I love acronyms. I use them in our homeschool . . . a lot. They help us remember everything from continents to spelling words and other important facts. Rachael Carman, author of How to Have a H.E.A.R.T. for Your Kids uses the word, HEART, to help you remember what’s important as a mom:
H–Have a heart for the things of God
E–Enrich your marriage
A–Accept your kids
R–Release them to God
T–Teach them the truth
The reading of this book was very timely for me. Our first few weeks back to school have been challenging, with tears, frustration, noncompliance, and lack of joy. And that’s just from me. Through this gem of a book, Mrs. Carman has helped point me in the right direction to look at my Ben as the gift from God that he is, created for God’s glory, for such a time as this. Yes, that means your kids were not created to make you look good as a mother. Shocking, I know. It’s humbling to say the least.
The author’s easy writing style, injections of humor, personal (and very honest) nuggets of her own life as a mom, and wisdom will touch your heart, make you think, and likely bring you to your knees. It’s not a heavy, finger-pointing kind of conviction though. It’s more of a gentle reminder of what a precious gift marriage and children are and how to best love your family. Her additions of stories of mothers from the Bible ties it all together in a way that will help you understand that motherhood is a gift, not to be hurried, or taken for granted, but to be relished and enjoyed. We have been chosen by God to mother these gifts, not unlike the mothers of Moses, Samuel, and Jesus himself. Wow!
And if you happen to be looking for some tips on how to love your husband better, that’s in there as well. Because after all, loving your husband and nurturing that relationship sets the bar for how your children will view love, selflessness, sacrifice, service, forgiveness, communication and many other lessons of life. What better way to reach the heart of your kids than to demonstrate these lessons by example in your marriage.
You will take your responsibility in teaching your children much more seriously after reading this book. I don’t mean teaching math or science or phonics. I mean truth found in scripture . . . the foundational stuff. You will pray for them more often, protect them more diligently, and in the end, offer them back up to the One who created them, to whom they ultimately belong.
You’ll want a highlighter, a journal, and some time to yourself as you read. Be prepared to have a life-changing moment . . . several times over.
You can purchase How to Have a H.E.A.R.T for Your Kids from Apologia for $13.
See what other members of the TOS Crew thought about this lovely book.
Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are those of myself and/or my son.
