MOMtor monday: books that flipped our pancakes

The griddle has to be hot. The butter has to be melted. The batter must be poured. It bubbles and browns. And then, suddenly, at just the perfect moment, it begs to be flipped. Otherwise, you have a burned mess.

In our lives as women and mothers, we have been the pancakes. Life has been the griddle. And God has wielded a big, holy spatula.

Flipping can’t happen slowly. It’s unsettling and shocks us out of our current way of thinking.

God uses all kinds of circumstances and people to “flip our pancakes.” He’s not restricted to one cooking method. However, for our MOMtor Monday, we decided to focus on several books that God used to turn our worlds upside down:

Pancake Flipper #1: She’s Gonna Blow! Real Help for Moms with Anger by Julie Barnhill

It revolutionized the way mothers thought about anger. More than that, it blew the lid off of the shame and isolation that Christian mothers felt. Godly mamas didn’t lose their temper. And if they did, they didn’t talk about it. We appreciate her honesty and candor, as well as the hope she offers that change is possible.

Pancake Flipper #2: Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life by Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend

This book explains in practical, enlightening detail how boundaries are essential to a healthy balanced life. In the Christian world, we are taught to be “nice.” This can be distorted and translated into being a doormat. Boundaries opened our eyes regarding how God gives us permission and even encourages us to draw lines in our personal and family lives.

Pancake Flipper #3: Captivating: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman’s Soul by John and Stasi Eldredge

It tells every little girl’s story. And speaks to a keenly intimate part of us that desperately wants to know, “Am I lovely?” It shines a spotlight on the enemy who seeks to deceive us about our worth and beauty. This is not an easy read. Take it slowly and process it. Ultimately, it is a journey that leads us to a deeper understanding of our Creator and how he sees us as His captivating daughters.

Pancake Flipper #4: Sink Reflections by Marla Cilley

Also known as “The Fly Lady,” Marla Cilley rocked our very messy worlds. Beyond just presenting an organizing book, she enlightened us on why we procrastinate and can’t seem to get our refrigerator cleaned or our ceiling fan dusted. Finally Love Yourself (FLY) is her cure for the self-condemnation that often plagues us. In between, she gives a practical approach to caring for ourselves and our families that is actually doable and doesn’t make us feel overwhelmed.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 (NIV)

So click on one of the links and get ready to flip!

What person, circumstance or book has God used in your life to flip your world?