Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest:

A 6-Week Devotional for Mothers

By Anna Hawkes Cabral, 2023

Genre: Non-Fiction/Inspirational

Via: Author request

Kimber here. Being all magnificent and everything. And letting you in on a little secret. So listen up. (Are you listening? Good!) I’m getting the Most Terrific-est, Woniferous, Splendiferous and All-Around PAW-somest person on the planet a little something special for a Really, Really Important Day.

Mom: Kimmi, are you talking about yourself again?

Kimber: Well. Maybe. But I’m really talking about Mother’s Day. (I’ll let you guess who that Really PAWsome person is. Besides me, of course.) Her Momness will fill you in on the rest:

What Are They?

Are you weary? Do you feel burdened ? Does life feel hard? If you answer ‘Yes’ to any of these, you are not alone!

Purposeful work. True rest. What are they? How and where can busy moms find them? Grab a copy of Anna Cabral’s Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest: A 6-Week Devotional for Mothers and find out. Cuz it’s a breath of fresh air. Refreshing. Reinvigorating. Restoring. Oh yeah.

The Basics

Clocking in at just under 100 pages, Purposeful Work, Blessed Rest is divided into six basic parts:

1. Rest in God
2. Redeeming Time
3. Real Sabbath
4. Holy Grind
5. Silence is Golden
6. Purposeful Work

Within these basic categories are brief, bite-sized devotionals focusing on specific themes. They include a focus verse, a short devotion/reflection connected to the verse, question for reflection, and a brief prayer. The seventh day is called Rest and Praise. It quickly recaps the verses from the six days prior and offers another reflection and prayer. 

Also walking in wisdom. Industrious commitment vs. hustling around creating work for ourselves. Handling other people’s judgment regarding issues of personal conviction. Living in and under grace. What activities do you find restful? Surrender. “An imperishable crown of beauty.” Faithfulness. Ultimate joy. Trust. Waiting. An anchor for hope. (It ain’t about Tik Tok influencers or algorithms, baby!)

!!!

One of us – I won’t say who – especially loved the section on Silence is Golden. (Tip: Days 3 and 5 and 6 in this section are like, Totally PAWsome! Also Days 1 and 2 in Purposeful Work. Don’t give up!)

Using examples from her own life and current events, the author offers Scripture-infused insights and inspiration that are both faith-affirming and soul-nurturing. It also brims and bubbles with encouragement and “rubber-meets-the-road” practicality. There’s no pie-in-the-sky, by-and-by heady stuff here. Nope. Just down to earth Real from a solidly biblical perspective.

Talk about a breath of fresh air.

Best Part?

Best part? This book isn’t one of them thar dry, dusty theological treatises straight out of snoozeville. No siree, Lassie! This sweet little devotional is as fresh as this morning’s sunrise. As relevant as today’s headlines. All written for busy moms. As in, maybe five minutes-ish per entry. So you can fortify yourself with bite-sized spiritual nourishment and encouragement in an easy to digest and thoughtful format.

A Confession (Hi, Mom)

 I really didn’t have time to read this book. I kept putting it off and putting it off. Until a sweet little furry face reminded me to give it a go. I started skimming quickly. (Remember: I. Don’t. Have. Time!) As I was whipping through pages at warp speed, however, something happened. Something unexpected. I slowed down. Waaay down. Read and re-read. Reflected. Then slowed down some more.

As I did, I felt the hurry-hurry, rush-rush, 90 mph with my hair on fire of the day melt away. The more I read, the more that still, small voice spoke peace to my heart. It’ll do the same for you. If you let it. What a great gift for Mother’s Day. Or anytime.

Love,

Her Momness (for Kimber the Magnificent, too!)

 

Our Rating: 5.0