The Contemplative Mom: Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood [Paperback]

Ann Kroeker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2000

Are the demands of motherhood keeping you from a rich relationship with God?

Given the inherent busyness of being a parent, the concept of a “contemplative mom” makes many people laugh. When Ann Kroeker’s husband almost died, she realized that her life had gotten out of control. In this book she passes on to others what she learned in the process of getting her life back in perspective. She discusses some ways moms can live a life filled with reflective moments even in chaos, including finding solitude, walking with God, making use of some of the traditional spiritual disciplines, using the senses, and listening to God. This is not a theological treatise but one woman’s thoughts from the trenches.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“If you are pooped-out mom and need some practical tips for igniting intimacy in your relationship with God, this is for you.” — Pam Vredevelt, author of Expresso for Your Spirit

“The Contemplative Mom gives busy, loving, kid-centered mothers permission to rest, like a tired child, in God'’ strong arms. An important book.” — Rachael and Larry Crabb, authors and speakers

From the Inside Flap

Are the demands of motherhood keeping you from a rich relationship with God?

Given the inherent busyness of being a parent, the concept of a ?contemplative mom? makes many people laugh. When Ann Kroeker?s husband almost died, she realized that her life had gotten out of control. In this book she passes on to others what she learned in the process of getting her life back in perspective. She discusses some ways moms can live a life filled with reflective moments even in chaos, including finding solitude, walking with God, making use of some of the traditional spiritual disciplines, using the senses, and listening to God. This is not a theological treatise but one woman?s thoughts from the trenches.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Shaw Books (September 19, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877881227
• ISBN-13: 978-0877881223
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,253,955 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Speaker and author of Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families (David C. Cook) and The Contemplative Mom (Shaw Books), Ann Kroeker's articles have appeared in a variety of publications including The Indianapolis Star newspaper, and magazines such as Decision, The Student, Christian Home and School, and Indianapolis Woman. She contributed to several books including the award-winning Experiencing the Passion of Jesus, by Lee Strobel and Garry Poole. Married for 18 years and mother of four children, Ann is committed to encouraging and inspiring families as they face the demands of daily living.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential handbook for moms, September 19, 2000

By 

Michele Howe (MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Contemplative Mom: Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood (Paperback)

Ann Kroeker's book for stressed out moms does so much more than challenge women to take moments from their hectic schedule to thoughtfully engage our loving Creator. She shows moms how to achieve the seemingly impossible and the ideas Ann shares work! From pausing for a moment of reflection (maybe even adoration) to taking some bits of scheduled time out to converse with God; Kroeker's insights illustrate the spiritual vitality available to every seeking mom. It's all here....and what's also intriguing is reading about other moms' thoughts and methods of drawing closer to the only One who can truly refresh us and impart the vision necessary for mothering our kids Biblically. Whether you're organized by nature or more given to spontaneous celebration...this book has something for you...and your children.

Michele Howe, author of Burdens Do a Body Good: Meeting Life's Challenges with Strength (and Soul)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is still sticking with me months later..., September 1, 2001

By 

Soozie4Him (Chicago suburbs) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Contemplative Mom: Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood (Paperback)

I think I need to read this book again! What an amazing book written by a mom of three young daughters - and she still has her intellect together enough to be reading the heavier-weight Christian books! These books mine the depths of the Christian faith. Yes, they take extra effort, but I believe that if we make that effort, we will be rewarded by having a richer devotional life.

After I wrote my last review, the author wrote me an email, which was just great! I want to write her - and now I don't have her email! So Ann, if you're reading this, please email me again (click on See More About Me for my email address)! I have a couple questions for you about some of the books you were reading.

If you're a mom who wants a little more depth to your devotional life, this book is for YOU!!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Busy moms can also spend quality time with the Lord!, March 10, 2001

By 

Soozie4Him (Chicago suburbs) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Contemplative Mom: Restoring Rich Relationship with God in the Midst of Motherhood (Paperback)

This wonderful book contains many helpful and very practical ideas about how you can connect with God in the midst of busy motherhood. The author knows how it is - she has 3 small daughters.

Included in the book are comments from a number of moms in different situations and having children of different ages - these women commented on the topics in each chapter and their suggestions were great too. You won't find perfect, saintly women with perfect lives - but you will find workable solutions for finding quiet time in your busy life.

The author discusses journaling and tells about how that has helped her spiritually. She also gives ideas of where to get journals, different types of journaling, etc. (For more on journaling, see the "about me" section above and look for my review of "How to Keep a Spiritual Journal" by Ronald Klug.

At the end of the book, Ann lists MANY books she recommends on all the subjects the book touches on. This bibliography alone would be worth the price of the book!

My only complaint? It would be great to have the author's email address in the book so grateful readers like me can give her feedback!