When Carol Floch realized that her marriage was about to end and that she was about to join the ranks of moms left to raise their children on their own, she could not stop crying. She mourned her shattered hopes and grieved the loss of the family she had always dreamed of. But mostly, she cried for her children. Into Carol’s grief, regret and fear, God’s Spirit came with a message from Psalm 84: “Build your nest near my altar, and I will be your children’s source of security, protection, provision and blessing.”

In The Single Mom’s Devotional: A Book of 52 Practical and Encouraging Devotions, Carol tells her story and shares with the “sisterhood of single moms” how they can build their family’s “nest” in the protective shadow of God’s presence. Single mothers, whether on their own after a divorce or a husband’s death, will discover how to find true life in Christ and allow the strength of that inner life to be the compass by which they navigate an unpredictable future. Near God’s altar—the cross of Christ—is where single moms will discover life through relinquishment, power through dependence and hope through surrender. Anchored at the foot of the cross, readers will find daily security and hope as they nourish their souls and nurture their children at a place near God’s altar.

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Endorsements for The Single Mom’s Devotional

“Carol Floch so tenderly guides single moms through heartbreak and loss to a place of security and hope. Her compassionate insight and practical wisdom will encourage and strengthen them along their journey as parents.” (Marilyn Meberg; Counselor, Author, Women of Faith Speaker)

“When my wife died, I too, began the gut wrenching journey of being a single parent. It was brutal. But God was faithful. My friend, Carol Floch, and her wise words are a spiritual balm for the aching soul. Single moms, please don’t just read this devotional, ingest it, live it, and let the truths of God’s word transform you.” (Rob Bugh; Senior Pastor, Wheaton Bible Church, West Chicago, IL)

“A Place of Hope: Daily Security for Single Moms by Carol Floch is an encouraging buoy in the swirling waters of single parenting. With Christ at the center of these 52 weeks of devotions, Carol wraps her experiences with encouragement, practical insight, reflection and Scripture.” (Sandra P. Aldrich, author of From One Single Mother to Another)

“The Single Mom’s Devotional offers hope and refreshment to single moms. Carol Floch reminds them to be passionately committed to their two most important priorities:
• As a single adult, they are to pursue undivided devotion to Christ.
• As a parent, they are to love and discipline their children.
“Through the shifting sands of life, A Place Near Your Altar will provide a daily rock of security for every single mom who reads and applies its words.” (Gary Sprague; Center for Single-Parent Family Ministry, Founder and President
Woodland Park, CO)

“Where can you turn when your world turns upside down? You can turn to the God who knows how to enter upside down worlds. Carol Floch knows what it is like to have your world knocked over through the upheaval of divorce. She also knows what it means to have God enter her upside down world and show her how to hang on through the disaster. Carol opens her life and God’s word to guide and encourage those whose lives have been overturned by divorce.” (Dr. Deborah Newman; Minister to Women, Christ Church, Plano, Texas)

“If only I could have had access to Carol Floch’s A Place Near Your Altar: Daily Security for Single Moms following my own divorce decades ago, and then later, for use as a resource when I was leading a single parent support group. Floch’s
book leads the reader to the feet of Jesus in order to recognize her identity as a beloved child of God. This 52-day, thoughtful, beautifully written devotional is infused with scripture through and through. Carol gently uncovers the deepest needs of women who are parenting alone. She also suggests ways to help nurture their children. A Place Near Your Altar helps me even now redeem my own challenging years as a single parent.” (Dr. Scottie May; Assistant Professor of Christian Formation and Ministry, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL 60187)

“Thoughtful, engaging and wise are three adjectives I would use to describe Carol Floch. Her contemplative work is Biblically based and serves not only to inspire but to strengthen the reader. Through her own life journey, God has brought her to a place of peace and strength. Now she shares her heart to equip her audience for the challenges and joys ahead. Carol is a gifted writer, deep thinker and Godly woman. God has equipped her with a powerful message to share with single moms and their kids. Every mom will be encouraged by her telling stories, enriching analogies, and most importantly Biblical truths.” (Karol Ladd; Author of The Power of a Positive Mom, Dallas, TX)

“In God’s dealing with His people, nothing is wasted—not even the pain and heartbreak that inevitably results from living in a broken world. In The Single Mom’s Devotional, Carol Floch not only tells her own story of experiencing the crushing disappointment of divorce, but she also shows how relying on the grace and loyal love of God can redeem children and their grieving mothers from regret and despair. Carol’s 52 scriptural devotionals are like salve on the wounds every mom sustains when her family is fractured. They define an essential perspective for those whose world has been rocked: no matter what has happened or what challenges they face, God is still good, still trustworthy, and still present to all who call on His name. He uses even brokenness for blessing in and through those who keep trusting Him. I hope this book finds its way into the hands of every single mom who needs the assurance that God is not finished with them and the inspiration to keep following hard after Him.” (Dr. E. Andrew McQuitty; Senior Pastor, Irving Bible Church)

“This amazing devotional is open, honest and vulnerable and is written out of the author’s own pain, disillusionment and recovery as a single mom. Most importantly, it is solidly rooted in Scripture–Carol’s main source of strength. We highly recommend it! Carol Floch will become a virtual companion and encourager to every reader.” (Gene and Elaine Getz; Dallas, TX)

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