Parenting Moments: There's a Green Plastic Monkey in my Purse by Jessie Clemence (book review and giveaway)
Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received this book, free of charge, from PR by the Book, for review purposes on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it
Synopsis: We’ve all been there. From epic melt-downs in the most public of places, to your pre-schooler asking you something wildly inappropriate within earshot of about 100 people. 'Why is the lady in line in front of us so fat?', for instance. These are cringe- worthy parenting moments and yes, they're almost certainly an unavoidable part of the job! So, this Mother’s Day, as we get pampered with gifts and quality family time, let’s not forget to celebrate these moments that make you want to bury your head and pretend that your kids belong to someone else
Interview with the Author:
What is it (the book)?
There’s no doubt about it. Motherhood changes a woman’s life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Millions of women experience the transformation each and every year. All at once, it seems, they’re no longer (at least not primarily) what they’ve been all their lives—fun-loving and carefree young girls, career-minded women, athletes, etc. First and foremost, they're someone's mother. Someone's everything. The realization usually occurs on the 97th diaper change or 7th consecutive 4 a.m. feeding. It’s overwhelming. And, it doesn’t get easier. There’s teething, walking, talking, sickness, teaching, cleaning, playdates and ‘don’t put that in your mouth’. And that’s all before pre-school.
“If you’re feeling inadequate, join the club!” says author Jessie Clemence. “We all need to humbly seek God’s wisdom and blessings in raising our children.”
There’s a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse humorously and practically explores motherhood and the ways it changes women. Readers will enjoy Clemence’s practical insights, biblical wisdom, sense of humor and casual, encouraging tone as she experiences the joys and challenges of everyday motherhood and seeks to allow the daily exercises in patience, selflessness and service to grow her spiritually and as a mother.
Why it matters:
Raising children is maybe the most rewarding experience God blesses us with in life. But, doing it right is tough work. Women need encouragement, to laugh, to know they’re not alone and guidance/companionship along the journey, if the experience is to refine them and shape them in the way it’s intended.
How it’s different
• The author brings a fresh, young, authentic voice and perspective, as a popular blogger and someone who is living the realities of motherhood daily. This is a contemporary account - not an experience she recalls from decades past.
• From the author: “The last thing a tired, stressed-out, grumpy woman needs is a book that is going to make her feel worse. She doesn’t want to read a book that gives her standards she cannot possibly reach. She doesn’t want to feel even more overwhelmed and inadequate. The tone of this book is one of encouragement.”
There’s no doubt about it. Motherhood changes a woman’s life—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Millions of women experience the transformation each and every year. All at once, it seems, they’re no longer (at least not primarily) what they’ve been all their lives—fun-loving and carefree young girls, career-minded women, athletes, etc. First and foremost, they're someone's mother. Someone's everything. The realization usually occurs on the 97th diaper change or 7th consecutive 4 a.m. feeding. It’s overwhelming. And, it doesn’t get easier. There’s teething, walking, talking, sickness, teaching, cleaning, playdates and ‘don’t put that in your mouth’. And that’s all before pre-school.
“If you’re feeling inadequate, join the club!” says author Jessie Clemence. “We all need to humbly seek God’s wisdom and blessings in raising our children.”
There’s a Green Plastic Monkey in My Purse humorously and practically explores motherhood and the ways it changes women. Readers will enjoy Clemence’s practical insights, biblical wisdom, sense of humor and casual, encouraging tone as she experiences the joys and challenges of everyday motherhood and seeks to allow the daily exercises in patience, selflessness and service to grow her spiritually and as a mother.
Why it matters:
Raising children is maybe the most rewarding experience God blesses us with in life. But, doing it right is tough work. Women need encouragement, to laugh, to know they’re not alone and guidance/companionship along the journey, if the experience is to refine them and shape them in the way it’s intended.
How it’s different
• The author brings a fresh, young, authentic voice and perspective, as a popular blogger and someone who is living the realities of motherhood daily. This is a contemporary account - not an experience she recalls from decades past.
• From the author: “The last thing a tired, stressed-out, grumpy woman needs is a book that is going to make her feel worse. She doesn’t want to read a book that gives her standards she cannot possibly reach. She doesn’t want to feel even more overwhelmed and inadequate. The tone of this book is one of encouragement.”
Who is it for?
• Women who are determined to allow God to refine them in the
day-to-day challenges and celebrations of motherhood.
• Moms who are tired, stressed, doing their best and in need of encouragement.
• Moms who need to know they’re not alone in the trenches.
• Moms who need other women to celebrate, laugh and cry alongside them.
Who wrote it?
Jessie Clemence is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Family Studies. She has worked in the foster care system as a social worker and has published articles in Mary Jane’s Farm and Money Matters magazines. She is a also a popular blogger, wife and mother of two.
Why?
“I was raised in a Christian family, which gave me a true example of a sincere faith applied to difficult, real-life circumstances. My parents worked through their own weaknesses to be the best parents they could be. As a young adult, I graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Family Studies, and then I worked in the foster care system for four years before my children were born. I truly believed that these qualifications meant I was going to be a great mom--effortlessly. I was wrong. Parenting my two sweet children has been the most difficult thing in my entire life. I was completely unprepared for the exhaustion, the problems, and the responsibility. Several times I have been at my wits’ end and have thrown myself weeping at the feet of God. He has never failed me when I came to him for wisdom and direction. Several times he has mercifully stepped into a situation and brought about a resolution I could never have hoped for. I am living proof that God works through his Word and Spirit to help us be parents we could never be without Him.
• Women who are determined to allow God to refine them in the
day-to-day challenges and celebrations of motherhood.
• Moms who are tired, stressed, doing their best and in need of encouragement.
• Moms who need to know they’re not alone in the trenches.
• Moms who need other women to celebrate, laugh and cry alongside them.
Who wrote it?
Jessie Clemence is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Family Studies. She has worked in the foster care system as a social worker and has published articles in Mary Jane’s Farm and Money Matters magazines. She is a also a popular blogger, wife and mother of two.
Why?
“I was raised in a Christian family, which gave me a true example of a sincere faith applied to difficult, real-life circumstances. My parents worked through their own weaknesses to be the best parents they could be. As a young adult, I graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Family Studies, and then I worked in the foster care system for four years before my children were born. I truly believed that these qualifications meant I was going to be a great mom--effortlessly. I was wrong. Parenting my two sweet children has been the most difficult thing in my entire life. I was completely unprepared for the exhaustion, the problems, and the responsibility. Several times I have been at my wits’ end and have thrown myself weeping at the feet of God. He has never failed me when I came to him for wisdom and direction. Several times he has mercifully stepped into a situation and brought about a resolution I could never have hoped for. I am living proof that God works through his Word and Spirit to help us be parents we could never be without Him.
Review: The reality of motherhood tends to strike most women as very different from what their pre-conceived notion of it being, from their experience as big sisters and babysitters! Parents may joke with the mother- to-be, but rarely are they brutally honest about how HARD it can be at times. Probably because they don't want to scare her into labor!
Jessie offers encouragement with humor and writing that sounds like your best friend talking to you! She admits her faults and allows for the blinders she had about parenting and then shares how she started using the Christian perspective and the bible to change how she parented and dealt with her kids. She offers many good parenting suggestions,as well as daily talks with God o illustrate her points in each chapter. I have to admit I found myself wanting to read the post- chapter interviews and comments, before I read the chapter,as they are from women she interviewed (even her own mother!) about being a mother and a parent.
All in all this was a funny and pointed Christian book on parenting,and one that would be great for new parents, as a baby shower gift, or from the church ladies,as part of a 'Welcome to the REAL motherhood' post-delivery package! It would also be great for a women's bible study group program.
About the Author: Jessie Clemence is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Family Studies. She has worked in the foster care system as a social worker and has published articles in Mary Jane's Farm and Money Matters magazines. A mother of two fun and occasionally sassy children who keep life interesting. She is married to Eric and their family lives in southwest Michigan. ToCheck out her website for more info: http://jessieclemence.com
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