40 Days With the Savior- The Red Headed Hostess

 

Today I want to tell you about a book that my book group read last month.  It is called 40 Days With the Savior and it is by Connie Sokol.

What I love about this book is that it is simple and profound.  She takes 40 characteristics of Christ and applies it to every day living.  You could sit down and read this in one day, or you could read one chapter a day and ponder over that specific character trait throughout the day.

For example, here are some characteristics:

Day 1:  He prepared spiritually for the day

Day 4:  He didn’t seek others’ approval

Day 7:  He bore being misunderstood

Day 11:  He influenced others for good

Day 21:  He is aware

Day 28:  Understands Betrayal

Day 29:  He held difficult conversations

Day 31:  He takes time for people

As I was reading this book I realized the treasure of knowledge I was gaining as a mother.  As my children grow and face situations I can seek to counsel them using some insights about Christ’s character.  Also, I noticed that I started noting other character traits of Christ that I wanted to write my own thoughts about – and another girl in my book group said the same thing.  This book inspired us to do that which is a great gift!

I contacted Connie and she offered a couple of things for my readers.

First- she gave me a chapter to include in this post.  You can find that below.

Second – she offered a special deal for you for this book.  You can find the details at the end of this post.

Here is the chapter for you to read.  You can see that these are simple and short, so a perfect thing for a busy person who wants something valuable to ponder throughout the day!

DAY 32: HE COMPREHENDS MOTHERHOOD

Mark 6:54–56

And when they were come out of the ship, straightway they knew him . . . And ran through that whole region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick, where they heard he was.

And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

 

Maybe it’s because I’m knee deep in raising seven children, ages nineteen to seven months, but I can see in this scripture that Jesus understands exactly how it feels to be a mother.

The scripture says that the people came straightway—meaning, as soon as they caught sight of his ship they ran to Him like bees to honey. And then they ran and told everyone else to bring all their sick because look, He’s here, and He will heal you!

Have you, to some degree, felt like that as a mother—that someone is always needing you or touching you, wanting to be made whole, or at least wanting to get their homework question answered or school paper signed? Busy helping, women often don’t have time to go to the bathroom when they need to—a truth I can attest to from almost twenty years of mothering.

Jesus knew how it felt to have people throng Him for His healing power. Can you imagine the energy it took for Him to do that amount of healing? And yet you don’t hear in the scriptures of someone coming up and saying, “Sit down, take a rest. I’ll come back tomorrow.” No, it seems everyone wanted what they wanted, when they wanted it, without considering how the Healer was doing.

Sometimes mothers feel like that—a little used and taken advantage of. The endless cooking, cleaning, washing, and carpooling feels expected rather than appreciated. So on those days when a spouse’s gratitude seems scarce and society’s expectations high, remember that He gets it. He knows how it feels, and He relied on His Father to help provide the energy to do it. So can we.

Just for today, appreciate how the Savior gave and served without price or complaint, and how He looked to spiritual renewal in order to achieve it.

 

What is one way the Savior’s life is similar to my life as a mother?

 

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For my readers, Connie offered to put 4 books in a bundle for $25 so you can put these into Easter baskets, give as a gift, use in your book group, or whatever you want!  You can find this bundle HERE.

Also, if you get that bundle you can email her at  [email protected] and ask for one of the following for FREE!

1-  One a free E Book of 40 Days With the Savior

or

2-  Her download called “Becoming a Christ Centered Woman”.  You can find that HERE.

Happy Easter!