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I often catch myself thinking: Wow, I never imagined motherhood would be like this. And honestly, I know I’m not alone. There are moments so sweet, so fulfilling, that I feel like I could live in them forever—completely content, with a dreamy smile plastered on my face.
But then… there are those moments. You know the ones. Moments when I feel utterly lost, floundering like a fish out of water, wondering how in the world I got here. And let’s be real—there are definitely times I feel completely unequipped. If I’m being honest, I’ve had moments where I was a little embarrassed about how I responded. (Seriously, am I the only one who’s apologized to a toddler mid-meltdown?)
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Motherhood is a wild ride, full of highs, lows, and everything in between.
The truth is, we aren’t equipped—at least, not on our own. Only Jesus is. And that’s where the beauty lies: in learning to lean on Him, just as so many mamas before us have done. We’re never truly alone in this journey. There’s so much wisdom to be gleaned from those who have walked this road ahead of us, and it’s such a gift to learn from their experiences.
This list, though far from complete (because I’m always discovering new treasures), is filled with books that have captured my heart. These are the ones I reflect on daily and return to whenever I need a fresh perspective in motherhood or homemaking.
Take a look at 11 Must-Reads for Christ-Centered Mamas and why I recommend them.
1. The Bible. #1 of 11 Must-Reads for Christ-Centered Mamas
The Bible
Naturally, the first and most important book on this list is the Bible. It’s the ultimate perspective-changing, life-transforming, mom-life-saving book you’ll ever read. Lost your patience again? The Bible’s got wisdom for that. Wondering how to juggle it all without losing your mind? Yep, it covers that too. It’s like the ultimate manual straight from God.
The Old Testament is packed with stories of God’s unfailing love for His children—kind of like us loving our toddlers through their tantrums (okay, maybe not that graceful, but you get the idea). And then the New Testament brings us Jesus, our perfect role model. He shows us how to love unconditionally and handle even the craziest situations (looking at you, snack-time negotiations) with grace and wisdom.
If you’re going to devote your spare time to anything this year, I pray you start here. You can find my note taking Bible here.
2. What The Bible Is About: Bible Handbook
When you’re diving into God’s Word, having a trusty Bible handbook can feel like having a GPS for Scripture. Yes, the Holy Spirit is there to guide you (thank goodness!), but let’s be honest—sometimes you hit a passage and think, Wait… what? Or, What’s going on? Or even, Where are they at again?
That’s where a good handbook comes in handy. It breaks down the books of the Bible, highlighting the main themes and all those little details that showcase God’s amazing character. And when you’re stuck on a passage that feels as clear as your toddler’s explanation of which superhero they’re pretending to be today, a handbook can help you piece it all together. Sometimes, those overviews provide the missing link that makes everything click—like finally realizing the superhero was all of them mashed into one! And when it comes to the Bible, the Superhero is always Jesus.
This year, I started using a Bible handbook, and it’s been such a helpful asset.
3. The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosaria Butterfield
This book starts off with a cliffhanger that’ll have you turning pages faster than you can read!. But it’s not just the storytelling that draws you in—it’s the challenge Rosaria Butterfield so beautifully lays out for us.
She doesn’t just call us to use our homes as a vessel for the gospel (though she does that powerfully); she also encourages us to examine our actions, our words, and even those moments when we should have bitten our tongues (no shame, mamas, I’ve been there). Hospitality, she reminds us, isn’t about picture-perfect homes or fancy dinners—it’s about opening our doors and our hearts to reflect Christ’s love in real, tangible ways.
This book will completely shift how you see where God has placed you. Rosaria beautifully connects the dots between the gospel and hospitality, showing how the two go hand in hand. Her words inspire you to see your home as a place where lives can be changed, not by your perfection, but by God’s grace working through your everyday life.
If you’re looking for a book to challenge, inspire, and change your perspective in 2025, The Gospel Comes with a House Key is one you don’t want to miss. It’s a heartfelt reminder that God can use ordinary homes, ordinary meals, and ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His glory.
4.Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Hubbard
This book has been an absolute blessing in my parenting journey, especially during those moments when I was desperately trying to figure out how to guide my little ones to be respectful and listen—without resorting to empty threats (because let’s be honest, those don’t work anyway). Ginger Hubbard gently and wisely teaches how to address the heart of a child’s disobedience, offering practical ways to navigate those tough moments with grace and intentionality.
What I love most about this book is how it shifts the focus from merely correcting outward behavior to nurturing their hearts with biblical truths. It’s not about quick fixes but about creating lasting change in the way we parent and communicate. Hubbard’s advice feels like sitting down with a trusted friend who just gets it.
This is one of those books I find myself rereading again and again because it offers so much wisdom and encouragement, no matter what season of motherhood I’m in. I’d recommend it to any mama who wants to parent with purpose, pointing her children to Jesus in a way that’s both loving and effective. It’s practical, uplifting, and truly a game-changer for moms looking to grow in grace alongside their little ones.
5. Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic
This book is an absolute gem for any mama navigating the beautiful chaos of raising little ones. Rachel Jankovic writes with a blend of honesty, humor, and grace that feels like a chat with a friend who just gets it. She doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of motherhood but instead shows us how to find beauty and purpose in the middle of it all.
What I love about Loving the Little Years is how Rachel brings everything back to biblical truth. She reminds us that these little years aren’t just about surviving (though, let’s be real, some days it feels that way), but about thriving as we embrace the challenges and joys of motherhood with an eternal perspective.
The chapters are short and sweet—perfect for when you only have five minutes between diaper changes and snack refills—but they’re packed with wisdom and encouragement. From taming tantrums to managing sibling squabbles, or even finding joy in yet another load of laundry, Rachel has a way of speaking right to your heart while also making you laugh.
If you’re looking for a book that meets you right where you are, points you to Jesus, and leaves you feeling encouraged (and maybe a little less alone), Loving the Little Years is a must-read for 2025. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos, God is at work—and He’s using you, Mama, for something beautiful.
6. Hard Is Not the Same as Bad by Abbie Halberstadt
This book provided one of the biggest perspective shifts I’ve ever experienced as a mama—especially for my son, who I lovingly call my strong-willed child. Abbie Halberstadt has such a gift for helping you see the challenges of motherhood in a whole new light, and for me, that meant seeing my son in a way I never had before. This book didn’t just change how I parent—it transformed our relationship.
Abbie doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff; instead, she leans into it with wisdom, truth, and encouragement. She reminds us that just because something is hard, it doesn’t mean it’s bad. Those moments that feel like a constant battle? They’re opportunities for growth—for us and our children. This book helped me shift my focus from trying to “fix” my son to seeing the incredible potential in his strong will and unique personality.
Abbie points everything back to the gospel, showing how God works through the hard moments to sanctify us and draw us closer to Him. Her writing is practical, relatable, and full of grace, and she has a way of making you feel like you’re not alone in the messy, refining process of motherhood.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the challenges of parenting, especially with a strong-willed child, Hard Is Not the Same as Bad is a game-changer. It’s a beautiful reminder that God has a purpose in the hard and that He’s using it to shape not only our children but also our hearts. This book will inspire you to see your child in a new light and embrace the journey with faith and hope.
7. Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch
I just finished this book, and honestly, it couldn’t have come at a better time. My children are at the age where comparing, complaining, and coveting seem to be popping up more than ever. I was feeling overwhelmed, unsure of how to guide their hearts toward gratitude, and this book was exactly what I needed.
Kristen Welch gets straight to the root of the issue, helping parents dig into not just surface-level behaviors but the deeper heart problems behind them. She walks you through practical, biblical ways to teach your children what it means to have a truly grateful heart. And let me tell you—it’s not all easy! There are some hard lessons our kids will face along the way, but the reward of seeing those lessons take root is so worth it.
What I love about this book is how it’s not just about correcting our kids—it’s about transforming our own hearts as parents, too. Kristen helps you see the bigger picture of why gratitude matters, not just for our children but for our entire family. She shares honest, relatable stories and offers practical advice that you can start applying right away.
If you’re struggling to combat entitlement in your home or just want to encourage more gratitude in your kids (and even yourself), Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World is a must-read. It’s full of wisdom, heart, and the kind of encouragement that makes you feel ready to tackle this challenge with God’s guidance.
8. Missional Motherhood by Gloria Furman
This book, Missional Motherhood, was like a breath of fresh air for my mama heart. Gloria Furman beautifully reminds us that motherhood isn’t just about raising kids—it’s about raising disciples. She takes you beyond the diapers, tantrums, and endless snack-making to show how God has given us this incredible role with an eternal purpose.
What I love about this book is how Gloria ties every aspect of motherhood back to the gospel. She helps you see that whether you’re washing dishes or navigating teenage drama, it all matters in God’s bigger plan. Her words made me pause and reflect on how I’m using this season of motherhood to point my children to Jesus—and wow, was that a needed perspective shift.
This book doesn’t just offer how-tos; it feels like sitting with a wise friend who helps you step back, breathe, and remember why we do this in the first place. Gloria’s writing is both encouraging and convicting in the best way, and it leaves you with a sense of purpose that goes way beyond just surviving the day.
If you’re a mama longing to see how your everyday moments connect to God’s mission, you’ll want to pick up Missional Motherhood. It’ll inspire you, challenge you, and remind you that what you’re doing—right here and now—is kingdom work.
9. Risen Motherhood by Emily Jensen and Laura Wifler
Risen Motherhood is a heartfelt book where two mamas share gospel-centered wisdom, showing how Jesus meets us in every moment of motherhood—big or small, joyful or challenging. Emily and Laura remind us that the gospel speaks into every part of motherhood, from the joys to the struggles and everything in between.
What I love about this book is how it’s both practical and deeply encouraging. It offers relatable stories, biblical truth, and a whole lot of grace. If you’re a mama looking for hope and gospel-centered perspective in your everyday life, this is a must-read. It’s like having two sweet friends walk alongside you, pointing you back to Jesus every step of the way.
10. For the Love of Discipline by Sara Wallace
For the Love of Discipline is a must-read for any mama navigating parenting with grace and intentionality. Sara Wallace offers a gospel-centered approach to discipline, focusing on heart change over behavior correction.
What I love is how real Sara keeps it—she knows discipline is hard but reminds us it’s a gift, not a burden. Her practical tips and biblical insights helped me see discipline as a way to point my kids to Jesus, not just maintain order.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated or unsure about discipline, this book will encourage and equip you while pointing to the bigger picture. It’s not about perfection but showing God’s love and grace as we guide our kids. This one’s a keeper!
11. I Can’t Believe You Just Said That by Ginger Hubbard
This book is a game-changer for those cringe-worthy moments when your kids say something shocking (or hilarious). Ginger Hubbard addresses the heart behind the words, offering practical, gospel-centered tools to guide them toward better communication and a changed heart.
It’s short, wise, and perfect for any mama navigating the wild world of kid conversations with grace and truth!
Final Thoughts:
Once again, this list of 11 Must-Reads for Christ-Centered Mamas is by no means exhaustive, but it’s such a beautiful starting point for the new year if you’re looking to refocus your heart on motherhood and Jesus. These are the books I return to time and time again for encouragement, wisdom, guidance, and those moments when I just need to feel seen and understood.
As I mentioned before, we are not equipped—but Jesus is. And what a gift it is to glean wisdom from those who have walked this path ahead of us. These pages remind us of His grace, His guidance, and the joy of being a mama rooted in faith. Let’s step into 2025 with hearts open to growth, grace, and the beauty of His plan for our lives for raising our little ones.
If you are looking for more Christ-centered podcasts, readings, and worship, make sure to check out The Best Morning Worship Playlist To Start Your Day. and . 12 Wonderful Books and Podcasts for Christian Mamas.
Hugs Mama, You are doing a great job,
Cassie
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