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Hands Full
You know it. They know it. Everybody in the store knows it. You’ve got your hands full.
It’s an inescapable reality. A universal truth. It is the nature of life with little ones.
And full hands, as you know, can get a little overwhelming.
If you struggle to find time to read your Bible, or your minivan is carpeted with cracker crumbs and soggy fries, or you feel inadequately equipped for the life before you… you are in good company.
In this humorous take on life and lessons learned living with her hands full, Brooke shares from her heart about her struggle to live out the fullness of her faith in the midst of the demands of motherhood, and the redeeming love and grace available in Jesus.
With His grace, we can empty these full hands into the hands of the One who holds the whole world.
It’s an inescapable reality. A universal truth. It is the nature of life with little ones.
And full hands, as you know, can get a little overwhelming.
If you struggle to find time to read your Bible, or your minivan is carpeted with cracker crumbs and soggy fries, or you feel inadequately equipped for the life before you… you are in good company.
In this humorous take on life and lessons learned living with her hands full, Brooke shares from her heart about her struggle to live out the fullness of her faith in the midst of the demands of motherhood, and the redeeming love and grace available in Jesus.
With His grace, we can empty these full hands into the hands of the One who holds the whole world.
160 pages, Paperback
Published September 8, 2020
11 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 5, 2020
Witty, funny, lighthearted and heartwarming all at the same time. It’s the perfect daily dose of Jesus, prayer, and encouragement I need as a mom of three busy boys. Through this devotional, Brooke helps us see that we don’t have to find time or space away from our busy, full lives to connect with our Lord; He is walking with us in our journey and gives us reminders of our strength and purpose as mothers through His presence in everyday moments. Relevant for moms of all ages and stages, especially those with younger children who are in the always sticky, lego-filled, nap-taking, vegetable-fighting, play dough obsessed days. Right from the introduction, Brooke shares her heart and reminds that as mother’s it’s ok to be perfectly imperfect. God made us that way by design. It’s not about getting it right or having all the answers. We don’t need to have the “mom guilt”. He wants to use us right where we are. Brooke shares in But here I am Writing a Devotional, that “maybe all God wants from me is to be available, not perfect.” Yes!!! This isn’t a how-to on being the perfect mom. I think Brooke would laugh if anyone thought it was. On the contrary, Brooke shares stories of her crazy, chaotic, full life as a mother of five to remind that we don’t always have to have the answers or the strength to carry on as mothers because God promises to carry us in His strength. She points back to God’s instructions for our lives such as Galatians 6:4-5 which says to “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” She reassures that our God knows hard job He has tasked us to do, and walks with us on the journey.
September 7, 2020
As a mother to 8 children, I found this book encouraging and amusingly accurate. The battle in motherhood often is in seeing how God intersects our everyday lives and reveals His truths to us. Brooke has done a beautiful job of sharing the truths God is teaching her, in ways that every mother can relate. No matter if you have one child or many, you have experienced these moments and will grow deeper in your faith with her insights. Hands Full points us to the One who makes our hearts full.
August 25, 2020
A must read for moms!!! So easy to relate to! Felt like I was right there with Brooke amidst the chaos of raising kids often feeling unworthy, full of guilt, unlovable, trying hard to make it on my own strength. The beauty is how she relates it all back to Jesus, how we can look past our circumstances and be refreshed and renewed by God for He is the one carries us when our hands are full. Check out this sweet snippet in Constancy Over Consistency p. 130; “In the middle of the rushing, the chaos and the changing nature of life with little ones, let us focus on the one true constant in life: our Father in heaven. Let us remember who is committed to us, who is faithful to us, “the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come” (Revelation 1:4 NLT). And then we will find peace and rest for our souls”
September 6, 2020
This is such a beautiful and encouraging devotional book! It feels like you are actually sitting and having a conversation with a friend. Brooke provides honest, genuine examples from her life that are so relatable and encouraging. There were parts of this book that made me laugh and parts that made me cry. Most importantly, every time I read it I was pointed back to Jesus and reminded that he is always with me and for me, no matter what may be happening in my life. I really enjoyed how it is organized over 30 days with a verse, short story/excerpt from life and prayer at the end. It is a great length for a daily read for a busy mom (or there are great nuggets for anyone really), while also providing a great amount of depth. I highly recommend this book and plan to gift copies to other moms in my life.
December 3, 2020
Although I don’t have my hands full with children and all the busyness this brings to life, I found this to be an enjoyable and inspiring read. Brooke is an excellent writer and her devotionals were funny, down to earth and brought every day moments to life. There were many biblical principles and words of encouragement that were meaningful to me and would be to most others, no matter the time and direction our lives find us. I recommend this great read!
September 10, 2020
I’m so excited to tell all my friends and You about Brooke Frick’s wonderful book, Hands Full. There have been many things I found that really resonated with me as a mom. So many things that happened to her, as a mom, happened to me. When I heard the title, “Hands Full” I knew I needed to read this book because people are ALWAYS telling me, “You’ve got your hands full” (yes, I do have five children but this book is good for anyone with children). I was surprised that many thoughts in Brooke’s mind had played over again in my mind as well. In her writing I found things that I’ve thought before and it’s as though Brooke put my thoughts into beautiful words for me. Just the other day a younger women with no children (yet) asked me why I wanted to have children, (when they are so much work and take away from my freedoms), I couldn’t find the words to explain my reasons to her, then I found them in Brooke’s book, “Of course, I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything, because although it is THAT hard, it is THAT good (emphasis mine)." I also relate to having my first child and "how my heart seemed to grow ten times.” Yup, exactly! I feel like in the book Hands Full Brooke speaks for me and for all moms.
She uses lots of real-life situations that we can all relate to. I loved her running analogies! "And so, if life is like a racecourse, the hardest hill for me to climb has been motherhood. I am ever being stretched through it. Challenged by it. Disciplined in it. God is using motherhood to teach me that the hard parts build character.”
Brooke’s writing is full of grace (literally!) “Grace upon grace, my friend. If our kids are alive and still love us at the end of the day, then I’d say it was a good one.
Because here’s some more good news. There is no clean room, no toothpaste-smear-free sink (for more than one day anyway) and no crumbless car seat (ever).” Yes, this is truth! This chapter was near the beginning of her book and as soon as I read this part, I was hooked. Brooke’s writing is so conversational (like a mom talking to another mom at the park), I also wanted to tell her that at my house, if my kids said they brushed but there’s no toothpaste in the sink that is actually a bad sign.
I also related to the section called “Walled in Junk.” I loved the metaphor of getting rid of junk because in my house I had made a goal to get rid of 3,000 items. The purging felt so good and refreshing, to get rid of things-the clutter that’s distracting us from the important things. I loved how she related going through and getting rid of junk to getting rid of the junk that’s in our HEARTS- the things we’re holding onto deep within that we should let go of- worry, anger, insecurity, and more. I loved that she reminds us we need to stop ignoring the junk, but to deal with it instead.
Another favorite section was “Just Keep Stirring.” I remember a boy I saw grow up in church from a little boy to a teenager. In high school he was the rowdy, disruptive boy at the bible study who I worried wouldn’t turn out… and to my (and his parents) relief, he settled down and married a beautiful Christian woman and soon they were raising children of their own. Just Keep Stirring was a great reminder to me. It reminded me that even though children are emotionally and spiritually a messy, (sometimes) selfish, or immature bunch, (and sometimes you wonder if they will ever turn out as successful adults), if you “just keep stirring” things might just come together! It was so encouraging to be reminded that even though life is full of craziness right now, in the end, we will see results.
While reading this book:
I was inspired and challenged in my walk with God…. “He calls the small and insignificant people like you and me to do great things.… “What is God calling you to? … Where are you being called but feeling inadequate?”
Her writing style uses well-crafted sentences, is well organized, and flows smoothly. I love her use of punctuation for emphasis and her fun interjections of side-thoughts and clarifications. The book is poetic, artistic, and yet easy to read. Her many metaphors help illuminate her message. Her writing is clear and easily understandable for the tired mom’s mind to follow along.
Her book is uplifting, motivating, liberating... Her book gives an extra dose of grace and encouragement for moms. And I. Totally Recommend. This. Book.
She uses lots of real-life situations that we can all relate to. I loved her running analogies! "And so, if life is like a racecourse, the hardest hill for me to climb has been motherhood. I am ever being stretched through it. Challenged by it. Disciplined in it. God is using motherhood to teach me that the hard parts build character.”
Brooke’s writing is full of grace (literally!) “Grace upon grace, my friend. If our kids are alive and still love us at the end of the day, then I’d say it was a good one.
Because here’s some more good news. There is no clean room, no toothpaste-smear-free sink (for more than one day anyway) and no crumbless car seat (ever).” Yes, this is truth! This chapter was near the beginning of her book and as soon as I read this part, I was hooked. Brooke’s writing is so conversational (like a mom talking to another mom at the park), I also wanted to tell her that at my house, if my kids said they brushed but there’s no toothpaste in the sink that is actually a bad sign.
I also related to the section called “Walled in Junk.” I loved the metaphor of getting rid of junk because in my house I had made a goal to get rid of 3,000 items. The purging felt so good and refreshing, to get rid of things-the clutter that’s distracting us from the important things. I loved how she related going through and getting rid of junk to getting rid of the junk that’s in our HEARTS- the things we’re holding onto deep within that we should let go of- worry, anger, insecurity, and more. I loved that she reminds us we need to stop ignoring the junk, but to deal with it instead.
Another favorite section was “Just Keep Stirring.” I remember a boy I saw grow up in church from a little boy to a teenager. In high school he was the rowdy, disruptive boy at the bible study who I worried wouldn’t turn out… and to my (and his parents) relief, he settled down and married a beautiful Christian woman and soon they were raising children of their own. Just Keep Stirring was a great reminder to me. It reminded me that even though children are emotionally and spiritually a messy, (sometimes) selfish, or immature bunch, (and sometimes you wonder if they will ever turn out as successful adults), if you “just keep stirring” things might just come together! It was so encouraging to be reminded that even though life is full of craziness right now, in the end, we will see results.
While reading this book:
I was inspired and challenged in my walk with God…. “He calls the small and insignificant people like you and me to do great things.… “What is God calling you to? … Where are you being called but feeling inadequate?”
Her writing style uses well-crafted sentences, is well organized, and flows smoothly. I love her use of punctuation for emphasis and her fun interjections of side-thoughts and clarifications. The book is poetic, artistic, and yet easy to read. Her many metaphors help illuminate her message. Her writing is clear and easily understandable for the tired mom’s mind to follow along.
Her book is uplifting, motivating, liberating... Her book gives an extra dose of grace and encouragement for moms. And I. Totally Recommend. This. Book.
September 7, 2020
Being a mother isn’t for the faint of heart. With just the one I have I find myself falling short of what I had always believed it would look like to raise children. Many days my weaknesses outshine my strengths only breeding guilt, frustration and disappointment. How wonderful to find a devotional written by a mom, for moms.
Through candid storytelling, Brooke gives us a glimpse of the beauty that motherhood truly is. Even in the overwhelming, discouraging and yucky moments - some we might wish we could take back or do over - she is able to parallel it to our experiences as a child of God and how He responds to us as a loving Father.
There is comfort and peace in transparency and truth. It feels good to know, “I’m not the only one” and that none of us are alone in this thing called parenting. Hands Full is perfect for mom’s in every stage of their child-rearing. Each day’s devotional was easy to follow, could be read in the small amount of time I had before my son woke up and left me with thought-provoking truth I could meditate on throughout the rest of my day.
Through candid storytelling, Brooke gives us a glimpse of the beauty that motherhood truly is. Even in the overwhelming, discouraging and yucky moments - some we might wish we could take back or do over - she is able to parallel it to our experiences as a child of God and how He responds to us as a loving Father.
There is comfort and peace in transparency and truth. It feels good to know, “I’m not the only one” and that none of us are alone in this thing called parenting. Hands Full is perfect for mom’s in every stage of their child-rearing. Each day’s devotional was easy to follow, could be read in the small amount of time I had before my son woke up and left me with thought-provoking truth I could meditate on throughout the rest of my day.
September 6, 2020
This book is a hilarious, but oh-so-real look at parenthood under the microscope of life. Yes, when you're covered in littles or your middler is asking permission for a million things while your younger kids toddle and topple, you know it: Nobody needs to state that obvious. Bit what you DO need (nd don't we all?) is the permission the not be a perfect parent, to know that real life is often less than instagram-worthy, and God sees you remember ght where you are -- and applauds you -- not where you think you should be. Brooke's book is one of relatable stories and even more relatable hope for the mom, dad, or caregiver who needs the be reminded that perfection is never the goal. Relationship that helps you grow in your trust in the Father is. I highly recommend this devotional for anyone who is a routine caregiver of kids.
P.S. You CAN actually finish one whole devotional in this book. They aren't long or overwhelming. So, there's that too.
P.S. You CAN actually finish one whole devotional in this book. They aren't long or overwhelming. So, there's that too.
September 8, 2020
I laughed, I cried, I felt seen, I prayed. This little devotional is full of wisdom and fun. Through her sweet family stories and honest reflection, Brooke shares God's heart for moms and the encouragement we all need. The stories and the prayers were so freeing I felt lighter every time after reading. My favorite devotional was Moms and Muffins. That one is a story for the ages! I was laughing and cringing and sympathizing when reading that chapter. I don't have much time for reading so I liked that each chapter was super short. Hands Full is an easy, fun, and encouraging read that I definitely recommend! I read this on my own, but I think it would be a great read for a moms group, MOPS, or something similar.
August 25, 2020
Brooke transparency allows others to open up and admit being a mom is hard and wonderful all at the same time. Her story of her son going to school in a dirty tee-shirt I could totally relate to.
Try as we might - none of us are perfect at mothering. We should call it a practice like medical doctors get to do!
I'm an empty nester and loved this book. I believe Brooke will be one of the voices women will hear for a long time - Lord willing. She has a beautiful way of bringing God into the center, right in the middle of chaos.
Loved it! Every page!
Try as we might - none of us are perfect at mothering. We should call it a practice like medical doctors get to do!
I'm an empty nester and loved this book. I believe Brooke will be one of the voices women will hear for a long time - Lord willing. She has a beautiful way of bringing God into the center, right in the middle of chaos.
Loved it! Every page!
September 6, 2020
I've enjoyed reading Brooke's blog for many years now, so I knew her devotional book wouldn't disappoint. Whether you know her personally or not, it's written in a way to draw you in. Each story is thoughtful and reminds us that we are never alone on this motherhood journey. God is there with us every day - on the days we feel like we're doing a stellar job juggling it all, on the days we feel like we're failing our children miserably, and all of the days in between. I look forward to reading this book over and over and sharing it with all of my friends.
September 8, 2020
Reading Hands Full is like having a cup of coffee with your dearest friend. These pages are just life giving!! The down to earth humor and honesty just hugs your soul...it's hard to put down!
Her stories and experiences resonated with my own walk with God through motherhood. The devotional of 'The Angel in the Marble' really touched me...how this season is "nothing short of painful and glorious all at once" YES!!
Brooke has taken her gift of writing and used it for the glory of God with this sweet little book. I can't wait to share it with all the ladies in my life!!
Her stories and experiences resonated with my own walk with God through motherhood. The devotional of 'The Angel in the Marble' really touched me...how this season is "nothing short of painful and glorious all at once" YES!!
Brooke has taken her gift of writing and used it for the glory of God with this sweet little book. I can't wait to share it with all the ladies in my life!!
October 28, 2020
I love this book. Makes me want to be better in every way--and by better I mean more real and more gutsy!
Brooke Frick's success could easily ruin my day, especially if they pretend like they’re perfect and it’s all easy for them! Not Brooke, though. Oh no. She tells the real story and it’s hilarious.
She makes me want to hang in there and be a great woman, while somehow coping with the crazy stuff we all face daily. Yep, life is messy, but somehow Hands Full takes the edge off with a little laughter and a lotta inspiration!
Brooke Frick's success could easily ruin my day, especially if they pretend like they’re perfect and it’s all easy for them! Not Brooke, though. Oh no. She tells the real story and it’s hilarious.
She makes me want to hang in there and be a great woman, while somehow coping with the crazy stuff we all face daily. Yep, life is messy, but somehow Hands Full takes the edge off with a little laughter and a lotta inspiration!
September 8, 2020
This devotional is an absolute delight!
It is refreshingly honest, while still being hopeful and positive; seeing the beauty of God's work in the everyday tasks, hardships and hilarity of being a mother. The concepts are not just for mothering, as they have applied to other situations in my life right now and have touched me deeply.
It is refreshingly honest, while still being hopeful and positive; seeing the beauty of God's work in the everyday tasks, hardships and hilarity of being a mother. The concepts are not just for mothering, as they have applied to other situations in my life right now and have touched me deeply.
September 8, 2020
Funny, relatable, inspiring, and captures the day to day of motherhood, Brooke shares from her heart about the struggle of living out your faith in the midst of the daily demands of being a mom. She shows me that with my hands full I can dump all those cares at the door of Jesus and find his love and grace there.
September 11, 2020
I absolutely LOVE this devotional! The author writes this in a way that you feel like you are sitting down with your best friend who honestly shares stories and wisdom from her experiences. The authenticity and humor in the stories is what I love the best. I also love the prayers at the end of each reading. It is a great way to start off each day.
September 12, 2020
Such an encouraging read for moms of to little ones. The author uses her personal experiences to really bring home the grace to be found in parenting. And, as a mom with little kids, each day’s devotional is concise and doesn’t come with homework, so you can actually read them and even have time to think about how it applies to your own life. Highly recommend!
September 16, 2020
Every mom needs this book. No matter what stage or phase you are in, there is encouraging words ready to lift your spirit. Brooke truly has a gift of writing and speaking to the heart. Her stories are real, relatable, and a bit comical. It’s nice hearing real stories of how messy raising kids is and make me feel normal in my chaotic life.
September 10, 2020
This devotional has encouraged & blessed me sooo much!! This author draws you in with story of her own motherhood experiences, one we can all relate to, and then points you to Jesus. This devotional has helped me look to Jesus in the not so fun moments of motherhood. Highly Recommend!
September 9, 2020
Reading this book is like getting a warm hug. Brooke’s stories are so relatable.
September 6, 2020
Insightful. Inspirational. I may be a retired “old lady” with four grown children, but I really, really enjoyed this book! Brooke lived next door to me while she was pregnant with the twins and I had two in high school and two away at university. I honestly believe God helped her write this book because I saw firsthand how busy she was! And I was also... even though I only had two children at home and they really could take care of themselves at that point. Reading these devotionals flashed me back to some hard times and how my friendship with God helped me through them. My church, my family, and my mom friends were there for me then. It would have been wonderful to have also had this book!
And I disliked this book too! It made me THINK too much. 😳😩 My life is so different now and I don’t find myself as close to God as I used to be. I needed this to wake me up and look at my life and goals and relationships again. I found it difficult to read only one devotional a day. The prayer at the end of each story was very helpful to focus my mind and gave me food for thought all day.
I recommend this book for any mother, whether you are a stay-at-home-mom, a mom who also works outside the home, or a mom whose nest is empty or becoming empty. The stories are both funny and sad and Brooke is so honest and real. I was inspired to get out my bible and start reading it again. I look forward to rereading these and finding new inspiration! I’m definitely buying more copies and gifting them to my nieces with young children!
And I disliked this book too! It made me THINK too much. 😳😩 My life is so different now and I don’t find myself as close to God as I used to be. I needed this to wake me up and look at my life and goals and relationships again. I found it difficult to read only one devotional a day. The prayer at the end of each story was very helpful to focus my mind and gave me food for thought all day.
I recommend this book for any mother, whether you are a stay-at-home-mom, a mom who also works outside the home, or a mom whose nest is empty or becoming empty. The stories are both funny and sad and Brooke is so honest and real. I was inspired to get out my bible and start reading it again. I look forward to rereading these and finding new inspiration! I’m definitely buying more copies and gifting them to my nieces with young children!
September 9, 2020
A wonderful devotional for any mom with a young child. This book offers the reader relatable content that is easy to digest and can be read at any pace.
January 22, 2022
Brooke does a great job of being real about the hard parts and realities of motherhood. A heartwarming read for all mothers with their hands full!
September 9, 2020
Recently I was venting to a friend about how discouraged I was about my life lately, particularly my role as a mother/parent, when a friend recommended this book, “Hands Full,” written by Brooke Ellen Frick. There are so many times when I still don’t feel adequate as a daughter/sister/wife/mother and in the last 2 years I have felt very lost and alone. When I started reading, “Hands Full,” I was drawn in immediately. Although it is a 30-day devotional, I couldn’t put the book down; I even locked myself in the bathroom, as most moms do when they need “quiet time.” I felt every emotion imaginable. I laughed so hard I snorted; when I finished a chapter & was moved, I was eagerly anticipated the next chapter. I even cried the “ugly cry,” because it dawned on me that my struggles, although slightly different are the same with all parents but most importantly I was uplift and encouraged. Brooke reminded me of God’s AMAZING Love, Grace, Mercy and Sense of Humor. She led me back to the Father with each story and gave me a renewed sense of HOPE! I strongly recommend this book for all parents, whether you’re struggling to keep you head above water or someone who just needs a refreshing break from the chaos…a few moments of laughter and comfort from a stranger that feels and understands your feelings of defeat but knows of the your triumphs too! Thank you, Brooke, for your vulnerability and inspiring testimony of Faith and Forgiveness!
September 8, 2020
Whatever stage of motherhood you're in, you will definitely relate as you read this book. Whether you're looking forward as you start your journey or looking back and remembering, laughing, and wondering why you were so overwhelmed at the time, this book will give you insight into how to continue to grow. You can now know that those feelings lasted only a little while, and the season is now past-or even that it's not directly about the kids-but yet another step in your journey of motherhood. As moms, we need to remember, "it's not about getting the strength you need before heading out on the journey, it's about trusting God and going on it anyway."(p. 18)
October 27, 2020
I am loving this funny and thoughtful devo for moms. It’s a great quick perspective each day to help me be grateful and thankful for my kids and this journey. I love the anecdotes and prayer at the end. Way to go Brooke!!!
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