Moms, you deserve to be celebrated. For all you do that goes unseen, un-thanked, unnoticed. For the nights that may as well be days, for all the minutes you sleep. For the long telephone conversations spent with your grown kids while they’re away at college, starting new jobs, becoming parents themselves. For every diaper changed, tear wiped, graduation attended, daughter- and son-in-law welcomed, cracker crumb swept, stepchild embraced, prayer whispered, generation encouraged, love given freely . . . for all this and more, we celebrate you.
As Mother’s Day draws near, maybe you could use a few ideas for a special mother in your life? We’ve gathered a few of our favorite books + gifts into one handy guide, with each one guaranteed to encourage any mom at any stage of mothering!
My Fringe Hours by Jessica N. Turner: In My Fringe Hours, Jessica N. Turner offers you both inspiration and a space to make the concepts within the book your own. Each section includes thought-provoking questions and space for reflective journaling and planning. This meaningful book will help any mother in your life — your daughter, a friend, your own mom — to begin a journey of self-discovery as she explores her passions and overcomes obstacles. She’ll come away refreshed, invigorated, and excited to live a more creative and fulfilled life!
The Mother Letters by Seth and Amber Haines: Each mother-to-mother letter in this beautiful compilation offers encouragement, advice, and vulnerable honesty about the struggles and joys of motherhood. These letters show that no matter how many times mothers feel like they’ve failed, they are still doing their greatest work. So for the mom who thinks she’s the only one out there who just can’t find time for a shower, Mother Letters shows her that she’s part of a grand and diverse group of strong women who are saying to her, “Me too. But we can do this.”
Surprised by Motherhood by Lisa-Jo Baker: Surprised by Motherhood is Lisa-Jo’s story of becoming and being a mom, and in the process, discovering that all the “what to expect” and “how to” books in the world can never truly prepare you for the sheer exhilaration, joy, and terrifying love that accompanies motherhood. This book is a touching memoir of Lisa-Jo’s dawning realization that being a mom isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being present. Mothers in any stage will appreciate this message: exchanging perfection for presence is one of the best gifts we can give our families.
And a few lovely gifts that would beautifully accompany any book from the collection above:
Mama Necklace by Lisa Leonard: Hand-stamped with the words “hand holder. dream soother. love giver,” this lovely necklace beautifully states what mothering looks like in all stages. A keepsake piece that a beloved daughter, mother, friend, or grandmother in your life would adore.
Fearless Tote: Send this tote to a mom friend who may need a reminder that no matter what life — or her toddler — throws at her this day, she is made to be fearless. She is clothed with strength & dignity and laughs without fear of the future. {Proverbs 31:25}
Created, Called, Crowned Mug: Gift this inspiring mug to a mother in your life who could use a simple reminder — she is uniquely created by God, called to fulfill her destiny, and crowned with God’s strength, dignity, and favor for such a time as this. Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this. {Esther 4:14}
She Is Clothed with Strength & Dignity Wooden Cross: This beautifully embellished and inspiring cross can remind a grandmother or special mom friend that God has clothed her with strength and dignity, and with Him by her side, she has no reason to fear the future. She is clothed with strength & dignity and laughs without fear of the future. {Proverbs 31:25}
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This Mother’s Day, may you give and receive praise, take photos with several generations of mothers and children young and grown, embrace hands wrinkled with age and love. May you and the mothers in your life celebrate and encourage one another to embrace the messy, beautiful, chaotic, generation-filled, gloriously ordinary life of mothering. And may you know, soul deep, that you are adored by a God who calls you beloved.
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We would love to hear about the special moms in your life. Share this gift guide on social media by clicking the buttons below — be sure to tag your friends and use the hashtag #inMothersDay. You could be selected to win a $200 shopping spree at DaySpring! We’re looking forward to hearing your stories.
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Some of my favorite moms…in addition to my mom and my mother-in-love…are new moms. My “go to gift” for the new moms in my life is Lisa-Jo’s “Surprised by Motherhood”. Presence beats perfection every time!
Blessings,
Bev
“Presence beats perfection every time!” Every, single, time. Grateful for your faithful encouragement, Bev!
Just finished The Mother Letters! What a great resource — I’ll be sharing it on my blog this week!
Excellent, Michele!
My favorite motherhood books = Soul Sculpture (it’s a book of poetry) and What is a Family. 🙂
Great suggestions, Sandi – thanks!
My Mother who died at 101 – loved life. After I grew up and became an adult myself I realized what a talented woman she was. With large families back “in the day” she had to learn to do a lot to help – therefore, when she became a Mother herself, she could do anything. Treat us when any of the three of us when we were sick. Rarely did they have to take us to a doctor. Both women and men had a lot of know-how early. She quit school young, married young, had three children. Even with only about an elementary education she knew a lot – and was excellent at math in particular. I realize now that she also has a tremendous amount of courage.
She is clothed with strength & dignity and laughs without fear of the future. {Proverbs 31:25} I love love this verse! Perfect timing n so needed!
My MOPS mentor mom was such a blessing when my kids were young. She taught me how to laugh and be intentional. She also set an example with her relationship and love for God and her family. Her open heart and home still impacts me many years later.
My mom went to be with the Lord, Feb. 9th, 2010. I still miss her very much. She accepted the Lord, a few months before she passed away. We spent a lot of time together in her later years so it’s been hardoing, but I know she is in a better place.
My new husband’s mother, passed away 50 years ago so we are the “more mature” adults. I pray for all new mothers everywhere.
Mary