I do not consider myself a good reader. I can count, on one hand, how many books I have read in the past 6 months. I know, shame on me! Reading and writing have always been a struggle. In January 2009 I was inspired to start writing more. Dan and I started a blog in 2004. For 5 years we mainly posted pictures for our family to see, instead of e-mailing since my mom had dial-up.
In 2008 I started to read other blogs. I thoroughly enjoyed reading other people's thoughts, stories and perspectives on life. It inspired me to work on writing and share what was on my heart and mind. In January 2009 I wrote,
I have recently decided to TRY and start writing more. I do not consider myself a gifted writer. As a matter of fact writing, spelling, grammar and anything related have always been a challenge for me. Now I always got straight A's in math but english was usually a C and if I was lucky a B-. Over the years I have received "constructive" criticism for my grammatical and spelling mistakes. Although I am thankful for the help I have found that it made me insecure about writing. I think at 36 it is time to put away my insecurities and express myself to those who wish to read what is on my mind. So here I go...
I am SO glad I put away my insecurities. I've found that blogging meets a huge need in my life. I just LOVE it, love the blogosphere and the ways in which it has helped me grow as a wife, mom and follower of Jesus.
Now back to reading...I am participating in a summer book club. The book is called The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. I just heard about Sally this past year and I love her perspective on parenting. When my two oldest boys were little I read many books that were recommended to me. The books listed many methods. There were good ideas but the overall philosophy was missing a key aspect to parenting, grace.
My first year as a mom was wonderful. I had the ideal baby boy. When he was 16 months old I gave birth to my second baby boy. By the time he was 4 months old I realized the methods were not going to work. I was frustrated and confused. Those next few years were so hard. When my boys were 3 & 4 I read a great book called Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kimmel. That book helped me so much. It changed my perspective on parenting. What I love about The Ministry of Motherhood is that the first two chapters are on grace. Yippee!
In the introduction to the book Sally talks about her early days as a mom. She, along with her husband, came up with a parenting philosophy that started with grace. This book is for moms but her philosophy is really for both parents. Last night I was talking with Dan about the book. I told him, even though it is called The Ministry of Motherhood, the philosophy applies to both of us. He said, with a twinkle in his eye, you mean, "It is strong enough for a man, but made for a woman?" Isn't he cute? I just love him!
I am really enjoying this book club because I do not have to read the whole book at once! It is 2 chapters each week. There is time to think, reflect and put things slowly into practice.
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