Espresso for Your Spirit: Hope and Humor for Pooped-Out Parents

by Pam Vredevelt

It's no secret that parenting is overwhelming and often exhausting. Nothing will ever change the daunting struggles parents face and the tears they often shed. The daily grind of dirty diapers, soccer games, fund-raisers, and bloody knees leaves parents needing a resource that will lift their spirits, charge their batteries, and refocus them on the source of their true strength. In engaging, humorous, and often poignant vignettes, bestselling author Pam Vredevelt serves up cup after cup of energizing espresso to encourage the spirit and souls of decaffeinated parents.

Genres: Christian, Inspirational, Nonfiction, Devotional, Religion

204 pages, Hardcover

First published July 26, 1999

About the author

Pam Vredevelt offers neuroscience-grounded, faith-centered guidance for grieving hearts—honoring pain without rushing healing.
Pam Vredevelt is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and author who has spent decades walking alongside individuals and families through grief, trauma, and profound loss. Her work integrates sound neuroscience, clinical wisdom, and a compassionate Christian faith to support healing that is both emotionally safe and spiritually sustaining. Compelling stories, engaging faith, and perceptive insight give Pam the rare ability to inspire and empower audiences with practical tools for long lasting change.

Pam is married to her best friend, John. They have four children. Two live in heaven, and two live near them on a multi-generational property in the Texas hillcountry with their grandchildren. During the last 35 years Pam has served thousands as a professional counselor in private practice. Her grace-filled wisdom, refreshing hope, and practical counsel have guided many to complete recovery.

From Pam Vredevelt's website "Meet Pam"
http://www.pamvredevelt.com/about/

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this book up at a Christmas fair at a local church and the title caught my eye. I realized it was a book about raising children with the spirit of a Christian God behind everything.

I found the stories to be nice but the anecdotes always came back to God having his way and being the one that we should trust.

I am not Christian but I do believe in a higher energy or power that we are all a part of. I just don't know if I agree that there is this God in the sky who is looking down and deciding what should and shouldn't happen to every person on Earth. It is about how each of us individually finds strength to get through tough times. That might come in the form of believing in a Christian God or a Muslim God or just belief in your own abilities (the God within?).

That being said, the way the book was written was very nice and friendly. While at times it felt a bit preachy, it mostly felt like a friend telling her stories to me. There were also nice humor breaks in between chapters.

I would recommend this book to parents who are pooped out like the title says. It could be very encouraging and help get parents back to being positive and not stressing out as much about things since the underlying theme is: God has your back.

[Jamey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of Mrs. Vredevelt before this book. My mom sent this to me to read because I am a mom, and I like coffee. ;) I am glad I read it. Pam does in fact combine hope and humor to give encouragement to parents. Each chapter is a different story from either her own experience, from friends, or from her clients- all stories about things parents deal with while raising children. Some were full of giggles, and some were tragic, but all were coupled with Scripture to provide insight to what God says about life and parenting. “Espresso for you Spirit” is an encouraging read, and you will grow to love Pam and her own wise, compassionate spirit.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gift. I thought the title was terrible and the cover was ugly, but I gave it a try anyway. Turns out that it’s a lovely little book, filled with genuine wisdom and encouragement. It was really a blessing to me. It’s not just a “fluff” book, as you might guess by the cover. Definitely worth the read. I hope it gets a reprint someday with a better title and cover.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" type, but I enjoyed this book. I like the author's voice, and I appreciate that she has the ability to teach and entertain at the same time.

[Sharon Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.reallifedeals.com/?p=19882

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book to read over and over when you have those few minutes to yourself before the kids come running to you for something again. Its a great "parent time-out" book.

[chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome little devotional! Great pick me up and an easy read even with little ones running around.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good!