When I was a child, my mother would make certain meals from scratch. My favorite was chicken and dumplings. We would spend the afternoon gathering the ingredients, going over the recipe and she would let me roll out the dough for the dumplings. Fast forward 25 years later, I was lucky to get through the McDonald’s drive-thru with two happy meals for my own children. I was certainly not rolling out homemade dough with my kids.

As we enter into the month of May and celebrate Mother’s Day, it’s time to remember that there is no ‘one size fits all’ recipe for being a good mom. As mothers, we may wrestle with guilt about how we have somehow failed, and with the recent ‘safer-at-home’ initiative, many moms may feel overwhelmed with working, finance changes, online schooling and a lack of social interactions. Thankfully, God allows us to rewrite our mothering recipes each day.

III John, verses 1:4 tells us, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Have a blessed Mother’s Day.


Hope for the Weary Mom: Let God Meet You in the Mess
By Stacey Thacker, Brooke McGlothlin

Feeling frazzled, overwhelmed and underappreciated? Written by two weary moms to other weary moms, this book helps all mothers journey from weariness to hope and faith while in the midst of their daily grinds.


Why Motherhood Matters: An Invitation to Purposeful Parenting
By September McCarthy

Do you ever wonder if your efforts as a mom make any difference? Whether you’re struggling through sleepless nights with your toddler or endless battles with your teen, this book offers practical insights and powerful inspiration to encourage you on your own Christ-centered mothering journey.


A Mother’s Love: Celebrating Every Kind of Mom
By Anna Rendell

Filled with unique, real-life stories, Scripture passages, devotions and heartfelt encouragement, this gift book celebrates moms, spiritual mentors and mother-figures—including those who break the mold. It is a thoughtful present for your mother, a new mommy or a loved one facing the joys and challenges of parenting.


Brave Mom: Facing and Overcoming Your Real Mom Fears
By Sherry Surratt

Written by the president of Moms of Preschoolers (MOPS), this inspirational book shares insights and advice on the 10 most common fears that mothers face. Whether it’s issues of self-identity, marriage concerns, your child’s health and safety or wondering whether you’re a good mom, each chapter contains a prayer for moms to turn their fears over to God.

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Kelly Wise Valdes
Kelly Wise Valdes has been writing for the Osprey Observer since 2008. She graduated in 1989 from Florida Southern College with a B.S. in Communications and enjoys writing and traveling. She currently resides in northern Hillsborough County with her husband, David. When not traveling and writing, Kelly and her husband enjoy spending time with their five grown children (as well as their grandchildren) that still keep them very busy.