100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus - Pressing Pause

I bought this book a couple months ago and especially love the bite-sized stories each author shares. They write from a place of realness and understanding. This would make a great gift for any mom. It is hard back and thick, great quality and well written. A favorite on my shelf.

I saw this book on Instagram, was viewing at various post about it and i don't know why i had the urge to get it. First i requested a sample and by the time i was done with the sample i knew i had to get this book! I bought the digital copy and i know i am supposed to read it once a day to you know "Press Pause" but it's sssoo hard to put it down (the tablet in this case!!!) Karen and Rachel are such a great team, each and everyone of those "alone moments" with God it's really amazing. Not only the book, but how they each capture life as a mom, how hard and busy is but at the same time, they give you this tips and reasons to feel completely blessed, no matter how chaotic your life is. My favorite quote from the book is: "I don't have too, i get too." Have been using it, living it, reminding myself of it.... You know what?!?!? Just buy this book and trust me, you will NOT regret it. It's definitely worth it.
Besides, as a mom, you know we need to "Press Pause" once in awhile and have that alone time with God, this book will not only help you, but also will add some value and guide to it!

I really like this book a lot! Instead of it having a date to go to each day, there is a Table of Contents in which you can pick and choose what is pertinent to you for that day. I love this. It has so many topics that I think would appeal to many parents who may struggle with an issue. the devotions are short and there is a passage in there from the Bible but also, there is a place for the reader to answer a question or questions directed at them for thought. Great book! I also love that it's hardcover. I've been using it in the morning as I have my coffee and a highlighter handy as well as a pen to take my notes as I have found that useful to look back when I need to do so. Looking forward to more from these authors!

Beautifully written! I'm a new mom who is looking to further my faith, and this book is perfect!
I love how the author breaks down bible verses and scripture to make it easier to understand, and relatable to everyday life, particularly for moms! The book also contains journal sections with questions at the conclusion of each chapter.
An easy, fulfilling read before bed each night.

It is incredibly hard to have a solid quiet time unless I wake up at 5 AM, and most days that's exactly what I do.

But on the days when the thought of 5 AM is daunting, I can sleep in and use this book to get some solid time to connect with God. The devotions are easy to relate to, short, but significant. Which is exactly what a busy Mom needs.

I haven't had this book long, but I have recommended it to so many moms. I even posted a picture of the book with a HUGE recommendation that every mom MUST get this book! I have a chaotic life, and having 2 kids 14 years apart doesn't make things easier. It certainly doesn't mean I have a built-in babysitter; not when the 19 year can barely take care of himself, let alone a very energetic, red-head 5 year old girl. I definitely need these gentle reminders of how to raise my children in the love of God.

I'm only a few days in, but I can already tell this is the devotional I was looking for. The sections are not overly long, definitely doable as a busy mama who can't make it very long without interruptions. I like that there is a verse that starts each day's devo, and a space at the end to write your thoughts or responses to the reflection questions. Looking ahead at the various topics they all seem to be excellent for where I am in life with 4 young kids. It is a very pretty book, well made and sturdy with a hardcover. I am looking forward to using it daily!

Just got and its really nice. After you read one it leaves you madatating. Recommandation read one per day dont try to do what i did read a bunch and then you loose the tought. One perday because like that you can process it better, Great book overall for mommys in the morning before all your muchkins get up or at night when there all in bed or even in your lunch break.

Beautiful devotional. Not overwhelming, but genuinely life-changing. Takes 5 minutes or less each day if you choose, but you can obviously go at your own pace each day. Easy to understand, thought provoking and speaks directly into my mama heart.

This is a great daily devotional for moms to read! I was encouraged, challenged, and spurred on to love and good deeds for my family and others. I am thankful for Karen's and Ruth's different forms of writing, but same perspectives in reaching the lost with the gospel, ministering to our families, and discipling other believers. I hope to read many more of their books!

This is a sweet little treasure for mothers. I am a stay at home mom of three kids under four. This devotional is biblically based and is not cheesy. It's exactly the type of thing I need to read every day. It's relatable with daily scripture verses to go with each day's reading. The daily readings are only around two pages long and take me about a minute or two to read. I loved this so much I bought it for a friend after purchasing mine. As a very picky reader of women's Christian literature, I assure you this won't disappoint. Highly recommended.

Nothing special. Not much to distinguish it from many other similar devotionals. I'm mid-way through and it has fallen by the wayside as I've focused on several other books I'm working on. I'm honestly kind of surprised at all the positive comments!

Pressing Pause, by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk seeks to give ladies a quite place to pause their day and draw near to God. Inside the gorgeous hardcover one will find 100 devotionals. At the beginning of each "quite moment" is a verse that is the jumping off point for the devotion. Following the verse is a short anecdotal story or lessened gleaned from the authors lives. There is a prayer and then a few questions to ponder about the topic presented. All of this can be read in a few short minutes.

I really liked the general idea of the book. Any mom can find a few quick seconds to read these. If you don't have time to write down your answers to the questions in the book, you can always think about them while loading dishes or folding laundry. The devotions contain a lot of encouragement for weary mom's to draw near to Jesus and practical advice on how to do so. I found some of the devotions lacking a bit of depth. There were a few topics that are just so well-worn in mom culture. I just found myself wanting more than another reminder to put the phone down.

The book itself is really lovely and great quality. It exceeded my expectations in that facet. The thick hardcover has a beautiful watercolor design that is accented by the metallic-like purple. When the sun hits it just right it shines! It's just all-together well designed and would make an excellent gift- especially with mother's day coming up.

I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for my review.

The gorgeous book is my new companion every morning, during this season following Easter Sunday. This Easter, I was reminded how the promise of Easter isn't, "Hey! You can have Jesus if you try harder! If you do more! If you hustle! If you rush! If you add another duty to your list!" Easter is REST for our weary souls, and the only command attached to that kind of rest is simply this: "Come to me, all you who are weary."

This beautiful new book is helping me to seek the Easter Rest of Jesus Christ. As a busy mom, wife and work-at-home writer, these devotions are just right to get me started. The book (which is a GORGEOUS hardcover, by the way!) includes 100 encouraging devotions with space to journal your thoughts. I am finding calm in the chaos with this book, and I highly recommend it!

The children are fighting, screaming holy terror so loud you think your head might explode…AGAIN.

Your youngest child has created a body of water so large and deep that it just might become the next great lake or ocean. But no big deal, its just your bathroom.

As you are tucking in your oldest child, he casually mentions that his 3-D diorama of the solar system is due tomorrow morning. And don’t forget all the planets need to be properly color-coded and labeled. Did he forget to mention that it is worth half of his grade for the semester???

Where did this mountain of laundry come from? Didn’t I just do laundry yesterday?

The bills are piling up and the money is running low. Groceries or light bill this week? Which one can we live without?

Where is the pause button when you need it? Do they sell them at Walmart? You don’t care how much it costs, you just need it NOW!

The life of mother can be exhausting. And what do you have to show for it except stretch marks, dark under eye circles and a bone dry energy reservoir. What if 5 minutes could reassure you that it is all worth it? Too good to be true you ask? Not at all.

Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus by Karen Ehrman and Ruth Schwenk provides just that. It is so much more than a devotional for moms spouting all the jargon we’ve heard before.

“Being a mother is the best job in the world!”
“Sitting down to eat is overrated and a great calorie burner!”
“Who needs adult conversation? I can have intelligent conversations with my children.”

Ummm….yeah right! Motherhood is hard and that is a fact! As a mother, I find myself wishing for those precious and illusive 5 minutes of peace and quiet. Those moments are like GOLD. But here is the thing, the old adage about the oxygen mask on the plane…it’s true. In order to be the best mother to your bundles of joy, its imperative to take time, however brief, for yourself. Pressing pause in order to spend time with God is the greatest gift you can give yourself everyday. God provides you with the energy you need to make it through the chaos of each day. His power refills your spiritual, physical and mental reservoirs allowing you to continue pouring yourself into the lives of your family. He makes the following promises in Matthew 11:28-30,

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Life as a mother can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it by yourself. God has your back and He is faithful in fulfilling His promises. Go on Press Pause! You deserve it!

I've been reading a new devotional on my iPad: Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus by Karen Ehman & Ruth Schwenk. As the title suggests, this book contains 100 short chapters, each with a Bible verse or two, a meditation, a short prayer and a couple of questions to think about. After the questions there's space to journal a response (for the electronic version, readers are encouraged to use a note-taking app to journal their response).

Each of the devotions deals with a topic that moms can relate to, like "Playing Favorites," "Teaching Your Children Courage," "Becoming Less," and "Picking Up Dirty Socks (Again!)." Each chapter is short, requiring about 5 minutes to read, along with however long the reader wishes to think about the questions. The authors use personal narrative to inspire other moms to take time to meet with Jesus each day.

Here are a couple of excerpts:

From "The Joneses Are Overrated"

Yes, the Joneses invade our homes and our thoughts several times a day through social media and the Internet, robbing us of contentment.

In a letter to the believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul penned Philippians 4:11-13, which says, "For I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am" (HCSB). The Greek word rendered "content" in this verse denotes more than just a throwing up of arms in reluctant acceptance. At its hub, it means "to be satisfied to the point where I am no longer disturbed or disquieted."

From "We Have to or We Get to?"

How about we hit the restart button when it comes to our tasks? Let's stop pouting. Rather, let's reframe our attitudes Colossians 3:23-style.

I don't have to clean my house. I get to clean my house--because I have a place to call my own, while many are homeless or displaced. And I'm serving the Lord Jesus as I clean.

I don't have to fill out this team permission slip. I get to fill it out--because my child is healthy enough for physical activity. And I'm serving the Lord Jesus as I write.

I don't have to drive to get groceries. I get to do this errand--because we have enough money to purchase provisions and we own a car, so I don't have to walk. And I'm serving the Lord Jesus as I shop.

We don't have to. We get to. And thanks be to God That We do.

I am enjoying this devotional. Reading these devotions is a great way to start my day with Jesus.

I received this book for free from the publisher through BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review.

The title of this devotional for moms really jumped out at me...Pressing Pause. Isn't that what we all want to do from time to time? Pause the noise, the chaos, the arguing, the constant activity, and take a quiet moment to reset. This book contains 100 short devotionals that can help to reset our perspectives and focus on what's truly important.

Each devotional is 2 pages long and contains a key verse, short prayer, some questions for thought, and a few lines to jot down a response. It is a good length for the busy mom, even if you only have 5 to 10 minutes to "press pause".

One of my favorite readings so far was entitled "We Have To or We Get To?". The key verse was Colossians 3:23-24 which says Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. Sometimes as moms we get into the "poor me" mentality track. Here's an excerpt from the reading that can help to reset that mindset....

"I don't have to clean my house. I get to clean my house - because I have a place to call my own, while many are homeless or displaced. And I'm serving the Lord Jesus as I clean.

I don't have to fill out this team permission slip. I get to fill it out - because my child is healthy enough for physical activity. And I'm serving the Lord Jesus as I write.

I don't have to drive to get groceries. I get to do this errand - because we have enough money to purchase provisions and we own a car, so I don't have to walk. And I'm serving the Lord Jesus as I shop.

We don't have to. We get to. And thanks be to God that we do."

This book would make a great gift for any Mom, especially one with young kids at home. I was very impressed with the beautiful hard back cover. It has a nice feel, with reflective lettering and design. There is also a purple ribbon bookmark attached.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

WHAT I’VE BEEN READING LATELY: PRESSING PAUSE AND HOPE UNFOLDING [BOOK REVIEW]
APRIL 22, 2016 filed under: books

I’ve been a little all-over-the-place with my reading recently. I think I have five or six books going at the same time right now–and that’s me showing restraint! I don’t usually like to read this way, so willy nilly and hodge podge-y, but there must be something in the air because lately I can’t settle to anything for very long. Rather than fight it and force myself to wade through one book that just isn’t jiving, I’ve gone ahead and cracked a new cover whenever I felt like it. The result, of course, is a bit of a mess. But it also feels really good to read whatever I want, just because I want to. So cheers to reading freedom!

Two of the books I’ve been working through are Pressing Pause: 100 quiet moments for moms to meet with Jesus and Hope Unfolding: Grace-filled truth for the momma’s heart. I’m going to talk about both of them together today because, well, I want to. And because I think they go hand in hand to a certain degree.

PRESSING PAUSE

Pressing Pause is a devotional for moms. Normally, I would NOT be interested in this. For one, I struggle with devotionals in general. I always want something deeper, meatier than they give me. That’s not the point of a devotional, really, but I struggle with it all the same. I also tend to shy away from things that are “for moms” because, well, I don’t like being wholly defined by that role. I am a mom, and I love that, but that’s not all I am. And “for mom” books always seem to forget, gloss over, or discourage that. So it was with a bit of trepidation that I sat down with this momma devo. Turns out, though, I love it.

The entries in this devotional are for moms, yes, but they’re not all about motherhood. The themes are applicable way beyond parenthood, and they’re written so well that my mind immediately goes to whatever application connects best (rather than getting stuck on the parenthood angle). I SO appreciate that.

I’ve been sitting down with this book whenever I have a few minutes throughout the day and reading one, two, or even three entries at once. Then I go back to business and mentally chew on what I read. Using it that way instead of as a part of my morning quiet time has been way more effective for me. It’s a way to re-center in the middle of the day, and I still get to do my dig-deeper work in the mornings (though I’d also say that these devotionals are far better in terms of content than a few others I’ve read in the past, which is also pretty great).

As a bonus, this book is just the right size. Maybe that’s silly, but in my mind it’s a real benefit. It feels so good in my hands–substantial, but not too big or too thick. Easy to hold, and it lies flat. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. (Mmmm, chicken…)

This interesting devotion book will allow moms of all ages to take some quiet moments to spend with Jesus. Each subject touched in these devotions will speak to any mom who read it. You will have be encourage to turn worry into worship, to consider the fact that the Joneses are overrated, that it is important that you parent with your spouse, to pass on the faith to your children, to lead by example and many more.

I have received a PDF format of the book which means I was able to access it anywhere I went for a quick devotion on the go. Whether I was at the campground, at a Christian camp serving in the kitchen or waiting at an appointment, this book can uplift you in a matter of a few minutes. Each devotion start with a specific scripture and goes on on expanding on a principle base on that scripture. For example, in the devotion Putting “Flesh” on God the scripture is John 1:14 which says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” The devotion itself mentioned that the disciples had the privilege to walk with Him, talk with Him, touch Him, ate with Him, and live in close proximity to Him. They literally experience God. The devotion then goes on on how as parents we need to make God real to our children – which is done when they see us following Him with our whole being as we love them, serve them, study His Word, open our home to others, seek God in prayer, and give our time and talents. Bottom line we need to live out our faith on a daily basis and be authentic. The devotion ends with a quick prayer as well as some thought provoking questions which will encourage you to apply what you have learned in your own life.

In all you will find 100 devotions in this book. It can be done all in a row or sporadically if you prefer to keep it for times when you need extra encouragement. I personally use it when I am at the campground since it is on my iPad. So far only one devotion did not spoke to me as much as the other ones.

This book could make a great gift for a new mom or a friend who is having difficulties finding time to spend with God.

This book is a devotional every mom needs. This devotion is packed full of encouragement, reminders, and faith-building tools. Karen and Ruth bring the reality of motherhood and all its struggles to the table, sharing their own ups and downs in a heartfelt way. Being a mom of two young boys myself, I found myself encouraged and challenged by the words offered in this devotional. Being a mom is no easy task and as we strive to balance our homes, our children, our husbands, and our activities, we can so easily lose sight of what is most important which is our relationship with our loving Y’shua HaMashiach. Karen and Ruth provide a practical way to take a few moments out of one's day to spend one-on-one time with G-d, Who provides us as moms the endurance to face each day and all that may come with it.

The reader will find in each devotional a reflective scripture that is specific for the topic in which is being addressed, Ruth's and Karen’s own thoughts on the topic, encouragement to apply, and questions that help one reflect on the topic and how it applies to their own life. The topics all apply to the day and life of being mom and include topics such as: worry, loving your kids, humility, faith, forgiveness, bondage, trusting in G-d, relationships, judging, worshiping, frustration, and so much more. This devotional is inspiring, encouraging, and life changing. Karen and Ruth present the reality that all moms struggle, all moms are busy, and all moms can benefit from spending a few extra minutes pressing pause to pursue G-d.

Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This review is written by Yoni's wife, Le Wifey.

This devotional is filled with 100 devotionals just for moms. These short devotionals are designed for busy moms just like me and you. Sometimes we get caught in the hustle and bustle of life that we neglect our quiet time with God. It is necessary for us to "press pause" and spend some time with God.

I love this devotional. As I read reach one, they spoke to me in a relatable way. I have been through some of the same things or had the same thoughts talked about in each devotional. I feel like this would be a great devotional for every mom out there. If you feel overwhelmed or maybe you feel like a failure or maybe you just need some encouragement, this is for you. I was so encouraged by each day's entry. As a mom sometimes I feel like I just need some Godly encouragement that I will survive this season, I'm not the only one that's been through this, and reminded that God is there for me and has things to say to me through His Word, I just need to make that Quiet Time a priority in my life. So grab your copy today, you won't regret it!

* I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers (...) book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 (...) : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

This book is more religious than the books I normally read, but the title and the make up of the book sounded interesting and so I decided that this would be a good book to go through. As the title states, the book is about taking a break from a hustle of every day life and contemplating life and your own role in it. The book will be particularly welcome by mothers who juggle work and family, often with small kids, and seem to never catch a break. While this book will work not work some miracle and will allow a mother to get housework done in the half the time, it is a book that may provide a break from life for a mother by providing her brief sayings intended to convey strength, but also provide some peace of mind.
I found this book a good read. I also realized that there is a 30 day pressing pause challenge that provides regular emails over the course of a month intended to encourage the reader and provide some respite from the stress of normal life.
As I stated earlier, this book is particular helpful for women who juggle multiple priorities in life and never seem to catch a break. At times, when it seems like there is just too much going on, sitting down for 15 minutes and read one of the sayings will help. Not only do you need to focus on somethings besides all items on the to do list, but the reader is presented with very life-affirming and supportive quotes.
Each section is formatted in a similar fashion. The heading gives a thematic context in which the quote can be applied. For example Finding Solitude or Befriending the Bitter. This is followed by a brief write-up in which the authors cite a moment in their lives when the quote came to mind, followed up a brief list of guided question that allows the reader to focus on the quote. There are even some blank lines for the reader to jot down their notes when thinking about the situation and what the quote means to them. Even if reading a section takes only a couple of minutes, the example and guided question make the reader refocus on the subject and require the reader to "press pause" from the daily routine they were engaged in. I found that taking a break and looking at such a section gave me the break I needed to gather new energy and re-engage in my work much more focused afterwards.
Disclaimer: I received a free advanced copy of the book for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this post are my own and have not been influenced by any third parties.

I totally enjoyed this new devotional book. Although its written by moms for moms with children at home
I think any woman would enjoy reading it. I did.

I loved the title. I know there are meaning times I just need to Press Pause!

The devotionals are short. Actually maybe too short. I caught myself wanting to read it like a book instead of a daily devotional. But is that a bad thing? I think not.

As described it is what it is. !00 separate devotionals with topics like . . .
Turning Worry into Worship, A Place of Peace, More Than a Mom, Juicy-Fruit Faith and many more.

I didn't actually count them but it seemed to me that more of the devotionals were written by Karen than
Ruth. They were equally encouraging and uplifting.

Each devotional begins with a scripture and ends with a few questions to ponder that you can answer right on the page there is a place for your thoughts and doodles. I could see this lovely book used to illustrate the scripture.

Although I wasn't real impressed with the cover mainly because I think it doesn't photo well and wasn't real
attractive to me from a marketing perspective. I wouldn't be drawn to pick it up off a shelf based on the cover. But once I read the title and subtitle I was definitely interested. I did really like the colors and the paper used for printing.

All in all this is a really nice book that I would highly recommend for all moms.
It would make a great gift for a new mother or a great mothers day gift.

I enjoyed meeting the authors on the website and blog. Click here for more information.
Click here for sample pages from the book.

This post is linked to The Art Of Homemaking, Share a Cup, Titus 2sday, Book Nook, Literacy Mondays

I received this book from BookLook in exchange for my honest review.

First off, sorry for so many book reviews, but I had a LOT of reading time over the last week with vacation (YAH!!) And even some time to catch up on my blogging. I've been reading this book for a while, as it is a 100 day devotional, but I'm over 2/3 through it now, so I felt I could take the time to write an honest review for it at this point.

If you know me at all, you know that I've been consistently battling with "balancing" life throughout motherhood. There are always things needing to be done around the house...always someone calling your name...an ever-growing "to-do" list...errands, appointments, cooking, and I could go on and on...but just life. And, by the time you sit down after the kids go to bed, you're just plain exhausted, and you realize in the quiet exhaustion, that you've once again failed in the most important part of your day -- your time with your Lord.

I was totally drawn to this book from the title! Because daily, that's exactly what I need to do...Press Pause. Life doesn't really pause when I want it to, but this book makes it as easy and convenient as possible to take a moment (100, actually) with Jesus daily to read verses and be challenged/encouraged each day with a topic that applies to life as a mom. This book is perfect for every mom...when you're tired and busy...stay at home or at work...a quick but powerful "pause" to spend with God daily.

Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to meet with Jesus by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk is a devotional for mothers who need some encouragement and quiet time with God. “Pressing Pause offers you a calm way to start your day, to refresh yourself in Jesus and drink deeply of His presence so that you are ready to pour out love, time, and energy into the people who matter most to you.” Karen Ehman is a Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker and Ruth Schwenk is a pastor’s wife and mother.
This book has a beautifully done hardback cover. The devotions are short enough for the busy mom but contain enough encouragement to help you through your day. There are 100 devotions that include a bible verse, the devotion and a prayer. At the end of each devotion there is a question section to help you think about the devotion and then each devotion has a few lines to write notes. The bible verses are from different bible versions . I noticed NLT, HCSB, and ESV the others aren’t labeled.
I love the messages throughout the book the only thing I wish were different some of the note sections only include a small area to journal in. I wish there was at least a half page or an entire page to jot down thoughts.
If you are a busy mom looking for a few minutes to spend with God to renew your spirit each day I would recommend this one. I received this book at no charge from [...] in exchange for an honest review

SUMMARY:
Being instructed to press pause from the crazy, intense, frazzled life of motherhood and take a deep breath while immersing in the calm, sweet and loving time with Jesus, authors Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk help with that transition. Through personal stories, encouraging statements, an appropriate prayer and several questions for self- reflection, Pressing Pause understands and meets moms right where and when Jesus is needed most…

A PENNY FOR MY THOUGHTS:
Alternating between the two authors with similar yet different styles, I liked the difference in writing while the book stayed true to the theme presented by the included scripture for each devotion. Able to read each 3-4 page devotion in a brief setting, it was perfect for a quick pick-me-up when needed. The follow-up questions were thought-provoking and direct. I especially liked the eBook directions provided which correlated and made responses easily recordable. (That was the first time I had encountered that and they were easy to follow too!) As experienced writers and speakers, the collaboration was excellent and as a result, might just make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for that special mom!

RATING:
4.5 (out of 5) pennies

*I received a complimentary copy of Pressing Pause from BookLook Bloggers for my honest review*

As a mom, we are busy with laundry, constantly cleaning, taking kids back and forth to sports, cheer, dance, and the list goes on. We have to be the mediator, referee, coach, chef, doctor and so many other hats. Between all of the many hats we wear and trying to have quiet time with God, sometimes we may be lucky to get 5 minutes to ourselves. Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk have written a devotional for us moms titled Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus. Filled with 100 devotions giving us the time we need with Jesus.

Each devotion begins with a Bible verse, then a story, followed by a prayer, and questions with a space for us to write down our answers. I have found this has a great tool for my busy life. I can read a devotion while my kids are doing their school work or at a appointment. This is definitely designed for us busy moms. Beautiful hardback, that will fit in a diaper bag, purse or just right for you to carry.

If you have been looking for something that will allow you just a few minutes of quiet time then look no further. Pressing Pause is perfect! I highly recommend this devotional to all moms!

"I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own."

If I am honest, resting and refreshing is not my strong suit. With four children from ages 1 to 11; trying to home educating them, keep a home and be a help meet to my husband....It can be challenging getting enough time at the feet of Jesus. These devotions are simple, yet practical and so very encouraging. We are reminded of the great value of pressing pause now and then. How we ned to do this more often! Each devotion begins with a Bible verse and then a story, practical application if you will, showing us how it all looks. If you aren't sure what or how to pray, there is a simple little one at the end for you. And lastly there are questions to ponder. Turn your worries into worship; consider what is in your hands; remember the value of brokenness. This is such a blessing! A way to inspire and renew our spiritual health on those days that seem just impossible.

If I could recommend one devotional for busy Mama's, this would be it. Pressing Pause by Ruth Schwenk and Karen Ehman is more than just a quick devotional that you flip through each day, it's a series of thoughts from ladies who get it. Ruth and Karen understand the good and bad of motherhood and they share their thoughts on how to live a Godly life in the midst of it.

This devotional is great for those of us who lead busy lives because it gives a deep, resounding word packed in a little paragraph. This devotional has encouraged, uplifted and at times, convicted me to the core. I've found it simple to take the few minutes each morning to read the Scripture the entry starts with and ponder the devotional message. Each devotional ends with a couple of questions that are meant to help you apply each lesson.

Not only is the outside of this book gorgeous, but the words inside are beautiful as well. Ruth and Karen cover things like connecting with your spouse, treating your children with grace and self-care. It almost feels as if you have older mentors having a cup of coffee with you!

This book would also make a lovely gift for a new Mama.

This is a great book that I really enjoyed. Taking only a few moments out of your busy day,this book is filled with 100 quick stories that provide inspiration and encouragement through scriptures and personal stories. If you are familiar with Proverbs 31 ministries (which Karen Ehman is a part of) and their short daily devotionals then you'll be very familiar with the format of this book. These are nice "feel good" devotionals that share in the difficulties, trials and triumphs of being a wife and mother while also being a daughter of Christ.

Each devotional starts with a verse to reflect upon, followed by a personal story and then follows up with a few personal questions to help you reflect on your relationship with Christ. Even if these are the only moments in your busy day that you can devote to him, you'll still walk away feeling spiritually refreshed as well as feeling comradery with the authors as they describe both good and bad days that you can relate to.

*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review opinion. I was not compensated in any other way*

Our days can become so busy that we rush from one thing to another. Begin each day with a short devotional that will leave you with the peace of Jesus. Each devotional has a thought for the day and then ends with a section called "Five Minutes in the Word" that includes several scriptures that tie in to the devotional.

The book is small, has a bendable cover, and fits well in my purse for those rushed, out the door mornings. Each day has a thought that centers around the peace and calm that can only come from time with Jesus. The author uses stories and antidotes to help illustrate her thoughts and ties everything together with scripture. I really liked the extra scripture at the end of the devotional. Each text is written out so the reader doesn't need to grab their Bible if they are pressed for time or taking the book to another location. Overall, this was a beautiful little book that had some great thoughts. It would work well for a gift, but I intend to keep mine.

I received this book free of charge from Harper Collins in exchange for my honest review.

One thing it doesn't take moms long to realize: time is scarce. And unfortunately, one of the first things to go is consistent time with the Lord. I used to love spending time digging into a chapter of scripture, doing some inductive Bible study, and spending lots of time learning as much as I could about each sentence.

Now that I'm a mom? Inductive what? More like small, short prayers throughout the day, whenever I remember to do so and mayyyyyybe reading some scripture, if I can fit it in. So when I got my hands on this book, it was PERRRRRFECT!

Pressing Pause has 100 short devotionals with some scripture, some encouragement and some prayer prompts. One of the authors: Karen Ehman, is a Proverbs 31 speaker, and her wisdom is clear in the pages of this devotional. If you are a mom, and feeling guilty about not having very much time to spend with Jesus, this is exactly the book for your. Jesus understands our life stage, and He cares more about the motivation of our hearts than the exact amount of minutes we spend in prayer and scripture. And this book is great for quiet moments spent with our Savior that only take a few minutes out of your hectic day!

As a mom-to-be, I asked my husband to request this book for me as I knew that in a few short months life with a newborn would present its own new challenges and I had already struggled to do my daily devotions with being tired all the time. This devotional provides a 1-3 page reading portion along with a prayer and a question/answer section.

This book is great as it is an easy read which is perfect for moms who have a busy schedule and can only allot so much time out of their day. I can see any mom being able to incorporate this sort of devotional into the time they set aside to meet with Jesus. Most often as a mom your brain is going a 100 miles an hour and this book simplifies it and makes it easier to get with God.

The book itself is beautifully made, it comes in hardcover and the pages are thick and glossy, it even comes with a purple bookmark, which I love! I was given this book by booklook bloggers to review however they had no control on how I reviewed it.

Pressing Pause is a wonderful break in my hectic days. It's literally a reset button, a pause button, a moment to rest, refocus and catch my breath. Authors Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwank have done a beautiful job providing bite-sized excerpts that easily fit into the brief, brief moments in between domestic duties.

Each of the thoughtfully written devotions offer grace, mercy and rejuvenation. They quickly and succinctly point a tired heart to the rest only moments with Jesus can provide. And each entry includes a reflection question and a chance to respond. It is encouraged that you respond in written form, as in a journal, but sometimes life starts playing again and there's only enough time to reflect mentally. Yet, the grace is rich and there is no shame for the mom who barely has enough time to read each devotion.

I love that I can read it and get a dose of Jesus' love, mercy and strength in the midst of the chaos. And since it is short and sweet, I am not encumbered by guilt or schedules. Further, the thoughts stay with me all day long and lead me into deeper reflection and reading.

If you're looking for an easy, quick way to add a little more Jesus to your day, this book is for you.

I think all Moms are looking for the companionship of knowing that someone else is going through what they’re going through, and if that someone else can point them to Jesus, then the time spent empathizing with each other is not in vain. Or at least, that’s the way I feel. So, when I received the opportunity to review Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus.

In this book, author’s Ruth Schwenk and Karen Ehman present 100 devotional pieces on common issues that moms face. Each devotional has a verse of scripture, a personal story, a short prayer and reflection questions. These reflection questions often contain an action question to allow you to live out your faith daily through the devotional.

I really enjoyed reading through the stories, questions and scripture. I felt an easy rapport with the authors and knew that they understood and could emphasize with my every day wife and mother struggles. When the spoke of not stopping to listen to God’s voice or do a good work that they knew they needed to do because of their business, I felt the sting of conviction. I hope to start going back through these devotions slowly, working through the questions this time as I go, and enjoying the journey through pressing pause in my busy mom life.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A frazzled mom makes for a frenzied family.

This is an excellent quote from the book and why so many of us moms need this book.

The first section is about turning your worry into worship. Karen points out that 99% of the stuff she worried about never even came into fruition, and yet she wasted so much time worrying. I can definitely relate!

I love how each section is so small and yet so packed with wisdom. Any mom can find time to read this before getting kids breakfast or before passing out from exhaustion at night.

I also love how each section starts with a Bible verse and ends with questions.

I received this book in an exchange for an honest review.

I was initially drawn to Pressing Pause by its book description: "Kids bickering? Jam Packed? Dishes and laundry both piled high? Perhaps it's time you pressed pause."

Obviously the author had been peeking in my windows and suddenly I needed to read this devotional written just for moms like me, who needed to take a moment in the chaos of everyday life to re-focus and refresh. Because when my kitchen looks like that, and my kids are fighting with each other, and arguing with me about chores ... the last thing I usually think about is digging into God's Word. I either turn into drill-sergeant-mom, get grouchy and snappy, or go into avoidance-mode.

I have a lot of devotional books in my home. I have some for Christians in general, some specifically for women, some for homeschool moms, and a couple for moms in general. Most of them are paperback, and none of the ones written for moms are very deep. Pressing Pause, on the other hand, has a beautiful hardcover, with a ribbon bookmark built in. It's the perfect size for holding, with font that's easy to read. There is a neatness to the book that is appealing when the rest of your house is messy - clean lines, white pages, empty space to write.

Each devotional begins with a Bible verse, unwraps into a devotional lesson, then closes with a prayer and some questions to really help you apply the lesson. There are a few lines at the end of each devotion where you can write your answers if you want. I have an issue with writing in devotions, because then I feel I can't re-use it again later, so I prefer to journal my thoughts in a notebook instead. Some of the devotions are light and refreshing. Others are more challenging, like the one I read this week about parenting in unity with your spouse. Ouch ... and very timely!

I am enjoying these short devotions. I can sneak into my bedroom for five minutes and just take some time to focus on God's plan for my life, and his heart for me as a mom. I can pray and breathe in some peace ... until someone bursts in with the news that my preschooler needs her bottom wiped or the toddler has a poopy diaper. Deep breath, one last prayer, and back into the fray.

Pressing Pause will make a lovely Mother's Day gift for the moms in your life: new moms, older moms, working moms, stay-at-home moms. Give them the gift of a few moments peace, a few moments to stare at a clean, white page, and read life-giving words!

Disclosure: I received one free copy of this book for review purposes. No other compensation was received, and this is my honest opinion.

This is an absolutely beautiful devotional. I love how the cover feels and I really appreciate how encouraging (and short!) each daily devotional is – and the included questions and notes sections make it easy for a busy mama to spend time in the Word without feeling overwhelmed. I don’t have a lot of extra time in my day and I really appreciate the way these two wonderful women have come together to create a devotional that offers hope to so many areas of my life. My favorite right now is Ruth’s devotional called “More than a Mom” – a beautiful conversation about our identity in Christ.

This is such a great book. It is definitely written for moms with kids still at home. The devotions are short, but meaningful. There is a journaling aspect, should you choose to use it. I don't, simply because I am usually feeding a baby while reading, so I don't have an extra hand to use to write. The devotions don't take much time, but you can ponder them for some time. The book itself is beautiful. It is perfect for gift giving.

I was recently introduced to the devotional, Pressing Pause 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus By Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk. These two women understand the tasks of motherhood; the sleepless nights, the fears and triumphs, the dirty diapers, the screaming babies and uncooked meals but most of all the constant need for Jesus. Each day they present a Scripture verse and expand upon it's meaning with real-life, motherhood examples. At the end of each short devotional, there is a 2-3 sentence prayer and a couple questions to help you continue the study and apply the lessons to your own life. The first thing that caught my eye with this devotional is the stunning design. It's a hardback book with a purple string page marker and purple foil details on the cover. The design is simple and elegant and before I ever opened to the first page I was genuinely excited to read it. I judge a book by its cover, and in this case, I knew I had a winner. The inside is equally as beautiful with a tasteful purple and green design that carries you throughout the devotional. - See entire review: [...]

Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus is a terrific devotional book specifically targeted to busy moms. Ehman and Schwenk present 100 devotions that focus on issues and concerns all moms have. Each devotion has a scripture verse, a personal story, a prayer and reflection questions. The reflection questions often include an action question which encourages you to put your faith into action.

While this complimentary book was provided for review by Harper Collins Publishing, no other compensation was given. All remarks are my personal and honest opinions.

Pressing Pause is a joy to read! As a busy mom, I was inspired and encouraged by Pressing Pause. Each daily devotion is short enough that you can read it in 5-10 minutes, yet filled with deep truth you can use.

Pressing Pause is the type of book you will read again and again (once a year or once so), just to be reminded of the great insights to pick-up new insight you missed in the first reading.

I highly recommend this book for moms.

Note: I was given a review copy of this book by Booklook bloggers in exchange my for honest opinion.

Powerful devotional for moms. Karen Ehman, author, and Ruth Schwenk, pastors wife, split the book up with their own daily devotions for 100 days. A Bible verse, discussion of times in their family life that relate to the verse, a prayer and heartfelt questions to answer. I really enjoyed this and plan to go back and read all that I highlighted. Would certainly recommend this to all the mothers out there.

Who doesn't need to press pause? I love the sweet and humorous invitation in Pressing Pause, asking us to slow it down. I know it's hard to find quiet moments, especially in the crazy chaos that is motherhood (we love it, but let's just be real). This beautiful book allows us to do just that. It's an amazing gift for a new mom, for Mother's Day, and even for those of us like me who are watching their own children raise littles.

Thank you, Karen and Ruth for the invitation. I definitely am saying yes to pressing pause.

This is great encouragement during the few minutes that a busy mom can sit down and read. It's set up nicely where at the end of each entry to go a little more in depth and apply to your own personal life with questions. A quick read, but packed with stories, scripture, and real life. Would recommend to other moms, while I have toddler and under I feel this book still suits mom's of older children.

I love how simple and to the point each devotional takes no time at all to read, but gives one plenty to think on. I'm slowly working my way through the book, and so far it has covered topics such as not worrying, and reflecting God's love to your children. I would definitely recommend this book to any mom looking for a simple daily devotional.

I recieve this book for free (in ebook form) from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I had added this book to my the store wishlist months ago after seeing someone I know recommend it on Facebook. Shortly before Christmas, I was reviewing wishlist items and ended up removing this book because I wasn't actually sure if it was something I would ever get around to reading. However, my brother and sister-in-law had already beaten me to the punch and ordered it for me...and I am so glad that they did! This seems like a devotional that I could actually stick with...I've only done the first day so far, but in just briefly skimming the book it seems like the devotional are relatable and brief enough to actually be doable for a busy mom with young kids. The pages are thick and smooth, perfect for tactile people and for note-taking that won't bleed through! The book even comes with a ribbon bookmark to save your spot! This is a beautiful, high quality book and an absolute bargain for the price! I'm very happy that I didn't remove it from my wishlist in time!

This book is hardback with beautiful pages, gorgeous purple lettering and an even prettier lavender color bookmark. Yep...this blogger is fond of all things beautiful....especially when it comes to books! Bite size snippets of goodness reside within it's pages. Each author shares a life story or some other form of story to begin the devotional. At the top of each page resides a verse or verses. Follows is a question or exercise with a few lines to journal your own thoughts

so first of all I loved this book. The layout is set up like a devotional but is not necessarily required to read it that way. I loved this book and how each day showed a way that you can just stop and relax and take a break from your every day hustle and chaos. I enjoyed that all the stories were easy to read and you could really see them going on in your real life. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who struggles with taking breaks.

As a mom of three littles, I'm busy. Some days I'd even used the word "overwhelmed." And its often hard to find time for an extended quiet time. By that I mean, my quiet time may be an hour long, but it will be broken up into 15 minutes here, then breaking up an argument, changing a diaper, bandaging a skinned knew, cuddling a crying toddler, 10 minutes there, then getting a snack for a hungry baby, finding a kindergartener's lost shoe, cleaning up the apple juice on the floor, etc. That's why books like "Pressing Pause" are so helpful!
"Pressing Pause" is just what it claims to be: "100 quiet moments for moms to meet with Jesus." And they're broken up into "mom increments - a couple of minutes each. Each "quiet moment" is a devotional, complete with a passage of Scripture, a personal story, a discussion of how the two relate, and a couple of questions to get you thinking more deeply. Some days you'll be able to read the devotional, meditate on it for a long time, get out a couple of Study Bibles and research more deeply, write you thought on the questions at the end of the devotional... Some days you'll be lucky to get a quiet two minutes (possibly while hiding in the bathroom) to read the devotional all the way through before motherhood beckons. Either way, you're making progress on that journey to spend more time with Jesus!

I love that the devotionals aren't scheduled by a day of the week, etc. so there's no feeling guilty if you didn't get to read one on Monday. Plus, they're so short and rich that you could read several throughout the day. And I love that EACH devotional has Scripture. Although the life lessons and personal stories are great, its not really a devotional if it doesn't include God's word! It may be just a couple of verses, but each lesson includes a Scripture! I love that!

I received a copy of this book, free of charge, from BookLook Bloggers, in exchange for my honest review.

A few years ago, 9 to be exact, I got married. I didn't expect to have children at the time because of some things my doctors had told me about my health. It turns out that the Lord had other plans for our family. I came home pregnant from the honeymoon. Over the next 5.5 years I was pregnant for 3 and ¾ of those years and gave birth to 5 children. Life became chaos. I was exhausted, depressed, overwhelmed and constantly feeling like I was starving spiritually.
As my children have grown I have been able to find some stability. My youngest will be 3 in about 3 weeks, so things have improved a great deal. We have a different sort of busy now and I am sure it will continue to change dramatically in the upcoming years. Yet in the midst of it all I have found I need, time alone with the Lord Jesus. When I don't quiet my heart to listen, when I don't take the time to pause and simply feed my soul, I feel as though I am going to shrivel up and die.
It was in the midst of one of my busiest times that I found some amazing blogs that I could read quickly and fill up my heart for the day ahead. I began growing spiritually from the wisdom I was reading each and every day. Through the encouragement from the women who were writing those blogs, I found ways to carve out more time for my spiritual health, and it made a huge difference in my life over the course of the next few years.
I learned how vitally important that it is for me to be drawing my strength from the author of strength. I simply can not care for my family properly if I am not feeding my soul. I believe this truth applies to everyone not just mothers.
Recently Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk teamed up and wrote the book, Pressing Pause: 100 Quiet Moments for Moms to Meet with Jesus. This book is exactly what I found on those blogs all those years ago. There is a small reading for each day, a scripture verse and some questions at the end to dwell on throughout the day. This book is exactly what the title says it is. A collection of short readings to help point our hearts to the one and only who can feed our soul, in the midst of the busyness of mothering.
The book is really beautiful. It would make a great gift for new mothers who are deep in the trenches of motherhood.

The perfect fit for the busy mom's life. Taking a break to meet with Jesus and take a breathe in the midst of the crazy can be so tough, but I love the way this book keeps it simple with these sweet devotions. Doing one/day is such a great fit and I was thrilled to get a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, uncompensated review.

I love this book so much. I am not much in to devotionals...but this one got my attention and I decided to give it a go. I am SO glad that I did! It literally helps me to take a moment to myself, breathe and focus on God. I love it.

What a great way to begin your day, moms. Amazing devotions are waiting for you. Karen and Ruth did an amazing job of opening up their hearts to you so that you could do the same. Get this for yourself or another mom.