Fighting For the Soul of Your Child review

 

Fighting For the Soul of Your Child: A Practical Guide to Biblical Parenting goes deeper than the rudiments of child-rearing to demonstrating the importance of giving your child guidance and boundaries. Written by Jimmy Evans, Karen Evans, and their daughter, Julie Evans Albracht, this book gives practical advice on how to be equipped to raise the child/children God gave you.
1. Empower Your Parenting: Discover practical strategies and insights to empower your role as a parent in shaping your child's future.
2. Time-Tested Wisdom: Benefit from the wisdom of Jimmy and Karen Evans, respected marriage and parenting experts with over 40 years of experience.
3. Protect Their Heart: Learn how to safeguard your child's emotional and spiritual well-being in an increasingly challenging world.
4. Effective Communication: Unlock the secrets to open and honest communication with your child, fostering trust and connection.
5. Spiritual Growth: Explore ways to nurture your child's faith and values, helping them develop a strong moral compass.
6. Navigating Challenges: Gain valuable insights on handling common parenting challenges, from peer pressure to technology addiction.
7. Family Harmony: Discover strategies to strengthen your family bond and create a loving, supportive environment.
8. Real-Life Stories: Engage with relatable stories and examples that illustrate the principles discussed in the book.
9. Transformative Impact: Experience the transformation in your parenting journey as you implement the proven strategies shared in this book.
10. A Lifelong Resource: "Fighting for the Soul of Your Child" is a timeless resource that will guide you through the various stages of your child's growth.

Order your copy of Fighting For the Soul of Your Child today! Use code MIN25 for 25% off your book purchase at the XO Store!

MY REVIEW: This is an excellent book that I wish had been available when I was a young mother. Not only is it useful for the parents of toddlers, but also for the parents of teens and young adults who are exploring sexuality and relationships. Actually, they agree that this is a topic that will most likely need to be addressed in elementary school, but at a level more suitable for their age. Children are much more aware of sex than I was as a child. BUT, sex is certainly not the only topic the book covers.

Just as a young child asks WHY?, you may be wondering why some forms of discipline or conversation are important. They explain the importance. I also love the personal stories shared. Don't think this book is just for parents, though. As a great-grandparent, I saw the wisdom imparted and how I can make up a difference, but there was something even more important. The final chapter left me with HOPE.

Regrets over mistakes made or seeing an adult child who has drifted (or ran) from God can cause deep grief and guilt. Jimmy Evans encourages the reader not to believe it's too late if your child is no longer a child. He shares a story of a man who accepted Christ as his Savior in his 80s. Decades after his death, a father's prayers for his son were answered! No matter if your baby is still a baby or is now a grandparent, KEEP PRAYING.

GIVEAWAY: Enter to Win 1 physical copy of Fighting For the Soul of Your Child. Please submit your full name and mailing address by 11/12. (Note: This is limited to US winners only.)

DISCLAIMER: Many thanks to XO Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

XO Publishing Website
Use code MIN25 for 25% off your purchase of "Fighting For the Soul of Your Child" at the XO Store!

 

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me

Dear Grandchild, This Is Me: A Gift of Stories, Wisdom, and Off-the-Record Tales.

 

This book is a special keepsake for your grandchild, inspired by you. It is a condensed diary of your life.


Being a grandparent is a wonderfully rewarding experience. With this valuable keepsake, you can gift your voice and memories to future generations. Whether providing snapshots of your childhood, details of your heritage, or your declassified personal “secrets,” your grandchild will treasure this glimpse into your unique story.

My Review: I love genealogy and family history so this is a book I am very excited about. I loved hearing stories from my parents and grandparents but some memories have faded over time and there is so much more I wish I had asked. This is a perfect opportunity to write down memories you wish to share and leave a legacy by sharing what you have learned over the years and teaching your grandchild about your values and faith.

 
Special Features:
* Built-in envelopes to stash special, private letters for specific occasions in your grandchild's future.
* A sheet of adhesive photo corners to adhere photographs and special memories throughout.
* Off-the-record questions to prompt fun stories.
* A family tree to trace your ancestry.
* Space to share your favorite recipes or those passed through the generations.
* A world map to showcase your travels.

Some of the questions are simple and straightforward. Others require a bit more thought. My one minor complaint is that there is too little room to answer some questions but you can always write more on paper and place it in one of the built-in envelopes.

The hardback book is beautifully illustrated and makes a perfect gift. Keep in mind, this is not a gift to give to a young child, but a wonderful keepsake to put aside for adulthood. This would be excellent to give to new or expectant grandparents so they could begin to write their memories and gather (or copy) special photos. Or, grandparents could buy one for each grandchild and began filling in the details as well as making each book uniquely personal.

I received an advanced readers copy of Dear Grandchild, This is Me for this review as part of the Waterbrook Launch Team. I was not required to write a positive review and all book review opinions are strictly my own

The Daily Question for You and Your Child

The Daily Question for You and Your Child: A Three-Year Spiritual Journal by Waterbrook is an interactive journal that not only allows a bonding moment between parent and child daily but also creates a keepsake memory to last a lifetime. This 5.8 x 1.1 x 7.3" hardbound book asks a total of 365 questions ranging from questions on faith to encourage spiritual growth to simple questions about everyday life on to questions that help explore creative, fun thoughts, spurring on the child's imagination.

A fun feature of this diary is that there is space to answer these questions 3 different times. The suggestion is for 3 years in a row, but I admit, I would like to see the differences in a larger time frame... perhaps 3-5 years apart. Of course, you could buy several books (per child) and continue this tradition for many years. Reflecting back each year/time you revisit these questions is a perfect way to measure growth or changes. Plus, gifting the completed book to each child when he or she becomes an adult makes this a priceless treasure. 

 

Time flies much faster than we realize and the opportunity presented by this book to record your child's thoughts, and even more importantly, spend TIME with your child having a conversation is reason enough for me to recommend this book. And it's a perfect gift for parents to have available.

 

I received this book as a member of the Waterbrook Launch Team Program at no cost to myself. I was not required to write a positive review. #PRHpartner

 ENTER THE DAILY QUESTION SWEEPSTAKES!
HOW TO ENTER:
- Posting a video of your child going through 1-2 questions from the book The Daily Question for You and Your Child on @WaterBrookMultnomah’s Facebook Page as required in the applicable Sweepstakes announcement using the hashtag #DailyQuestionSweepstakes; or

- Posting a video to your Twitter account of your child going through 1-2 questions from the book The Daily Question for You and Your Child as required in the applicable Sweepstakes announcement using the hashtag #DailyQuestionSweepstakes; or

- Posting a video to your Instagram account of your child going through 1-2 questions from the book The Daily Question for You and Your Child as required in the applicable Sweepstakes announcement using the hashtag #DailyQuestionSweepstakes.

Praying For Girls - Teri Lynne Underwood

Praying for Girls: Asking God for the Things They Need Most by Teri Lynne Underwood are Scripture-based prayers for the girls in your life. Raising a daughter can cause a lot of worry and concern, especially when we think of the danger, trials, and temptations that will face her. Yet you can feel the peace that comes when you pray specific Scriptures over her and turn your prayers into hope and promises rather than times of fear over what may happen.

There are five vital areas of a girl's life--her identity, heart, mind, relationships, and purpose-- and you will find guidance and assurance that you may pray with confidence over your child to cover each of these areas. I love the personalized Scripture prayers. Not only does it use God's Word to pray for your daughter, but has the added benefit of making Scripture more personal for yourself. Sometimes we forget this is not simply history or words meant for someone else.

There are also conversation starters and activities to help you raise your child into a confident woman of God. One of the things I enjoyed most is that it incorporates ideas for various stages in life. Each chapter has " Girl Talk" suggestions for a young child, a tween, and for a young woman. I have a daughter, a granddaughter, and 2 great-granddaughters, so I found age-appropriate ideas for each...or ideas that I can personalize. There are also ideas I can use just as easily with sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons. Definitely a multi-generalization book that can be passed on to the next generation.

I received a copy of this book from Cross Focused Reviews (Cross Focused Media). I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Follow Teri Lynne Underwood on social media:

• Facebook - facebook.com/terilynneublog
• Twitter - twitter.com/TeriLynneU
• Instagram - instagram.com/terilynneu

The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life - Benjamin Watson

The New Dad's Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life by Benjamin Watson

When it comes to the unknown territory of having a baby, moms-to-be have nearly unending resources to plan and execute a healthy pregnancy and navigate those first months and years as a parent with confidence. New dads? Not so much. They want to get in the game too, but, says Super Bowl champion Benjamin Watson, "I could find clearer direction for putting together a baby swing than for taking care of a newborn child."

The New Dad's Playbook is every man's game plan to being the best partner and the best father, from pre-season (preparing for fatherhood) to Super Bowl (birth) to post-season (after baby is home). It helps men understand what their wives are going through physically and emotionally during and after pregnancy, allowing them to support their most important teammate. It tells men what to expect when their baby is home--and what to do when the unexpected happens. This tell-it-like-it-is book will take men from just winging it to winning it. (publisher)

The book was actually quite good. Watson's advice was practical and answered many questions guys may have. It was an honest look at pregnancy and fatherhood from a male perspective, including mistakes he made, thoughtful things he did for his wife, and an acknowledgment that each pregnancy is different. So, what works with one, may not with another, but the important thing is to work it out.

The importance of the parents working together as a team was an emphasis I really liked. Speaking of teamwork, the football references are a theme to the layout of the book. I am more of a casual fan, but I knew what he was talking about. But, if you are buying this for a dedicated football fan, it will be something completely relatable. I actually thought it was a fun set-up considering his football career.

Some suggestions are out of the price range for many young couples having a child, but some are adaptable. But, the practical advice and explanations of some of the things to expect or to consider are priceless information. It's not a long book, and it's easy to read---IF you are giving it to someone who will actually read it. However, it's a good book to have on the shelves for an expectant father to browse through during a pregnancy, and it is set up in a way to concentrate on a section at a time. Great book for any man who is about to become a father, whether for the first time or already experienced.

I received a copy of this book from Icon Media Group in order to review. All opinions are my own.

Of Stillness and Storm - Michele Phoenix

"of stillness and storm" by Michele Phoenix is, in her own words, "My hope is that this novel will be a cautionary tale..."

It took Lauren and her husband ten years to achieve their dream—reaching primitive tribes in remote regions of Nepal. But while Sam treks into the Himalayas for weeks at a time, finding passion and purpose in his work among the needy, Lauren and Ryan stay behind, their daily reality more taxing than inspiring. For them, what started as a calling begins to feel like the family’s undoing.
At the peak of her isolation and disillusion, a friend from Lauren’s past enters her life again. But as her communication with Aidan intensifies, so does the tension of coping with the present while reengaging with the past. It’s thirteen-year-old Ryan who most keenly bears the brunt of her distraction.

Intimate and bold, Of Stillness and Storm weaves profound dilemmas into a tale of troubled love and honorable intentions gone awry. (Thomas Nelson product description)

I have mixed feelings on this book. Phoenix did bring more layers to characters as the story enfolded, although my frustration with each also increased as I read. The story is thought-provoking, especially for families who feel the call to become missionaries, so mission accomplished as far as what Phoenix hoped to convey. Perhaps the clearer vision of the reader is what leads to my frustration with the book. I can't fault her for creating characters I don't particularly like, but I grew more annoyed rather than more empathetic. This is definitely not a "happily ever after" fairy tale, which is not a requirement for my enjoyment of a story, but I would have liked to have felt a bit more hope for the characters.

The writing itself is very good, and the story flows well and gains momentum toward a suspected conclusion. I confess, I wasn't sure HOW the author would arrive there, so I will not say predictable, but it was a conclusion that left me feeling empty. I can't judge the book based solely on my opinion of the characters, but neither can I say I loved the book. However, it is an interesting study of missionary life from a viewpoint one may not have fully considered. I have an opinion, but each person should be free to draw their own.

Thanks to Handlebar Marketing for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Mother & Son: The Respect Effect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

The idea of moms respecting their sons may sound alien to some, but it seems to ignite curiosity across the board. It is easy to relate to the need for all of us to feel a mother’s love, but is that the same thing as respect? Even for young boys, the effect of respect is nothing short of astounding when applied properly.  Moms yearn to learn anything that better helps them with their sons. After all, they love their boys, but many find them more difficult to parent than their girls, especially from age four and up. What makes this all the more urgent is that moms are coaching fathers to love their daughters, but no one has said boo to moms on specific ways to show respect to their sons, at least not in a way that is applicable and fully explained. All realize that little girls need daddy’s love, but who is strongly promoting the truth that little boys (and big ones) need Mom's respect? No wonder mothers feel left in the dark on this topic. (publisher)

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:

• The 6 desires God seeded in your son
• Why a mother’s love is not the same thing as respect
• Respect: the key to your son’s heart
• Who’s respecting whom: mother or son?
• Unconditional respect: a biblical idea
• Top 6 mom misconceptions
• How to see the man in your son
• When you should discipline
• It’s never too late: quick-start tips for those who feel short on time
• 21 days of inspiration for the respect effect
• Encouraging scriptures for parenting your son with respect

My Review: The book has information that is valuable, yet something about it just grated on me as I read it. There seemed to be more than a hint of condescension in the tone when addressing mothers. I thought perhaps I was taking it too personally since I have been aware for decades about the male need for respect, even in little boys. The author kept trying to say how women think to the point I could almost believe I am not female. People, both male and female, are individuals with varying traits. So, to be fair, my annoyance may have colored my reaction to the book.

The word RESPECT is vital to the book but was also overused. Much of the suggested dialogue between a mother and son was stilted, but did give good suggestions and outlines. I come from a different generation, so my experiences may be different than that of a young mom raising a child today. So, this could be a valuable resource for those who are unfamiliar with the male need for respect. And, I know several women who think like the author assumes all women think. Don't get me wrong---there is nothing wrong with those thoughts and personalities, they just aren't universal. And, I am certain that no offense was intended in the writing, especially since Dr. Eggerichs specializes in the importance of showing respect to others. I am sure many will also find the success stories encouraging. Letting your son (and all males in your family) know that you love them is important, too, but letting them know you respect them is essential. And I do respect the time, effort, hard work, and thoughts Dr. Eggerichs put into research and writing this and that he is changing lives and relationships for the better.

“We’ve coached fathers on how to love their daughters, but we’ve not coached mothers on how to meet the need a boy has to feel respected for who he is. This is what Mother & Son is all about.“ – Dr. Emerson Eggerichs 

8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids

In 8 Simple Tools for Raising Great Kids, child psychologist, Todd Cartmell, walks you through basic tools for healthy, effective parenting. Todd gives eight essential and practical tools to help you:

• Maintain a healthy relationship with your child
• Develop a nurturing home culture
• Correct behavior in lasting ways

Divided into five short chapters that include a summary tip and application questions, the book is designed to give you simple clear-cut applications to build a healthy, loving relationship with your child, guiding them toward maturity. Using these applications, you can plant Godly wisdom in the hearts of your children, and help them thrive in all relationships with others.

My review: Overall, it's a good book with practical advice and doable solutions. I admit it started a little slow for me, and sounded like it would be more along the lines of helicopter parenting, but after the first couple of chapters, common sense and good advice became much more apparent, so hang in there if you have doubts. (Keeping in mind that I am a great-grandmother and probably have a different mindset than many of today's parents)

My favorite part is one that I have tried to stress to many children with whom I have had any influence. THINK before you ACT! Dr. Cartmell refers to this as "STEPS":
S - Stop
T - Think of possible solutions
E - Evaluate the solution
P - Pick a solution
S - See if it worked

Naturally, this is going to work better with children past preschool age, but start training kids to do more than REACT as soon as possible. Dr. Cartmell does give wise advice in training children to redirect their behavior---and parents also. We all make mistakes.

While it is obvious that Christian principles and values are an inherent part of his methods of raising children, I think that even non-believers can agree with the solutions he recommends. However, a downside of the book is also a lack of useful tips for single parents, especially when other adults who are involved in parenting have a completely different outlook. But, that in itself is reason for a separate book. No matter what your situation is, I do recommend the book.

I was given a copy of this book at no cost to myself by Flyby Promotions for the purpose of writing this review. They are also offering a discount on the book through May 15, 2016. See details below:

DISCOUNT CODE!! You have access to a 50% Discount Code which is GREATKIDS16  This code is only good from April 15th to May 15th

Official Website-  www.8simpletools.com

Dr. Todd Cartmell on FB

Free access to the HEARTS AT HOME "ESSENTIAL WORKSHOP COLLECTION FOR PARENTS" with every purchase: http://www.8simpletools.com/purchase-with-offer (so readers not only get 50% off with the coupon code at moodypublishers.com, but also get access to a slew of freebies).

The Sparkle Egg by Jill Hardie

Easter is coming, and Sam loves Easter! But this year, he is upset about a lie he told his parents. Even though he apologized and they forgave him, Sam can’t shake the feeling that he is a bad kid for what he did.

Meanwhile, his parents help him make a special Easter craft called a Sparkle Egg. His mom tells him to write anything he feels sorry about or ashamed of on a piece of paper and put it inside his Sparkle Egg. (publisher's description)

The Sparkle Egg, written by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki, is a hardback children's book for kids in the 4-8 year old age bracket. The story is one that a child will understand and not your typical telling a lie to not get in trouble. I think it is a story that can lead to further discussions on honesty, especially with the increasing "not my fault" attitudes that are too prevalent. While there is a lesson to be learned about the importance of honesty, there is an even greater one taught on forgiveness.

Honestly? I am much older than the recommended age group, and I got something out of the book too. The book is subtitled A Symbol of the True Promise of Easter, and it does deliver the message. The simple, yet effective, teaching on forgiveness and the reason Jesus died for us is told on a level that a child can have a rudimentary understanding, yet has that core of truth that all believers need to grasp.

Giveaway: Propeller Consulting LLC has another copy of this book to give to one of my readers. Leave a comment to let me know that you would like to be entered. Contest ends Tues, April 1, 2014 at 5pm CDT. The winner will be contacted for mailing info by 8pm. Thanks, and if you do not win, I highly recommend you buy a copy of this book!!

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Ideals Books website

Ideals Books on Facebook

Sparkle Egg website

The Sparkle Box on Facebook 

Follow @Jill_Hardie 

Jill Hardie's blog: Learning To Be The Light

 

 

Author Bio

Jill Hardie’s first book, The Sparkle Box, ignited a new Christmas tradition that helps center Christmas in the true joy of the season. Now Jill is hoping to touch lives with a new Easter tradition with The Sparkle Egg. She lives in North Canton, Ohio.

Illustrator Bio

Christine Kornacki illustrated the highly acclaimed The Sparkle Box. She has a love for painting and a knack for bringing stories to life. Christine received a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford and spends most days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming café in New Haven, Connecticut.

Experiencing God at Home

Experiencing God at Home takes a fresh path back into the rich roots of Henry Blackaby’s world-renowned Experiencing God writings to connect what happens in our homes to what happens in our churches.

Here, his sons Tom and Richard Blackaby first establish the biblical case for the idea of experiencing God at home, illuminating how the clear foundation for God’s work in nations and churches around the world is his work in families.

Indeed, healthy families lead to healthy churches, and the Blackabys illustrate that through real-life stories of families that have found ways to experience God in marriage, in choosing life’s direction, in rescuing broken relationships, in forgiveness, in the salvation of loved ones, etc.

Lessons from the Bible support these moving accounts, and the book concludes with resources that will guide individuals families as well as entire churches toward practically experiencing God at home. (publisher's description)

I received this book from Shelton Interactive at no charge to me in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book is part of the Experiencing God series that is written for specific target audiences. Using the same 7 principles familiar to those who have read the original book by Henry Blackaby, his sons now speak to parents on how to use those principles to raise children in homes that honor God and are God-centered. Briefly, the 7 steps they cover are God is always at work around you, God pursues a love relationship with you, God invites you to become involved with Him in His work, God speaks by the Holy Spirit, God's invitation leads to a crisis of belief, you must make adjustments, and you come to know God by experience as you obey Him and He accomplishes His work through you.

Filled with a lot of anecdotal stories of personal experiences and examples from the Bible, the emphasis is on the importance of a parent's involvement in a child's life. Listening to your offspring and taking time to answer is vital from an early age so the pattern is already established as your child grows older and has more important decisions to make. I especially liked the 'Questions for Reflection/Discussion' at the end of the chapters. These make this book useful for personal use, but also beneficial for small group study. I think this is a great book for anybody who is raising a family. Mine are grown, but I still got something out of the book. Even if you don't have children or grandchildren, there may be young people in your life that you do have influence with and who come to you for advice.

Tom Blackaby is director of International Ministries for Blackaby Ministries International and the former senior pastor of North Sea Baptist Church in Stavanger, Norway. He co-authored The Man God Uses with his father, Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God). Tom and his wife have three children.

Richard Blackaby is president of Blackaby Ministries International. A noted writer and speaker, he co-authored the revision of Experiencing God with his father Henry Blackaby. Richard and his wife have three children.