Pass It On by Jim Burns & Jeremy Lee

I was really excited to read this book after I heard Jeremy Lee speak on this a few years ago. I had never thought about the different experiences I could give my children that would help pass my faith on. I loved how this book leads to intentional parenting. It keeps Jesus at the center of the focus of parenting.

I also love the idea of doing rites of passage for my children throughout their different stages of life. I'm not certain I will do every year as they are growing up, but who knows! I've already started thinking about how I will do our first one. I know my children will absolutely love it and I pray it will be something that they will always look back on and remember.

This book will be one that I consult a lot through the years. I can even see this given to several of my friends at their baby showers. We tend to think our faith will be passed on without us even talking about it, but I love how this book reminds parents of the importance of being intentional with passing our faith no. We can't just assume that they know why we believe what we do or even what exactly we do believe. It offers parents a chance to be transparent with their child and to really have those heart-to-heart conversations. And who knows... maybe your child will pass their faith on with these special moments, as well.

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/burnslee.

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Pass It On (David C. Cook, September 2015)
Parents often experience a “freak out” moment when they realize their children’s view of God will primarily come from what they learn at home.
Most parents spend more time helping their kids succeed at academics or athletics than infusing shared spiritual experiences into the rhythm of everyday family life.
While the idea of strategically passing down our faith can seem intimidating, the annual Rites of Passage Experiences contained in Pass It On make it easy for your family to celebrate milestones from kindergarten through high school graduation. Forever change the direction of your family’s spiritual legacy . . . starting now!
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Jim Burns and Jeremy Lee

Jim Burns is president of HomeWord and executive director of the HomeWord Center for Youth and Family at Azusa Pacific University. He has more than 1.5 million resources in print and a radio broadcast heard on 800 stations a day. Jim resides in Southern California with his wife Cathy and their three daughters. *** || *** Jeremy Lee is the founder of ParentMinistry.Net, a subscription-based service for children and youth ministry workers. He was on the writing team for the Simple Truth Bible from Group Publishing and the Ignite Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers. Jeremy lives in Nashville with his wife and children.

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I received this book free from David C. Cook and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Taming the To-Do List by Glynnis Whitwer

First of all, I should thank Glynnis Whitwer for helping me to procrastinate for just a little longer on a few tasks I've dreaded doing. In fact, within the time frame of reading this book, I put off cleaning bathrooms, mopping, and I do believe there was a day I put off doing the dishes! My excuse was perfect: once I finish reading this book, I'll be better at marking those tasks off my to-do list. So from the bottom of my heart (and much to my husband's dismay), thank you!

In all seriousness, I had first looked forward to this book because I thought it would help me to become more efficient at the tasks that I juggle everyday. For example, I thought maybe there would be some divine idea that would shine a light on how to make my bathrooms shinier much faster or help me not to look at sweeping as such a chore to loathe. Or perhaps it would show me where that magic fairy was that could help me put up my clothes that have now sat in the laundry basket for um....3 weeks. This book did none of that.

However, it did tell my what the root of my problem is. It revealed to me why I look at my mess and just shut down instead of becoming motivated to do it all. It explains why I feel so much more progress when I write down every little step so that I can mark it off. It also told me why I figure that if I can't do my best then I shouldn't even start. I am a procrastinator. Of course, I knew I was in small ways, but I really didn't think it carried over to housework. I was wrong!

I really appreciated her tips of journaling out a huge master to-do list and then making it one-step tasks vs. multiple-step tasks. I'm the one with sticky notes dividing up my other sticky notes. This sounded like a glorious idea to me, and one that I'm already taking to heart.

The book does include some soul-searching and action steps. I found this helpful because I have a tendency to keep on breezing through the book and forgetting some of the ideas the book mentioned.

If you're a procrastinator or don't have a clue if you are or not, this book is for you! Seriously. Don't procrastinate in getting this book. It is a one-step decision to go to the store and get it or go online and add it to your cart.

Oh, and it has the cutest cover that makes every task-oriented person want to grab this book and devour it right away. I mean, who doesn't love a check list as a cover?!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

7 Family Ministry Essentials by Michelle Anthony and Megan Marshman

I'm not in the ministry but I am heavily involved with the children's ministry in our church. I like to read different books like this one just so I can learn more about helping to reach our children with the gospel.

The book focuses on 7 points:

• Empowering families to take spiritual leadership in the home
• Forming lifetime faith that transcends childhood beliefs
• Teaching Scripture as the ultimate authority of truth
• Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit to teach and transform
• Engaging every generation in the gospel of God's redemptive story
• Making God central in every biblical narrative and daily living
• Participating in community with like-minded ministry leaders

When I look at what should be integral in a children's ministry or a student ministry, I land on these same points. The thing that I loved the most is that it goes back to families. For so many years, it's been about taking the children away with activities. Now it's more about doing ministry as a family.

I found that this book is very applicable to parents, as well. It offers very helpful tips on being intentional in the home. I would recommend this book to even moms and dads.

Read more reviews at http://litfusegroup.com/author/anthonymarshman.

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7 Family Ministry Essentials

Author: Michelle Anthony and Megan Marshman

7 Family Ministry Essentials: A Strategy for Culture Change in Children’s and Student Ministries (David C. Cook, June 2015)
With decades of ministry experience, Michelle Anthony and Megan Marshman capture the guiding essentials of life-changing family ministry.
These seven essentials for children and student leaders emphasize:
1. Empowering families to take spiritual leadership in the home
2. Forming lifetime faith that transcends childhood beliefs
3. Teaching Scripture as the ultimate authority of truth
4. Understanding the role of the Holy Spirit to teach and transform
5. Engaging every generation in the gospel of God’s redemptive story
6. Making God central in every biblical narrative and daily living
7. Participating in community with like-minded ministry leaders
7 Family Ministry Essentials will energize and equip you with the practical steps, inspirational stories, and biblical foundation you need as you lead those in your ministry.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

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I received this book free from David C. Cook and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Good, the Bad, and the Grace of God by Jep and Jessica Robertson

Our family enjoys watching Duck Dynasty and I have read all of the books from each one in the family. Just like the others, I appreciated the honesty in this book. It takes a lot to admit your mess ups and to share it without knowing how you'll be judged by others. Jep and Jessica both honestly shared the good and bad times they've had separately and together.

I can relate a lot to Jessica's desire to please other people. I never felt it as strongly as her, but being a people please myself I can see how easily it would be to fall into the traps she did. It was interesting to learn more about them because they aren't made to be a huge part of Duck Dynasty. Jep is just the funny younger brother that gets picked on! I'm glad he shared about the whole duck taping incident because I really didn't think they had done that! That would have really hurt!

Jep and Jessica share about how God used their bad in their lives to lead them to not only help others but to easily forgive each other. I say easy, but it's never easy. However, God showed them how He could rescue you from a deep dark spot and forgive for anything. They used that in marriage when it came to the make it or break it decision.

Another thing I love about the them (and all the Robertson) is that divorce is never an option. Every marriage has hard spots and times when you don't particularly have those warm fuzzy feelings. It takes hard work. You get a glimpse of that hard work that Jep and Jessica had to do in their own marriage. Television can make it seem as though they have a perfect marriage. I'm glad they shared their struggles in this book and how God has blessed them since they chose to go through a really dark time together instead of throwing in the towel.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Taking God at His Word by Kevin DeYoung

I have long enjoyed the books that Kevin DeYoung has written. He has such a passion for the Lord and His Word and doesn't sugarcoat anything to make it easier to hear. I appreciate that about His writing. It's easy to do in today's culture where many want to hear things that make them feel better about themselves.

I appreciate the topic of this book because I know many who feel that the Bible is irrelevant to today. This whole book centers around what the Bible is, why it can be trusted, and it is relevant to us and our lives.

The other thing I greatly appreciated about this book was that Kevin DeYoung didn't spend time telling you why, in his opinion, we should take God at His Word. He uses God's Word to show you the importance of reading, knowing, loving, understanding, and applying His Word in our life.

I also liked how I didn't feel as if I was reading a theological book. It flowed easily and I found myself anxious to get back into reading the book. It also had me thinking about His Word constantly within the pages and I love anything that can take me back to the Bible.

Can't wait to see what topic is written about next!

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I received this book free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Plain Faith by Ora-Jay & Irene Eash with Tricia Goyer

I am always reading Amish fiction and knew I would definitely be interested in this book as it held an inside scoop into the life of being Amish. I wanted to know more about what they taught and believed and why.

Ora-Jay and Irene had such a sweet heart. I was heartbroken to read about the death of their 2 daughter and how finally, after many boys, they received a bundle of joy that was a girl! They shared how the death of their daughters was a turning point for them. It was neat to watch their faith grow out of this dark time. It amazes me how the Amish are able to simply say, "God must have wanted it to be so." They weren't really expected to grieve, which I can't even imagine.

I appreciated the very personal letters at the end of most of the chapters. It was interesting to read their hearts and what was going on in their lives at that point. You could also easily see their spiritual growth through each letter.

My favorite story had to be how the Lord provided for them when they didn't have the money to pay for some land. The fact they lived in their basement with no electricity or running water was amazing. They truly were living harder then the Amish and they were still judged.

This is such an insightful book for those that like the Amish lifestyle or like Amish fiction. It's also an excellent book if you want to see someone who questioned all he knew and gave it up to follow the Lord. They found freedom in truly following the Lord.

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I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers and Zondervan Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin

My passion is for women and children to know the word deeply and to love it.  I have long been frustrated that so many times we aren't taught to study our Bibles, but to take our pastor's word or our Bible study leader's word for what the Bible teaches.  I'm very picky when it comes to Bible studies and books about Bible studies because so many times the books talk about how the Bible is about us.  It's not.  It's about God.

Thank you, Jen Wilkin, for a wonderful book on how to be a woman of the Word.  She was clear, concise, and spoke in everyday language.  She challenged me and affirmed me at the same time. I like how she reminded readers that the Bible is not about us.  It's about God.  We have to know who God is so we know who we are. 

While I was reading this book, all I wanted to do was to go back and study the Bible! She tells her readers how to study the Bible with: purpose, perspective, patience, process, and prayer.  I have taken those into my own quiet times and have been purposeful about adding all of these to my quiet time. It's so easy to rush through and I appreciate her reminders not to do so.

I also like the section for Teacher Help.  It was very informative on leading a group of women and things you could do and things to watch out for so as not to do.

I would love to use this study in discipleship, either with a group of women or one-on-one.  It's a good book for personal use, too.

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I received this book free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury

Wow!  After having spent this whole year in the book of Matthew for my personal study, I'm so glad this book came at the time of my final few chapters of study.  This was a beautiful way to end my Matthew study.  I came to love Joseph, Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, James, and John the Baptist in a new way.

I think it's easy to de-personalize the characters in the Bible since information about many of them is limited.  Then there's some who were so close to God or so close to Jesus that we forget that they could possibly be scared or have normal feelings like we do. 

One person I always did that to was John the Baptist.  I never stopped to think about his lonely time in prison and how he was left with his own thoughts. I'm sure he battled fears and disappointment.  I loved stopping to really ponder who these people were and remind myself they were, in fact, humans too. 

There is a Bible study at the end that you could easily do as a small group study, Women's study, or personal study.  It has personal questions for personal study and then group discussion questions.

It's hard to beat the Baxter series, but I think this book is my favorite so far.  I hope she does more with the people in the Bible, such as others in the line of Jesus.  There's a hint of that happening with this being part of the Life-Changing Bible Study Series.

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

I Need Some Help Here by Kathi Lipp

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw the cover of this book.  I feel like this picture sums up some of the days I have and have had! That automatically made me interested in this book.  In fact, it was what made me want to read it.  I knew someone wrote about what I could easily relate to!

Kathi Lapp does a great job encouraging moms who have children that are struggling, making poor choices, not wanting a relationship with God, or who are being left out.  There is so much more talked about in these pages.  This book has something for anyone who has a child from a toddler to a teenager.

Parenting is hard enough as it is, but I think it's also hard to deal with ourselves as moms.  There are so many choices and so many things we want to teach our children so they don't have to learn the hard way.

I liked the chapter where she talks about her child with Down Syndrome.  The gifts she has received from him were simply beautiful.  I think if we stop to really think about it, from atop the trench, we can see the gifts our own children give us.  I laugh because when my children are gone, I always find myself missing their silly quirks and those things that drive me to my wits end!

Each chapter has a story from the trenches, practical steps, prayers for my child, and prayers for myself.  I think it's so important that we're not only praying for our child to change, but also us.

I also liked the chapter on shame.  I think I fall into that at sometimes and will probably fall into this more often than not.  I was very encouraged by her words throughout that section.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Finding Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Gray

Bonnie Gray writes this book with such honesty.  The pages are filled with her own personal journey with PTSD and anxiety. Not only that, but the book takes her on a journey to rest. I want to go back through this book at a slower pace and spend some time journaling and reflecting on the things mentioned in this book.

I was challenged by the idea of rest. We all know we need it and hear that we are to rest in God. However, how many are truly doing that? Rest is a word that I really want to study and meditate on. I think this book jumpstarted my study! 

There was so much reflection that each chapter in this book offers. There are both practical, physical things to consider and spiritual things that we need to look at.

The thing that I thought a lot about as I was reading is that if I'm honest with myself, idols interfere a lot with me resting in God. I don't think that we realize just how much "stuff" we cram into our lives and how little "Jesus" we give time for. We fill it up with good things, but not necessarily with Jesus. We do and forget that in order to do, we have to know Him. Knowing Him comes with those quiet times.

This would be a wonderful study with a women's group or with a small group of women. There would be a lot of time for reflection and discussion.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Fly a Little Higher by Laura Sobiech

I followed Zach's story through the blog that was kept for him. I even downloaded his music when it came out on iTunes and found myself singing "Clouds" in my head when I was going about my everyday activities.  That always led me to pray for Zach and this family. I watched the documentary and cried.  All of that to say that when I saw this book coming out, I marked the day down and anticipated reading Laura's story. Actually, it's Zach's story told by Laura, his mother.

Zach is a boy that any mother would be grateful to have as a son.  He is a teen who walked through a dark valley with joy and peace knowing that he was going to be with Jesus.  There was still grief, but there was also joy.

I cried through this story, as I knew I would.  My mother's heart kept hurting for Laura and her family.  I am amazed how they were able to marry their daughter off a week later and entered the same church they had just used for their son's funeral.  I can only imagine the war of emotions inside all of them. 

Zach was a talented young man.  I was grateful to use his song "Clouds" in one of music therapy sessions.  The kids really liked talking about it.  I know I will be using it often in more sessions.  Zach lived a full life in his short years.  His girlfriend is not to be forgotten, either.  She was there for him and loved him to the end, and he did her.

Zach's story will be told over and over and will not be forgotten.  Thank you, Laura, for sharing this beautiful story of your son with all of us who prayed for him from afar.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Manual to Manhood by Jonathan Catherman

I'll admit.... at first I thought some things in this book were a little silly.  I thought this not because boys need to know them, but because some of these things seem like common sense.  For example, applying deodorant, applying hair style gels, and washing your face.  I still find them a little silly to have to explain, but I do think some boys are never taught to even wear these things. Once I thought about that, it made it not so silly.

If you're a boy, this would be a great book to use as a checklist.  What fun to have with your dad or another man that you respect and have them show these things to you, too.  The topics are very wide, with women, social skills, work, ethics, wealth & money management, grooming & personal hygiene, clothes & style, sports & recreation, cars & driving, food & cooking, and tools & fix-it.

When I think back to my teen years, there were probably some common sense things I wanted to know and be assured I was doing correctly, but didn't want to ask anyone.  This would be a good assurance book or unsure teen and pre-teen boys. In fact, on the back of the book, it says, "The world needs confident and capable young men.". This is definitely a guide for that!  How lucky would this boys wife be, if he could do ALL of these things!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Mom Seeks God by Julia Roller

I have really been wanting to study in-depth the spiritual discipline and work on these habits.  I confess that, like Julia Roller, I have put it off.  Sometimes it seems so overwhelming to study them and practice them because of all the time I need to really study it.  However, I've been convicted that I don't need to put it off any longer.  If ever a time I need these disciplines, it's right now.

I appreciated the honesty in this book and how she freely shares her struggles in parenting and how she sought to practice the spiritual disciplines in the midst of the little years.  As I was reading the chapter on Fellowship: Letting Others In, I felt like she was peeking in on my life.  I am an introvert, too, so that one's hard for me... especially large groups.  It was so strange to read about myself in a book!

This book reflects a year that Julia Roller spent studying the disciplines and applying one a month.  I really like this idea and plan to go back through this book and adding more Scripture and study of my own.  She has application at the end of each chapter too, that I really want to ponder on and act on.

To read more opinions on this book, go to http://litfusegroup.com/author/jroller.

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Book info for your blog

About the book: The first months and years of motherhood can be the most challenging and disorienting of your life---and faith. When you're surrounded by the happy chaos of children, how do you spend quiet time with God if the only quiet time you get is while you sleep? How can you demonstrate a solid spiritual life to your children if you don't have time to pursue one yourself? When Julia Roller discovered that her spiritual growth had been stunted by the busyness of life with her toddler, she embarked on a yearlong journey through ten spiritual disciplines: prayer, fellowship, submission, study, simplicity, silence, worship, fasting, service, and celebration. As she focused on each discipline, she discovered practical ways to observe them---even in the chaos of her every day. Purchase a copy and find out more about Julia at: http://www.juliaroller.com About the Author: Julia Roller is an author and editor. Her books include Mom Seeks God (Abingdon Press), A Year with God (with Richard J. Foster), A Year with Aslan, and 25 Books Every Christian Should Read. Working with Renovaré, she has also co-authored four spiritual formation guides. She has written study guides for authors such as Desmond Tutu, Richard J. Foster, Henri Nouwen, Jenna Bush, and Rob Bell. Her articles have appeared in The San Francisco Chronicle, Street Spirit, Group, Rev.!, and Children's Ministry. She and her family live in San Diego, California.

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I received this book free from Abingdon Press and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.



Give Them Grace by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

I've learned that when it comes to parenting books and good Christian gospel-oriented nonfiction books, I can trust Crossway books. I have yet to be disappointed by any parenting book I've read from them yet!

I really liked this book.  It is gospel-oriented and really hits a part of parenting that I know I am weak at most times.  Grace.  It's a word that many church people and religious people throw around, but may or may not really know what it means.  I always want to, and pray to show more grace, but in the moment I fail more often than I like.  I was thankful for the encouragement that filled the pages.  Not only that, but I loved that I was constantly being pointed to the Gospel.

I did struggle a little bit with a few opinions in the book.  I do have my children seek forgiveness, whether it's truly heartfelt or not.  However, we do discuss it and my prayer is for a repentant heart.  I understand their reasoning, but I'm not so certain that I believe the same thing. 

There were a few other of their opinions that I didn't really agree with, but overall I liked the book.  I find that grace is one of those things that can be a bit difficult to balance.  Discipline is still needed, obedience is still expected, but grace must be given. Their take on obeying the first time struck me, too. I disagreed a bit on that, as well.

Amongst my disagreeing of certain things, I found this book to be encouraging and thought-provoking. 

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I received this hook free from Crossway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Hope Runs by Claire Diaz-Ortiz & Samuel Ikua Gachagua

I appreciate this fresh perspective that Hope Runs brings to their readers.  After reading that Hope Runs had an article in Runner's World, that reminded me that's where I had first read about this organization.

Claire is a person that I admire.  She isn't letting fear or anything stop her from her mission given to her.  She has invested her life selflessly.  I include her friend Lara in this, too.  The whole paper scenario was a little mind-boggling to me.  My children, and myself included, go through lots of paper a day without a second thought.  It was pitiful to think of that little girl with her hand under the door asking for paper. I know she was being used, to get paper, but it would be awfully had to say no!

It puzzles me where Sammy's mother has gone.  I can't imagine how she just left them without ever coming home.  To read Sammy's sister's words to her aunt brought tears to my eyes.  I can't imagine how much she has wrestled with her mom's absence.  The questions Sammy and his family have must be something they always battle with. 

Sammy and his friend are both ones that you can't help but love.  I am so glad he was given the opportunities he had.  He worked hard and never forgot where he came from.  I liked hearing his opinions on those who come thinking they are doing good for a week, but in fact aren't doing much.  They need long-term people and commitments.  I liked how Claire shares some of the parenting struggles with discipline.  It would have to be a hard thing to jump into, but even harder because the culture is so different so each country sees things differently.

I hope to hear more about Claire and Sammy and Lara.  I can't wait to see how Sammy impacts Kenya!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishes in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Balanced by Tricia Goyer

I don't know a woman I have talked to lately who has not mentioned that their life needs more balance.  I feel like that is a common thing I'm striving for in my household constantly!

I appreciated this book because I think it reminded me that my life isn't going to look like someone else's.  I like how Tricia is so honest and shares how she does her day with help from babysitters and others. Her reminder that no one can do it all was something I need to hear often.

I also like how she asked how often do you just enjoy being with your children.  I sometimes get wrapped up in everything else and don't get to play a lot with them daily.  I get to the end of the day and wonder where the day went. 

Another part I liked was how she said that our problem is that we fall before we form.  "Balance means forming before filling.". She then goes on to give an example of how to form your calendar before you fill it. I think that was my favorite section and extremely helpful for me.

I appreciate how this isn't a self-help book.  I think it's a reminder of living intentionally and being honest with yourself and your activities, as well as those activities that you sign your family up for.  There are many good things, but they may not be the best for your family.

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/tgoyer.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Know Orphans by Rick Morton

I knew I wanted to read this book because I had read Orphanology and was really challenged by it.  Rick Morton has a heart for the fatherless and desires to see Christians everywhere involved in ministering to the fatherless.  I understand his reasons for adopting cross-culturally, but since I work with a lot of kids in the United States, I feel that the kids here need a home too.  I don't think he ever disagrees, but he does talk about adopting those from other countries the most. 

I like how the book is broken up.  It gives practical ideas on how to start an orphan-care ministry at your church. I like how he reminds readers to start with prayer because that's the only way to change hearts.  We can't do it!

He then describes who are considered orphans and how to best minister to them in the orphan-care ministries.  He moves to adopting among the nations and then he has a whole chapter on criticism.  I found that chapter really helpful, since that's a difficult area for me.

I really liked how he prepares you for bringing your child home and what to do once you are home.  I liked his honesty and his wisdom he shares with his readers, as he has "been there done that and I'm guessing would do it again in a heartbeat!"

I was introduced to WorldCrafts.org last year and bought some things from them.  I love to give and get unique gifts and what an even greater thought is that what I just purchased goes to help someone else who so desperately needs help.

Read more reviews on this book by going to http://litfusegroup.com/author/rmorton.

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Book Info

About the book: The global orphan crisis is complex. The church's response should be comprehensive, but is it? In this provocative follow-up to Orphanology, author Rick Morton provides the framework for families and churches to have a gospel-centered response to the growing global issue of orphan care. KnowOrphans addresses three distinct areas associated with global orphanology. Delving deeper into the criticisms of the movement, the need for reform, and what families can expect, author Rick Morton helps shape realistic perceptions of the challenges and rewards adoptive parents face in transnational adoptions. Through illuminating the work internationally adoptive families can expect, KnowOrphans offers solutions for the church in remedying the ills and deficiencies surrounding the church's role in equipping and supporting families before, during, and after the adoption process. Knowing that the church's response and attitude should be one that goes beyond adoption, KnowOrphans also addresses the complexities of how Christians are to respond ethically, compassionately, and comprehensively to the biblical call to care for orphans. KnowOrphans is the next step in conversation as this evangelically based movement of orphan care matures and begins to live out James 1:27 globally. Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/uLVL2 About the Author: Rick Morton is the father of three transnational adopted children and coauthor of the popular book Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-Centered Adoption and Orphan Care. His dedication to the plight of orphans extends beyond his own family. The Mortons were cofounders of Promise 139, an international orphan-hosting ministry based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. An inspiring speaker for the gospel to be expressed by the church living out God's heart for the fatherless, Rick presents at adoption and orphan-care conferences and pastor's conferences. Rick and his family live in the Greater Memphis area. Learn more about Rick at: http://www.rickmortononline.com

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and New Hope Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Treasuring Christ When Your Hands are Full by Gloria Furman

Gloria Furman is probably in the top 2 of my favorite authors on motherhood.  I'm drawn to the authors who don't look at motherhood as a chore, but looks to the Scriptures as a blessing.  Everyone knows motherhood is hard.  However, keeping the eternal focus is a lot harder and is where I'd say most moms need encouragement.  I know I do!

I had my journal beside me while I was reading this book.  There were so many things in it that I wanted to be sure to write down, so when I was discouraged, I could find it quickly.  I saw that Crossway is offering a free study guide along with this book. I downloaded it, but haven't done it, yet.  I really want to, though.

I think this would be a perfect women's group book.  What mother doesn't need to be reminded of the Gospel and how it relates to parenting and the Gospel?!  With summer coming up and the kids around more than normal, I'd dare say this release is perfect timing.

The book itself is very short and the chapters are short. I got to the end and wanted more!  I love how everything points to Christ.  When I finished reading a chapter, all I wanted to do was dive into God's Word even more. 

If you're looking for a step-by-step checklist parenting book, this isn't what you're looking for.  However, I think once you are reminded of the Gospel in parenting, you'll find you don't need a checklist.  Without your heart centered on Christ, you can't expect the same from your child's.  Letting God change you and remind you of your focus helps in those mundane, everyday tasks that are quite often challenging and overwhelming.

I can't wait for another book by Gloria.  Until then, I guess I'll just have to read her blog!

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I received this book free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

A Dad's Prayers for His Daughter by Rob & Joanna Teigen

When I first requested this book, I did not realize these were the same authors of another favorite book of mine and my husband's, 88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates.  I had gleaned so many new ideas and could hardly wait for my husband to take our daughter on those simple, yet meaningful dates.  I know it was geared for dads, but it was good ideas for me, too.

In the same way, this book is similar to that one.  It's similar not in content, but in the fact that it is for dads with lots of ideas for moms.  I really like these simple prayers for the different areas for our children.  We so many times pray generically or only when there's a problem for them.  I loved pondering on my daughter and spending time praying over her. 

I passed this book off to my husband so he could glean some ideas from it.  The prayers are definitely from the heart and written with lots of love.  I like the stories they tell within the pages, too.

I think this would be a fun study for dads to do.  Can you imagine what it would be like to have a room full of men praying over their daughters?!  Definitely a book that will be used over and over again.

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Growing Up Duggar by Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar

I am a huge fan of the Duggars.  I watch their show and have read both of the books that Jim Bob and Michelle have written.  I have found them to be extremely helpful in raising my own children.  When I saw this book, I originally didn't want to read it.  I figured it would be geared more towards teen girls.  That was, of course, good, but in my spare time I wanted to read something meaningful and helpful to where I am in life. 


You can imagine my surprise when I felt like I needed to take some notes in the first couple of chapters!  The whole book is about relationships.  It is from their point of view, but their view towards their parents was so helpful to me.  They told some rules their family incorporates to help stop bickering and how their parents offer love and encouragement to each child.  I love that they spend some time with each child doing a heart-to-heart talk.  They shared some topics they discuss and I kept thinking that's what I want to do with my children.  I want them to feel safe talking to me about these things!


The chapters where they talk about their relationships with their parents and with their siblings were probably my favorites.  I liked the rest and thought they were helpful, but I took a lot of parenting ideas from the first two chapters.  I've already started the obedience game in our home.  How did I not think of that?!  The kids love it!


The book is great for those pre-teen to teen years and even into their young adulthood.  I like how positive they were about being single and how it is a time to focus on their hearts and prepare themselves by working on their relationship with God. 


I'm keeping this book for the future when my daughter (who is now 3) comes to the age where these issues begin to raise themselves.  Until then, I'll be revisiting the first few chapters to glean all of the parenting information I can!


It was helpful to see how they viewed their siblings and helping out their parents.  They truly have a servant's heart and I am glad to hear that they don't despise them at all for helping within the family.  It is encouragement to a young mom who is just starting trying to figure out chores and all of those things within our own family.


I hope the Duggars write more books.  I feel like they are so positive and give me lots of ideas and challenges.  I know they have their plates full of things, but surely another book could make that list!

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I received this book free from Howard Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.