Last Spring my husband and I went to visit some friends in Birmingham, Alabama.  One of the highlights of our time together was when Matt's college buddy, Danny took us to the beautiful brick Presbyterian Church where he works as Pastor of Discipleship.  I know when most people think "Pastor" they think of an introspective studious sort, bent over his desk preparing Sunday's sermon, but Danny was brought on to fulfill a role that requires little sermon preparations, and a great big generous heart that delights in seeing people grow in Christ.  One of the main functions he performs, as he gets to know the people in their congregation, is to place really good books into their hands.  

His office is wall to wall book shelves, stacked with every theologically sound teaching from recent to ancient history.  He listens to the hearts of everyone he encounters and responds by giving just the right book... more accurately he responds by giving just the right stack of books!  We needed an additional suitcase when it was time to fly home, between the books he gave to Matt, the ones he placed in my hands, and the ones he sent home to the boys.

I've thought often of Danny's "book ministry," and long to emulate it in my own life.  So I thought I'd simply start by sharing the books I love; the ones which are always by my bedside, leaning against my computer screen, or shoved into my handbag.  They are my companions.  Their authors are my mentors; my own personal, Pastors of Discipleship as they point me to Jesus, to Grace, and to Faith.

What amazes me as I look over the top three books on my little stack, is that the books that are dearest to me now, seven and a half years after first taking on this Mothering role, are the ones I first received and clung to as a new Mama.  So here's the short list:

The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson

10 Best Decisions Every Parent Can Make by Pam Ferrell

The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian

While there may only be a few of you out there who are reading my blog, I've decided to do my first GIVEAWAY.  I'm going to start with The Mission of Motherhood because I already testified to it's power and application in my own life here: http://lovecovers.webs.com/apps/blog/show/8235425-john-williams-and-sally-clarkson-would-be-proud- 

As I read (and reread) Sally's words, I do not learn things that are foreign to me, surprisingly enough. Instead she gives voice to what I already am and simply needed the encouragement to live out as a Mom.  I am creative, I am loving, I am fun, and my desire for my children to know and follow the Lord is the central passion of my heart...  Sally's books give wing to the way I want to Mother, by telling me tales of how she Mothered.  Because Sally walked this Mothering-road before me, and was faithful to leave glorious breadcrumbs for me to follow, I have been able to learn from her.  

Sally paints splendid pictures upon each page with her words, so that I might know what creative, Christ-centered homemaking can look like in my own home.  She revels in the music that has filled their home, the fresh bread that she has baked and the tea she has seeped in her home, and the children who have been raised in her home; she tells stories of the traditions which were made in their home, and the encouragement that has flowed to others from their home.  

Leave a comment below and I'll enter you to win a copy of my favorite book, The Mission of Motherhood.  Post this link on your facebook page for others to have the chance to enter too and I'll enter your name in the drawing twice.

The books by my bed have been a source of great encouragement to me.  Practically friends along this road.  I'd love to send one to you so that we might sojourn through The Mission of Motherhood together.