July 13, 2006 5:55 PM
Fan Mail
Okay, I don't want it to seem like I'm a complete egomaniac :)
I take all those pictures at ICRS because I know it is a thrill for my kids. And I manage it because when I say to Jars of Clay "I have 12 kids and they would love to see a picture of their mom with you all" their jaws drop open and they are happy to oblige. This is just one silly fringe benefit to being a mom of 12. Another smile.
Also, I rarely do this, but I wanted to share a letter I received from someone who didn't know about my blog but stumbled across The Mommy Manual at the Mount Hermon bookstore (thanks to the Mount Hermon bookstore for stocking my book!)
I had just come home from the ICRS feeling overwhelmed with the commercial atmosphere - including that around Christian books - and feeling like Does the World Really Need Another Book from Barbara Curtis? Sometimes I feel like the answer is no - there is just way too much already available.
I feel like God heard my question because this was in my inbox this morning:
Barbara,I just finished reading your book "The Mommy Manual" and I have to tell you that it is, by far, the best "parenting" book I have ever read.
Reading it actually makes me want to have more children (we have three and are planning on a fourth, God willing)! Your book offers more valuable tools than all other parenting books I have read and parenting classes I have attended - combined.
I discovered your book recently during our family camp week at Mount Hermon. My husband and I had just had a difficult hour with our oldest son (who seems to be entering his teen years 5 years earlier then we had planned) and I went for a walk on my own hoping to chat with God about how to better guide him. There was your book. It literally jumped off the shelf at me! I sat for over an hour on a bench reading the "Mommy Manual" (yes, with some ice cream from the Fountain) and I knew I would be a different kind of mom when I finished it.
Thank you. You are such an enormous inspiration. I don't feel alone anymore and, more importantly, I now feel overjoyed about being a mother who builds her family up through all the ways you discuss! You offer mommies so much more than simply ways to "survive raising children" (which is what I believe most parenting books offer). Instead, you prepare and challenge moms (and dads) to make parenting and family THE mission of our lives. Wow!
In my opinion, your book is one of the most important books a parent should read. They should hand it out in the delivery room.
Few books published today (of the "self help" variety") actually change lives. Yours does.
God bless you and your family,
Wendy
Thank you, Wendy! I know most everyone who reads here can identify with weighing a big question and having God encourage you in one direction or another through something someone says. Wendy, you were a conduit today for some encouragement God wanted to send my way.
Also I thought I should promote my books more here - I try not to too much, but you know what? I hear enough feedback like this to say with at least a little confidence - Yes, this book will change your family life and your relationship with your children! The sooner you read it, the sooner you will find the joy in being a mom that God intended - and the sooner your child will settle down and become truly teachable.
So there, I've said it! Please know I mean it humbly, but sincerely. My purpose is really to make your life easier and more filled with joy. The Mommy Manual is full of information on how to do that.
Also, if you have read any of my books, I would appreciate it so much if you would do a customer review at Amazon on any you've read. It will encourage moms trying to make up their minds whether to invest in them. And through investing in them to invest in their motherhood and their children.
Posted in Books, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
In God's providence, Barbara, I was just thinking today about how you're the Mothership. I read a TON of blogs. But usually, yours is the first, you've even replaced my news feed for first place. I don't always agree with you, but have been blessed by your "mothering". I guess having 12 enlarged your heart enough for the rest of us. Thank you.
Posted by: floorplan | July 13, 2006 6:32 PM
I just finished reading The Mommy Manual and I agree with your reader that it is changing my parenting. I will post a review on Amazon and plan to somehow get books for my friends. I just wish I'd had this book when my first child was born. But I also agree that reading your posts and books inspire me to enjoy my children more. I've had so much more fun with them. I've even gotten my two-year-old to cut down on the whining!
So when do we get The Daddy Manual? :)
Posted by: Sarah | July 13, 2006 6:36 PM
I loved your trip pictures! My two-year-old son was especially fond of the one with Bob and Larry. In fact, we have it bookmarked so we can go back and see it again!
I'm enjoying Dirty Dancing at the Prom so far! Thanks again.
Blessings,
Posted by: Sal | July 13, 2006 9:04 PM
It's funny you posted this today...I thought of you twice today - once this morning and once this afternoon. I was getting my oil changed with my active little toddler at my side this morning and I recalled a quieter time in that same lobby waiting for my car where I first began reading The Mommy Manual and devoured every word and relished all three hours they kept me there just so I could finish reading it. Then, later this afternoon, I was perusing the parenting section at our local Christian bookstore and smiled when I saw The Mommy Manual and realized that I could always go back home and brush up on what I read so many months ago now that Lou is entering those toddler years.
That book was such a blessing in that it didn't talk about diapers and feedings and anything practical but so much spiritual and how to nurture my children's spirit and personality. Such a welcome change to all the "first years" mommy books out there!
Posted by: Laura | July 13, 2006 10:14 PM
