Enlightenment Through Motherhood


Book Description

Motherhood is misunderstood. Since time immemorial we've believed that when women become mothers they are taking time out from real work and serious personal growth, especially spiritual development. But we've got it all wrong. While heavily pregnant with her third child, personal growth writer Astra Niedra attempted a holiday in the tropical paradise of Australia's Far North with her husband and two young daughters in tow. During this ‘holiday’ (we need another word to describe 'an extended overnight excursion with young children) she discovered that the skills and abilities mothers are required to use each day as part of their job are the same as the practices prescribed for enlightenment seekers. Join Astra on her journey of discovery and feel inspired, entertained and spiritually uplifted, all the while becoming increasingly grounded in the unshakeable truth that there is far more to being a mother and raising children than conventional wisdom would have us believe. “Absolutely brilliant! This book is just what the world needs now as our planet continues to move towards political and ecological disaster while the patriarchal systems that still dominate our thinking continue to devalue everything traditionally – and biologically – female.” "In a most perfect balance of yin and yang, of logic and feeling, of humor and gravity, Astra Niedra reclaims for all human beings – not just women – a precious element of that which is truly sacred in life." “Her simple spellbinding stories, her keen intellect, and her unfailing humour make this book a pleasure to read. Here is a new way of thinking of spirituality, of valuing our humanity while living a spirit-infused life, and a fascinating (and novel) path to enlightenment! It's a consciousness changer and I loved it." – Dr Sidra Stone, author of Embracing Our Selves, Partnering, Embracing Your Inner Critic, and The Shadow King "I enjoyed this immensely... Definitely a fun and entertaining book while sharing a bit of spiritual goodness as well." – Katie "This book put into words just what, and how, I was feeling about my own spiritual journey. Women and men have such different experiences and this book beautifully articulates them." – Amanda "A great read for all mothers, I loved this book!" – Ann Shepich “Enlightenment indeed! I hope many women have the opportunity to read Astra’s book. Being pregnant, birthing and mothering are the most important jobs on earth. Honouring these roles is important for governments and society to appreciate and elevate to a much higher status. Astra’s journey is familiar, delightfully written and inspiring.” – Susan Ross, Midwife, Birth Educator and author of Birth Right




The Church and the Single Mom


Book Description

When 19-year-old Jennifer Maggio found herself pregnant...for the fourth time...she was completely lost-lost in a tragedy wrought by years of sexual abuse, homelessness, and poverty. What she didn't know at the time was that she was the main character in a story that God would one day use to inspire, encourage, and challenge thousands of people just like her...and some whose stories were very different from hers. From that deep valley Jennifer rose to the summit of Corporate America-only to leave it all behind to minister to single moms. In The Church and the Single Mom Jennifer provides a road map for those who, like her, look out at the nearly 17 million single moms in the U.S. alone, many of whom are drowning in financial struggles, parenting woes, and emotional.




The Single Mother's Journey To Wholeness


Book Description

Nicole Biggsżs book, The Single Motherżs Journey to Wholeness, brings compassion, insight, and knowledge to the many trials and potential triumphs on the single motherżs journey.




Unsung Heroines


Book Description

This compelling book destroys the derogatory images of single mothers that too often prevail in the media and in politics by creating a rich, moving, multidimensional picture of who these women really are. Ruth Sidel interviewed mothers from diverse races, ethnicities, religions, and social classes who became single through divorce, separation, widowhood, or who never married; none had planned to raise children on their own. Weaving together these women’s voices with an accessible, cutting-edge sociological and political analysis of single motherhood today, Unsung Heroines introduces a resilient, resourceful, and courageous population of women committed to their families, holding fast to quintessential American values, and creating positive new lives for themselves and their children. What emerges from this penetrating study is a clear message about what all families—two-parent as well as single parent—must have to succeed: decent jobs at a living wage, comprehensive health care, and preschool and after-school care. In a final chapter, Sidel gives a broad political-economic analysis that provides historical background on the way American social policy has evolved and compares the situation in the U.S. to the social policies and ideologies of other countries.




Grace in Tension


Book Description

We all face stress and tension in our daily lives. We might even wonder why our God of abundant goodness doesn’t remove the everyday struggles we face. Jesus’ interactions with Martha and Mary in the Gospel provide us the key to understanding how God shows us his love by allowing tensions in our lives. As we follow the sisters’ transformative journeys through their own struggles, reflecting on what transpires between Scripture verses, we see their initial tension become the catalyst that drives both Mary and Martha to the feet of Jesus — the place where all discover peace. Grace in Tension explores the areas where stress arises in our own lives. Each chapter ends with a thought-provoking prayer to inspire us to go to God with our problems, followed by questions for reflection to help us see all the ways he’s working for our good. God doesn’t create any of it, but he does show up amid life’s difficulties, ready to lead us through. No matter how big or small our struggle, when we seek him out, he reveals what we need to do to resolve our tension, transforming it into grace. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Claire McGarry is the founder of MOSAIC of Faith, a ministry for mothers of infants to school-aged children to explore their faith through motherhood. She contributes regularly to CatholicMom.com and blogs at ShiftingMyPerspective.com. She is the author of Lenten devotional With Our Savior, and her work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Keys for Kids, These Days, and Focus on the Family magazine. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.




The 10 Best Decisions a Single Mom Can Make


Book Description

No matter how you became a single mom, you share the same challenges and fears all single moms have. You may feel stretched to the limit. You may suspect your children need more than you're able to give. How are you going to do this on your own? With humor, Scripture, and sage advice, Pam Farrel (child of a single mother) and PeggySue Wells (single parent of 7 children) show you how to - be decisive - create a nurturing home - be proactive - date wisely - pray for your child - embrace your happily-ever-after - and more You are capable of parenting your children with courage, confidence, and clarity. This loving, practical guide shows you how.




Listening Prayer


Book Description

Shows readers how they can experience a fuller, more meaningful prayer life by learning how to listen to God.




Joining Children on the Spiritual Journey


Book Description

Analyzes the spiritual formation of young children and calls for renewed attention to scripture and the involvement of families in the process.




The Single Parent's Journey to Self-Discovery and Renewal


Book Description

In "The Single Parent's Journey to Self-Discovery and Renewal," Avery Nightingale delves into the profound challenges faced by single parents in today's rapidly evolving world. Drawing inspiration from the poignant journey of Lisa Nichols, a single mother who transformed adversity into empowerment, Nightingale explores the complexities of balancing modern life with the responsibilities of parenthood. With heartfelt honesty, she navigates the feelings of loss and emptiness that often accompany the absence of a partner, while shedding light on the extraordinary sacrifices made by single parents, often unnoticed by society. Through introspection and resilience, Nightingale illuminates the path to self-discovery and renewal, offering a beacon of hope for single parents striving to find meaning and fulfillment amidst life's challenges. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a guide for those embarking on their own journey of self-transformation.




A Spiritual Journey to God's Best


Book Description

Powerful tools for victorious Christian living. Birthed out of Michaelyn Hodges’ own spiritual battle in the crucible of life, this book teaches about spiritual warfare and victory through prayer. The seeker will learn foundational principles—while the seasoned believer will advance on the path to a more intimate relationship with Christ. This 40-lesson bible study exposes the lies of the enemy—and replaces them with God’s truth.