A few weeks ago I was contacted by a kind woman from Zondervan publishing offering for me to do a giveaway on my blog!
She sent me a copy of the New Mom's Prayer Bible and it is great. In addition to having a pretty leather cover, it helps moms with the transition into motherhood, whether it is her first child or her fourth. It includes topics like sleep deprivation (a serious struggle for me at the moment!), body image, and priority shifts, and it keeps things simple so she can connect to God, even if she only has one minute.
A more detailed synopsis:
Being a new mom presents many challenges. But one of them doesn’t have to be finding time to connect with God. Throughout this Bible, you will find fifty-two, one-minute Thought-Starters that let you dip into God’s Word for a minute of refreshment. Each of these Thought-Starters is followed by an option for a five-minute prayer or a ten-minute study to help you learn even more about what God’s Word has to say to you today. Devotional thoughts specifically for you, the new mom, are all presented in the most read, most trusted New International Version (NIV) translation.
Now for the giveaway part!
To enter, please leave a comment below sharing one of your favorite Bible verses that you think would be encouraging to a new mom. If you don't have a specific verse, then feel free to leave a short piece of practical advise. Even if you are not a new mom yourself, I would invite you to enter if there is a new mom in your life that you think would be blessed by a copy of this Bible. Only one comment per person, please. Anonymous comments cannot be counted; so please be sure to sign in with a username, or identify yourself in the anonymous comment.
You have from now, until Tuesday, September 28th at 5pm EST to enter.
The winner will be randomly selected by little miss Eliana, and will be posted on Wednesday, September 29th.
Good luck! And thank you, Zondervan, for your generosity!
61 comments:
I love Matthew 11:28-30 in the Message:
28-30"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
Yes, He is talking about religion here, but it applies to many situation.
A new Zondervan Bible sounds like a perfect gift for anyone. I've been memorizing Psalm 91... I wasn't sure it had any help for new moms but when I started to recite it...well yes it does. "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge." It's teaching us that God is like the mother hen who protects His young at any cost. and then as I reach the end of the chapter " Because he loves me says the Lord, I will rescue him" wow what a powerful chapter ..Our God is an awesome God
"I lift up my eyes to the hills where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot sliphe who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:1-4)
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
I just love knowing that God is always with us and gives us the strength to do anything we need to as a mom.
I love 1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I have prayed.
I am 23 weeks pregnant with my first baby - a little boy - and I just love this verse because it took us a while to finally get pregnant and I know many couples go through the same struggles!
Tanya
http://mussetters.blogspot.com
I struggled with fear before my son was born and after he was born, it hit a fever pitch. This verse really characterizes that journey that the Lord is taking me through for motherhood.
Phillippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Bible sounds delightful, as I'm expecting my second son in January and am experiencing some anxiety about the transition to two babies!
I don't have a specific verse. However, my "go to" piece of advice for new mothers is "You can't do anything that cannot be undone." Meaning, you can spoil all you want, learn, try new things, figure out what works for you and your child(ren), and everything can be fixed.
Habakkuk 2:1, 3
"I will climb my watchtower now, and wait to see what answer God will give to my complaint.
But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!"
As a new mom, I found this verse very comforting. There are so many things that are out of a mom's control. They exist during pregnancy, birth and parenthood. He never fails us though. We must trust Him with our lives, and even more with the life of our child/children.
Psalm 94:19
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
My favorite verse is
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I am a worry by nature so I (try to) cling to this verse as we raise our children and send them off!
From Proverbs 31:
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."
This always made me feel like my work was valued even when I felt like it was endless. I soon realized it was all about my heart and began enjoying what I was doing.
My favorite verse as a mother is Psalm 139!
you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
I would love to win this bible!
He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the labms in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young. Isaiah 40:11 NLT
God holds young mothers close to his heart. It is our calling to be moms and He knows how fragile we can be, this reminder that he gently leads us is wonderful to know.
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
- Galatians 6:9
This verse might not be directly related to being a mom but I think we can interpret it that way when we need encouraging. We should never tire of being the most Godly example of a mom that we can be because in due season we will reap our reward... heaven!
Be strong, banish fear and doubt. Remember the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
I think this is great advice for all mothers, especially first time moms.
Psalm 139:13: "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb."
Proverbs 29:17: "Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul."
Isaiah 66:13: "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you ..."
John 16:21: "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world."
“Surely he will never be shaken;
a righteous man will be remembered forever.
He will have no fear of bad news;
his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is secure, he will have no fear;
in the end he will look in triumph on his foes.”
-Psalm 112 :6-8
I have been wanting this bible!! My favorite is 1 Samuel 1:27!!! I prayed at links for Baby Cayden!!!
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with siging. Zephaniah 3:17
1 Timothy 4:12
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
I was a youth minister at our church and I had this written above the window in our rooms to remind the kids (and me!)how important our words and actions are as Christians.
This verse means a lot to me as a mother of two and as our house continues to fill with TOYS.
luke 12:15-21
15And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ 16Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” 18Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” 20But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” 21So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’
My favorite is:
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:11
I have a friend that is expecting #1, so this would be perfect. Thanks for the chance.
My advice would be this....enjoy every minute of your kids lives. They are little only once, and grow so quickly!
One minute they are tiny in your hands and the next their going to Kindergarten.
Would love to have a new Mommy Bible!!!
Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
The one reason I love this is that my baby boy who just turned 1 has this soft fuzzy blanket with this verse on it (well the first part) along with a train....but it is his special blanket and he carries it around the house with him all day! It is also a visual reminder of what I am to be to him!
I've got nothing on the bible verse for a new mom nor do I have any advice but I just wanted to say I have to go buy this. Thanks for posting!
a new Bible would be so wonderful. My most encouraging scripture is "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13.
This speaks volumes, when you don't know if you can survive one more night of sleep deprivation, or handle one more minute with a fussy baby,
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
For any new mom, the message is simple: Love. Love your babies always and forever, unconditionally.
"For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
My heart resonates with this verse after attending a Beth Moore Living Proof LIve study this past August where we journeyed through Jeremiah in her rendition of "Eat, Pray, Love" - the 3 themes she derived from the book. It was my first weekend away from my dear daughter, who was 13 months at the time. I realized the importance and need to trust in God to lead me in my journey to motherhood. While it was difficult to be away from daughter, it was uplifting to be in God's book, understanding His plans for me!
This verse will be incredibly helpful to new moms when they are feeling burnt out, tired and defeated - all emotions I experienced in my early journey as a new mom. This verse will provide strength and encouragement to all moms during those early weeks of mothering!
"For I know the plans I have for you. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
It's my all time favorite verse and I think it is fitting in ANY situation.
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Phillipians 4:13.
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Corinthians 12:9
I think you can understand why!! :) I miss our chats!
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. -Isaiah 66:13
I daily need to remember Galatians 5:22 & 25 NIV
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
A new Bible would greatly help this tired mama keep in step with the Spirit...God's word truly is a light unto my path!
Love this-
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Thank you!
mackenzie
richandmax@prodigy.net
I also love this verse when I need to quickly refocus during a challenging situation.
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Phil 4:13
Adeline
My piece of advice is to make sure to take care of yourself. Don't forget that! It sounds so simple, but it's easily forgotten.
I concurr with the Isaiah 41:11 scripture :) I write it on every card I give to a new mother.
Right now the two verses that our encouraging me through a struggle I am going through are Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11. I just blogged about them today actually!
One of my favorite verses is Jeremiah 29:11! I have a friend who is pregnant and this would be a perfect gift for her. Thanks for hosting!
Be there.
Say yes as often as possible.
Let them bang on pots and pans.
If they're crabby, put them in water.
If they're unlovable, love yourself.
Realize how important it is to be a child.
Got to a movie in your pajamas.
Read books out loud with JOY.
Invent pleasures together.
Remember how really small they are.
Giggle. A lot.
Surprise them.
Say no when necessary.
Teach feelings.
Heal your own inner child.
Learn about parenting.
Hug trees together.
Make loving safe.
Bake a cake and eat it with no hands.
Go find elephants and kiss them.
Plan to build a rocketship.
Imagine yourself magic.
Make lots of forts with blankets.
Let your angel fly.
Reveal your own dreams.
Search out the positive.
Keep the gleam in your eye.
Mail letters to God.
Encourage silly.
Plant licorice in your garden.
Open up.
STOP YELLING.
Express your love. A LOT.
Speak Kindly.
Paint their tennis shoes.
Handle with caring.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upion the lord shall renew thier strength. (Important with newborns and toddlers ..not to mention teens)They shall mount up with wings of Eagles. ( Prepared, strong, sturdy...that it good!) They shall run and not be weary,they shall walk and not faint.
Every stage of parenting has it's challenges. It starts with sleep deprevation and will continue to physically and emotionally challenge you in every way. In the end, the child is not yours,but Gods and you are only the instrument God allowed to help mold that child into the person they will be. With God's help, wisdom and blessings that child will too soar with wings of an Eagle.
My brother was murdered January
30th at the age of 27. I have often had to lean on this verse so many times to get me through this tragedy my family is enduring.
Jeremiah 29:11-12
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to propser you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
I also love this quote by Marie T. Freeman. "On the darkest day of your life, God is still in charge. Take comfort in that."
I stumbled across your blog a while ago and although I've never commented, I've been so inspired by your journey. You have glorified God in the midst of the toughest circumstances I could ever imagine. Thank you for sharing your story.
It's already been mentioned, but the verse that keeps me sane as a new mom is 2 Corinthians 12:9. His grace is made perfect in my weakness. I'm not perfect, and it's okay! What a relief!
I would love to win this Bible. If I don't win it this time, it might just have to go on my Christmas list. Sounds like a great way to start the day!
Since my first born son was born and began having seizures in his first 10 hours, I held to Psalm 139; which reminded me that God knew exactly how Hunter was made and not a bit of it was a mistake:)
I still need to read it pretty often.
Always thinking of you...
Julie B.
John 16:21
A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come; but as soon as she has given birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. Honor your father and mother.This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother,things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth. Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
I have been reading your blog for a few years, but have only commented a few times. I have prayed for you continually and am so happy you have been blessed with a healthy, beautiful baby girl!
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
I love this verse because as a new mother you have so much to worry about and this verse tells you to give it all to Jesus because he cares for us!
psalm 121: 1-2
i lift my eyes up to the hills, where does my help come from? my help comes fro the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
"They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31
I clung to this verse A LOT during our struggles with infant loss and infertility. Now that my two precious daughters are here, it still brings me peace and joy!
I think mine has to be Philippians 4:13.
I have never been so stretched, sleep deprived, emotional, thankful, sad, happy, content and oh so much more until I had my kids. You give so much of yourself that sometimes you loose sight of you and everything that is/and important to you.
Life moves so fast and all things (good, bad, easy, hard) can be done through Christ!
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength..... Philippians 4:13
For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength
Philippians 4:13
We are expecting our rainbow baby, so my verse isn't necessarily new mom related but one that is important to me. Lamentations 3:21-24 "Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him."
What! I just left my comment and it deleted.
"My power is made perfect in your weakness"
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Isaiah 41:10
These words have helped me remember so often that I am not alone in motherhood. My Lord and Savior is there to walk this crazy, amazing, love-filled road with me!
Christy
Bethany Beach, DE
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
This verse is so helpful because there is so much to worry about during those first few weeks. In fact, I still worry and my little one is 8 months old!
I am a mother of 3 & a grandmother to 6...I can just say, cherish every single minute..feel their skin, rub their cheeks, look into their eyes & tell them every single day how much they are loved. Time flies & before u know it, they r married & parents themselves..love, love, love ur child..dont put HUGE expectation, dotn be a best friend..be a parent!
Phillippians 4:6-7
6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything, pray. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then, you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Larissa
vassriss@hotmail.com
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
For I know the plans that I have for you, I know that I am 3 minutes late, hope it OK. I have a 9 month old and would LOVE that bible.
Kate
Comments are no closed. The winner will be posted tomorrow!
Post a Comment