ABOUT THE BOOK I’LL DO BETTER TOMORROW, I PROMISE

I'LL DO BETTER TOMORROW, I PROMISETitle: I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, I Promise
Target Audience: Parents and their children
Author: Maurine Reynolds Adamek
Publisher: Dreyer Press

Synopsis:
What happens when an adventurous little boy just tries to be helpful? More trouble than his mother ever imagined! Every once in a while a special book comes along that is adored by children and absolutely treasured by adults. I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, I Promise, by author Maurine Reynolds Adamek, cleverly captures the amusing and confusing experiences of every child–and the often frustrating experiences of every parent. It will have you laughing out loud and wiping a tear from your eye as you see yourself in the pages of this delightful little book. If you liked Love You Forever you’re gonna love I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, I Promise. I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, I Promise is a charming, funny, touching story for children, parents, grandparents, and teachers alike. The timeless values of family, love, patience and forgiveness make this a book you’ll want to read again and again.

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WATCH the author read the book on Youtube.

 


I’LL DO BETTER TOMORROW, I PROMISE –MY THOUGHTS

I’m so thrilled to be able to offer this book in a giveaway for a second time! It’s been 6 years. This book has meant a lot to me over these past years. I love how it’s written for a child, but it’s not just enjoyed by children. It will touch you as a parent, grandparent, teacher, or daycare worker. If you work with kids in any capacity, you’ve gotten frustrated. And this book is for you. I feel the Lord has used this many times to remind me that none of us is perfect, and that it’s GOOD to ask forgiveness.


I’LL DO BETTER TOMORROW, I PROMISE

The author asked me to include the text of the book:

Dear God, are you still awake? Have you got a minute or two?
You’re pretty good at understanding, and I really need to talk to you.

You see, Mommy came to tuck me in, like she does every night.
I was trying to play a trick on her, since she can’t see without the light.

I was going to close my eyes and pretend to be asleep.
But when I heard her crying, I didn’t dare let out a peep.

She started talking to you, God, did you hear the things she said?
Could you hear what she was saying as she stood beside my bed?

Why would Mommy be so sad? I wondered just what I had done.
And then I began to remember it all as she named them one by one.

This morning we worked in the garden, but honest, I really didn’t know.
That if I picked all those little yellow blooms, the tomatoes wouldn’t grow!

Charlie and I were trying to be helpers ’cause I know that’s what Mommy needs.
But I don’t think she was too happy when we pulled up carrots instead of weeds.

Mommy said we should stop for the day, she decided we’d helped quite enough.
I sure had worked up an appetite…I didn’t know gardening was so tough!

We had peanut butter and jelly for lunch, and I shared too much, I guess.
But I didn’t realize until I was done that Charlie had made such a mess.

Mommy said she needed a nap, she had one of her headaches today.
She told me to keep an eye on my sister and find something quiet to play.

Well, God, do you remember all those curls you gave to my sister Jenny?
We played barbershop – very quietly – and now, well, she doesn’t have any.

Boy, was Mommy mad at me…I had to go sit on my bed.
She said never to cut “peoples hair” again…I guess I’ll practice on Charlie instead.

We sat and watched poor old Albert, I just knew he must be so bored.
Going round and round in the same place all day, wouldn’t you think so, Lord?

I didn’t think it would hurt to let him out for awhile, I mean mice need exercise too.
By the way, have you seen Albert lately? He’s been sort of missing since two.

Mommy sent us outside for the rest of the day, she said we needed fresh air.
But when Daddy came home she told him she was trying to get something out of her hair.

We thought Mommy needed cheering up, so we decided to brighten her day.
But God did you see the look on her face when we gave her that pretty bouquet?

We had gotten a little bit dirty, so Mommy said to get into the tub.
”Use soap this time,” she reminded, “And please don’t forget to scrub.”

Charlie didn’t like the water too much, but I lathered up real good.
I knew Mommy would be so proud of me for cleaning up like I should.

I went downstairs to the table, but during dinner it started to rain.
I’d forgotten to turn off the water, it seems, and I hadn’t unplugged the drain!

I decided right then it was just about time to start getting ready for bed.
When Mommy said, “It’s sure been a long day,” and her face began turning all red.

I lay there listening to Mommy as she told You about our day.
I thought about all of the things I had done, and I wondered what I should say.

I was just about to tell her that I’d been awake all along.
And ask her to please forgive me for all of those things I’d done wrong.

When suddenly I heard her whisper, “God, forgive me for today.
For not being more understanding when those problems came my way.

For not handling situations in the way You wanted me to.
For getting angry and losing my temper, things I know You don’t want me to do.

And, God, please give me more patience, help me make it through another day.
I’ll do better tomorrow, I promise…in Jesus’ name I pray.”

Wiping her eyes, she kissed me and knelt here beside my bed.
She stroked my hair for a little while – “I love you, precious,” Mommy said.

She left the room without ever knowing that I’d been awake all the time.
And God, could we make it our little secret? You know, just Yours and mine?

I’m sorry I was so much trouble today, I really didn’t mean to be.
Daddy said it’s tough being a kid sometimes, but I think it’s harder on Mommy than me.

Well, goodnight, God. Thanks for listening. It’s sure nice to know You’re there.
I feel so much better when I talk to You ‘cause You always hear my prayer.

And I’ll do better tomorrow, I promise, just you wait and see.
I’ll try not to be so much trouble again.
But God, please give more patience to Mommy – Just in case! — Amen.

~ Written by Maurine Reynolds Adamek ~


 

I’LL DO BETTER TOMORROW, I PROMISE — THE GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a copy of I’ll Do Better Tomorrow, I Promise

This giveaway has a super quick turnaround time. It will end at midnight May 3, to give the author Maureen plenty of time to get the book to you by Mother’s Day. 🙂 Winner will be notified within 1 day of close of the giveaway and given 24 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only.

The question for you to answer here for giveaway points:

Have you had a situation in which you wanted forgiveness from your child?

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I\'ll Do Better Tomorrow {Book Giveaway}

JennAbout Jenn: I’m a Christian wife to an amazing man (since 1998) and a stay-at-home-teaching mom to four special & incredible boys (born in 2004, 2005, 2007, & 2009). I’m messy and cluttered, but working on that (really, I am!). I’m a discouraged perfectionist and a classic procrastinator who probably has both ADD & Autism, so I tend to jump from topic to topic (and activity to activity) without notice. My Love Languages are Words of Affirmation and Physical Touch. I’m an INFP who enjoys friends but loves to be alone. I love getting and giving hugs, and encouragement is a Spiritual gift of mine that can too-easily be turned into the weapon of discouragement, if I’m not careful. I enjoy writing, singing, words, drawing, photography, digital creations, and reading. Oh, and pizza, tacos, and steak. Now I’m hungry. That reminds me; I eat gluten free and try to eat organic and avoid white sugar and GMOs as much as possible.  Find me on Facebook (Writer/Editor page) (Fan page), Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram.


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2 Comments

  1. There is no perfect parent. It’s okay to make mistakes but it’s important to talk to your kids. As a single parent – always exhausted & hurried, there were many times I messed up & needed forgiveness. I think when I said I am sorry or told them how I was feeling, they learned to help me a little & to have empathy for others too. Thanks.

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