From the Dedication pages clear through Appendix B, Sally Clarkson points her reader to Jesus over and over and pours a balm over your heart in the 240+ pages of her book The Mission of Motherhood. Hearing about her own good and godly mother, it's no wonder Sally has the resources of soul with which to nourish other mothers. Sally mixes the "doing" and the "being" of motherhood in such a way that she makes me believe it's possible for me to blend the two in my own life. You'll believe it for your journey of motherhood, too.

If you're unsure how to mother, or are having problems finding the path in the maze of confusing cultural definitions, Sally charts the way in this easy-to-read paperback with discussions like "A Mother's Calling," "A Mother's Heart for Her God," "A Mother's Heart for Her Children," "A Mother's Heart for Her Home," and "A Mother's Heart for Eternity." Always a champion of mothers and their children, this mother of four reaches out to you to equip you; to blow life onto your own, personal calling to mother; and to help you infuse your home with life, love and peace.

Here are some gems from Sally's treasure trove:

• Serving without resentment; Children are supposed to take up our time; it's the way God made them; you are called to give up your rights simply out of love for Jesus.
• Being with our children; What? Jesus didn't sign his disciples up for every program in Judea?
• Joy's definition of faith!
• Living shoulder-to-shoulder with our children; (made me think of being yoked up with them and made me want to ensure that yoking is equal!).
• Sowing affection, commitment, and encouragement - and reaping in turn.
• Home as a haven, and purposeful home-making.

Beware: Sally uses the chapter space to tenderize your heart, and then weeds the ground and plants good seed with her "For Thought and Reflection" sections. Her gentle probing and thoughtful encouragements will touch your heart, and implant within you a greater desire to be a mother after God's own heart.