Narelle Nettelbeck
From the author:
Loving God and living life with Him is the most important part of my life. I have tried writing about other things and have tried writing without mentioning God but I can't do it! Writing about how God is part of my every day living is what I do and who I am
Thankful for Dishes is a collection of my encouragements to other women, specifically mums, who are needing a brief but God inspired word each day. I have a desire to make God my first love and I want other women to feel that same desire.
Reviews:
Thankful for dishes: daily encouragement from mum to mum by Narelle Nettelbeck. Even Before Publishing, 2011 pb 254p $18.95
As the subtitle suggests, this collection of 100 devotions is designed to sustain and support mums in their daily routine activities. They were devised at a time when the author experienced some personal challenges and sought to build up her faith life on a ‘heart knowledge’ as well as a ‘head knowledge’. The devotional thoughts are collated under the sectional headings of Godly Living, Life in Christ, Special Occasions and Holidays, Living Life with Children, Bible Characters, Relationships, Marriage and Encouragements for Mums. There are loads of personal stories with which mums will identify. The messages are positive, instructional and affirming. The approach is gently interactive with conversation, questions, suggestions for reflection and journaling ideas. NS
THANKFUL FOR DISHES
Narelle Nettelbeck
Even Before Publishing
As I read Thankful for Dishes I thought quite a few times that I was reading a back copy of a Chicken Soup for the Soul except that Narelle Nettelbeck’s Thankful for Dishes is distinctively Christian with an Australian flavour and style. It is certainly a book to use as a devotional at the start or the end of each day. Equally it is perfect for using as a quiet time encourager with a morning cup of coffee.
The one hundred vignettes are divided into eight categories and are relevant to daily life and not just to motherhood. The categories are diverse and cover such topics as Godly Living; Special Occasions and Holidays; Marriage and others. Each mini-chapter concludes with a challenge to the reader to journal and to be encouraged to do and to be something positive in the light of God’s affirming input.
In my view readers from mid-twenties to mid-eighties will benefit from reading and will be encouraged by Thankful for Dishes. DS
MOMENTS FOR MUM: 61 DAILY DEVOTIONS
Narelle Nettelbeck
Revival Nation Publishing
Topics from everyday life form the basis of sixty one devotions that engage the reader in a two-way conversational style of questioning, pondering, affirming and validating. The titles given to each meditation are often single word exclamations or questions that are thought provoking and demand deeper investigation, eg Networking, Priorities, Earthworms, Disappointments, and Children! Perth author Nettlebeck has combined Biblical explanations with practical parenting tips. This well presented collection could appeal to a wide audience of families, young parents, child carers or study groups. Check out the author’s blog and extra resources at www.momentsformum.com/. ACLA
MOMENTS FOR MUM
Narelle Nettelbeck
Revival Nation Publishing
When you’re busy with young children, sometimes it’s nice to just have a chat with someone who understands what you’re going through, can listen without judging and give you some encouragement. Narelle Nettelbeck’s devotional book feels like you are sitting down having coffee with her. Full of practical advice from her own experience, Narelle draws on scripture and her own walk with the Lord to give us this very easy to read Moments for Mum.
Each devotion begins with a real life scenario about some aspect of being a Mum or a wife, and brings a ‘God perspective’ to the situation. She is real about the ups and downs of looking after young children, and for someone who claims to struggle with negativity, produces some very positive, useful thoughts that will draw you back to the Lord in the midst of your busy day. And somehow it helps knowing that somewhere out there someone is going through the same kinds of struggles and highlights that are a real part of being a Mum or child care worker.
The book is indexed with titles so you could pick out what you need that day, or work through them in order. Each devotion is quite short, so can be easily slotted into a busy schedule. It is also very real and down to earth, so would be a wonderful gift for your not-yet-Christian friends as well as Christian Mums. I like the front cover picture, which has a pair of feet with the turned up long denim shorts just showing. Probably just what a crawling infant would see as they bump into Mum on their journeys of discovery.
If you know a busy young Mum, or are looking for something inspirational to slot into a couple of minutes in your own adventure as a Mum, here is a book that will feel like a friend and turn your thoughts to the best friend and saviour of our lives. Moments for Mum is for anyone who cares for young children.
AC
MOMENTS FOR MUM
Narelle Nettelbeck
Revival Nation Publishing
Moments for Mum is a daily devotional with a difference. While it is a paperback covering a period of two months and sixty one devotions it does not quote a Scripture and then find a situation to fit the Scripture. Rather it tells of the imperfect here and now in an altogether too busy day and then quotes an apt healing and/or challenging Scripture.
Narelle Nettlebeck has captured the essence of being able to blend God into the ordinary and Moments for Mum covers the frustrations that most mothers face each day. Narelle shares her own life with honesty and the short stories that form the basis for the devotional will strike a cord in almost every woman’s heart.
Moments for Mum would make an excellent and encouraging gift for a new mum or one struggling to cope with motherhood. Christmas is coming up also.
DS
MOMENTS FOR MUM: DAILY DEVOTIONS
Narelle Nettelbeck
Revival Nation Publishing
The author writes her devotional material out of her experiences, as a mother with two young children, and a heart for the Lord and His word. It is easy to read and would make a nice gift for a young mum. WN
Moments for Mum is available online from one of our sponsors. Or at your local Christian bookstore. Buy it today and support your local Christian bookstore. For a list of Aussie bookstores check out the Christian Booksellers of Australia Association.