A mother’s soul is the book of life a child will read. A mother cannot pass on to her children what she herself does not possess. That is why a mother must always be a student–always learning, reading, studying scripture, listening to people who are older and wiser, investing in her own soul so that children may have much to draw from.
Some great books I have read in the past few weeks:
Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry–a fine book that reflects in story form the death of family values and the culture that held them together through their common heritage and history
The Rest of God by Mark Buchannan Sabbath Rest and perspective and quiet places for our body, mind and soul are necessary to our over all well being and health
What are you doing to cultivate your soul so that you will have new thoughts, new ideas, new life to dispense to all who would draw from your soul?
The Rest of God has been so transformational for me! I certainly don’t keep the Sabbath like I ought- but I do try to find ways to re-create each week- and He has been meeting me. Now to figure out how to do Sabbath on the mission field in Uganda! Always new challenges!
I just started reading some of the works by Andrew Murray. He lived South Africa in the late 1800s, had 8 children and loved God. I’m reading his parenting book, “How to raise a child for Christ” and I love it. I 100% agree with you that if we want our children to become something great than we need to focus on what character traits we are exhibiting. If we lead well, they will follow our example. (especially if we follow the example Christ gave us!) Thank you for the reminder that it’s not only in our character and values but we must also model a constant pursuit of knowledge for our children to emulate.
I re-read Edith Schaeffer’s Hidden Art of Homemaking. I also re-read Karen Andreola’s Pocketful of Pinecones.
The book of Proverbs reminds me to be discreet, gracious, wise, ready to share, etc. . It never fails to fill my tank.
Susan
I read lots and lots of books. I read blogs of godly, encouraging women. I sit with other women who can speak truth into my life and I host a bible study for mommy’s in my home. I get to share what I’m learning and they get to share with me. Thank you Sally for constantly challenging me not sink into my shell and to keep pressing on in these (fellowship) relationships and filling up on good soul food! I know I need them just like you do and all the effort is worth it.
This year I determined to read the Puritans, expecting it to be an academic discipline, plodded through one page at a time. But I underestimated the value of Puritan spirituality. It is a rich legacy. To borrow the words of Thomas Watson (whose book “The Godly Man’s Picture Drawn with a Scripture Pencil” I am reading now) they reach both the head and heart.
I love this post. I’m always saddened when women feel like they must stop living their lives in order to pour into their children. No doubt, we must learn to identify and “starve” our selfish impulses, but that is different from feeding that which is true and good to our own souls. I want my children to taste, smell, and feel life at it’s fullest in our everyday.
This summer, I have a stack of books waiting to be read. Currently, I’m enjoying “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson, “Listening to Your Life” by Frederick Buechner, and “The War of Art” by Stephen Pressfield. Yesterday, I took a one-day photography class to learn how to use my 2 yr old camera (on the “manual” setting!), and I’m writing down whatever is stirring in my heart. It’s a happy summer.
I have read through the missionary biography of Mary Slessor and William Carey. Both were amazing workers for the cause of Christ. I feel so encouraged to see their love for God and the spreading of the Gospel despite pain and suffering. I also ask my husband what he has been reading and we’ll have long talks about his studies in the Word or his seminary classes.