Praying for Girls by Teri Lynne Underwood

I was reading an article the other day telling moms that being overwhelmed and unable to think is completely normal. It's called mental load. I have since dubbed this inability to think, process, conjugate, or think of what to make for dinner the MOTHER LOAD. Can't remember how to make pb&j? That's the mother load. Can't remember your first name? That's the mother load. Most days we coast on through and no one gets hurt.

The thing about mother load that drags me down is that often I cannot even think of what I would like to pray for my children. There are basic reactionary prayers and response prayers to scripture I am hearing or reading. I am always left wanting more. 

When I saw this book, I felt an ache to have it. Reading through it, I was truly overwhelmed by the wonderful, thoughtful prayers and guidance it offered. I prayed through the hundred or so prayers over my girls. They are beautiful. Praying them prompted me to start writing them out for all of my girls on note cards individually so we could all pray through them for each other. I am even making a set for myself. Prayer changes us and it helps us anticipate the presence of God. I highly recommend this book.

This book was graciously provided by Bethany House Publishers for review.

From the back cover:

What Are Your Biggest Concerns for Your Daughter?

Do you feel uncertain about what or how to pray for your daughter? You're not alone! Praying for our daughters can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. This easy-to-use book features 200 Scripture-based prayers that cover key areas of every girl's life:

Her identity--finding her security and strength in God's love and acceptance

Her heart--pursuing a life of purity and devotion to the Lord

Her mind--committing to growing in wisdom and discernment regardless of her circumstances

Her relationships--developing skills and attitudes to foster healthy relationships

Her purpose--trusting God with her life, gifts, and passions

With simple ideas to nurture your daughter's faith from toddler through teen, this encouraging book will equip you to pray with more confidence and power.

"This book is a lifeline. I might not be able to bubble wrap my girl away from the world, but I sure can wrap her up in fierce prayers and send her out into it bravely."

--Lisa-Jo Baker, author of Never Unfriended and Surprised by Motherhood

Love Lives Here by Sweet Maria Goff

Most of the books I read and review are given to me by publishers, but I chose to buy this one. I had been waiting on it since I heard that it was being written. I had purchased to audio book because I was making a lot of long trips to care for my parents. Audio books seem to make the end of long drives go faster. I knew that the words in it would be encouraging. It turned out to be something I needed more than I realized. Sweet Maria's voice coming through my car speakers soothed my weary soul. It was like having a dear friend speaking into my heart when I desperately needed it. Being honest, I have had days where I have cried all day through this. Waves of emotional exhaustion overtook me when I stopped moving for a second. Then I'd hear her voice. It felt okay to cry. She kept reminding me that love is always the best option. It sows a deep unseen harvest in the lives of the people we are loving and those watching us. Love does live here. 

In this book we follow Maria through some of her most challenging and most beautiful moments. She navigated her way through hard days and best days with Christ and it is seen in every word she says. Her life is a beacon. As a person that struggled with opening my heart and life to others because of abuse, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Buy the audio. Let her read to you. It's lovely.

We Stood Upon Stars by Roger W. Thompson

I was about to go on a road trip when I saw this book pop up in my queue to review. I thought it would be a great thing to accompany me through a few states. It was a bit difficult to get into at first. I don't know if it was my mindset or what felt like choppy story telling. Never the less, I pressed on. The stories were pretty interesting, but I was rarely drawn deeply into them. There were several things I could connect with personally. Most of us can connect with loss. Roger shares about losing people he loves and why he loved them. He tells of how adventure connected them. His story is one of redemption. His grandparents ended up raising him. I think the main thing I took away from the book was to go on adventure and create memories. 

*There are maps in the chapters of different states and things he loved there. That could be helpful if you are experiencing some wonder lust. Happy travels.

This book was graciously provided by Waterbrook Publishers for review.