Book: Shiny Things

Shiny Things is by two Moms, Amanda Bacon and Anne-Renee Gumley. 


About the book:

Are you addicted to distraction? 

It’s no secret that technology is driving us to distraction. But it’s not just our smart phones and smart homes to blame for the loss of our ability to concentrate. Ask any mom. Whether it’s one phone call, one child hollering, one email about an online sale, one text from a friend, a mom’s attention is being pulled in so many directions she can barely finish a sentence, let alone carry out an entire conversation. And that doesn’t even begin to address all the other good things that might be distracting Mom. 

“The desire to see what’s going on in the world and communicate is strong, so our phones are probably the most powerful distraction we face in our days,” authors Amanda Bacon and Anne-Renee Gumley say. “We don’t want to throw away the years we have with our children, pursuing temporary pleasures and chasing worthless desires.”

With ten children between them, Bacon and Gumley teamed up to write Shiny Things as a resource for moms of children of all ages. “We do not have this down; that’s why we’re writing this book. We need this message,” the authors said. “We want change in our lives so much that we’re willing to bare our souls and carve a path we can all walk down together toward victory over distractedness.” 

New York Times bestselling author and founder of Proverbs 31 Ministries Lysa TerKeurst says, “This practical, godly wisdom will meet you right where you are while pointing you back to Jesus Himself.” 

For readers whose highest priorities are honoring God and loving their families, but sometimes need help keeping their priorities in line, Shiny Things will help them: 

• identify the threat of distractions so they can learn to live with intention
• resist the pull to be interrupted by non-essentials and focus on God and their priority people
• purpose to live free from distraction with hearts turned Godward in all they do

It’s never too late to take hold of what’s most important. Today’s a great day to start.

Amanda Bacon lives in North Carolina with her husband, Jeremy, and their eight children. She works for Proverbs 31 Ministries and loves encouraging women with biblical truth and authenticity. When she isn’t driving carpool or feeding people, you can find her writing, reading, or wandering outdoors.

Anne-Renee Gumley and her husband, Andrew, live in Alaska, with their two ministries, with time reserved for bike rides, breakfast foods, and bonfires. She loves words—especially the mom related ones.

My thoughts:
Wow what an excellent read! I will be recommending this to my Mom friends. It has really made me think about distractions in my own life.

There is much to like about this book. I like that the chapters are quick reads. Each one is about 4-5 pages which make it convenient to read in one setting. It is divided into ten parts each with four chapters each. The parts end with an overview of things to remember. I was able to read through it fairly quickly.  

We all have distractions in our lives. This book addresses those distractions and how to handle them. It is practical and easy to read. Moms will be able to relate to the stories and feelings shared in the pages of this excellent book. I appreciate the authors don’t claim to be experts on getting rid of distractions and having this mastered in their own lives. They said this book is for them too.

Here are a couple of my favorite quotes:
“But too often our goals become our gods, and their distraction becomes our way of life.”

"Sadly, sometimes we've been at this comparison game for so long that we're no longer sure what we personally like or feel or want."

Visit the book website here.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.  Thank you.  

Have a day of blessings!   
   Bethany

Book: Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday

About the book:
Most days motherhood often looks like bottomless piles of laundry; a sink full of dishes; sleepless nights; and unshowered, nonstop, endless days. If that’s all there is, then no wonder “Grumpy Mom” sometimes sneaks into your heart and home.

If you can relate, you’re in good company—Valerie Woerner gets it and has experienced Grumpy Mom more often than she’d care to admit. In Grumpy Mom Takes a Holiday, Valerie shares what she’s learned so far about sending Grumpy Mom packing and embracing a joyful, intentional motherhood that is so much better than you thought possible.

As you journey with Valerie, you’ll be inspired and equipped to find energy in the most unlikely places, pursue your own dreams, be set free from mom guilt, feel content despite unfinished to-do lists, spend purposeful time with God amid the daily chaos, and discover more joyous moments of motherhood.

So, take a holiday from Grumpy Mom, and enjoy life as the mom God made you to be.


My thoughts:
This has been a book I am reading slowly.  I have caught myself several times rereading a paragraph and letting it "soak in."

I have those moments when I feel like "Grumpy Mom."  The things the author writes about are many of the same experiences or thoughts I have had myself.  She writes so readers can relate and know that she understands where you are coming from. 

As Moms we face these difficult situations on a daily basis...how do we respond in these moments? Do you know how to look for the joy in the situation?  This book will help change your perspective and challenge you if you have those days when you are "Grumpy Mom."

You can visit the author's website here.  Visit Tyndale here.

I'm glad I had a chance to review this book.  It would make a nice gift for yourself for Mother's Day!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Tyndale Blog Network for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Book: Lunch Notes to our children

Do you ever put notes in your child's lunch box?  I do from time to time for Caleb. During football season the past three years I'd write a note each Thursday. One year I put a joke in his lunch box.  That was fun as I would find them and do themes sometimes for a week.  

About the book:
Between school, extra-curricular activities, work, and countless other distractions, how can we fulfill our calling to not just raise “good kids” but raise followers of Christ? The reality is, sometimes it’s not easy to figure out how to regularly speak into our kids’ lives while leaning into our relationship through the process! In fun and simple ways, using the power of words, this book equips parents to connect with their child, while sowing God’s Word into them. It includes 10 biblically-based missional values crucial to teach children; concrete illustrations for speaking encouragement; 100+ ready-made notes; and blank notes.

My thoughts:The book Lunch Notes to our Children by Nicole M. Hewitt, PhD, is a great tool for parents to encourage their children while they are at school.  Each chapter has a different topic for parents to focus on in their notes. These include "Character and integrity matter," "Never doubt you are loved," "Emulate Jesus Christ ," and "Understand God has a purpose for your life."  The titles of all of the chapters actually spell LUNCH NOTES. (Loved that little touch!) The encouragement is practical for what our kids are facing and will hopefully encourage them to know they have parents who care and are praying for them during their school days.

I liked that this book has short, to-the-point chapters without a lot of fluff. Example notes that you can copy related to each topic are shared at the end of each chapter.  This book provides a very easy yet effective way for parents to encourage their children during the school day. 

I look forward to writing these notes for my son. As the new semester has started I have started including these with his lunch box. 

Find out more here.

I was provided a copy of this book from the BookCrash Reviewers program.  

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: Sacred Ground Sticky Floors

About the book:

Jami Amerine believes the essence of parenting is less a laundry list of “how-to’s” or “three guarantees to raise perfect, God-fearing children,” and more a step by step trusting of a God who calls us daughters. Maybe you’re the mom, like Amerine, who sent her child to military school or watched a child walk away from the faith you worked so hard to instill. Or, maybe you’ve somehow bought into the parenting lie that it’s your fault when your kids make poor choices, do things you’ve never dreamed of, or choose to live with values far from your own. In Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors, Amerine takes mothers of all ages inside the joyful chaos of motherhood, sharing her adventures and mishaps and encouraging moms to let go of “perfect” parenting and find rest in the perfect Parent.

About Jami Amerine:

 Jami Amerine is the author of the popular blog Sacred Ground, Sticky Floors, where she posts about Jesus, parenting, marriage, and the general chaos of life. Her first book, Stolen Jesus (Harvest House), released in October 2017. She’s been featured on numerous occasions on foreverymom.com and several other syndicated sites including Scary Mommy and Mamalode. She’s also been featured on Fox News, Today Parenting, and Huffington Post. She is a Christian who tends to get snarky and is anti-Jesus fish bumper stickers because she is a lousy driver.

My thoughts:
This book sounded interesting and I enjoyed it. I was encouraged by this fellow Mom who shares her stories in mothering her children.  What I learned from this book is that our children need to know they are loved by God no matter what. Another important message of this book is that we are all broken....both us and our children. God is with us as we raise our children....as Moms we need this reminder.   I really appreciated her honesty and how she doesn't know it all as a Mom.  

I received a copy of this book for my review from Harvest House Publishers.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
   Bethany

Book: Prayers for the Battlefield

About the book:Moms today have a lot to handle! It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising a family, especially in a culture that’s spiraling away from Christianity at an alarming speed. Yet our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The battle belongs to him, and his strength shines bright when we bring our weaknesses to Him and simply say, “Here. I can’t, but You can.”

Prayers for the Battlefield is a collection of prayers and reflections to help you stay strong through the daily challenges of motherhood. Whether you’re a new mom or a soon-to-be empty nester, Heidi St. John writes Scripture-filled and Spirit-infused prayers for every season of motherhood, helping you raise God-fearing children who will live out their love for Christ and make a difference in our world.

Let God determine the outcome of the battles you’re facing today―because the ultimate victory belongs to him.

My thoughts:
I was not familiar with this author when I saw this book available for review; however, as a Mom I was interested due to the description.  Moms need to remember we are in a battle and our children need to be covered with our prayers.  

I really appreciate this book because of the short personal stories shared by the author and the written prayers.  I feel it has been beneficial for me to read and pray these prayers.

This is a great resource to have as you are raising your children.  You will be encouraged as you lift up your children to our Father.

The hardback book is nicely designed. I liked the small design that makes it convenient to take along with you.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale blogger review program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: The Better Mom

About the book:

In The Better Mom, Ruth Schwenk invites you to grow out of the "mess" of motherhood and into a place where you can grow as a better, happier mom. Ruth encourages you to embrace the refining work of the Holy Spirit to help you and your family not just survive, but thrive through the parenting years.

She says, "It's okay to come as we are, but what we're called to do and be is far too important to stay there! The way to becoming a better mom starts not with what we are doing, but with who God is inviting us to become."

About the author:
Ruth Schwenk is the founder of The Better Mom, and along with her husband, Patrick, the creator of For the Family. She is a pastor's wife, a mom of four energetic kids, a lover of coffee, and a dreamer of big dreams. She loves leading, speaking, and blogging. A graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Ruth is the coauthor of Hoodwinked and Pressing Pause. The Schwenks are the coauthors of For Better or for Kids. Ruth, Patrick, and their children live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

My thoughts:
This is one of those books that it was a blessing to read as a Mom.  I guess I am often drawn to books on mothering and some are of course better than others.  This one did take me a little while to "get into."  I did enjoy reading it overall.

I like how each chapter focuses on a different pressure or issue a Mom may have. For example some of the chapter titles are: "I Want the Perfect Home," "I Have No Idea What I'm Doing," and "I Want to Make a Difference."  Moms will be able to relate to this book. It is real about the struggles Moms face, but it isn't overly negative (like another book on motherhood I recently read).  Another aspect I appreciated in this book was the biblical truths that are tied to each chapter. 

Here is a quote I appreciated as I have been thinking about my oldest son having four more years of high school.  I shared it on my Facebook page as I was reading this book. 
"Time is not our enemy. While it is often sobering to think about the future and the fleeting time we have, this is why we are raising our kids! We are not raising our kids to keep them. We are raising our kids to release them to God for his purposes." 

I received a copy of this book from Handlebar review program for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
   Bethany

Book: A Memory a Day for Moms

Book Description:

Just one simple thought a day to preserve five years of memories with your children—finally, a record book that is doable! A Memory a Day for Moms,a beautiful five-year journal with carefully curated questions and writing prompts, offers you just that. Jot down a single thought, memory, or prayer, and build a treasured keepsake day by day.

Mothers in all stages of life will find something to love about A Memory a Day for Moms, as it allows you to reflect on and record your children’s growth and your own journey as a mom. Whether you are knee-deep with littles or navigating the tricky waters of high school and beyond, prompts such as “My child said the funniest thing today!” “My hope for my child is,” and “Lately we’ve been enjoying _____ together” will always resonate.

This luxurious journal makes a beautiful gift for a birthday or baby shower, or as a special treat for yourself. With spacious lines and a prettily designed interior, you will love coming back to A Memory a Day for Moms day after day.

My thoughts:
I love books like that where you can record your memories.  I had a perpetual calendar where my Mom answered similar questions for me, and it is a treasure. I am excited to answer these questions throughout the years. It will be good to read back through my answers as my boys get older.

This book is a journal that is very unique.  There is a new prompt for each day of the year along with a verse and short prayer. What is special is that there are five separate blanks to record your answers five different years.  I think this is such a great idea for a Mom to answer these questions and see how the responses change over the years as children age or you add more children to your family.  It isn't going to take a lot of time for a Mom to record her thoughts, dreams, and memories.

This beautiful book would be a perfect gift for a Mom for any occasion. 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Book: Parents Rising

About the book:
Raising kids in today’s society can be daunting. Wrong is called right, smartphones replace human interaction, families are fractured, and children aren’t maturing as quickly as they used to. In our ever-changing culture, parenting can sometimes feel like a losing battle.

“We want our much-loved children to grow up into a life of godliness and morality,” says Arlene Pellicane, author of Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right (Moody Publishers/April 2018). “But our children won’t drift into a life of godliness and morality by accident. Because of the morally bankrupt world we live in, it takes a great deal of intentional parenting to provide structure and spiritual handrails to guide our children towards lives submitted to God.”

Pellicane, an author, speaker, popular media personality, blogger, wife, and mother of three, believes there’s too much at stake in eternity to sit on the sidelines or get sidetracked on a smartphone when it comes to parenting.

“The greater culture hangs on what happens in the microcosm of our homes,” says Pellicane. “We need to not be afraid to step up and lead our children. Our decisions won’t always be popular with our kids. But I think someday, our kids will thank us for being parents.”

“Parents, we must rise!” says Pellicane. “There is no better time than now. With every birthday, we get another year to influence our children to love the Lord and shine. Let us not waste our moments.”

About the author:

Arlene Pellicane is a speaker, author, media personality, and blogger. She has written seveRaising kids in today’s society can be daunting. Wrong is called right, smartphones replace human interaction, families are fractured, and children aren’t maturing as quickly as they used to. In our ever-changing culture, parenting can sometimes feel like a losing battle.

“We want our much-loved children to grow up into a life of godliness and morality,” says Arlene Pellicane, author of Parents Rising: 8 Strategies for Raising Kids Who Love God, Respect Authority, and Value What’s Right (Moody Publishers/April 2018). “But our children won’t drift into a life of godliness and morality by accident. Because of the morally bankrupt world we live in, it takes a great deal of intentional parenting to provide structure and spiritual handrails to guide our children towards lives submitted to God.”

Pellicane, an author, speaker, popular media personality, blogger, wife, and mother of three, believes there’s too much at stake in eternity to sit on the sidelines or get sidetracked on a smartphone when it comes to parenting.

“The greater culture hangs on what happens in the microcosm of our homes,” says Pellicane. “We need to not be afraid to step up and lead our children. Our decisions won’t always be popular with our kids. But I think someday, our kids will thank us for being parents.”

In Parents Rising, Pellicane guides readers through eight cultural trends parents faceoliuytrewqn books:  31 Days to Becoming a Happy Wife, 31 Days to a Happy Husband, 31 Days to a Becoming a Happy Mom, Growing Up Social (with Gary Chapman), 31 Days to a Younger You, Calm, Cool, and Connected, and her latest, Parents Rising (Moody). Arlene has appeared in major media outlets including the Today Show, Focus on the Family, Fox & Friends, Family Life Today, The 700 Club, The Better Show, The Hour of Power, Turning Point with Dr. David Jeremiah, and Home Made Simple on TLC, been interviewed on numerous radio programs, and written for several national magazines. She and her husband have three children.

My thoughts:

Wow what a book!  Parents need to read this message AND apply it.  There are tons of parenting books out there but this one is worth your time.

Each chapter of the book is about a different strategy.  The 8 strategies are not hard to implement, and they are all very practical.  As I read I thought that they all seem to be parenting strategies that were once popular and  you saw used by many parents.  Now they are rare it seems.

I like that the author shares some facts but doesn't overshare facts and statistics like I've found in some books. One thing that made me sad (and I read aloud to my family) is how much reading books aloud  to children has decreased since the introduction of screens.  We read a lot of books at our house so this made me sad to read these statistics.

I recommend this book to all parents.  I have a teenager and a toddler, and the information in this book is helpful to me as a parent of both of these ages.

I read another book (Calm, Cool and Connected) I enjoyed by this author and reviewed it here.

I received a copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Moody Publishers.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
Bethany

Thankful Thursday

I am tired and going to bed but I wanted to get this TT done on Thursday this week!

This week I am thankful for...
~ being able to talk and FaceTime with my husband when he was gone. Titus was so hilarious talking to him on FaceTime.  He would talk so loud and every night he wanted to see the swans in Daddy's hotel and also the chips Daddy was eating.

~ my big boy being okay after some injuries in last Thursday's game.  The coaches were very helpful on Friday giving us some information about a clinic where he could be seen.  They x rayed his hand and knee. Both were okay, just sore.  The knee is a problem he has had before and was just aggravated by the way it was twisted in the game.

~ my little guy feeling better. He was coughing and snotty nosed for a week pretty much.  He did get an antibiotic too cause one ear was starting to look bad.  He took it like a champ, I was so thankful for that and that we were done with it this week.  I could tell he was feeling better this week with his appetite and how he acted overall.

~ supper at my Mom's.  She invited us over for homemade pot pie.  It was so yummy! 

~ making my list for "Black Friday" shopping. I am not a big shopping person overall, but the past several years I have made several purchases online with the specials that happen on Black Friday. I started looking at the ads this week and made a list of what I can buy at which place.  It is fun and I love when the packages start arriving.  My favorites are Kohls and Academy!

~ finishing a good book called Mother and Son:  The Respect Effect by Emerson Eggerichs.  Are you familiar with the book Love and Respect?  It is for marriages by the same author.  I have not read it actually but have it.  I heard about this book Mother and Son and checked it out from the library.  I did not get very far reading it, but when I found out it was an audio book on Hoopla I checked it out. I finshed it this week.  It has some great information for how moms need to treat their sons with respect.  It was insightful to me as a mom of two boys.  Now I've already started my next audio book.

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

Book: Why Motherhood Matters

I was not familiar with author September McCarthy, but when I read this book description I knew it was a book I wanted to read.

Here is a little about the book:

Do you ever wonder if your efforts as a mom make any difference?

Take heart. Whether you're struggling through sleepless nights with your toddler or endless battles with your teen, September McCarthy's story offers practical insights and powerful inspiration to encourage you on your own mothering journey.

As a mom for 25 years who continues to raise young children and love her young adults, September imparts words of wisdom and grace in key areas of Christian parenting, including...

• faith—getting honest with your family about your need for Jesus
• wellness—learning to take care of your kids...and yourself
• education—raising a new generation with creativity and character
• relationships—speaking to the heart of your children in unique ways

In these pages you'll find sweet anecdotes and gentle guidance for those moments you need both a breather and a lifeline. Motherhood is an incredible labor of love—and in the scope of eternity, it matters more than you know.

My thoughts:
I loved reading this book!  It has so much packed into it.  I kept writing down pages with quotes I wanted to save and share.  It gave me such encouragement to read this book.

As mothers we all go through similar experiences and challenges.  Sometimes we just need someone to come alongside us and remind us that it is going to be okay and we are doing a good job on this mothering journey.

I appreciated how the author shared from her own mothering experience with honesty.  I highly recommend mothers to read this book.  You will be encouraged!

#WhyMotherhoodMatters

Visit the website here.

I received a copy of this book for my review from the publisher.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings! 
Bethany

Crossflix + GIVEAWAY

I was recently introduced to Crossflix.  I had never heard of this subscription service. Have you?
Let me share a little about it.

Product Description:
Crossflix delivers the best in Faith Oriented Entertainment, Education and Inspiration by licensing and producing the best faith Content see New Featured Movies every week like "Like a Country Song" Starring Billy Ray Circus,  Revive Us with Kirk Cameron, Gallows Road starring Kevin Sorbo and Ernie Hudson, Savannah Starring Jim Caviezel and Chiwetel Ejiofor, plus hundreds of award winning documentaries, Kids animation and the Crossflix Living Bible Series consisting of 50 Half hour Episodes.

My thoughts:
I was surprised by the variety of shows offered.  There is pretty much something for everyone in the family.  There are movies and also shorter cartoons for younger ones.  Some are about familiar Bible stories.  They have categories for drama, comedy, family, Christmas, children's, sermons, and others. I like that these programs are something we can watch as a family without worrying about content.  You should check out Crossflix.  Keep reading to find out about a giveaway!  


GIVEAWAY:
Go to this link to enter a giveaway to win a subscription to this great service!!  Click here.  Ends soon so enter today!

I was provided a trial version of Crossflix for my review from the Frontgate review program.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: Slow Down

Are you familiar with the song called "Slow Down" by Nichole Nordeman? If not, I highly recommend that you click over and listen to it!  I loved it when I first heard it and used it in the birthday videos I made for our boys this year.

Today I have a book by Nichole Nordeman to share with you called Slow Down Embracing the Everyday Moments of Motherhood.

Book description:

The days are long, but the years are short.

No matter if it’s your child’s first step, first day of school, or first night tucked away in a new dorm room away from home, there comes a moment when you realize just how quickly the years are flying by. Christian music artist Nichole Nordeman’s profound lyrics in her viral hit “Slow Down” struck a chord with moms everywhere, and now this beautiful four-color book will inspire you to celebrate the everyday moments of motherhood.

Filled with thought-provoking writings from Nichole, as well as guest writings from friends including Shauna Niequist and Jen Hatmaker, practical tips, and journaling space for reflection, Slow Down will be a poignant gift for any mom, as well as a treasured keepsake.

Take a few moments to reflect and celebrate the privilege of being a parent and getting to watch your little ones grow—and Slow Down.

My thoughts:This book will resonate with any Mom I believe because we all soon come to realize that time passes quickly as we are raising our children.  I really enjoyed reading this book and the reminder as a Mom to slow down and to accept our children as they are.  The days pass and soon a new stage comes before we realize it....sometimes we are ready for that stage to be over and other stages we don't want to let go of.  But either way we need to enjoy the moments we have with our children, not trying to change them or worry over things that don't really matter.

The book has 14 chapters on a variety of wisdom and insight for mothers using stories about her children. Then it follows up with a few questions about that topic for you to consider.  There are also short little inserts from other Moms too. The pictures of children are beautiful as well and add to the beauty of the book.

This book will encourage you as a Mom!  I highly recommend it to you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Long Days of Small Things

Wow!  Reading this book has blessed me so much!  Let me tell you about it.

About the book:
Rich, soul-inspiring practices for moms who have neither quiet nor time. Dirty laundry, crayon-smeared bills, and smashed crackers . . . And there’s your Bible—buried under a pile of diapers. Bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, without a moment of peace and quiet, you wonder if the spiritual life you crave is even possible. But God sees you. He designed this parenting journey, after all. He understands the chaos of motherhood. And he joins you in everything—whether you’re scrubbing the floor, nursing a fussy newborn, or driving to soccer practice. Catherine McNiel invites you to connect with God right here, in the sacred mundane of every mothering moment.

My thoughts:
I could relate so well to this book.  There is so much we do as mothers that we can easily be depleted.  The idea the author presents is that while you are doing these daily tasks....wiping bottoms, washing dishes, folding clothes, cleaning messes.....that you can praise God and focus on Him in the midst of all of this.

One quote that I absolutely loved at the beginning of this book:  "I hadn't know that I felt invisible until I felt seen.  I hadn't realized how thankless the ceaseless sacrifices of motherhood felt until someone gently pointed me to their honor and value."

Please consider blessing a young mother in your life with this valuable book.  It would be a beautiful gift for a baby shower or Mother's Day.

On a side note...A ironic thing is I was going to read this one night as I took a bath.  My little boy came running into the bathroom to see me and bumped the book, knocking it into the tub and soaking it.  I had to laugh how perfect it was that he knocked THIS book into the water.   So I had to let it dry out before I continued reading.

It took me a while to read this book simply because it was beautifully written, and I wanted to read slowly and absorb what I read, if that makes sense.

This book was provided to me by Tyndale for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
    Bethany

QUEST: Parenting in a Sexualized Culture + Giveaway

There is no question that we live in a sexualized culture.  New challenges face parents that were not around just a few years back.  Parents are wise to seek help and a community of like-minded parents to help them make wise choices.

Because we live in a sexualized culture, we need to teach and equip our children for what they will face.  We shouldn't just throw them out there for them to figure things out on their own. They will find answers to their questions somewhere.  Don't you want them to get facts from you instead of incorrect information from their peers or the internet?  This video series will help parents navigate through this important topic but one that is often difficult for parents to discuss with their children.

About this study:

Our job as parents is to share God’s more compelling story of sex with our kids. But first, we need to understand this story ourselves, and why it is the better story, indeed the best story. Parents, you have what it takes to help your kids not just survive in a sexualized and digital age, but to thrive and lead others.
Join us on this quest through God’s Word of why He created us as sexual beings, how we are to steward this gift, and how we can share His story with our kids.

Quest: Parenting in a Sexualized Culture will answer questions like:

• How can I model purity to my kids?
• How do I talk to my kids about sex?
• What can I do about all of the technology invading my kids’ lives?
• As a parent, how will I leave a legacy?

My thoughts:
This DVD series would be a great resource to do in a church group/class. I think it can make a difference for parents just to have an outlet to talk with other parents in confidence and get ideas and encouragement from other parents regarding how to share with their kids about the topic of sex.  

You can find more information about this study by watching the clip and also enter the giveaway at the link below.

Watch the trailer here.
Quest | Parenting in a Sexualized Culture from pureHOPE on Vimeo.


Be sure to enter the giveaway located at this link.  (You enter the giveaway on the link, not on this blog.)

Or you can purchase materials here. @findpureHOPE

I received a copy of this video series small group study for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Book: Things I Wish I'd Known....

About the book:

In Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Became Parents, Chapman and Warden share wisdom gained from raising their own children and from the many families they’ve counseled through the years. They explore numerous topics like how children change your life, how to accept your child’s uniqueness, potty training (yes!), why kids need boundaries (starting as infants), the importance of modeling, why social skills are as important as academic skills, and why emotional health is critical. While much of the book focuses on parenting, Chapman and Warden also spend a chapter focused on marriage, encouraging couples not to put their marriage on auto-pilot when the kids come.

About the authors:

Dr. Gary Chapman is an author, speaker, and counselor who has a passion for people and helping them form lasting relationships. He is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The 5 Love Languages® and the director of Marriage and Family Life Consultants, Inc. Gary travels the world presenting seminars and his radio programs air on more than 400 stations. He and his wife have two children and several grandchildren. Dr. Shannon Warden is an assistant teaching professor at Wake Forest University where she teaches in the graduate counseling program. She is also the director of counseling and director of women’s ministries at Triad Baptist Church in Kernersville, NC. As a professional counselor, Shannon has counseled children, families, young adults, women, and couples since 1998 and has served as an assistant to Dr. Gary Chapman since 2003. She and her husband have three children.

My thoughts:

This is an easy to read book that would make a nice gift for a couple expecting a child.  The authors give good, practical advice on various topics such as the costs associated with raising a child, educational decisions parents need to consider, and how the husband/wife relationship will change once a child is born.  There were several things they shared that I agreed it would have been nice to know before we had children!

One chapter I particularly enjoyed was about how all children are different.  I have seen this with our two boys, and it was nice to read and be reminded how ALL children truly are unique and different. What works for one may not be the best approach for another. One may learn something faster than another.  That's all okay and important for parents to realize before they start comparing their baby to other babies.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it to couples expecting a child.

I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher for my review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Hidden In My Heart Bible

It is so very important for us to teach scriptures to our children. I have a great new resource to share with you today to do just that.

About this Bible:
The Hidden in My Heart Scripture Memory Bible was created to encourage kids not only to read God’s Word but also to hide it deep within their hearts. One hundred of the Bible’s core verses have been set to music by renowned children’s author and song writer Stephen Elkins. The 100 songs include a variety of genres and are available in the New Living Translation, New International Version, and King James Version, and all songs are free with the purchase of the Bible. Additional interactive features encourage school-age kids to engage with the Word in every place of their life.

My thoughts:
Scripture memory has always been important to me because it was instilled in me as a child.  I have continued through the years off and on to memorize scripture.  I've also taught our first son verses from a young age and look forward to having our younger son begin saying verses as he is learning to talk.

When you purchase this Bible, you are given a code to download (for free) 100 songs based on 100 verses.  It has the songs in all three versions; you can choose which you prefer.  The songs are fun and enjoyable to hear.  There is even a list in the back of the Bible that has the songs divided by age appropriateness and another list with the songs divided by musical styles such as fast tempo, Latin rhythm, moderate tempo, bluesy, etc.

New Living Translation is used for the entire Bible. It also includes the 100 key verses in two other translations.  They are written in a light green box called "Memorize" with the verse in all three translations right there together.

I think the concept of this Bible is great; however, I would have been just as pleased with a CD of 100 songs of scriptures to memorize.  Also while it is helpful to have a verse in three biblical translations, I didn't find a huge benefit over just having one translation.  This is just a personal preference.

I was provided a copy of this Bible and songs by the Tyndale reviewer program for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

While My Child Is Away

About the book:
Parents and children are separated for many reasons: divorce, school, camp, even work. It might be for just a few days or indefinitely. These 140 prayers give voice to all that you are hoping for your child when you can't be the one to meet their needs. Prayers of blessings, protection, instruction and grace. Or prayers for those around your child to choose wisely, see their needs, and love then as you would. Prayers for friends, teachers, coaches and mentors to step in and fill every need. Knowing that a loving Father God is caring for your child, even when you can't, gives you the peace and assurance that all will be well.

My thoughts:
I have enjoyed reading these prayers plus devotional thoughts for parents.  As our children age they spend less time at home.  These prayers are applicable for any parent experiencing time with a child away for whatever reason.

This book has been a reminder to me of the importance of praying for my children.  The prayers in the book are written from the heart and helped me consider things I had not previously prayed for my children.

This is a nice resource for parents and will be a comfort to those with children who are away.

I received this book from the FirstLook blog tour program for my review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
   Bethany

Come to the family table!

About the book:
In our busy world, family time around the dinner table is easily displaced by other things. Ted and Amy Cunningham call parents to a slower way of living that allows them to intentionally build into their family’s relational and spiritual fabric and into the community around them.

No more rushing to the table for a quick bite so we can get back to our other activities. Prioritizing mealtime slows us down long enough to enjoy our food, each other, and Jesus. Inspired by the slow food movement,Come to the Family Table seeks to encourage families with intentional strategies to engage one another and create the table as a space for practical ministry to their community.

My thoughts:This was a very enjoyable read for me.  Family meal time has always been a priority to me. I've read so many times about how important this time is for families and children. This book provides some wonderful ideas for families to come together and just slow down a bit from the busyness of every day life.

Instead of just rushing through the meal to get to the next task, event, etc. this book provides some tools to help families linger longer around the table....talking, sharing memories, asking questions, reading the Bible. The authors share personal stories that show the benefits of the family table.  Each chapter has a recipe to try as well as a devotional thought to share with your family.  There are also various "games" you can play as a family such as "The 'Or' Game" and "guess the object."  The second part of the book is how to help people at your family table. For example there is a chapter on being an advocate for marriage and your table can be a safe place to do that for your friends and loved ones.

I have really enjoyed this book and recommend it to you.  My family has already started using some of the ideas.  We read a devotional one night this week and played the "or" game.

Families have to choose to make this time a priority, but there are so many benefits of having this time together. Let this book help you and your family do that.

I received this book for my review as part of the Tyndale review program.  These opinions are mine.  Thank  you.

Have a day of blessings!
  Bethany

Hope Unfolding

I recently finished listening to Hope Unfolding by Becky Thompson.  I had seen this book on several blogs and when I read the description I thought it would be a good book for me.  I had read some blog posts from the author's blog in the past so I was familiar with her writing.  You can visit her blog here.

This book is very encouraging to moms with stories filled with hope.  It reminded me that other moms feel the same way I do, experience the same highs and lows, face the same challenges, and that we are all loved by our amazing God.  The author shares many personal stories from her childhood, marriage, and motherhood that will help the reader relate to her.

The audio version is read by the author herself.  She does an outstanding job reading this text and I really appreciated that for this title it was read by its author.  It felt like she was right there talking to me, encouraging me through my day.

I cannot say enough good things about this book and highly recommend this book for moms.

This book was provided to me through the christianaudio reviewers program.  Thank  you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Better Together

I was so happy to be part of the Better Together launch team.  Through the years I have read many books by Jill Savage and have always, always been encouraged. These are books I like to go back to and reread.  We need encouragement as Moms to be reminded we aren't alone, and Jill Savage always does a great job at this.  This new one is a great addition to the Jill Savage section of my personal library.

About the book:
Being a mom is hard, but it doesn’t have to be lonely. Are you trying to do this mothering thing alone? So focused on the kids that you’re hungry for friendships of your own? Have great friendships that you want to make even better?

Jill Savage, mother of five, knows those challenges well, and she’s here to help. Presenting a compelling vision of motherhood as a group effort among friends, Better Together shows how you can:

•  Combat isolation and enjoy a supportive mothering community 
• Increase your social confidence and stop the comparison game 
• Deepen your friendships as you share life with others
• Strengthen trust and build friendships without fear
• Increase your joy and thrive as a mom 

All these things are possible. Dive into this storehouse of creative ideas for how to make mothering easier, richer, and more fun than you ever imagined!

My thoughts:
Better Together by Jill Savage with Anne McClane (her daughter) is a wonderful resource for Moms.  I highly recommend this book to you.  It would be perfect for a Mother's Day gift for yourself or a Mom friend.  Also, it would be great to do in a study with friends or a ladies class.

Why did I like this book?  The information and stories are practical and from real Moms who understand the challenges we face as Moms. We NEED the support of friends.  Friends can help us when a crisis arises or just be there in the day to day routine.  Also, I learned that we have different types of friends, which are classified in the book.  We are also all different types of Moms.  This was very insightful to me to take the Mothering Personality quiz and learn more about myself.

Visit the Better Together website here to learn more. Get your copy of this fabulous book today!

#bettertogether #bettertogetherbook

(I received a copy of this book as part of the Better Together launch team. Thank you.)

Have a day of blessings!