My sweet friend, Julia, recommended this book to me:  Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond.  I really liked it, and I feel so inspired to parent with confidence I gain from trusting Scriptural truths.

Here are some quick things I learned/liked:

-teaching a child manners is key in child-rearing.  When a child gives another person preference and respect, he gains self-respect.  He is teachable (in school) if he is respectful and obedient to others.  This starts with manners.

-High self-esteem in a child should be avoided at all costs.  If a child esteems himself highly, he is proud, selfish and thinks the world revolves around him.  Teach a child to be humble and considerate to others.

-A family should be more marriage-centered than child-centered.  After the age of 3, the parents shouldn't cater to every need of the child, but rather, teach him to serve the family (chores, etc) and be a contributing member instead of ruler of the roost.

- Tell and compel.  I shouldn't ask, plead, cajoul or beg my child to do anything.  I tell them once, and turn away so they only have a back to argue with. Lead with confidence -- inspiring and influencing.

- Predicable consequences (such as spanking a child for the same infraction over and over and over) immunizes the child to the spanking.  Instead, make discipline unpredictable (and creative), increasing the punishment each time the infraction is made. 

-Limiting activities after school and allowing more time for kids to be kids in free play is good.  Rosamond points out that going to a kid's soccer game is NOT family time, team building is less important than family building.  He says a mother's identity should not be wrapped up in her children's activities.  Amen!

-Micromanaging Moms:  (I could tend toward this!)  If you are constantly checking in on your child's homework, affairs and other things, you are teaching the child that he doesn't have to be responsible, since you're always there to remind him of things, fight his battles, pick up last minute supplies he needs TOMORROW etc.   

Rosamond talks a lot (too much?) about how modern parenting (prompted by today's psyco-babble) has truly derailed children, but he insists that if we base parenting on Biblical truth -- we will never be flailing for answers or doubting the legitimacy of our "curriculum." 

Stacks of books on my dresser topple and fall. "Silver Refined" catches my eye, and upon cracking it open, I cringe as my eyes drink in the opening lines. I whisper, "Lord, why does REFINING have to be so painful. I don't know if I want to be refined . . ."

Kay Arthur knows from a painful past the agony of being refined. Melted and poured out, Kay's horrific personal experiences (which came as an utter surprise to me) have molded her into one of the most godly women teachers of the Bible. Stories of God's work in her life, as well in the lives of her friends serve to demonstrate that God is a God to be trusted. And the pain the accompanies trials lifts our faces to a God who HEALS.

I definitely ate this book up -- 4 stars for this excellent resource for people going through difficult times in their lives.

I received a copy of this book from Blogging for Books for reviewing-- which in no way influenced my review.

My dear friend, Julia, sent me this book when she found out I was pregnant.  Plus, my mother-in-law also said she'd read it a few times when she had a household of little boys. So I knew it was going to be good!

Jean Fleming encourages young mothers to teach their children godliness through love, prayer, example, discipline and cREaTIviTy!

One of the best things I got out of this book was how to prayer for Julianna.  I pray that she will be a member of God's Kingdom, a credit to the Kingdom and am ambassador of the Kingdom.  Jean Fleming really encourages me to teach Julianna at every opportunity, using my creativity and skills.  I'm so excited about teaching Julianna about Jesus!

A GREAT companion book in this same genre is Edith Schaeffer's The Hidden Art of Homemaking.  Mrs. Schaeffer's ideas are so creative and practical, you'll love it!

Gaudy Illustrations

Unfortunately, the illustrations in this book were a little mediocre with overstimulating designs and clashing colors. The borders are too busy, and the art quality isn't consistent throughout the book. I personally prefer simple pictures for little kids.

The theme communicates the sanctity and value of life in a Christian way, (which I love) but the plot and story are a little all-over-the place. As an adult, I smiled at the "surprise" ending, but I could just see my child being SO disappointed if I just have ONE baby next time.

This would be a good book for a family having twins, but I would skip it otherwise.

Thank you to WaterBrook Press for giving me a copy of this book for review.

Well-written southern literature at its best!  You can smell the citrus, hear the bees and in my case, even feel the sticky sweet honey.  Literally.

Yes, as I turned the very last page of the novel, I noticed something gooey on the back of my leg.  Then I noticed it on the couch, too.  "What is that?"  I smelled it.  HONEY.  "How in the world did that get there?!?" 

The plot really "stuck with me" (haha), and after thinking about it for a few days, I really decided that overall, I didn't love the story.  The characters and themes center around a Virgin Mary-figure, and have even formed a cult-like following of Mary as they understand her.  I do understand the young girl's craving for a mother figure, but the worship of any other god does not and cannot give fulfillment and joy.

This book was excellently written, but I can't really fully enjoy a plot so heavily ensconced in occultic symbolism.  What if it would have been centered around Christ who loves and heals the broken-hearted?

Asking the Hard Questions

The Take Action Bible asks the difficult questions that cause Christians to evaluate living their faith through works. The one question that really stood out: "How do you want to be a blessing to the world?" A few years ago, I would have had a three-point answer written down on paper, but when I read this question, I realized how self-centered and small-minded I have become. The questions really inspired some heart-searching.

The people featured in this Bible are little short of amazing. From a tiny girl selling lemonade to a man battling HIV, these heroes of faith inspire the reader to really engage with the Word and look for opportunities to live it out amongst the unsaved. The list of 52 action ideas at the end are superb for getting your mind thinking about how to live a faith of action!

Because the colored illustrated pages are so thick and the Bible pages are so thin, the book is difficult to flip through, which makes it more of a specialty Bible than one to take to Bible study or church. I would be thrilled if the Take Action Bible was a devotional: including more stories and only relevant sections of Scripture (since most Christians already own other Bibles). However, the New King James version definitely flows beautifully and is easy to understand. I also loved the spaces to journal and record answers to the questions.

Thank you Booksneeze for giving me a copy of this book for review!

Funny, Humbling and Encouraging

 I sat down to read this book thinking it was an autobiography about a guy with no arms and legs. Imagine my surprise as I realized the truly handicapped person living with crippling fears and limitations was me. Recently, a few extra postpartum pounds sent me into a tailspin of self-loathing and shame. Yes, I was feeling fat. SO trite, but my self-absorption and sadness were debilitating me--I couldn't even look at people in the face at times!

Nick's humility and joy smacked me lovingly in the face and shook me back to reality: If he can live the joy of the Lord in spite of his human limitations, I surely can rise to face the dawn of a day with laughter bubbling in my soul that God has given me a life to live for His purposes.

With a doubt, my favorite bits of this book are Nick's stories. He has an unending supply of hilarious stunts and pranks like posing in the storefront window as an armless underwear mannequin--scaring unsuspecting window shoppers out of their, well, pants!

Despite his small stature, Nick is larger than life, and his words will teach and admonish fellow "broken" human beings to grasp hold of a life lived for God's glory.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for a copy of this book for review.

Recently my grandma bought my dad a "Christian" self-help book from a grocery store. He started to read it and was stunned to find doctrine so twisted, that it crossed the line of blasphemy. With all the self-help Christian books dotting the shelves, it's difficult to discern what's going to be trustworthy and spiritually edifying. When I saw this book available from Booksneeze.com, I knew immediately I could trust it to be spiritually sound because of one name: Billy Graham. A man who has proven himself to be solidly grounded in the gospel, Billy Graham expertly delivers teachings based on the Bible in layman's terms.

Though this classic has been updated, its truths survive the test of time because they are rooted in the timeless Word. Billy Graham applies scripture in a very clear, concise way that will speak to both the spiritually mature and newer believers. This would be a great gift to a college student, a new mom or anybody that is limited on time, but needs quick and solid daily guidance. I'm going to stash a copy in my guest room for visitors to enjoy.

*Thanks to Booksneeze.com for sending me a copy to review!*

Fantasy Meets the Deep South

Tucked into the tangled woods of the deep south, a little girl and a story have their beginnings. In a flash of lightening, Mercy's mama births her on the banks of a muddy creek, and Mercy's life takes on a fantastic quality from the get-go.

But in her late twenties, unmarried, working long hours at her newspaper job, her life seems anything but extraordinary -- until she discovers herself face to face with a book not of this world. Within its pages, others' lives take form and shape. Outside its pages, her own life seems to unravel as it takes mysterious twists and turns. Who is this tall, dark and handsome stranger? Why does he seem so familiar? What dark secrets will the magical book reveal, and will she have the strength to stand in the face of its awful truth?

If the reader hopes for an otherworldy adventure, this story is Hometown USA with a mysterious, creepy spiritual dimension. Though I had hoped for a good read in the genre of southern literature, the South in this book serves more as a flat, muted backdrop like the painted scenery on stage in a play. One cannot taste syrupy sweet tea, sweat in the humidity or smell the pungent Bradford pear trees. Expectations aside, the book's originality, creative twists and strong female character will keep the pages flying.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review

The Charlatan's Boy

By Jonathan Rogers

"Ladies and Gentlemen . . . It is my privilege to introduce you to the World's Ugliest Boy!" 

Greasy-mustached, traveling showman Floyd can't be trusted by his audiences OR, for that matter, his boy:  ugly orphan Grady.  Lies are all part of Floyd's business, and Grady can't for the life of him figure out which of Floyd's story of Grady's originings is true.  Traipsing from town to town with the Charlatan, duping one "ignerent" village after the next, Grady finds himself torn between wanting the truth and loving the tall-tales . . . roughin' the big life on the road and still yearning for a sense of belonging. 

Amidst the adventures of stampedes, bull-riding, swamp hoofing, wild showmanship and knock-down drag out fights alongside a pretty girl, one cannot read this tale without falling in love with the ugliest orphan to ever show his face in Corenwald.  With cantering southern diction, Jonathan Rogers weaves a tall tale that is sure to delight, entertain and touch every reader.  I loved it! 

(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.)  For a sneak peek at the first 2 chapters, go here.

The Birth That's Right for You by a doctor and a midwife, helps explain the birth process without inundating the reader with horror stories and heavy opinions.  Their premise is that what comes naturally to you defines how you will birth your baby.  (IE, if you don't breathe through your teeth, it's not going to come in that handy when you're fightin' through those contractions.)

I like to be informed without being influenced, so this book helped me feel more confident about going into labor and delivery.  A little more information about what the drugs actually do -- and their negative/positive affects would have been helpful.

Your Money God's Way: Overcoming the 7 Money Myths that Keep Christians Broke

Amie Streater

[Before I launch into the review, I gotta say that using a "Buy ONE get ONE free" Blizzard coupon from DairyQueen as a bookmark really propels and motivates you to finish a non-fiction book!  Think of it as a reward to yourself when get done!  I try to read fiction and non-fiction alternatively, and sometimes I need a little push.  Anyone want to come with me for a Blizzard???]

Your Money puts to the test Christians' often counterfeit convictions about spending money.  Unfortunately, Christians are not exempt from the staggering statistics of bankruptcy and debt that currently bear down on American families across our nation.  This book helps to dig up the doo-doo in our thought lives that lead us to spending ways that keep us poor.

Though the book didn't address my personal counterfeit conviction: guilt about spending money, it did a good job addressing over-spending and getting out of debt.  I am often so inspired by good money books!

Booksneeze.com sent me this book complimentary on the condition that I write a review for it on my blog!  I say, yes please!

The Last Child

John Hart

It took me about three late nights to devour this suspenseful book--but I don't recommend reading it before bed:  it's kinda scary!

A family torn apart by a missing child suddenly becomes entangled in a deeper plot when another child goes missing.  Dun dun duuun . . .

This book had some language and the subject matter (child abductions) can get a little heavy.  It's a big time page turner (but that could also be because I got the large print edition. :)  I'm a huge fan of large print . . . . John Hart keeps things moving right along with deft symbolism and engaging action.

How to Be Your Own Selfish Pig:  And Other Ways You've Been Brainwashed

Susan Schaeffer Macaulay 

I remember seeing this glaring, obnoxious title on Daddy's bookshelves for as long as I can remember.  Now I have my own copy, and figured it was about time to read it!  Susan Schaeffer Macaulay--Francis Schaeffer's daughter--calmly and rationally explains Christian apologetics with a potato peeler in hand and soup simmering on the stove.  Without compromising truth, she brings huge life issues down to earth, explaining controversial topics with wisdom and perspective.

Macaulay documents the stories and journeys of real-life people--from those who cut themselves, to those who have had abortions, to others who just can't believe in God.  The underlining premise is that beliefs eventually change the way you live your life--and that the world can only really make sense if you believe in one creating, sustaining God.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Trenton Lee Stewart 

When I got this big, chunky book from the library, I couldn't wait tear into it.  Needless to say, I wasn't disappointed.  Juvenile fiction has been and always will be my favorite genre because the author is forced to be concise, clever and adventurous.  And I don't have to muddle my way through bad language or romance cheese (unless of course you're reading those vampire book).  

The Mysterious Benedict Society's action centers around four children with some odd talents -- such as the gifts of being contrary (I too currently have that gift), resourceful, good at solving riddles and speed reading.  My favorite aspect of this ragtag group of kids is their moral integrity--a huge surprise for a modern read!

Twists and turns, riddles and adventures make this book so amusing.  The author uses foreshadowing excellently--I patted myself on the back a few times for "guessing" what was coming next only to be nailed by a surprise at the ending that I should have seen coming all along.  

Patton

Patton:  The Pursuit of Destiny

By Agostino Von Hassell and Ed Bresslin

One hardly knows what to expect when cracking open this beautiful hardcover about the rough Army General George S. Patton.  While we know him for his military prowess in leading US troops in WW2, his contributions to the US military and personal accomplishments outside of warefare were astounding.  His life and lore--the scandalous as well as the sincere--are portrayed fabulously in this quick-moving epic of Gen. Patton's life.

Though famously controversial with character flaws as big as the moon, Patton's genius, work-ethic and amazing stories of cunning will not only awe but will command  immense respect.

Booksneeze.com sent me this book to review!  Thanks, BS. :)

Same Kind of Different = Best Kind of Different

Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver More, with Lynn Vincent 
 
A true story account that reads like a novel, Same Kind of Different as Me will move you to tears and challenge your faith.  This first-person account of the relationship between a street-dweller and art-dealer turns prejudice and expectations on their heads.  Too often, when we think we are ministering to the less-fortunate, it is they who are changing OUR lives and perspectives.  

The authors' trials range from Ku Klux Klan-type abuse to marital despair, from street violence to a millionaire's discomfort during serving at a soup kitchen. Without a doubt, these twists and turns lead two men into a bewildering, unlikely friendship that changes their lives and prepares them for the most shocking event of their lives. 

Though the book hinges on the lives of a few exceptional characters, the overwhelming presence of God permeates each vignette, constantly driving home His sovereignty in the divine choreography of our lives for His glory.  The story sticks in my brain and makes me look for ways that God will not only use me in others' lives, but use others to make me want to follow even harder after Him.