Kristen Welch
About the Author

Kristen writes at her parenting blog, We Are THAT Family and is author of Rhinestone Jesus: Saying Yes to God When Safe Sparkly Faith is No Longer Enough and founder of The Mercy House. Follow Kristen on twitter as @WeareTHATfamily.

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  1. These words are exactly how I feel tonight. I sit awake and on edge knowing soon a baby shall wake to be fed… and if I do not react quick enough the other two children will wake as well. I love how you remind us that “He is there”, “lean on Him”. This is so what I remind myself and pray over my children in the night… but I need to remember to do it in the day too. Hold my babies not only while they are sleeping but also while they play. Hold them as I make mistakes and hold them as they make their own. The life of the stay at home mom is not glamorous… but for those that are fortunate to do it we should do it with the Joy that we sometimes misplace.

  2. Thanks for sharing the first chapter with us. I could definately use the encouragement. Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy 🙂

  3. I would love a copy. I have 3 boys under 5 and constantly feel like I am juggling a million things, all while trying to raise little men for God.

    Mary

  4. I’m very intrigued by the excerpt and would love to read the book. It sounds like something I would enjoy. I like her “voice”.

  5. This section speaks to me in the midst of my empty tank:
    God created mothers to nurture, protect, and love their children unconditionally. He understands that children are their mother’s heart because he designed us that way. When our tanks are empty and exhaustion is our middle name, God is the one who says, “Come to me. I will give you rest.”

    Lean on him. It’s in our nature to do it all, but when we can’t go on, he is there to sustain us. He is there in the middle of the night when our kids are sick. He is there when we don’t know how to discipline. He is there when one goes astray.

    I would love to be further encouraged by this book. Thanks!

  6. Whoops . . . signing in this time . . .

    This section speaks to me in the midst of my empty tank:
    God created mothers to nurture, protect, and love their children unconditionally. He understands that children are their mother’s heart because he designed us that way. When our tanks are empty and exhaustion is our middle name, God is the one who says, “Come to me. I will give you rest.”

    Lean on him. It’s in our nature to do it all, but when we can’t go on, he is there to sustain us. He is there in the middle of the night when our kids are sick. He is there when we don’t know how to discipline. He is there when one goes astray.

    I would love to be further encouraged by this book. Thanks!

  7. Great reminder to lean on God for it all. Most days, I’m so focused on the exhaustion that I don’t take the time to focus on Him so I can receive the strength I need. I love books written in this fashion… easy format to read as a mom!

  8. I can totally identify with this excerpt, and I would LOVE to win a copy of the book. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

  9. I helped the most amazing friend yesterday. She coordinated a golf tournament to raise money for CureJM. Her oldest son is affected. It was a perfect day. He had his hand all over it. So, as I sit here with half opened eyes-desperately trying to drink my coffee, I clicked on this post. OH.MY.WORD. Did you ever hit the nail on the head!! I love it. Thank you for sharing and I would also love to win this book !

  10. I’ve been saying – ever since my daughter was born – that God ought to make moms grow a third arm!! But maybe then we’d try to do even more of it ourselves 😉

  11. I can so relate!! After having 3 kids in 2 years, I constantly feel like I’m drained and done. It really stinks to START your day feeling that way. This post was an encouragement to me, as I’m reading it one of those mornings.

    Thanks!

  12. Being a mom is like having a superpower! We do it all don’t we?! While some days I don’t feel worthy of the cape, it is an honor to wear it! I’d love to read your book!

  13. Loved the chapter. Sounds like my life as a single mother. Would love the opportunity to read the read. Thanks!

  14. I can soooo relate!! I used to be an Executive Director and worked 80+ hours a week for someone else and then transitioned to being a stay at home mom overnight. Yes, overnight. We adopted and our son needed constant care (he was born with health problems) and I know that being a mother, wife, running a house, is full time work and I have never worked harder in all of my life. It is running a small company! Those exec meetings I thought were hard? A. Piece. Of. Cake. The rewards of being a mom a priceless…a job I thank God for asking me to do for him here on earth.

  15. I agree completely! A mother’s job never stops no matter what time of the day it is or how old the child is. I still love when my 16 year old daughter comes and sits with me in the chair and we just touch heads and breathe.

  16. I need to read this book. 🙂 Quitting my job as a reporter when our daughter, who we adopted as an infant, was 4 1/2 months old was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a mom. Now I have to kids — she’s almost 4 and he’s 16 months — so every day is an adventure, but though each moment, God teaches me so much.

  17. Well, I am crying reading these words…, “Come to me. I will give you rest.” I have been running around for weeks now and I am just simply exhausted. I need Him to give me rest, yet strength to continue on, wisdom on discipline…and so much more. Beautifully written and i would love to win a copy of the book!! Thank you for your (in)couraging words for the women of Christ.

  18. Whoohoo! This book just has to rock! I love the “superpower” quote. 🙂 Can’t wait to share this article with a friend. Blessings!

  19. my kids are grown… or at least mostly grown and out of the house. But guess what, they still need us.. even if it is long distance and we are there to encourage and pray. It still takes HIs power, and his wisdom…and it is worthwhile to be there and to love them and never stop. Being home with them while they grew up was the best thing I did. Loving and training them, that’s a God thing.. his love in us and am so glad, so glad, he never stops loving me so that I can show that love to them. What an amazing job .. full time is an understatement. I still need encouragement and REST… I would enjoy reading this whole book, I know.. both for remembering and for passing on to my young friends… (MOPS and such) I work now in daycare and am sooo amazed that mothers can leave their kids, so am still working on giving God’s love to them, even when they don’t know it….

  20. What a great lesson!! How I have often felt so inferior when “looking” at other moms who seem to have it all together. I know remind myself of a statement I read one day that indicated, “don’t compare your inside to someone else’s outside.” So true!!!

  21. Love the ‘whats your super power’ comment – its amazing the things people will say !!

  22. I like it…..”I’m a mom. What’s your superpower?”

    Thanks for the great post today, I really needed that today. 🙂

  23. Kristen,
    Well said. Being a “super power” of a Mom – with God’s help that is entirely possible, isn’t it. I picture my daughter, nursing a baby, typing on a computer, and eating a banana while a two-year old plays nearby. I remember many similar occurrences. Did you know it doesn’t stop – being able to keep things rolling – as long as we take time, even micro seconds, to be in His presence? Praying for you and your family. And yes I would love a copy of your book.

  24. I love this! I can sooo relate! I can’t wait to read “Don’t Make Me Come Up There!”

  25. I am the mother of 10 grown “out of the nest” children and 17 going on 18 grands! I believe that Mothers are the ultimate multi-tasker’s!! It would exhaust me now to relive how much I got done in a day while the kids were all at home. I loved it but must confess that I have a permanent crease between my eyebrows from giving my kids “the look!”

  26. I’d love to enter to win this book. With baby #3 on the way I too am wondering how I’m going to juggle everything. I’m sure that I could use a laugh every now and then.

  27. you are speaking my language! You know it’s a good book when you start crying and laughing at the same time because it feels like someone was watching your life while they wrote it all down!
    I would love to finish reading this one!

  28. This mom is hurting for her son right now. His confidence level is shot because of things going on with the baseball team he is on. I told him this morning that he is wonderfully made by God and to put his confidence in God and not on coach’s opinions, but he is a teenage boy (know what I mean). I’ll pray.

  29. I would love to win a copy of this hilarious book for my friend Anna, of whom I am in awe. She homeschools her sweet brood of four, and also accomplishes more in one day than some small companies. And she shepherds their trusting hearts in the admoniton of our Sweet Lord and Saviour.

  30. Too funny, your comment about needing an extra appendage. My friend and I used to joke that if evolution were a fact than two things would occur when we became moms. The first being an extra appendage would be added for every child we birth and the other being a super-strong immune system so that we NEVER got sick. : D I can’t say I EVER feel like I can do it all these days with homeschooling 3 and a toddler to boot. All the more reason to wear out the knees in my jeans more than my boys do. : D

  31. Oh yes, I would like to be entered. Thank you for sharing a funny, truthful and encouraging post.

  32. The youngest of my 4 babies is a senior this year, but oh how I remember those days of balancing a 27 lb. one year old, who insisted on being held all the time, on one hip and trying to manage the other three yahoo’s chaos with one arm. Now i have three rambunctious little grandsons and i plan to share this book with their mommies. It is always nice to know you are not alone, and to be able to see the humor in all those moments.

  33. “As much as we love our children, he loves them more. Trust him.” “Help me trust you with my kids…”

    She knows.

  34. Yes, I can certainly identify and no I don’t always run to him for rest. At times I reject rest and pour another cup of coffee. Other times I run to other things for rest, leaving completely unrested.
    Yesterday was one such day. When I fell into bed, I had to repent. Yes, true rest and peace are only found in Him. Anything else is a pour substitute.

  35. Oh, I have been eyeing this book for weeks. I really hope I win. With a 3 year old and 3 month old I could use then encouragement. 🙂

  36. I am entering to win thia book, not for myself, but for my sister. I’m not a mom – I am a teacher and have 250 different kids each day. That’s enough, thank you very much. But my sister is an amazing mom, and has been even through some very difficult heathr situations. Angie was diagnosed with Lupus while she was still in High School, and still struggles daily with her health. Yet, in spite of that, she has birthed 2 great boys, even though that totally sent her body into a talispiin, auto-immune-wise. She is a great mom every day, even with her helath problems, and her youngest’s allergies to detergent, and a bajillion other things that mean he can only have certain foods, and she has to be super dilligent to avoid him getting a terrible rash.
    I have so much admiration and respect for my younger sister, and just wanted to share a little bit of her story. –K

  37. Thank you for the great giveaway! Sounds like a great book! I love her blog!

  38. Mom’s DO have superpowers. How is it that we know where the missing shoe is hiding or how, by sound alone, we can tell when a toddler is rummaging through your make-up drawer? I would love to win!!!

  39. Love Kristen’s blog and would love to read her book too! COngrats on the book and Mercy House as well!

  40. I am totally stealing the superpower line when someone asks me what I do all day! I can’t wait to read the rest.

  41. Thank you Kristen. Your words never fail to encourage. I don’t get out of the house much and your posts always remind me that I’m not alone in the struggles of mommy-hood! It’s so easy to feel isolated from the world when we have little ones- physically, mentally and especially emotionally. The (in)courage community is like a a warm cup of coffee to the soul…love it here!

  42. I love Kristen’s words! It would be great to have a copy of her book to read and share with other moms. Thanks for inspiring other moms in their walk with Christ.

  43. Being a mom is definitely hands-down the hardest thing I have done in my life. E.V.E.R. Everything else pales in comparison. It also has given the opportunity for the more growth – personally. I have seen who I am so clearly and lean on Jesus everyday to make me more life Him.

    This looks like a great book. 🙂

  44. I can so relate! Love the superpower line! I would love to give this book to my nephew’s wife. Her first little one is very high maintenance and I can so remember that kind of new mommy loneliness and exhaustion. I know it would encourage her.

  45. Thank you so much for sharing this! Being a SAHM some people think you are less than and insignificant. I love being able to raise my kids and am thankful that our family is in a position to do so! I share your posts with other women and you never fail to encourage us all.
    Be blessed today!

  46. I have five kids and learning to let go, and laugh when I drop the juggling balls (and maybe even pick up a new game altogether!) has saved my life!

  47. I would love a copy of this book! I am a busy mom of 3 very energetic kiddos! I love the Lord and would love to have a book that I can sit down and read and feel like the author understands!

  48. I’d love to have this book – our first baby (a girl) will be nine weeks old tomorrow and life is already crazy! I can’t imagine when she gets older and there are younger siblings.

  49. I would love to have a read that shares my experiences, while loving the ‘title’ of mother. Thank you for that chance!

  50. I would love the chance to read this book! Kristen is an amazing women and so very talented. I know that her insight in these areas would greatly help me!

  51. This so spoke to me! I’d like to win one and if I don’t, I’ll go buy one! I may print out that prayer and tape it up in the kitchen!

  52. I would love the chance to win the book~ thanks. Sending prayers for Mercy House~

  53. Hi,

    I would love to win this book. I am a 47 year old home schooling mother. My quiver is full with five children ranging from the ages of 10 to 29 ( I birthed them all ) and grandmother of 3 ages 8 months, 2, and 5. Mothering is such a gift, but it is hard at any age. I would love to win this book. Life at my home is always busy mothering or grandmothering.

  54. This is truly the truth.

    I have been a mom of three girls. The first two were 3-1/2 years apart and the last blessing was ten years from the first. I was a room mom, a helper–weekly at school, I took to three different schools — High school — Middle School and Grade school in the same year and picked them up. I went on every field trip that I could possibly go on. I was a religious education teacher — 2 years for the second grade — 12 years for the seventh grade and 1 year for the eighth grade. I was brownie leader for four years and troup TSD for 2 years. Each of the girls was allowed to take an extra cirricular activity….dancing, bowling, etc. I was there with them for all their activities. I had a husband that worked sometimes double shifts and weekends. I had no family that I could help me with the girls. My oldest was in the talented and gifted, the second one had ear infections for 2 years and we sat up in a recliner to sleep during that time. I gave all the kids that I had in my care at school and church all the hugs and love that I could. When I was asked what I did, I told them I was a stay at home mom. Their reply was…oh, you don’t work. I told them…no it’s me that gives your child a hug or holds their hand when they cry and their mom isn’t there. It’s me that is giving the love.

    All in all, I would not have traded a moment for a working mom’s day. I worked at the auto company before I had children and believe me the politics that go on there is nothing short of impossible. I may not have had it right every day, but I gave our family all the love, prayers and devotion that I could give. I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I am truly blessed. For now I am a grandma and a stay at home daycare for our granddaughter who is 14 months. I am just as blessed again.

  55. This book sounds absolutely delightful.

    Before I became a mom, i had those thoughts towards SAHM “what do you do all day”, now, I know. being a mom is for sure a superpower.

    thankyou for the giveaway!

  56. Love this!!! Sounds exactly like the way Kristen writes on her blog…so welcoming. Can’t wait to read more!!!

  57. Oh yes! I had a hard enough time with the first one alone, now we have 3 and I wish I was an octopus, or at least had that many arms!

  58. oh my, can i ever identify! as a mother of 6, now from 5yrs to 16 yrs, i do often need to remember that God is in this with me and that he loves my children even more than me!

  59. I can identify……. Something does happen when you birth your first, and subsequent, child. God sends supernatural grace and love along with each child. Amazing. I would like to read your book. 🙂

  60. I can relate…its hard to remember that someone loves them more then we do….

    Love this quote:
    “As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible.”
    Ruth Bell Graham

  61. It is our nature to do it all. Learning to lean on the Lord is the key. This book sounds fantastic. Looking forward to reading it.

  62. I actually have 3 grown children and my youngest child will be turning 12 in June. I must admit that I have already read the book…I downloaded it onto my Kindle. The reason I would love to win a copy is because I would like each of my grown children to read it. I laughed…because I’ve been there. I cried…because I’ve been there. As a parent of a daughter that experienced a teen pregnancy, I believe it would especially benefit her. I wish books like this would have been written when my other children were young. What encouragement…well done!!

  63. My favorite verse…I find at times it’s easier said than done, but what a great reminder that we need to put our trust in Him in all aspects of our lives.

  64. Wow the prayer really hit home for me today. I was feeling the invisbleness of being a Mom and somewhat wallowing in my self-pity. Thank you for reminding me of my superpowers!

  65. This book could honestly not come at a better time. For me, and for the women in my life that I love.

  66. Just discovered this website and now discovering a new book written by someone who sounds just like me! I’ve often dreamed of an additional appendage. And I love it when someone asks me what I do all day….it reminds me of how fortunate I am to be doing it. I wish there were words to explain how fulfilling it is to spend days with your children.

  67. Thanks for the encouragement. A friend sent me the link to your blog because she knew this was exactly what I needed to hear this week!

    • hippie4ever, I don’t know what to say but want to say something because I hate it when people feel like they have kryptonite tied around their necks. (Or anything else besides a pretty scarf for that matter.) I pray Jesus will set you free and that you’ll know you are loved. And know this, girl – the enemy especially tries to hang kryptonite on the ones he’s afraid of because without it they are too strong and he knows it. You are more special than you know.

  68. This job of being a Mom is the hardest thing I have ever done!!!!! Hugs to all Moms out there!! 🙂

  69. I need reminders of God’s strength b/c my limitations are so great!!! I would love to read this book!

  70. Kristen, Great Inspiration! You make me feel INCLUDED! I’m not alone in this thing called “being a mom”. God is with me every step of the way, and so is every other mom. I have 3 children & have been parenting for 31 years. Not just my 3, but many foster children. My oldest daughter just had her first baby, my first grandchild!…YEA, YIPPIE 🙂 I was a stay at home mom for many years, until my husband became ill and was not able to work anymore. I can’t begin to count how many times I would’ve used your forever answer: “I’m a mom. what’s your superpower?” I definitely will be sharing this with my daughter. I am also entering for a chance to win your book for my daughter. Her little girl is 1 week old today! (I thank God every day for her. What a wonderful miracle!)
    The section: God is the one who says, “Come to me. I will give you rest.”
    Lean on him. It’s in our nature to do it all, but when we can’t go on, he is there to sustain us. He is there in the middle of the night when our kids are sick. He is there when we don’t know how to discipline. He is there when one goes astray…. This is what EVERY mother needs to know! What relief this brings. To know this as a new mother would be so comforting. To have your book to reaffirm God’s Love every day is my prayer for my daughter.

  71. Haha..tweens and the dirty looks…oh yeah!!!! 🙁 I would love a copy! Thanks for the opportunity..God Bless!

  72. Would LOVE to read this book! I actually just came across your blog and book just minutes ago.

  73. Would love to read this:) Mom of seven, made it through the ‘baby’ years…looking back it went much too quickly!

  74. Even though my son is grown and out of the house, I found myself relating to the phrase “Don’t make me come up there” and wanted to hear more about this book .
    Shortly after finding a sample with a few of the stories from the book, I was laughing so hard that I started to cry. You’ll have to read the “super glue” story in the book to know what I mean. While I’m no longer dealing with the day to day frustrations of parenting, I currently work with K-2 grade kids with disabilities. On the job, I’m constantly trying to find ways to help our kids and not feel like an utter failure in the process of doing so. I believe this book would be a great encouragement to ALL people who have taken on the task to help raise up the children God has placed in their lives to assist (whether as mothers, aunts, grandparents or teachers.).
    Thanks Karen for your genuine transparency about the difficult journey that goes along with raising up our children, as well as the wonderful gifts that go hand in hand with caring for them.

  75. Even though my son is grown and out of the house, I found myself relating to the phrase “Don’t make me come up there” and wanted to hear more about this book .
    Shortly after finding a sample with a few of the stories from the book, I was laughing so hard that I started to cry. You’ll have to read the “super glue” story in the book to know what I mean. While I’m no longer dealing with the day to day frustrations of parenting, I currently work with K-2 grade kids with disabilities. On the job, I’m constantly trying to find ways to help our kids and not feel like an utter failure in the process of doing so. I believe this book would be a great encouragement to ALL people who have taken on the task to help raise up the children God has placed in their lives to assist (whether as mothers, aunts, grandparents or teachers.).
    Thanks Kristen for your genuine transparency about the difficult journey that goes along with raising up our children, as well as the wonderful gifts that go hand in hand with caring for them.

  76. Kristen,

    I think I’ve been identifying with you ever since I read the title of your blog for the very first time. Because you know, WE are “that family” too! Congrats on your book! 🙂

  77. I love to read Kristen’s blog and would love to read her book. So glad to read that her book signing went off great and that she sold out of all of her books. What a great book, hope to get my own copy soon.

  78. I would love to win a copy to give to a single mom that is new to our Sunday school class…it’s got to be hard going it on your own and she is trying her very best as a mom and as a new Christian. I think books are a great way to see – Hey, I’m NOT alone…it’s not just me feeling this way! Thanks for a great giveaway!

  79. “What DO you do all day?” Love the response from you…!

    I want one of these books!!! 🙂

  80. As a mom of a toddler, I’m learning grace. I would LOVE to win a copy of this book! I think it would be incredibly encouraging and helpful! Thanks for doing the give-a-way!

    Love, Jen Snider

  81. I would love a chance to win a copy” I have a seven year old, five year old, two year old and are in the process of adopting my ten year old sister

  82. Sounds like a book of encouragement and helpful ideas served up with humour.
    One line I used when I had many under 5’s was “I should have arms like an octopus. Then I can do everything at once”

  83. A friend recently bought this book. I knew I had to have a copy after flipping through hers and not wanting to give it back. 😉 I never connected your blog (one of the first I read when I first started reading blogs) with this book–yes, I am a little slow. I am thrilled to see this book–awesome job Kristen!

  84. I can definitely relate. My husband and I just had a discussion about this today as he got home from work, about how God has it all in control. It’s so hard to let go, when they are so important and I just love them so.

  85. Can we still enter? I didn’t see a cutoff date. But regardless – I can totally relate! Letting Go. Giving those kids – and the rest of our life – to God.

  86. It is so refreshing to read something like this and realize that I am not alone! Only a mother can understand and put into words what mothers everywhere experience on a daily basis. Thank you for the reminder that God is where we need to turn when it all seems like chaos! 🙂