Resources for
marriage & motherhood
Here you'll find some of my favorite marriage and parenting books, resources, and more. I am not an affiliate with any brands or stores - they're simply things I enjoy and recommend!
Many of my book and podcast recommendations are faith based because Jesus is truly where my hope and my peace lies. I hope that wherever you are in your beliefs about God and Jesus, that you'll still give some of these recommendations a chance and find encouragement here.
Eventually I also hope to write more about marriage and motherhood on my blog as well, so keep an eye out for that!
Book Recommendations
For Dating
If you're dating someone and even remotely considering marriage, GET THIS BOOK! Nick and I talked through many things during our dating, but this book still made us think about things we hadn't before. Besides premarital counseling, I truly feel this book is one of the most beneficial tools I could suggest to a seriously/semi seriously dating couple. And if you're already engaged - it's still good to ask any of these questions that you haven't yet!
For Marriage
This is such a good read for believers in Christ who want/plan to get married, who are married, or have been married. Marriage is an amazing, beautiful thing. But it's not just about our happiness. A marriage is meant to point us - and others - toward Jesus.
For Parenting
So many good thoughts and quotable sentences in this book. I can't always remember quotes from books even when I think they're good, but I still remember several from this one. It's one I would like to revisit.
For Parenting
I have enjoyed all of Abbey's books I've read so far but this one was such a good reminder for me. And encouraging to hear from a mom who has ten kids of her own and has dealt with many of the same struggles of parenting that I have.
For Devotions
Daily Grace Co. has lots of great devotionals, but this has been one of my favorites. We need the good news of the Gospel preached to ourselves in every moment and every season of our lives. This devotional helped lift a burden in a time I was struggling by pointing me to God's grace and love toward me over and over again.
For Enjoyment
I read this for the first time recently and I didn't expect to fall in love with it so much! I loved the descriptive, eloquent language that we don't typically experience in books today. I'm sure it's not for everyone, but it was a very enjoyable book for this hopeless romantic.
Christianity/Apologetics
Whether you're not sure about Christianity or you are a Christian, this book is a great read. C.S. Lewis (author of The Chronicles of Narnia) was an atheist who came to believe in Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. This book lays out his logical defenses of the Christian faith in an easy to read manner.
Christianity
Okay full transparency - I haven't actually read this book. BUT... I did a 14 day devotional based on it and it wrecked me in the best way, reminding me of Christ's deep love and compassion towards me. I definitely want to read it as my next book.
Favorite Podcasts
While I don't often listen to podcasts myself because I get interrupted too much (and am overstimulated ha!), using podcasts has been a wonderful screen free tool for my kids! Here are some favorites (with a few I like for me too, when I do get a chance).
This is a really cool faith-based science/devotional combo! I've learned a lot from this myself!
I think this is the very first podcast I ever listened to! While they are no longer producing new episodes, there are still plenty worth listening to. It was an encouragement to me as a new mom!
My kids love these charming stories and Momo the squirrel, and I appreciate the lessons of character.
Another OG podcast for me. Lots of biblical encouragement for all kinds of life seasons.
This is a solid and fun Bible podcast for kids and is one we continue to go back to.
This is great for homemakers, especially stay at home moms, but there's plenty for working moms too! This is also a faith based podcast.
This one is especially popular with my younger kids. They love the characters TJ and Tori!
Lots on motherhood, but it has a variety of other topics as well! I haven't listened to it a lot but I've really enjoyed the ones I have listened to. Also faith based.
Favorites for the Home
"As mothers, we are the conductors of the songs our home will sing. Make it a beautiful one."
-Sally Clarkson
01.
Clean candles in simple mason jars. My favorite of the scents that I've tried is Momma's Kitchen, but I've really enjoyed several others as well.
02.
Homemade bread baking in the oven is one of the coziest smells. This recipe has never failed me. I promise it's not difficult to make.
Want more recipes? Check out this blog post or my pinterest page.
03.
This coffee is roasted in Dubuque, IA. We haven't found anything we like better at a comparable price point, and I'm so glad it's available at our local Walmart in Boone.
Kid Favorites
I heard a lot about the Yoto on social media and knew my kids would probably enjoy it, but I didn't know just how much! It's such a neat screen free device. Lots of options for story cards and music, and the daily podcast is so fun too! I also love the upbeat radio station that's kid friendly, and the sleep radio station is so peaceful.
New Mom Favorites
I personally loved these swaddle blankets for my kids. They're extra large and have some stretch and they come in lots of cute colors and patterns. They're also incredibly soft.
2 / Diaper Backpack
Diaper backpacks are so much better than the old school diaper bags. There are so many cute options available with all different kinds of functionality.
While there's definitely a time and place for going to the doctor, most of us want to do everything we can at home as naturally as we can. I really like a lot of Earthley's products that can be used for natural support for everyone in the family.
I remember after either my second or third child the nurse telling me that afterbirth cramps only got worse with each child. And I'd say that was probably true until I had my fourth. I barely felt any! I wholly contribute that to this supplement.
The Bible Recap
A Year Long Bible Plan
I wanted to include this resource that has been so helpful for me! The Bible Recap has helped me stay consistent in reading my Bible, and I enjoy the videos that talk about what was read. There's a kid's version too! You can purchase books if you want, but the Bible App version is completely free.
The Lord laid it on my heart earlier this year to think through 1 Corinthians 13 through the lens of motherhood. What does it look like to show the selfless love laid out in 1 Corinthians 13 to my kids? This is what I came up with. I fail so often to love my kids well. But God also reminded me that when I fail I can run to Christ and rest in HIS perfect love. When I turn to Him, I learn to love better. "We love because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19
If you'd like a free printable of this, click on the PDF found below!
1 Corinthians 13 for Motherhood
If I have a beautiful home that is tidy and welcoming, but I have not love, I am nothing.
If I sacrifice all my time and energy and raise children who are polite, obedient, and intelligent, but I have not love, I gain nothing.
If I tell my children all the right things and teach them so perfectly that they understand and remember all I say but I have not love, I am useless noise.
Love is patient (in the telling again and again) and kind (even in the corrections and disciplines).
Love does not envy (the moms who seem to have it easier) or boast (about the way I do things “right”); it is not arrogant (dismissive of advice or different opinions) or rude (including in the tone I use with my children).
It does not insist on its own way (even when I’m tired or it’s inconvenient); it is not irritable or resentful (of the messes, the laundry, or the lack of thanks); it does not rejoice in wrongdoing (it still holds accountability and boundaries), but rejoices with the truth (celebrating the good and beauty wherever it’s found).
Love bears all things (even disrespectful attitudes), believes all things (like the best about my children), hopes all things (hope in God’s sovereign plan for their lives), endures all things (including the very difficult and wearying stages).
Love never ends (no matter what circumstances may change).
Free Printables
