At times, a mother's life can be anything but inspiring - 2 a.m. feedings, loneliness, no vacation days, sibling rivalries. Even the best intentions of raising God-fearing, obedient, happy kids can fall flat in the midst of her chaos. Elisabeth K. Corcoran takes an honest look at a mother's world and offers practical advice on common experiences including: being content in every circumstance, modeling God-like characteristics, overcoming cabin fever, making and keeping friends, and being the "real" you. Humor, encouragement, and the truths of God's Word are woven through these brief stories to give encouragement to other moms.
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
6 of 6 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Karen (Canada), December 23, 2002
I didn't have this book when I really needed it when my children were small. But since finding this wonderful book I have given it as a gift to many new Moms. It has really great things to say and it, and it shows that you really are not alone!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Lisa (Fresno, California), February 22, 2001
I recently had the opportunity to read Calm in My Chaos while traveling cross country on a crowded airplane. My fellow travellers must have wondered what was going on with me...alternating between furious highlighting and underlining, giggles, sobs of emotion and lots of head nodding and smiles. Beth Corcoran's book touched my soul in a way few others have - it spurred me to immediate action. The book is organized into short chapters with "personal touch" life application opportunities and brief devotional offerings at the conclusion of each chapter. Beth's writing style is consice, witty and touching. By the end of the first few chapters, you feel as though you know this woman like a sister or a dear friend and you want to reach out and share your heart with her. The "personal touch" issues will provoke meaningful life change in women of any age, regardless of whether or not you have young children. Beth's goal is to help us grow closer to God and to grow as women, individuals and mothers. The book is a quick and enjoyable read, but you will find yourself coming back to sections and rereading again and again. I would highly recommend this book!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Loni Bakeman (Phoenix, AZ), February 21, 2001
I wish this scale went all the way up to "100 books!". This is the single most inspiring, motivating, touching and heartfelt book I have ever read. It felt as though Elisabeth was talking straight to me throughout the entire book. I laughed, I cried. I feel as though I know her and to give her a big hug! It is wonderful and refreshing the way she sees God and God's plan in everything she sees and does. I also found it nice to see her little side notes, showing that none of us are "perfect". I am recommending this book on my Web Site to all of my visitors, who are mainly Stay At Home Moms and Work at Home Moms. I know that they will all benefit from these words of great inspiration.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Diane W. (IL), February 01, 2001
Reading this book is like getting to know a good friend. The author is very transparent and genuine in revealing her experiences as a mother, and it's great to know that we as moms are not alone in this adventure of parenting. I will look forward to Elisabeth K. Corcoran's next book.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Liz Tameling (Lansing, Illinois), February 01, 2001
I found this book to be a delightful read and an encouragement to all of us who are or have been parents through the years. The stories are heartwarming and real, and show the common bond we all share in raising the children God has blessed us with. The author's faith shines through every story, yet it is not preachy.
I especially like the way Ms. Corcoran takes all the little things that our children say and do and sees God's hand in their lives.
I highly recommend it, not only to young moms, but moms to be and moms of all ages.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by jill (Aurora, Illinois), January 31, 2001
A wonderful book for all mothers of small children. The perfect way to start out each day. I love the "Personal Touch" section which challenges me to stop what I am doing and open my eyes to the blessings that surround me. I, all to often, get caught up in the chaos of daily life and forget to seek out the Calm. This is a perfect reminder of where our hearts and focus should be. An inspiration!
Write a review of Calm in My Chaos: Encouragement for a Mom's Weary Soul
Author: Elisabeth K. Corcoran
Located in: Aurora, IL 60506
Submitted: November 03, 2000
Tell us a little about yourself. I'm a stay-at-home wife and mom. I've been
married for 7 years to Kevin and have a 4-year-
old daughter, Sara, and a two-year-old son,
Jack. I also serve in leadership with the
Women's Ministries at Blackberry Creek Church in
Aurora.
What was your motivation behind this project? I wanted every mom to know that what she was
feeling was normal – no one ever told me that
motherhood would be this exhilarating, this
tiring, this scary, this joy-filled, this
frustrating, this boring, this awe-inspiring all
at the same time. And I wanted every mom out
there to know that God is loving her through this
time – and He wants to help each one of us be our
best for our children, our husbands, our friends
and for Him.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? My desire is that each mom, woman or even dad who
reads this will realize that God loves them
completely and He shows us in amazing ways each
day. And that when we're at our lowest - our
most impatient, or our most tired - we know we
have God as our Strength to lean on.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? I read almost everything that I can get my hands
on - so I really haven't narrowed down a favorite
author.