What a great resource for parents! This is a book that I will be using a lot! Kara Durbin gives a great introduction on how to use Parenting With Scripture at the opening of the book. She talks about how to find the teachable moments with your children and then use them to instill God's Word into them regarding the situation. I appreciated that the author pointed out that there are both positive as well as negative teachable moments in which we can implement parenting with Scripture. Many times, we have the idea that teachable moments are only when our child has done something wrong, however, we can also reinforce their positive behavior with Scripture.
Durbin gives an alphabetical list by topics, such as anger, apathy, attitude, beauty, and bragging. Each topic gives the definition of the word and then gives several Scriptures that can be applied to the topic. The topics also have discussion points that you can talk about with your children as well as a section on taking action. She also lists related topics that could be helpful. The way the topics are set up with the discussion points and take action points also allow you the opportunity to create teachable moments with your children to discuss the topics before your child is in the situation so that they can be prepared and think about hos they would handle a situation with that particular topic. Durbin also gives some great parenting tips for some of the topics.
After the topical list, Durbin gives some ideas of helpful Scripture passages and verses for memorization as well as some memorization ideas and tips.
I read this book on my Kindle, but I think I will be purchasing it in actual book form as well to keep as a handy reference. I highly recommend this book to every parent.
I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
My Review of The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman takes the concepts of the five love languages from his previous books and applies them to our relationship with children. This book is an excellent resource not only for parents, but for anyone who wants to have a strong and loving relationship with the children in their life. For those who have read Chapman's other books on the love languages, some of the material included in the book may seem to be repetitive, however, for those who are reading The Five Languages of Children and have not read his other books on the subject, I felt that most of the information included was necessary. The five love languages include; physical touch, words of affirmation, gifts, quality time, and acts of service.
While most parents love their children, there are children who do not feel loved because they speak a different love language than their parents are communicating. As discussed in all of the love language books, most of us show love to others the same way that we receive it. We can understand what our child's love language is by observing his/her behavior. How do they choose to show love to others? What love language do they seem to respond to the best? What love language do they seem to ask for they most? What do they complain about? When given a choice between two of the love languages, which do they choose? While all of the languages are important and need to be conveyed to our kids, most kids will have a primary love language that they prefer above the others.
While there were many helpful discussions in the book, I felt like one of the most important sections in the book was on discipline. When discipling your child, it is important to understand that if you discipline them by witholding their love language from them, it conveys severe discipline to that child. For example if quality time is your child's language, sending your child to their room for an extended time out alone is a severe consequence to that child. If your child craves physical touch, then spanking speaks a severe consequence to that child. If your child needs words of affirmation then you need to use caution when you use strong words to discipline your child.
I feel like this book is a must have for all parents. It is an excellent resource that I don't want to be without. I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my review but was not obligated to provide a positive review.
While most parents love their children, there are children who do not feel loved because they speak a different love language than their parents are communicating. As discussed in all of the love language books, most of us show love to others the same way that we receive it. We can understand what our child's love language is by observing his/her behavior. How do they choose to show love to others? What love language do they seem to respond to the best? What love language do they seem to ask for they most? What do they complain about? When given a choice between two of the love languages, which do they choose? While all of the languages are important and need to be conveyed to our kids, most kids will have a primary love language that they prefer above the others.
While there were many helpful discussions in the book, I felt like one of the most important sections in the book was on discipline. When discipling your child, it is important to understand that if you discipline them by witholding their love language from them, it conveys severe discipline to that child. For example if quality time is your child's language, sending your child to their room for an extended time out alone is a severe consequence to that child. If your child craves physical touch, then spanking speaks a severe consequence to that child. If your child needs words of affirmation then you need to use caution when you use strong words to discipline your child.
I feel like this book is a must have for all parents. It is an excellent resource that I don't want to be without. I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my review but was not obligated to provide a positive review.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
My Review of Kisses From Katie by Katie Davis
Kisses From Katie is such an inspirational read. Written by Katie Davis herself, Kisses From Katie tells the story of Katie Davis, a teenage girl with a call to missions. Growing up in a great family and neighborhood, Katie never lived in lack. She had a boyfriend who she planned to marry someday, plans to go to college, friends and family who loved her, and had a great life for a teenage girl.
Katie began to feel the call to missions. She convinced her parents to allow her to go on a trip to Uganda before she graduated high school. Accompanied by her mother, Katie arrives in this poverty stricken country and falls in love with the people there.
When Katie comes back to the US to finish high school, she is able to convice her parents to allow her to take one year before going to college to go back to Uganda and teach kindergarten. Her parents give their reluctant blessing on the condition that Katie come back after one year and go to college to complete her education.
During the year that Katie spent in Uganda, her love for the nation and its people grew even more. Seeing the need around her, Katie ends up legally adopting several girls as well as moving into a house and starting a sponsorship program to fund the schooling needs of children who could not afford to go to school otherwise.
Wanting to honor her parents, at the end of the year, Katie goes back to the United States so that she can keep her word and attend college. When Katie comes home, she finds that she is no longer at home in the US. Her heart and her life is in Uganda and she is miserable away from there.
After one semester, Katie is able to return to Uganda and her daughters for good. Although, she does fundraising in the US, Katie says that she knows her home is with her daughters in Uganda. Katie goes on to adopt 14 children and her organization helps provide schooling and meal for many others.
Katie is open about the challenges that she has faced in Uganda. Since her family is unique, they have faced criticim and ridicule from people both in the US and in Uganda, but Katie has seen God do miracles and use her greatly to touch the people of Uganda. Katie shares many stories, both touching as well as humorous, about her life and ministry in Uganda.
I was so touched by Katie's willing and humble spirit. I was reminded of the missionary Lillian Thrasher and her similar story. A young lady willing to give up everything to serve Christ and share His love with people, Katie gives the glory to God and does not take any credit for herself. This book is a must read.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review.
Katie began to feel the call to missions. She convinced her parents to allow her to go on a trip to Uganda before she graduated high school. Accompanied by her mother, Katie arrives in this poverty stricken country and falls in love with the people there.
When Katie comes back to the US to finish high school, she is able to convice her parents to allow her to take one year before going to college to go back to Uganda and teach kindergarten. Her parents give their reluctant blessing on the condition that Katie come back after one year and go to college to complete her education.
During the year that Katie spent in Uganda, her love for the nation and its people grew even more. Seeing the need around her, Katie ends up legally adopting several girls as well as moving into a house and starting a sponsorship program to fund the schooling needs of children who could not afford to go to school otherwise.
Wanting to honor her parents, at the end of the year, Katie goes back to the United States so that she can keep her word and attend college. When Katie comes home, she finds that she is no longer at home in the US. Her heart and her life is in Uganda and she is miserable away from there.
After one semester, Katie is able to return to Uganda and her daughters for good. Although, she does fundraising in the US, Katie says that she knows her home is with her daughters in Uganda. Katie goes on to adopt 14 children and her organization helps provide schooling and meal for many others.
Katie is open about the challenges that she has faced in Uganda. Since her family is unique, they have faced criticim and ridicule from people both in the US and in Uganda, but Katie has seen God do miracles and use her greatly to touch the people of Uganda. Katie shares many stories, both touching as well as humorous, about her life and ministry in Uganda.
I was so touched by Katie's willing and humble spirit. I was reminded of the missionary Lillian Thrasher and her similar story. A young lady willing to give up everything to serve Christ and share His love with people, Katie gives the glory to God and does not take any credit for herself. This book is a must read.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
My Review of Heaven is For Real ... For Kids
I had read the original version of Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo and really enjoyed it. When I saw that the version for kids was available, I could not wait to get it. When I read it to my children, they were captivated by the story. They loved the pictures and had many questions as we read the book. The book is very easy for kids to read and understand. The illustrations are cheerful and colorful and it also includes some photos of the Burpo family as well as the pictures of Colton's grandfather that he met in heaven as well as the painting that Colton recognized as Jesus.
This kids version of Heaven is for Real is very condensed and does not include a lot of the details that are included in the original book. It is short and can be read in just a few minutes. It is long enough that it shares details about Colton's experience and message, but short enough that it holds the attention of younger kids. I thought it was very well written and my kids loved the book and wanted to read it again the next night!
This is a book that we will no doubt read many times as a family. My children are small and even at their young age, they had lots of questions and I was thrilled with the conversation that we had about the book as well as heaven and what happens when we die.
I have read other people's comments about the book regarding some theological questions about Colton's experience not completely lining up with Scripture. While I see their point, I still see this book as a great opportunity to share with my kids what Colton experienced and to then build on that topic with what the Scriptures have to say about death and heaven.
I loved the book and encourage every parent of small children to read it with their children.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review but was not obligated to provide a positive opinion.
This kids version of Heaven is for Real is very condensed and does not include a lot of the details that are included in the original book. It is short and can be read in just a few minutes. It is long enough that it shares details about Colton's experience and message, but short enough that it holds the attention of younger kids. I thought it was very well written and my kids loved the book and wanted to read it again the next night!
This is a book that we will no doubt read many times as a family. My children are small and even at their young age, they had lots of questions and I was thrilled with the conversation that we had about the book as well as heaven and what happens when we die.
I have read other people's comments about the book regarding some theological questions about Colton's experience not completely lining up with Scripture. While I see their point, I still see this book as a great opportunity to share with my kids what Colton experienced and to then build on that topic with what the Scriptures have to say about death and heaven.
I loved the book and encourage every parent of small children to read it with their children.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review but was not obligated to provide a positive opinion.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
My Review of Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George
I have read several of Elizabeth George's books and I love her heart. Her love for the family is so evident in each of her books and this book, Raising a Daughter After God's Own Heart, is no exception. Elizabeth has walked this road as a mother successfully and has some valuable wisdom to share. I am so thankful for this book, as I feel it is an excellent resource for every mother who has the desire to raise a strong daughter who is strong in her walk with the Lord.
Elizabeth begins by sharing how that as mothers, we are the "bell sheep"...the sheep that follows and obeys the shepherd. The shepherd places a bell around that sheep, so that the other sheep will follow it. This was a beautiful illustration of how our children are to follow us as we follow Christ. We need to live what we are teaching our daughters. She devotes emphasis to the importance of praying consistently for our daughters in every season of their lives. She discusses the importance of sowing the right seeds into our daughter's life and how we are to do that as mothers. She goes on to give imperatives on being our daughter's coach and cheerleader, the importance of training our daughter to be an active part of her church body, and also monitoring her social events. Basically, Elizabeth is a strong advocate of being involved in your daughter's life and having a strong, safe relationship with her. I appreciated that she did not advocate simply being your daughter's "friend," but her trusted parent. There are some basic essentials in this book regarding teaching your daughter how to care for a home, interact with family, as well as have manners. I think my favorite chapter was chapter 10: The Shepherd. The heart of every mother should be seen in this chapter as a shepherd leads and protects the sheep, so we should do with our daughters.
I think every mother should read this book. At the end of each chapter, there are practical suggestions as well as a section for you to jot down ideas, thoughts and Scriptures that correspond with that chapter...kind of like homework.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review, but was not obligated to provide a positive opinion.
Elizabeth begins by sharing how that as mothers, we are the "bell sheep"...the sheep that follows and obeys the shepherd. The shepherd places a bell around that sheep, so that the other sheep will follow it. This was a beautiful illustration of how our children are to follow us as we follow Christ. We need to live what we are teaching our daughters. She devotes emphasis to the importance of praying consistently for our daughters in every season of their lives. She discusses the importance of sowing the right seeds into our daughter's life and how we are to do that as mothers. She goes on to give imperatives on being our daughter's coach and cheerleader, the importance of training our daughter to be an active part of her church body, and also monitoring her social events. Basically, Elizabeth is a strong advocate of being involved in your daughter's life and having a strong, safe relationship with her. I appreciated that she did not advocate simply being your daughter's "friend," but her trusted parent. There are some basic essentials in this book regarding teaching your daughter how to care for a home, interact with family, as well as have manners. I think my favorite chapter was chapter 10: The Shepherd. The heart of every mother should be seen in this chapter as a shepherd leads and protects the sheep, so we should do with our daughters.
I think every mother should read this book. At the end of each chapter, there are practical suggestions as well as a section for you to jot down ideas, thoughts and Scriptures that correspond with that chapter...kind of like homework.
I was provided with a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my review, but was not obligated to provide a positive opinion.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
My Review of Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker
Amy Parker's book, Night Night Blessings is a gentle book that you can read with your children. What I enjoyed most about the book is that it begins teaching kids to cultivate an attitude of thankfulness from an early age and to recognize the blessings that are around them. The illustrations are warm and gentle. When I read the story to my kids, I asked them what they thought of it. They enjoyed it and will no doubt want me to read it again.
The book takes you throughout a child's day and points out blessings that your child can be thankful for, beginning with a stack of pancakes to playing games with friends. Other blessings mentioned are toys, pets, God's creation, time with family, bath time, and bedtime prayers with Mom and Dad.
This book would be ideal to read at the end of the day as you are tucking your kids into bed. It gives kids an open door to talk about the blessings in their own life that they thank God for and teaches them how to talk to God. I would suggest this book for pre school to early elementary age children.
I was provided with a copy of this book by Book Sneeze in exchange for my review.
The book takes you throughout a child's day and points out blessings that your child can be thankful for, beginning with a stack of pancakes to playing games with friends. Other blessings mentioned are toys, pets, God's creation, time with family, bath time, and bedtime prayers with Mom and Dad.
This book would be ideal to read at the end of the day as you are tucking your kids into bed. It gives kids an open door to talk about the blessings in their own life that they thank God for and teaches them how to talk to God. I would suggest this book for pre school to early elementary age children.
I was provided with a copy of this book by Book Sneeze in exchange for my review.
My Review of Gabby, God's Little Angel by Sheila Walsh
Gabby God'd Little Angel, Sent to Show God's Love by Sheila Walsh is a wonderful book that teaches kids a great lesson: God loves them so much that He sends His angels to protect them. My kids really enjoyed this book. It held their interest and had their attention the whole time I was reading. At the end of the story, there is a Scripture verse that reinforces the lesson in the book and is short enough that it would be easy for children to memorize.
Gabby is a little angel who is somewhat clumsy, but has a kind heart. Her assignment is to a little girl named Sophie who loves adventurous activities like climbing trees. Gabby thinks that Sophie will need a big angel to keep up with her, but she is the one assigned to her. Sophie is so excited because she is about to get to ride her pony for the first time. Before Sophie gets on the pony, Gabby tells the pony to be gentle and safe with Sophie because God loves her. When the pony gets startled and starts to buck, Sophie rushes to her rescue. Even though the rescue doesn't take place as smoothly as Gabby had planned, all ends well and Sophie is safe. That evening, Sophie tells her mom that she felt like someone was protecting her. Her mom tells her that God says in His Word that He sends His angels to protect us.
I thought this book was wonderful. The illustrations are colorful and my kids enjoyed looking at them. I have a feeling that this will be one of the books that my daughter wants me to read over and over. I would suggest it for pre-school to early elementary age kids. I was provided with a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my review.
Gabby is a little angel who is somewhat clumsy, but has a kind heart. Her assignment is to a little girl named Sophie who loves adventurous activities like climbing trees. Gabby thinks that Sophie will need a big angel to keep up with her, but she is the one assigned to her. Sophie is so excited because she is about to get to ride her pony for the first time. Before Sophie gets on the pony, Gabby tells the pony to be gentle and safe with Sophie because God loves her. When the pony gets startled and starts to buck, Sophie rushes to her rescue. Even though the rescue doesn't take place as smoothly as Gabby had planned, all ends well and Sophie is safe. That evening, Sophie tells her mom that she felt like someone was protecting her. Her mom tells her that God says in His Word that He sends His angels to protect us.
I thought this book was wonderful. The illustrations are colorful and my kids enjoyed looking at them. I have a feeling that this will be one of the books that my daughter wants me to read over and over. I would suggest it for pre-school to early elementary age kids. I was provided with a copy of this book from Book Sneeze in exchange for my review.
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