16 In Bible Study/ Book Lists/ Faith/ Motherhood

10 Must Read Books for Christian Moms

At this point, I think it’s safe to say that you all know I am a huge bookworm. I make time to read every single day, even as a busy homeschooling mom. It is that important to me. I read many personal growth type books, but often I will read books to inspire and encourage me on my walk with the Lord. It depends on the season I am in and what I need. You may have seen that I tend to write in my personal development books, but I don’t write in my Christian living books. I read these books not to take notes, but to soak in all the goodness that I can, and really breathe it in. I do have a prayer/faith journal and will occasionally write down something that struck me from a book in there, but it’s not the goal.

 

While I do prefer to actually hold a book in my head, I have many of these books (and a million more) on Audible Membership. This way I can listen while I am cooking or cleaning and still enjoy it.

 

I thought I would share some of my favorite books for Christian moms with you, and I pray that they can encourage you to press on in this wild and crazy journey of motherhood.

 

NOTE: I always share my books and reading lists and goals on Instagram and in our Facebook community. If you want the most up to date recommendations, connect with me in one or both of those places.

This post may contain affiliate links.

10 MUST READ BOOKS FOR CHRISTIAN MOMS:

 

 

PRESSING PAUSE by Karen Ehman

Whether you’re juggling a career, kids’ schedules, and church commitments or you’re covered in spit-up and anxious about what the next eighteen years might hold, you can carve out a few quiet moments to rejuvenate your spirit.

Pressing Pause offers you a calm way to start your day, to refresh yourself in Jesus and drink deeply of His presence so that you are ready to pour out love, time, and energy into the people who matter most to you.

 

DESPERATE: HOPE FOR THE MOM WHO NEEDS TO BREATHE by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson

Desperate is for those who love their children to the depths of their souls but who have also curled up under their covers, fighting back tears, and begging God for help. It’s for those who have ever wondered what happened to all their ideals for what having children would be like. For those who have ever felt like all the “experts” have clearly never had a child like theirs. For those who have prayed for a mentor. For those who ever felt lost and alone in motherhood.

 

 

THE WARRIOR WE CALL MOM by Deven Wallace

See the connection between spiritual warfare and your role as a mother in order for your kids to experience an awakening of their own. There is a spiritual war raging against the next generation. This book is a passionate call for moms to break out of the box of normal and dare to be led by the Spirit in their day-to-day parenting. Deven Wallace looks at biblical examples, including the mothers of Jesus, John the Baptist, Samuel, Moses, and Samson to empower mothers today.

 

10 GIFTS OF HEART: WHAT YOUR CHILD NEEDS TO TAKE TO HEART BEFORE LEAVING HOME by Sally Clarkson

Sally Clarkson is a favorite of mine! I may own all her books. This is her newest book…. Every parent wants their child to grow into a gracious and competent adult. Faith, character, manners, initiative, gratitude—these are just a few of the qualities and skills children need to take to heart before they leave home. Yet parents today do not always have a clear vision for how to cultivate those traits. What does it look like for a mother to train her child’s heart to excellence and goodness? In 10 Gifts of Heart, Sally Clarkson shares biblical wisdom and practical insights from over thirty years of motherhood to show the way.

RAISING GRATEFUL KIDS IN AN ENTITLED WORLD by Kristen Welch

This is a needed book when raising children in today’s world. Kristen shares the ups and downs in her own family’s journey of discovering why it’s healthiest not to give their kids everything. Teaching them the difference between “want” and “need” is the first step in the right direction. With many practical tips and anecdotes, she shares how to say the ultimate yes as a family by bringing up faith-filled kids who will love God, serve others, and grow into hardworking, fulfilled, and successful adults.

 

 

THE LIFE GIVING HOME: CREATING A PLACE OF BELONGING AND BECOMING by Sally Clarkson

Does your home sometimes feel like just a place to eat, sleep, and change clothes on the way to the next activity? Do you long for “home” to mean more than a place where you stash your stuff? Wouldn’t you love it to become a haven of warmth, rest, and joy . . . the one place where you and your family can’t wait to be? In this book, you’ll embark on a new path to creating special memories for your children; establishing home-building and God-centered traditions; and cultivating an environment in which your family will flourish. Sally also now has the LifeGiving Table and the LifeGiving Parent and I highly recommend those as well!

 

 

HANDS FREE MAMA: A GUIDE TO PUTTING DOWN THE PHONE, BURNING THE TO-DO LIST, AND LETTING GO OF PERFECTION TO GRASP WHAT REALLY MATTERS by Rachel Macy Stafford

Hands Free Mama is the digital society’s answer to finding balance in a media-saturated, perfection-obsessed world. It doesn’t mean giving up all technology forever. It doesn’t mean forgoing our jobs and responsibilities. What it does mean is seizing the little moments that life offers us to engage in real and meaningful interaction. It means looking our loved ones in the eye and giving them the gift of our undivided attention, leaving the laundry till later to dance with our kids in the rain, and living a present, authentic, and intentional life despite a world full of distractions.

 

WOMEN OF THE WORD: HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE WITH BOTH OUR HEARTS AND MIND

READ THIS BOOK.  If there was only one book you could read, make it this one. It will change the way you read and study your Bible, it will change the way you read and study any Christian based book. My book is underlined and highlighted throughout. Jen Wilkin’s book is a book I will gift to all my friends.

We want to read the Bible. But sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. What’s more, a lack of time, emotionally driven approaches, and past frustrations can erode our resolve to keep growing in our knowledge of Scripture. How can we, as Christian women, keep our focus and sustain our passion when reading the Bible?

Offering a clear and concise plan to help women go deeper in their study of Scripture, this book will equip you to engage God’s Word in a way that trains your mind and transforms your heart.

 

 

WAIT AND SEE: FINDING PEACE IN GOD’S PAUSES AND PLANS by Wendy Pope

Every woman struggles with times of waiting—for a spouse, a child, a job. In Wait and See, Wendy Pope guides readers to focus on the Person of their faith rather than the object of their wait. Pope draws on the story of King David, who was anointed king nearly twenty years before he took his throne.
This hands-on guidebook invites readers to record their own waiting discoveries. With practical suggestions and real-life stories, Pope shows readers how they can be active in the present as they hope for the future.

 

THE BEST YES: MAKING WISE DECISIONS IN THE MIDST OF ENDLESS DEMANDS by Lysa TerKeurst

I highly encourage you to read this book! While not specifically on motherhood, it is a needed book for all of us moms. Lysa TerKeurst shows us that there is a big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In The Best Yes she will help you:

  • Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love.
  • Escape the guilt of disappointing others by learning the secret of the small no.
  • Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom based decision-making process.
  • Rise above the rush of endless demands and discover your best yes today.

FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE LIST OF MY CURRENT FAVORITES, VISIT ME ON INSTAGRAM


OTHER POSTS YOU MAY ENJOY:

Read The New Testament In A Year, Chronologically

Bible in 90 Days

My Favorite Podcasts For Christian Women

My Recommended Bible Study Resources

10 Bible Journaling Monthly Kits

How To Find Time To Read As A Busy Mom

Why You Should Wake Before Your Children

 

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16 Comments

  • Reply
    Nicole Kauffman
    June 5, 2017 at 8:01 am

    Wow! This is an amazing list!! Thanks for putting it together!

    • Reply
      terryn
      June 5, 2017 at 9:09 am

      It was my pleasure, I love book lists!

  • Reply
    Mary Leigh
    June 5, 2017 at 8:19 am

    This is a great list. I’ve read the Best Yes (loved it) and I’ve got the Life Giving Home on my shelf to be read. I also really like Give Them Grace. These are some great resources – so many new books to add to my list!

    • Reply
      terryn
      June 5, 2017 at 9:09 am

      Thanks for that suggestion! The Life Giving Home is so good. It just inspires me to be better as a mom and homemaker. I would love to do a book club with it!

  • Reply
    Brenda
    June 5, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    I have The Best Yes, and learned a lot from reading it. The 2 books about home – preparing your child before leaving home, and creating a welcoming home are both books I think I would benefit from reading. Thanks for sharing.

  • Reply
    Kristen
    June 5, 2017 at 7:43 pm

    I love your picks! I’ve read “the Best Yes” and I’m a huge fan of Kristen Welch. I’m going to suggest some of these to my Christian women’s bookclub.

  • Reply
    Holly
    June 5, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    Reading is definitely one of the things I miss most after having a baby. I had never thought about listening to books- what a great idea. And thanks for these book recommendations!

  • Reply
    Brittany Putman
    June 6, 2017 at 9:46 am

    Great list. I should probably read a few of these before my baby gets here.

  • Reply
    Rosanna@ExtraordinaryEverydayMom
    June 22, 2017 at 7:58 am

    This is an awesome list and I’ve only read one of them, yet! Several are on my must-read list, though. Thanks for taking the time to put it together! As a side-note, I’m also a homeschooling mama and I also make time in each day to read. 🙂

  • Reply
    Heather Hart
    June 22, 2017 at 8:44 am

    I almost picked up Pressing Pause the other day and now I’m wishing I had! Thanks for the recommendations.

  • Reply
    Katie
    June 22, 2017 at 9:50 am

    Thank you for the list. I’ve read a number of them already and now I know what to put on my “To Read” list.

  • Reply
    Anne @ Like the morning sun
    June 24, 2017 at 4:45 pm

    Thanks! I already downloaded ‘Hands free mama’ a year ago, I might read it again. ‘Grace based parenting’ is now on my list!

  • Reply
    Leah
    July 17, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    Great list! I will be checking these out!

  • Reply
    Self-care and Covid-19 - Birth by Crystal and Lace crystalnlace.com
    April 9, 2020 at 7:54 pm

    […] Read a chapter of your favorite book (10 must-read books) […]

  • Reply
    jojo vito
    April 10, 2020 at 6:35 am

    These are a great resource for Christian Moms. I believe that even the best mom on earth also needs the inspiration to continue their great calling 🙂

  • Reply
    India
    August 24, 2021 at 11:13 am

    I found this article searching for books for Moms by Christian authors and this is absolutely awesome. Thank you so much Terryn :)!

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