936 Pennies Discovering the Joy of Intentional Parenting by Eryn Lynum

I love books on intentional parenting, so when I read the cover of this book, I had to see what it was about. Reading that we just had 936 weeks between our child's brith and age 18 almost sent me into a panic attack! It seems like such a small amount of time! Putting that into words made me see just how much time I waste. I'll be honest, though, I couldn't bring myself to take a penny out of a jar each week. I can't imagine my heart when I get down to the last week and I don't want to count down. So I opted to not join in that part because I know myself!

But this book should definitely be read by parents of all ages. It would have been such an encouragement to me in those lonely years of toddlerhood.

I really appreciate Eryn's transparency in this book. The stories are thought-provoking and honest. I have found myself thinking even more intentionally about parenting as I have gone throughout my days.  This is a book that has challenged me to think about the time I've wasted and how to better use my time.

___________

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

Why Motherhood Matters by September McCarthy

Why Motherhood Matters is a book that encouraged this mother's heart. I felt like I was sitting across the table from September and listening to her encouragement on weary days. One of the most encouraging, truthful things she said was at the beginning of her book. She said "Your overwhelmed is God's opportunity to amaze you." I needed that reminder right away. Another reminder I needed was, "Your calling will never be the woman's next door. It will never look the same."

There are four parts in this book. The first part is Why You are Not Alone. It really focuses on moms and addresses the many ways and reasons women feel alone. She reminds the readers that we are not alone, that we don't have to be it all, and we need others.

The second part is Why We Cannot Live Motherhood by the Seat of Our Pants. I thought of this part as the relationships that moms have and disciplining out of love. I found this to be such a grace-filled section, touching on topics that every mom deals with on a daily basis.

Part three is Why You Will Lead Them in the Way They Should Go.  I felt like this was about passing our faith down to the next genenration and some tips on how to do that. It also addresses why it is important and the influence of a mother.

Part four is Why Giving Your Children a Reason to Change Makes All the Difference. This part focuses on the heart and not the behavior (although we do deal with the behavior. But ultimately, we want a heart change otherwise it's behavior modification. It's encouraging moms that it's okay to say no, to have those hard conversations, to let their children think, to encourage responsibility, and to continue to work on our relationships with our children.

These chapters are very short so it's one of those books that you can read a chapter right before bed or in the middle of a chaotic day when you need a little encouragment from someone who has gone before you.

If you're looking for a book to encourage a mother, this book would make a great gift!

____________

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

Minecrafters Bible

• This Bible has not left my son's side all day. I knew it would be difficult to track this Bible down once he got a hold of it!

I was very hesitant at first to request to review this Bible because I'm not one to mix hobbies with the Bible. I'm not sure why I don't particularly like it, but it's just not something I typically do. So when I saw Minecraft on a Bible, I wasn't certain whether to go for it or not. However, knowing my son's love of Minecraft, I decided to get it to see if it was something I'd let him have.

I'll be honest. I had my review written in my head a few days ago. My mind was pretty much made up and I had even told my husband what I intended to write in my review. However, once I got the Bible, held it in my hands, and looked at it, my review completely changed. The reason I was so certain my review wouldn't be glorious is because it had said it came with gaming pages inside. I wasn't all for that. In my head, I guess I was picturing gaming pages of things that had nothing to do with the Bible. Oh, did they have a surprise for me!

Having read this particular version before, I didn't spend too much time going over the Scripture because I knew I'd obviously approve of that part of it. I searched out the gaming sections first. I mean I really flipped through each one and I got more and more excited to give this to my 7-year-old. I knew he'd be so excited.

The gaming instructions are beautifully done in a way that leaves the boys (and girls) wanting to hop on Minecraft and build the tabernacle, or the Garden from Genesis. I loved how they brought these stories to life in a way where they can read it, build it, and it sticks with them. This is another way that I can get involved in discipling them. I'm not much of a Minecraft person, but I can definitely talk about the Bible with them as they create the scenes from here. 

So from a sceptic, well-done. I should get bonus points for sneaking this out of his room after he fell asleep just so I could write this review. In fact, I've never had a review written as quickly as this one!

_____________

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

Finding God in the Hard Times by Matt and Beth Redman

We have all either just come out of the desert or are being prepped to head into the desert. Hard times are not far away in this life. Having been through hard times for an entire year, I remember well the desperation and how I made it to the last trial and felt like all I could do was utter the Lord's name. I had nothing left in me to give and I didn't even know what to pray for anymore. I had to stand on who I knew God was. With that said, this book would have been so perfect for that time...for many reasons.

The first reason is the length. In the midst of pain and suffering, attention span tends to be nonexistent. The daily choices and responsibilities and decisions drain you to the point of wanting to stare at a wall. The length and the intentionality of the chapters was perfect.

Of course the topic would be the second reason. I'm currently walking through a dark time with a friend whose son has cancer. It's not easy. Having walked the cancer journey before, I remember well the struggles to know does God care and why does it seem like my prayers aren't being answered. It's a dark road where it seems to be no light. I immediately told her about this book and am giving it to her because it is encouraging for those in that season. It's encouraging for everyone, but I knew it would speak to her heart. I appreciated that Matt and Beth Redman were real. In fact, I wouldn't say that they shared anything particularly mind blowing or something most don't already know. However, how easy it is for us to be thankful in the good times. How easy it is for us to gloss over the small things and think He's failed us when we only focus on the big things.

If you know anyone going through a trial or suffering right now, this would be a very encouraging book for them to read. It reads really fast, but is full of lots of hope and reminders about who God is.

___________

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

8 Great Smarts by Kathy Koch

I really debated on whether to read this book or not because you never know what you're going to get when it comes to books like this. I am so glad that I did because I needed to read it just when I did. Needless to say, I see my children in a whole new light and it has made a tough week not as tough. It's helped me to see their little personalities in a whole new way.

We homeschool so I definitely learned a lot about how to change my schooling. I am really excited to apply what I've learned about my picture-smart daughter and my nature-smart son. I even learned some things about myself that made me realize that I'm not strange and that others are just like me!

I also must express my thankfulness to Kathy Koch. I am a music therapist and I loved that in one chapter she actually listed music therapy as a career! There are not many people who know what that is or even will include it in a list of careers. Thank you so much!

I think not only should every teacher and every homeschool parent read this book, but I really think every parent would benefit from this book. You will begin to see your child in a new light and look for those different ways that they learn. You will see their learning as a joy instead of a struggle. Thank you for shedding light on my children's intelligence!

_____________

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

Disciplines of a Godly Woman by Barbara Hughes

I have really been challenged lately in my lack of discipline in my spiritual life. I have also been surprised at my lack of knowledge in certain parts of this area. I'm not certain why it isn't taught on a regular basis in our churches or ministries, but I really wish it was. Since I knew I needed some extra guidance and study in this area, I was thrilled to see a book specifically on this topic and just for women. It was exactly what I needed to read.

This book wasn't a "make me feel good" book. It was challenging and there were parts of it that I wasn't really looking forward to doing. Like a good exercise program, it's sometimes hard to actually lace up those tennis shoes. If found that same problem was true when it came to spiritual disciplines. It requires time and for those of us who are busy (really...who isn't these days...), we have lost the respect for silence and mediation and contemplation that we need to have to help further deepen our relationship with God. The book really required me to be honest with myself.

I have the ebook version of this book, but I plan on buying the physical copy because I really want to highlight it and study it. I think it would be a great women's ministry tool. Barbara is constantly pointing her readers back to Scripture and what God says. This is also a book I'd love to use to mentor other women. So much changes when our eyes are focused on godliness and growing in holiness.

__________

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

Unchanging Witness by S. Donald Fortson III and Rollin G. Grams

Unchanging Witness is definitely a book for our current times. This topic is front and center in our nation today and Christians run the gamut as to what they think God teaches on this topic. Non-Christians stick to the typical verses to try to say "judge not" and all of the other typical arguments. To say that both of these groups are clashing is an understatement. 

Being that I am younger, I had no idea as to when the entire Gay Movement started and what all it entailed. I was surprised by my lack of knowledge towards this history. I appreciated that the authors spent time laying a strong foundation in the history of this movement and how we have gotten to this point in our culture now.

I have not been to seminary but I like to be challenged in my reading choices. With that said, I found this book to be very well written and it included any and every question I could think of. I appreciated that these questions weren't backed by opinion, but were backed by Scripture. Not having a seminary degree or lots of knowledge in the history and culture of certain texts, I really enjoyed this background. 

I wouldn't qualify this book as "light" reading, and I don't think that the authors consider this book to be taken "lightly." It deals with some weighty topics and is counter-cultural. It is definitely a book I'd like to reread because there is so much in it that I'm afraid I've missed!

____________

I received this book free from B & H Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Simple Pleasures by Marianne Jantzi

I am a big reader of Amish fiction and nonfiction. I am really intrigued by their way of life and enjoy learning what they do during their days. Usually, I only get to read about this in fiction books or when I get the opportunity to read a very few nonfiction books on the Amish. I am thrilled that this series is sharing the thoughts and hearts of so many women. I don't know how I haven't heard of this series before now, with this being book 4! It is so fresh and delightful to read.

Marianne Jantzi is an Amish homemaker with children about the same ages as mine. I enjoyed her stories that were parts of her journal entries. It flows differently than most books because it is grouped together based on themes, not necessarily in order of events. It does mean that the ages of the children and stage of life change throughout the same chapter or the same section, but I didn't find that to disrupt the flow of her stories.

I liked the thoughts that she shared about motherhood, teaching, and being a wife. Her husband seems to be a funny man. One of my favorite stories has to do with the chickens getting a steak dinner! 

The whole book is wonderful, but I really liked the recipes in the back, as well as the FAQ page where she answers questions about the Amish. I was so glad she put a schedule of her day in the book, too. It was neat to see how different it is from my own schedule. It's hard work, but it seemed so much simpler and the calendar less crowded.

This series is allowing Amish, Mennonite, and Hutterite writers to share their lives with readers. I've never even heard of Hutterite, so I'm looking forward to understanding more about these women!

Read more reviews about this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/mjantzi.

_________________

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

MARIANNE JANTZI

Marianne Jantzi is an Amish writer and homemaker in Ontario, Canada. Formerly a teacher in an Amish school, Jantzi now educates and inspires through her “Northern Reflections” column for The Connection, a magazine directed mainly to Amish and plain communities across the U.S. and Canada. She and her husband have four young children and run a shoe store among the Milverton Amish settlement of Ontario.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Simple Pleasures: Stories from My Life as an Amish Mother(MennoMedia, March 2016)

Young Amish homemaker Marianne Jantzi invites readers into her family’s life on the snowy plains of Ontario.

The mother of four young children and wife of a storekeeper, Jantzi writes about her daily routines and heartfelt faith with equal measures of wit and warmth. Sewing, cleaning, cooking, gardening, and helping to manage the store take up most hours in her day, but Jantzi finds time to pen columns for the Connection, a magazine beloved by Amish and Mennonite readers across the United States and Canada. Never sugarcoating the frustrations of motherhood, Jantzi tells it like it is, broken washing machine and bickering children and all. But through her busy days, Jantzi finds strength in simple pleasures of family, fellowship with her Amish community, and quiet time with God.

Learn more and purchase a copy.

5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit by Nicki Koziarz

5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit is a book that left me encouraged and challenged. I walked away really appreciating the honesty and transparency that Nicki Koziarz shared within the pages of the book. She didn't hesitate to share the good and the bad. I look for authors who are transparent and honest because I know they aren't afraid to share their struggles. That encourages me so much.

Nicki Knoziarz takes the book of Ruth and brings out something in it that I've never seen: Ruth was not a quitter. She could have been, but she did not. I never really noticed that aspect of Ruth. She has 5 habits that she has found through Ruth:
Habit One: She accepts the assignment of refinement.
Habit Two: She follows through with her commitments despite how she feels.
Habit Three: She stays open to the movement of God.
Habit Four: She gives others what she needs.
Habit Five: She moves forward in faith.

There so many nuggets of wisdom throughout this book. I loved the part on comparison because I am easily intimidated when I compare myself to others. Then I shy away from what I know God has called me to do because I begin to compare myself to others who are doing something similar.

Another thing I loved was when she talked about giving people what you need. That has stuck with me in the heat of my frustrations... and it even works with my children, too!

This book would make a great book for women to use as a study. It offers many opportunities to be real, honest, and transparent: something I know that so many women are looking for today.

___________________

I received this book free from B & H Publishers and Lifeway in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Fear and Faith by Trillia J. Newbell

I first heard Trillia Newbell speak at the Women's Gospel Coalition two years ago and absolutely loved her. When I saw she had a new book out, I had to read it. The fact that she wrote on a topic that I constantly battle, too, made it a book that I had such a hard time putting down. I was encouraged by her transparency and honesty as she shared her own struggle with fear. It was nice to know that I wasn't the only one who struggles with the fears over my children, my husband, the future, and so much more. I've met so many women who just say that they don't struggle with fear and I always wonder what's wrong with me. I'm so thankful for her transparency.

The stories that she shared from other women touched me in such a memorable way that I know I won't forget. In fact, there have been several times that fear has crept in and I've thought about their story. What surprises me is that it's not necessarily the fear that I think of in their story... it's how God was seen throughout the hard time that I most remember. How encouraging these stories were for women!

This book wasn't exactly what I thought it'd be. I thought it would be some topical study like many other books. I was thrilled to open it up and see the Contents page and how she addresses every issue for women. It's so hard for me to pick which was my favorite because every single chapter had a gold nugget of encouragement and truth. She addresses the fear of man, fear of other women, fear of the future, fear of tragedy, fear of not measuring up, fear of physical appearance, fear of sexual intimacy, why we can trust God, the fear of the Lord, when your fears come true and growing into he fear of the Lord.

This is a book that I would love to read through with other moms in a study this summer. It was such an encouragement and so freeing. Every woman struggling with fear needs to read this book.

_______________

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

Life in Community by Dustin Willis

It is my opinion that every church needs to go through this book as some sort of small group class. It challenged me, encouraged me, and left me hopeful. I most appreciated the truth that Dustin Willis spoke. He wasn't afraid to make me squirm in my chair or to step on my toes. I was thankful for that because I want to be challenged in my walk with Christ. I also appreciated how he showed the correlation between mission and community. It was a tie that I'm not certain that I had even put together in the complete way that he had.

Another thing that I appreciated about this book was how easy it was to read. I didn't go to seminary, but I love learning and deepening my relationship with Christ. I was so thankful this book was written so that anyone could read it, which is why I think every church member should go through it. The older generation is typically so good at community because of the generation they grew up in. However, my generation tends to steer towards loneliness and isolation, thanks to technology that can make you "feel" as though you have friends. I liked the challenge he made about the neighborhood you live in and forming relationships with those people and really opening up your house in hospitality.

My favorite chapter has to be the hospitality chapter because I am in introvert The thought of so many people at my house makes me want to stop before I even start! I liked how he gave me permission to go deep with a few friends while extroverts can go wide instead of as deep. That has stuck with me completely, because that is a typical excuse of mine. I also liked how he defined what hospitality is and what it is not. How often do I fall into the entertainment trap?!

This book has the ability to be a 6-week small group study. The questions at the end of chapter are deep and require honesty. In fact, there's a whole lot about transparency and getting messy in the lives of others and letting them see your messiness. Amen! I'm excited to go back through this book and hopefully introduce it to my church!

______________

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

And it was Beautiful by Kara Tippetts

I first heard of Kara Tippetts at the same time that many of you probably heard about her. She wrote a letter to Brittany Maynard about dying well and not allowing doctors to determine your days. Kara lived with purpose, passion, and with eternity in mind. Heaven was in front of her but she still wrestled with letting go of this life... like all of us struggle with daily. Not only did she have her husband to think about, she wanted to be sure her 4 children knew that she passionately loved them. She knew one of her children would mostly know her only because her husband would tell her about Kara because most likely her littlest one wouldn't remember her very much. Kara lived well and died well.

As I was reading this book, I kept thinking I should be crying and so sad. After all, this book holds a letter to her readers upon her death. But by the time I got to the end, I didn't cry. I was still sad, but ultimately I saw how much her life glorified God and felt how at peace she was by the end that it was reflected in her writing.

This book is a collection of her blog posts. Since I never went back to read all of her first posts about this journey or how it started, I was thankful for this collection. I want  my life to be lived with eternity as my focus, just as Kara did.

Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/author/ktippetts.

______________

About the Book

And It Was Beautiful: Celebrating Life in the Midst of the Long Good-Bye (David C Cook, March 2016)
“I was here. I saw beauty. I embraced it.” —Kara Tippetts
How do you live out extravagant love in the everyday moments? How do you celebrate grace when your life turns out differently than the one you dreamed?
Kara Tippetts discovered how to find joy in the small moments of life. She learned how to hold tight to hope even while battling intense physical and emotional pain. And she lived out the truth that God can redeem any story.
In her final book, Kara offers gentle reflections on living and dying well. She invites us to cultivate soft hearts even when we face great disappointment. Her ideas for living are hard-won, wrestled with in the crucible of family, illness, and faith. And her constant reminder is that whether we are in the midst of dark days or mundane moments Jesus is always there, life is surprisingly beautiful, and God is forever good.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Kara Tippetts

Kara Tippetts was the author of The Hardest Peace and the co-author of Just Show Up. She blogged faithfully at mundanefaithfulness.com. Since her death in March 2015, her husband, Jason, has been parenting their four children and leading the church the couple founded in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

______________

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

Word-Filled Women's Ministry by Gloria Furman and Kathleen B. Neilson, Editors

I have read the past few books by Gloria Furman on motherhood and the Gospel and have appreciated her encouragement and how she points mothers back to the Gospel and what truly matters. I also saw her at the Women's Gospel Coalition Conference and was so excited to see someone who has helped shape my view of motherhood. I also saw Kathleen Neilson at the conference, too, and heard her heart as she spoke. When I saw this book about Women's ministry, I was excited to read the thoughts of so many godly women who have walked closely with the Lord.

I appreciated the honesty in this book, as well as the encouragement. Each chapter is written by one or two other ladies. The Gospel is the central theme of this book and it clearly shows how big of a responsibility that women have in discipleship, as well as the role women play in the church.

I was challenged as I considered how my own church views Women's ministry and how so many Women's ministries are all about activities and other things besides investing in the lives of the women with the reminder that eternity is at stake for every person. Intentionality is missing in today's culture and in many of our churches. As I finished this book, a sense of urgency and longing filled my heart as I began to see what a privilege we women have in serving in our church. My favorite chapter was the chapter on the younger women and older women in a mentorship and being disciplined. They were beautiful letters included into hat chapter. I also enjoyed the personal stories of people who are living out the Gospel and fulfilling the role that God had place them in, and doing it joyfully and diligently.

Any woman in church, or any woman who is leading a Women's ministry, should definitely read this book. There is something for every woman within the pages of this book.

___________

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



We Cannot Be Silent by R. Albert Mohler, Jr.

In today's culture, it seems like the definition of marriage is getting defined and redefined and expanded constantly. Our culture does not have the same view of marriage as the Bible teaches and so anyone who holds to the biblical view is normally seen as unloving and intolerant and judgmental, among other things. I loved how this book help to lay a solid foundation of truth for anyone who is trying to gain some footing as to what they believe when it comes to marriage.

I was blown away in the first couple of chapters at the amount of in-depth research Albert Mohler has waded through and condensed for his readers. I had my eyes opened on a few things that I never knew happened and the church's response to it when it did, such as birth control pills. I was also very surprised at how clearly he connected the dots to show how the moral revolution happened. I've heard of these events separately but I never connected the dots until I read this book. There was a lot of information but it never felt like a heavy read to me.

With 10 chapters, Mohler lays out the revolution, what started it, how the homosexual movement happened, where the transgender revolution came from, how marriage has dissolved and then he goes back to the Bible. He shows his readers what the Bible really has to say about sex and then he discusses religious liberty and the right we have to be. Christian. And then he gets to the chapter that I think so many Christians have difficulty with: The Church and the Challenge of compassionately speaking out in truth. It has to be done in love, but it does have to be done. Lastly, he doesn't shy away from those hard questions that we wrestle with daily or that we get asked or accused of often.

This book is a wealth of information and it is one that I'll be keeping on my shelves as a great resource in these times that are changing so fast. I definitely want to read it again because I know I missed some things. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Albert Mohler is the president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He does not take this issue lightly and takes his readers back to the Bible as his ultimate authority.

 

_____________________

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

Spark Joy by Marie Kondo

I had never heard of the KonMari Method until a few weeks go when I saw a video tutorial of her folding socks and other clothes to fit into a box. I couldn't stop watching because I was so amazed at how neat and tidy it all looked. And it didn't take up much room and looked like it would make things so much easier to find. So when I saw this book coming out, I was interested enough to grab it!

My first thought as I flipped through the book was "Wow!" I enjoyed seeing the illustrations on how to fold certain items. They were perfect instructions and not one step was left out. I was easily able to figure it out. Believe it or not, it was a lot of fun to do. Who knew that about tidying?!

The theme of the book is about sparking joy, as indicated on the title. Everything she says about cleaning up goes back to joy. She even hits on the sore spot for book lovers--decluttering books and how to choose which books to let go of and which ones to keep on your shelves. My heart may have skipped a few beats as I thought about going through my own shelves.

The book breaks the sections up into very specific parts, including your recreational things, seasonal things, kitchen items, photos, books, etc. If it takes up a spot in your house, you can pretty much guarantee there's a spot in the book that discusses it.

I've kept this book out on my kitchen counters so I am reminded to do just a little bit every day. It is a little time consuming in the beginning, but I am so looking forward to having everything neat and tidy in my house. Well, at least the places where my children aren't located. I went ahead and bought the first book because I wanted to know even more about this method and why so many people are talking about it.

____________

I received this book free from Ten Speed Press through the Blogging for Books Program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook by Pearl Barrett and Serene Allison

I first saw Trim Healthy Mama posts on Facebook and disregarded them, thinking it was another health fad that would come and go. If it wasn't that, I was pretty sure it would be either too difficult to do or would require me eating some pretty nasty, and unenjoyable foods. Come on, now. I know all of you are wondering just how tasty the food can possibly be.

After some research into Trim Healthy Mama, I decided to give it a try. While I waited for the cookbook to arrive, I went out to purchase the main book so I could have a better understanding about what Trim Healthy Mama was and how it worked. Okay... so I also planned on giving it a rather skeptical try with my busy life.

Once the cookbook came, I opened it up and perused it and loved it from the beginning. At least I loved the pictures and the layout and the foods didn't seem crazy. It all looked like things I would cook on a monthly basis or things that were similar to what I already cook. Convinced I should start small, I started with a Crockpot recipe. I decided to try the chicken recipe. Oh my goodness. It tasted just like the recipe I have for chicken wrapped in bacon that I'm pretty sure is a ton of calories... especially when you put it over rice. This recipe tasted the exact same. I put it over the rice (which is made from cauliflower) and it was a huge hit with my 7-year-old and my 5-year-old. Even my husband liked it and he doesn't normally like cauliflower. I was sold.

The cookbook easily lays out the recipes and gives you some other alternatives to try. I love that real butter is used and coconut oil. I'll admit... I'm still a little skeptical on the drink section, but I'm working up the nerve to give it a try. I just don't see how some of those ingredients can make for a tasty drink.

Needless to say, for Christmas I purchased the main book for my mom and then she went out to get the cookbook too. Here's to 2016 and becoming a Trim Healthy Mama.

_______________

I received this book free from Harmony Publishers and the Blogging for Books program in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Ology by Marty Machowski

When I saw this book was about to be released, I knew this was one I wanted for my own children. I had read some great reviews on it from some authors that I trust and they had so many good things to say. In fact, the reviews in the front of the book are from some well-known theologians, pastors, and authors.

Many people hesitate to teach their children theology, thinking that it is too deep for them to understand. I have long held the idea that it's not too deep because even as adults we are still learning theology and will never fully grasp all of it in our finite minds.

The book has a parent guide that in the very front of the book. I appreciated this because as a homeschooling family, we are easily able to incorporate this book into our daily studies. It's tailored for elementary students, children ages 6-12. However, my 5 year old has learned a lot from it. It does say that teens and adults can use it to help lay a solid biblical worldview. For that matter, adults will find this book very enjoyable to read. I also really appreciate how it encourages the readers to check out a few more books as your child ages. I definitely want to get the companion album that goes with this book. How neat to be able to teach theology with music.

The sections of the book are:
1. The Ology of God
2. The Ology of People
3. The Ology of Sin
4. The Ology of the Promise and the Law
5. The Ology of Christ
6. The Ology of the Holy Spirit
7. The Ology of Adoption into God's Family
8. The Ology of Change
9. The Ology of the Church
10. The Ology of the End Times
11. The Ology of God's Word

The chapters are short in each section and the author highly recommends you take the book one chapter at a time and really discuss the chapter throughout the day. There is Scripture included on the pages that you can memorize, but surrounding the pictures on the opposite page is extra Scripture verses that you can use to go deeper into the subject.

Another thing that I found extremely helpful for my children is the Glossary. It tweaks some important Bible Words and some big words we hear most often and it explains them in a way for children to understand.

Following that page is a Think Theology, Talk Theology page. Each chapter has two questions that you can ask your child to help clarify any concepts they may be confused on or have difficulty understanding.

This book will be one that we will be using in our family for many years and I will definitely be purchasing this to give to others for gifts. It is especially important for our children to know what they believe and why and I'm so thankful for this book written for children.

Read more reviews on this book at
When I saw this book was about to be released, I knew this was one I wanted for my own children. I had read some great reviews on it from some authors that I trust and they had so many good things to say. In fact, the reviews in the front of the book are from some well-known theologians, pastors, and authors.

Many people hesitate to teach their children theology, thinking that it is too deep for them to understand. I have long held the idea that it's not too deep because even as adults we are still learning theology and will never fully grasp all of it in our finite minds.
Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/the-ology.

________________

About the Book

The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New (New Growth Press, October 2015)
A page-turning storybook of theology for kids
In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.
Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.
Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.
Check out this preview!
A companion The Ology CD from Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Music is also available.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Marty Machowski

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes "The Gospel Story Bible," "Long Story Short," "Old Story New," and the "Gospel Story Curriculum," as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum "Prepare Him Room." He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

________________

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

Saturate by Jeff Vanderstelt

I have been very excited to read this book ever since I saw the title of this book. I knew it would be one that was challenging and would help challenge me to be intentional in my every day life. It's so easy to go into the mundane tasks of the day as a checklist and to forget the intentional relationships I need to continue to pursue that are all around me.

Jeff does a great job at starting with the basics and explaining how being a disciple of Jesus is as simple as investing in the lives of others. The story Jeff shares about his mom and dad and how they used their home has stuck with me. I had just been in that situation in thinking that maybe I needed to do more, when in fact, I had been doing it all along. I appreciated that personal story because it was easy to relate to and a good picture of what it means to be intentional.

Growing up in the Bible belt (although it's becoming less and less that), many people say they love Jesus and they go to church, but then they act anything but Christ-like on the other 6-1/2 days of the week. Jesus gets put into a box in the lives of many people, and it's quite easy to do if we're not intentional. Jeff reminds us that Jesus needs to be in everything. We are to saturate our lives with Jesus. It doesn't mean we jam Him down the throats of people or anything, but that our own lives are so saturate with Jesus that His characteristics flow out of us.

Throughout the book, Jeff gives some wonderful examples of things to consider in our own lives. I was challenged to really meditate and be honest with myself about what areas I've boxed in and what areas I need to be more intentional about in being sure Jesus is seen in even the mundane tasks I perform.

When I first got this book, I decided I would read it at night. Then I learned that would be impossible because it is definitely one that I needed to read alert and really soak in all that he was sharing in these pages. I love books that challenge me and encourage me and this one did it.

_______________

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

Blessed, Blessed, Blessed by Missy Robertson

I really enjoy Duck Dynasty and respect the Robertson family a lot. They are such a strong, Christian family who have been through the fire and been refined and have given so much glory to God for their lives and the journey they have walked.

Missy and Jase faced some major decisions when it came to the birth of their daughter Mia. She had a cleft lip and palate and needed surgery. This surgery would not just occur once at 3 months old, but would continue at different stages of her development. This wasn't a one-time fix. It was going to be a long journey. Missy did an excellent job explaining the problems it causes, the possible problems that I didn't know could occur with a child who has cleft problems, and even how the entire family had to adjust to the new family normal. Even the boys took on a few responsibilities and I loved it! Sometimes I wonder if I expect too much from my older two kids and this book showed me I didn't.

I love how all of the books the Robertson have written with such honesty and transparency. Missy shares about her thoughts and where her heart truly was throughout the different stages in the journey. She also shares how Jase struggled and how he felt through the different surgeries and doctor appointments. It was sweet to see a daddy's heart and his love for his daughter.

This book really shows how God took what was a bad situation and how God has used it for good and for his glory. Mia is going to do great things as she grows up! Thank you for sharing her story and for raising awareness about the challenges kids with cleft lips and palates face.

_______________

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

American Hunter by Willie Robertson and William Doyle

My 7-year-old son was absolutely excited to open the package that revealed this book. He wanted to take it with him everywhere to read. It is a book that is a bit beyond his reading skills because of the length, but he has trudged through with such diligence and has read several pages in this book to his sisters and to his dad and grandpa. He loves being outdoors and target shooting and can't wait for his first hunting expedition. He loves Duck Dynasty and has watched almost every episode and has read their books for kids where you choose your own journey.

I was really impressed by this book. I read a few chapters to my son and enjoyed the stories so much that I would read it to myself if I missed any chapters. There is so much information in the book, but I absolutely loved the stories of some famous American people. I really had no idea a few of them hunted! They never seemed like the type of person to hunt.

This book is definitely written for older kids and adults, but if you have a son who loves the outdoors, then you will create some wonderful memories with them by reading this book out loud. My 5-year-old daughter even sits in and listens. At first she wasn't as enthused because she thought it was more of a boy book. Now she asks to read it every night and loves the stories just as much as my son!

With Christmas coming up, American Hunter would make a great gift to put under the tree or to put in a stocking.

______________

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