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.

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

Listen Up by Marty Machowski

In a busy life, families are sometimes pressed to find good, meaningful, devotions that push kids toward the Gospel and heart change, instead of just behavior modification. I have never heard of Marty Macholwski, but was excited to check out his new 10-minute family devotional book based on the parables.

We all love good stories and the parables that Jesus used are ones that we often remember. So what a great idea to use those to help teach the Gospel to our children!

There are 13 weeks in this study book. There is a tiny section for the adults to read, called 'The Get Ready and Get Set" section. Then, within each week, there are 5 days or lessons. The parables vary in length so some days can be shorter and some longer, but none of this will take longer than 10 minutes.

Following the parable, there is a Think about it section, as well as a talk about it section. There are some pointed questions that you can ask your children, but these questions are also good for us to ask ourselves. The answer is in italics, but there is also some guidance for parents to help lead their children to answers.

Then it ends with a pray about it section. For those that want to go deeper, there is a going deeper section, as well.

This is a family devotional that we will be using over and over throughout the years.

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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!

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I received this book free from Harvest 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!

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

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.

More than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting by Serena B. Miller and Paul Stutzman

This is probably one of my favorite parenting books that I have read in a long time. I get the chance to read quite a few, but I just loved the ideas in this book.

I like learning about the Amish anyway and enjoy Amish fiction, so it was no question as to whether I would be reading this book. I wasn't certain what to expect about this book, though, considering some people think Amish parenting is bad and others thing it is good. I loved the approach that Serena B. Miller and Paul Stutzman took in this book. They focused on the things the Amish did in parenting that led to happy, content children. Of course, you may not agree with everything, but I had a hard time disagreeing on the topics they chose to discuss.

I was impressed with how they taught their children from such an early age about work ethic. I also liked how their children weren't expected to be praised for helping the family. It was an expectation to give back to the family by helping. I will definitely be using their ideas on hanging up coats; however, I will be using it with shoes! And I can already foresee cleaning becoming much more fun with the quarter idea.

I could relate to taking my children almost everywhere I go and making them learn appropriate behavior in each setting. They work some with me and have learned to be quiet and helpful. The part that I think made me stop and ponder the most was about technology. Our kids are just coming into the age where they like iPads and all. We do restrict television a lot, as in we don't use it much, but I appreciated their reasoning on why they don't allow iPads, iPhones, or things like that. I can see how it takes me away from my children at times. I appreciated the awareness that it brought to me on that subject. I have also become more aware on working more together as a family so we have more time to play and spend together later in the day. I also appreciated the honesty of the Amish in this book. There is no question that they raise some of the most respectful, hard-working, and obedient children. I want that for my children, too.

This book was full of so much information that I will have to read it and re-read it. It's a book that will stay in my possession for many years to come and I can see it already as a great gift for other moms.

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

Answering Your Kids' Toughest Questions by Elyse Fitzpatrick and Jessica Thompson

I was really looking forward to this book being released. I was curious what type of question would be answered. I liked their previous book, Give Them Grace. 

My son has started asking some of the harder questions. Thankfully, I have known the answers so far because I was taught how to study the Bible for myself. However, it is nice to read those questions and see their answers and know that I had the right answer! It has given me more confidence in those questions that are and will continue to be asked in the future.

The chapters in the book cover death, hell, Satan, divorce, those difficult Bible stories that include things like prostitution/rape/etc., sexual sins, natural disasters, and why people fight and kill. It then all sums it up in Chapter 10 with the Good News and how it gives us hope when we don't understand the things of this world.

I was a little concerned that some of the answers would be mostly for older kids. I was so glad to see how it was divided up. It explains it on the levels for preschoolers, ages 5 to 10, and ages 11 and up. It explains what the parent needs to keep in mind when talking about the question. And I love how much Scripture is used, because ultimately that is the authority.

This is a book I will always keep and hope to give as a baby shower gift to many people.

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I received this book free from Revell 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.

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.

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.

Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin

Boys are totally different from girls.  Even at such a young age, I have never seen so much energy put into one person!  Their interests are definitely different than mine and if I'm not on my knees every morning before he wakes up (or my daughter) and asking for wisdom and seeking Him, then I know I'm going to be in for one rough day. 

This book is such a practical and helpful book and one that I will be keeping beside me through the years and giving as a gift to the moms I know who have boys!  The first part of the book make you feel normal and that your son isn't the only one who goes from 0-50 in 1 second flat.  I can't help but laugh at the description of those creative little guys!  I love their hearts!  It's followed by a chapter on what prayer is and why we do it.  I love that she reminds people not to become legalistic about having their quiet time in the morning and offers encouragement to those moms who so desperately want one and feel like they have to squeeze it in.  I've been there and that was encouraging to read and I know will free other moms.

Then the specific prayers focus on things that we want them to know and learn to be a godly man.  Over the days/weeks, you will be praying for their heart change, obedience, fears, integrity, wisdom, pride, honor, pirating, a servant's heart, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, anger, forgiveness, and salvation. Who wouldn't want these things for their son (and daughter). 

At the end of each day, there are reflection or discussion questions.  These are fun to journal, too, which is what I did.

The book came out of her 21 days of prayer for sons challenge.  There is information in the back if you want to use this for a community study or an online study. 


Thank you for something to encourage moms of boys!

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

Parenting by the Book by John Rosemond

Dr. John Rosemond has always been one author that I know I will always enjoy when it comes to his parenting books.  I own man of them and refer to them often.  I was excited about this book, thinking it would give me some more tips on how I can be a better parent.  It did do that, but it mostly reminded me of how I grew up.

I have tried to raise my children in a biblical way so far and refer often to the Scriptures to know how God deals with His children and have used that as an example for my parenting.  With that said, I felt like I had already done all of these things in this book.  I try not to make my children the center of my world and fight against it everyday.  I know that idea isn't as accepted in today's world where the world revolves around the children every moment of every day.  I don't want my children to be raised entitled to things, but it's an intentional fight we face every day. 

I liked all the reminders through the book of the things that matter and how it all starts with the heart and their character.  Rosemond writes in way that's easy to read and has lots of personal stories that he shares.  I appreciate that he reminds his readers to be the parent and not their friend while they are still raising their children.

Overall, this book is for those who have tried the modern way of parenting and are finding themselves stuck because nothing seems to be working.  It's not a revolutionary parenting book, but it is one that is informative.  If you're wondering what the Bible has to say on parenting and perhaps a more biblical way on parenting, then this book is for you.

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

Raising Respectful Children in a Disrespectful World

I read this book, then re-read parts of this book again for encouragement! All of the examples Jill Rigby gives in the beginning of the book for the way our world has become so disrespectful was quite scary...and true.

 

I liked how she reminded me that play was important.  I know it is, but in a culture where it seems everything is going against letting a child free play, it was quite encouraging.  The message today is to keep your child so busy from morning to night and I know that can't possibly be good!  I don't want that!  So thank you for that encouragement.

 

I was also encouraged by the sections talking about character-centered parenting.  That has been my focus with my children and I have stressed different character traits to them and have had them memorize them and we talk about them.  I know many people who never mention them, so I'm grateful that this was mentioned.  I also like the name" character-centered parenting."

 

I think my favorite definition is the one she uses for "discipline."  To quote her, "When parents discipline their kids, they are taking apart a problem in order to thoroughly analyze it."  That should be the goal of all parents!

 

Needless to say, this book is staying on my shelf and will be recommended to many moms who are putting respect at the top of the character training list.

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

 

The Passionate Mom by Susan Merrill

I cannot possibly say enough good things about this book.  I have already recommended it to so many of my "mommy friends."  I have been so encouraged and so convicted by this book.  I had a hard time putting it up because I just wanted to soak in Susan Merrill's wisdom and ideas and all God had shown her.  

I really liked how she went through Nehemiah and used wisdom learned from Nehemiah to glean parenting encouragement and wisdom.  I had never looked at Nehemiah from that perspective before.  I also liked how she gave her personal stories in little pieces throughout the book.  I had many favorites, but I guess the top two would be the story of praying for God to drop children into her lap for her to adopt (and He did!) and the story of how she used her son's energy (that he used for trouble) and turned what was perceived a weakness into a strength.  

I had truly never stopped to think about how I need to ponder about my children and their needs and what I am and am not giving them.  It also encouraged me that the walls I build around them to protect them are not bad and other mothers do, in fact, have just as strict rules in order to protect their children.

This is a book that I will be recommending for many years and I know I will be reading and re-reading this book many times.  This would be a great encouragement for moms if you're looking for a  special Mother's Day gift!

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers through their Booksneeze program in exchange for my honest opinion about this book.

What a Difference a Mom Makes by Dr. Kevin Leman

Dr. Leman has managed to be well-represented on my bookshelves.  I have found all of his books extremely helpful and encouraging when it comes to parenting.  Having read many of his books, I was thrilled to read this book.  This one hit me at just the right time because I had been having some difficulty with my firstborn, just turned 4-year-old son.  I was needing not only encouragment but some guidance and assurance that what I thought was a power play, really was just that.

 

This book was very special to me since it is all about a mom's relationship with her son.  I loved how he reminded moms to let their boys be boys and not to force them to act like girls.  They can be loud and rough, but they can also learn to do many of the household things that need to be done, as well.  However, I need to remember to treat him like a boy who loves to be independent (within reason) and loves to please his mommy.  This book showed me the heart of the little boy within. I also liked how Dr. Leman wrote about how a mom chooses their future daughter-in-law by determining her type of relationship with her son.  That was eye-opening!  I want a good daughter-in-law who is thoughtful, loving, wise with words, and isn't controlling.  That means I need to work towards these things!  Glad to learn this now while he's 4!

 

I think all moms with sons need to read this book.  You will find it was time well-spent and you will see just how different that son of yours is from your daughter.  He apparently wrote a book on a daddy's relationship with his daugther, which I will be buying for my husband!

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I received this book free from Revell Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.  Available September 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord by Dave Stone

I absolutely love books that deal with parenting. I think that's partly due to the fact that I'm right there just starting out in this parenting thing with a 3 year old and a 1 year old. I'm a studier and like to be prepared and have as many ideas as possible. The title of this book attracted me to it over the other choices to review. I desperately want my children to grow to love the Lord above all. I know that I can't make them believe in Him or follow in His ways, but I do shape their opinion of who He is and if my life isn't lived in submission to Him, then theirs won't be either. Filled within these pages, Dave doesn't soften the blow of the truth at all. He shouldn't have to. He reminds us to be intentional as parents. How can we have kids who love the Lord if we spend our days full of wasting time in front of a television or doing things that we enjoy instead of shaping the hearts of our children? Not only that, but boundaries come into play in parenthood. Not all things are beneficial for you, your child, or your family. "No" is an okay word to use and must be used. Dave encourages you in this and it was nice to know that I wasn't, in fact, a mean mom that I sometimes guilt myself into thinking. This book is full of advice, encouragement and warnings, but all written out of both love and experience. All parents needs to read this book....if not for a reminder of how important our job as a parent is and how it shouldn't be taken lightly. This book was a great reminder to me as I read it in the start of summer, where I tend to be less intentional and more relaxed. Thanks for the insight, Dave.           

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

88 Great Daddy-Daughter Dates by Rob & Joanna Teigen



I was so excited to get this book mostly so I could save it for my husband to use in a few years with our daughter.  She's only one right now, but I know that he is going to need some help thinking of things to do with her that are meaningful to her and show her that he cares and loves her.

This book is a wonderful guide that is practical and full of ideas that make it easy for dads who are a little less creative at how to find ways to relate or spend time solely with their daughter.  It starts out with choosing an activity to do, such as putt putt and pictures or washing your wheels or being a blessing to mom, or even silly sock day. There are 80 dates to choose from in this book but there are also 8 Extreme Dates if a Dad chooses to go for a little more alone time with their daughter.  That includes things such as table for two or a camping trip or theme park.

Once you've chosen the date, you follow the "grab" list that tells you exactly what you need to take with you or get.  Then you get to the "Go" section.  This tells you what to do on your date, where to go, ideas to think about.  It lays out the blueprint for your date.  Finally, the most important part to me is the "Grow" section.  This has a list of questions to think about asking your daughter or conversation starters that will help you relate the date to personal experiences.  It even shares a Scripture that relates, as well as a prayer that you can pray with your daughter.  Included in that page are also a few quotes, which I loved.  This whole conversation isn't just you asking questions.  It reminds you to tell you daughter of a time that you experienced what you are talking about with her.  This makes it personal.

I can't wait for my husband to use this as a guide.  I know he will get lots of use out of it and hopefully it will help him think of other ideas as he goes along.  I recommend this book for EVERY father of a daughter.  In fact, I think Father's Day is coming up...

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

Parenting with Scripture by Kara Durbin

I love books that help me learn to better bring my children up to know and love God and to obey and love His Word.  This book is a great tool to help you guide your child through those teachable moments where you can show your child the application of God's Word.  The book is laid out in a user-friendly manner so you can find the topic that your child is struggling with and then choose a verse out of the list of scriptures that applies to those certain behaviors.  There are at least 15 for each behavior, ranging from the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, all the way to the Fruit of the Spirit.  I think that what will best work for me and my children (3 years and 1 year) is to have them memorize a verse with me and then look for applications to that verse throughout the week or weeks that we focus specifically on that verse. 

This book is going to be a wonderful tool for me over the years.  I know I'm just now hitting some of those milestones but even the choice to throw a fit or to choose a cheerful heart is one that we can most certainly relate to, among others.  This would be a great Mother's Day gift for a young mom.  There have been so many times that I've needed just a little bit of guidance in order to frame my heart to address the big issue of a situation and this book is it.  I love how Kara says that it's okay to use her book for the Scripture (and that she doesn't take it out of context and lets you know if it's part of a bigger story than just a Proverbs), but she says to make sure that your children see you reading the Bible so when you are discussing it, use your Bible or theirs.  I also liked her idea of giving your child a Bible and underlining the verses in it that they have memorized.  She said she did it when she was younger and it has become a priceless treasure for her.  I know my oldest son would love that.  Plus it gets him familiar with the Bible passages.  So  if you're looking for a Mother's Day gift, grab this book!

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I received this ebook free from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinon.