish their unity in Christ, knowing that they both love Jesus and want to glorify God with their families.

This encouragement will apply to many of her readers, but it shocked me that she made no provision for women in mixed-faith marriages. Many mothers deal with stress over belief conflicts in their household, especially when their husband is critical of their faith or disparages their efforts to share it with their children. This isn't the author's experience, which is a blessing for her, but I wish that she had acknowledged this source of pain in some people's lives, instead of leaving off on a positive note about a type of unity that some people may never see in their marriages.

However, even though that disappointed me, I still enjoyed the rest of the chapter. I appreciate her message about listening to your husband and working as a team, instead of assuming that because you are the mother, you are always the expert. She pushes back against near-universal social messages here, encouraging mothers to be humble instead of assuming that it is their job to guilt or nag their husbands into the types of parenting approaches that they prefer.

Conclusion

Maggie Coombs writes with an honest sense of everyone's sinfulness and human frailty. Instead of elevating women as the ones who must always be perfect and right, she encourages mothers to let go of legalism, acknowledge their failures, and find wholeness in Christ. This book is full of encouraging gospel reflections and practical advice for family life, and even though I had slightly different expectations for this book and wish that Coombs had acknowledged readers who lack spiritual support from their husbands, I appreciate the perspective that she offers. Many parenting books put even greater burdens on their readers, telling them that they are responsible to make every change, fix their families, and perfect themselves, but this book takes pressure off Christian women by allowing them to stop placing their identity in parental achievement, see how God sustains them, and cling closer to Him through the everyday grind of parenting.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Cindy Davis- Cindy's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty easy, quick read. That does not mean that it was a "fluffy" book, quite the opposite in fact. This book was heavy on the Scripture and heavy on the wisdom. I wish this book had existed when my children were little. Even though my children are almost grown, I was still able to glean nuggets of wisdom from this book.
This is my first time reading a book by this author. I found her writing style to be engaging and her stories interesting and relatable. She tells quick stories without drowning you in all the details. While each chapter in the book looks at "one of the world's stressful standards for building a kingdom of mom," Combs encourages us to replace that stressful standard with "a gospel truth about God's love, grace, and fellowship that will transform our hearts." While I like the term "stressful standard" I think better words would have been myths or lies, because that is exactly what she is debunking.
At the end of each chapter she gives several thoughts for us to think through. This is then followed by a "p.s." which typically gives us another passage of Scripture to read and think on.
While I enjoyed all the chapters (there are 12), I think my favorite would be chapter 4, where the stressful standard is "you deserve it." If I am honest I have told myself that lie over and over again. I imagine every mother has said it to herself a time or two. So while I enjoyed this chapter, it also stepped on my toes a bit. The gospel truth is that "Your loving God disciplines you." Again, can I say ouch? Did she really talk about discipline? Yes, she did and while it stepped on my toes, it also makes me see my shortcomings too. Not in a bad way, but recognizing that what Combs is saying lines up with Scripture.
I found each chapter to be relevant and I imagine depending on what stage of parenting you are in, some chapters will seem more relevant at times than others.
The point of this book is to trade stressful standards for gospel truths, and the point the author makes is that we should build on our Kingdom on God, and His truth, not on our motherhood. The other point is to draw us closer to Christ, which I think the author beautifully illustrates.
One final thing I appreciate about the author, was her including a works cited page at the end of the book. She quotes quite a few people, but they are all listed at the end of the book, making it easier for us to read further about that topic if we would like. I make this particular point because I have read other books that quote other people, and do not cite them at all, except maybe a name or something, so you don't know if it is accurate, or how to read the information for yourself, so again I appreciate this addition.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book to mothers, no matter what stage of parenting they find themselves in. There are nuggets of wisdom spread throughout the entire book.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Caitlin Waits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this book! I'm leary of Christian-life-style books, but Combs brings a freeing message of hope and redemption in her book "Motherhood Without All the Rules." Combs points out the hypocrisy of the messaging moms receive from our modern culture-- messages like "you do you" and "mom is queen"-- as well as myths from Church culture (motherhood is women's highest calling!). While these messages can sound freeing, they actually trap us by insisting we have to be in control at all times and thus have to perfectly shape and guide our families. Combs instead argues that true freedom is found in surrender to Christ and in seeking a relationship with Him first. I particularly like how Combs pointed out early on in the book that if we are free in Christ, then we are free from the judgment (real or perceived) of other moms-- even when we skip the organic snacks.

While the book had a lot of good points, it did feel a bit disjointed at times, with anecdotes that did not really fit the message hammered into a few chapters. While the stories are interesting, they don't always connect well. Other than better transitions in and out of the anecdotes, I can't imagine a way to improve this book, and I would recommend it to all my friends who have kids or even just work with kids.

[Zorina Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie addresses some of these culture standards or "rules" that we put on oursleves as Christian moms or that the world pressures us with. Maggie defines them as cultural standards, but some of them are really what I would call cultural lies (like "You're a good mom").

Maggie does such a good job of addressing these unbiblical ideas that burden us as moms with biblical counters and Scripture throughout. It is a short book, but was so impactful! She really encourages moms to look to Christ and study God's Word. She also talks a lot about sanctification and how sanctifying motherhood is when we pursue God throughout and work on our motives. Are we mothering to the glory of God and His Kindgom or for our own glory? Are the standards we setting to glorify God or to bring praise to ourselves? This book is full of conviction while reminding Christian moms of the gospel through personal stories and Scripture and biblical wisdom. .

Thank you @moodypublishers
for a copy of this book for my honest thoughts

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything I've ever read by Maggie Combs is full of truth and encouragement. She always leads me back to the Gospel with practical advice that I can implement right away! Motherhood Without All the Rules felt like sitting down with a close friend, sharing my struggles (because I have chased after every one of the 'rules'), and receiving wise counsel with a dose of humor and gentle reminders that God's plan is so much bigger and better than mine. It's clear that Maggie understands the struggles moms face in today's culture. But, even better, she knows that the secret to being a 'good mom' is not found in following all the spoken (and unspoken) rules. Instead, she leads readers to experience intimacy with God as we enter into His kingdom. This book is filled with stories from her own family, scriptures to meditate on, and steps to take to grow in holiness. I would highly recommend this book to any mom who is ready to forget the rules and follow God.

[Courtney Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so real. Maggie knows the temptations, issues and dilemmas the modern Christian mom faces (because she is one herself 🤪), and she candidly addresses them head-on with kindness, humility and solid biblical truth.
I could write a million good things about the book, share a monologue’s worth of helpful things from the book, but will content myself with these quotes that do a great job capturing what I think is the book’s overall theme:
“Do not stop working hard at motherhood - on the contrary, Titus says to be “zealous for good works” (2:14) - but be constant in prayer that God transforms your motives from your own glory to a deeper relationship with your glorious God.”
“The prize isn’t Christian children. The prize isn’t perfect motherhood. The prize is a deeper relationship with God on earth, until one day we experience the glory of perfect fellowship with Him in heaven.”

[Kathryn Egly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. I didn't love it as much as her first book, but there were some gold nuggets throughout the book! Here's 5 things I pulled from the book that I thought were excellent:

- The safety health and happiness of my children doesn't depend solely on me ... they have a Heavenly Father who loves them even more than me!
- Our children thrive when they experience the love and care of God.
- In our culture of "self-care" we need to make sure we are getting true "soul-care" by spending time with God. He's the One who truly satisfies.
- When we need a quick escape, turn to God's word first. His word re-orients us to truth.
- "Things" in this world aren't meant to give you life but to point you to the Life-giver.
- God didn't make you a mom because He knew you'd be awesome at it, but to teach you your need for Him and grow you in your knowledge of Him.

[Beki Eikum · Rating 5 out of 5]

"This purpose for motherhood transforms your motives from serving and glorifying yourself to knowing God through the good work He has given you to do." p.120

I needed this book. It was much cheaper than paying for counselling but I feel like it helped me reset in a MUCH needed way. I am truly challenged to know God more. I am encouraged by how Maggie points me back to remaining in Jesus's love as my motivation, and to pursue God's kingdom not my own. His is better!

If I had to pick a favorite chapter it be either Chapter 2 (Everything depends on you/God is the best parent), Chapter 9 (You don't have time for quiet time/Intimacy with God is essential), or Chapter 10 (You're not supposed to be your kid's friend/Your children are your nearest neighbors).

This book is a triumph of grace!

[Shelley Vaughn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worldly rules and expectations for mothering replaced with gospel truths. If you have ever felt like motherhood is supposed to look a certain way, I think this book will really encourage you and lessen your burden.

I really appreciated that the author continually points out how ultimately motherhood is not about the mom but about God. This was one of the biggest things I took away from the book “Sacred Parenting” that I read years ago.

You will find solid, practical advice. I really liked the format of the chapters - starting out with the worldly expectation and replacing it with a Biblical truth. Lots of Scripture, easy to digest, and the sort of book that would make for a good re-read. 4 stars because I didn’t personally find anything ground breaking and didn’t connect that much with her style of writing.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be like sitting with a wise, kind friend who offers tough love with a side of encouragement. There is so much truth captured in this book about society’s expectations of mothers versus what a mothers call is as displayed in scripture. I found this book to be just what I needed for this season in my life, and I found Maggie’s writing to be beautiful, easy to devour, straightforward, and kind.

If you find yourself worn down in motherhood, struggling to get through a day without anger or resentment toward your kids, husband, or mundane responsibilities….. or just needing a little kick in the pants to help remind you of the work you’ve been given, pick up this lovely read!