Long Days of Small Things

Motherhood as a Spiritual Discipline

De: Catherine McNiel

Narrado por: Andrea Emmes

Dirty laundry, crayon-smeared bills, smashed crackers...and there's your Bible, buried under a pile of diapers. Bleary-eyed from a lack of sleep, without a moment of peace and quiet, you wonder if the spiritual life you crave is even possible. But God sees you. He designed this parenting journey, after all. He understands the chaos of motherhood, and he joins you in everything - whether you're scrubbing the floor, nursing a fussy newborn, or driving your kids to soccer practice. Offering rich, soul-inspiring practices, Catherine McNiel invites you to connect with God right here, in the sacred mundane of every mothering moment.

©2017 Catherine McNiel (P)2017 Two Words Publishing LLC

decent content, reader is not the right fit

not a fan of the tone of voice and inflection that the person who reads this book uses. it distracts from the content of the book so much that i cannot continue listening. i am going to just get the book in print.

Really Good and Super Practical

I am buying physical copies of this book to have on hand for any mom friend I know who is having a hard time and for every friend I have who gets pregnant for the first time. There are so many practical and easy ways to connect with God, find meaning in the mundane, and reminders that you aren't alone in this book. It has taken me years of mothering to come to some of these conclusions myself, but having this handed to me in a book form would have been a very sweet gift many years ago when I was new to it all. I highly recommend this for any mom, whether you have birthed children, adopted children, or just take care of children.

As for the performance, the lady has a great voice but at times she felt a little bit more like a news anchor than an audiobook performer. Her voice is really good, and clear, but it did feel a little off some of the time. However, once I got into it it didn't really bother me. I still highly recommend this audiobook in the words within it.

A MUST read for mothers

I felt like this was written just for me.

I listened in broken bits while housecleaning, folding small clothes, in late hours after everyone was asleep, and at least once during the boys’ nap time while speedily knitting Christmas gifts.

I breathed it in while walking in out and every bit has given new life to the long hours of motherhood for me. I wish I could shout the lessons brought forward from rooftops, admonishing every other Christian mother to breathe, be still, and know.

The most worthwhile book for my stage of life as a young mother I have read yet. Thank you, God, for inspiring this book

Good content, tough narration.

I liked what the author is saying, but really struggled with the narration. I didn't finish the book for this reason, but I think I'll pick up a paperback copy instead.

Full of little pearls.

I debated on what star rating to give this book. I am Roman Catholic and so find some issue with her Mary theology even if it is for the most part beautiful. The author’s religious denomination is not mine and I love the reverence and recognition she gives to Mary. Upon continued reading I decided that one star subtraction was unreasonable for the abundant gems of motherhood advice and graces that are imparted. Well worth the read/ listen and I will be sharing with the other mothers in my life.

surprised

A lovely unexpected book about finding Jesus in the mundane servitude we call motherhood. Validating and inspiring.

A heavy dose of christianity

This one is difficult for me to review because I do not think I am the correct audience.

Four stars if you are a Christian looking to read a book about motherhood while actively practicing your Christian religion.
Three stars if you were just looking for a feel good book about general spirituality and motherhood.

I really thought this was going to be more about overall spirituality and motherhood and I was all in for that. However, this was a heavy dose of christianity. I am christian but I am not a fan of overly preachy, christian diatribes. I consider my religion a private thing and I think of it and handle it in my own way. Therefore, I feel I am the wrong audience for this book. It is hard not to let my disappointment color my review as I was disappointed that it was not the book I thought it was.

Narration was well done.

If you are a reader that enjoys reading about your Christian faith and you want to place your motherhood journey within the Christian experience specifically then this book is for you. If you were looking for just general spirituality or a feel good read about motherhood as I was then this is not the book for you.

Three stars for me but if you are the target audience this could be a four star read for you.

An Absolute Must Own

This is an absolute must own book for every mother. I drank up every word and then purchased a hard copy to mark up. This book is saving my sanity and strengthening me as it points my efforts to Christ. I will read this book frequently throughout the years.

All Moms need to listen!!

Such an amazing and encouraging book for mothers of all seasons. It has took me from bitter exhaustion to joyful thankfulness and increased strength. God has blessed this and has given it to me for such a time as this! Will be buying the physical book!

Mom of 3 but couldn't relate

I'm having a hard time finishing this book and almost wish I could get a refund. It may be good for some moms but I felt it was too much complaining for me. Seemed to exaggerate the "misery" of motherhood too much.

On one part, she talks about how she hears the pastor saying that we all need an hour of silence which, to her, was almost impossible as a pregnant mom with a toddler/ baby. I remember those years as they weren't that far away for me and I was expecting more practical tips for when you feel like that. Systems help. Naptimes are your best friend. Put the baby in the crib/swing/other object and take a breath of fresh air.

I was a broke teen mom but I used to walk my baby in the stroller to the library while listening to music or a podcast. They even have free toddler reading hours in the library. It is NOT impossible or hard to find some moments of quiet if you think out of the box. There's so many more resources now. As my oldest approaches 16, I completely understand when more seasoned moms say, "the days are long but the years are short". I remember those tired nights like they were yesterday and some days, I would go back in a heartbeat. In that season, you are still doing God's work and there are many stories about it.