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: 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

Treasure Toons GIVEAWAY

This post and giveaway are sponsored by Oodles World and the FrontGate Christian Blogger Network. The opinions about how it will serve our home well are my own. 

It is always a good thing to hide God's Word in our hearts from a young age.  Treasure Toons is a new resource to help you do that in your home.  This DVD has 6 verses turned into songs.  It is fun to have a sing along as the words play across the screen.  My little guy liked dancing around when I was watching this, and I could tell he liked the bright colors and simple images (nothing too busy or overstimulating I didn't think which is a plus to me).  The songs play with the lyrics and then at the end you have the option of playing them without lyrics. 

While typing this review I have one of the songs stuck in my head too!  Isn't that the point!   

This is the TreasureToons website.  You can see a preview of the songs by scrolling to the bottom of the page.   This would make a nice gift for a little one in your life.  

Now for information about the GIVEAWAY:

Need a break from the hectic holidays? Enter to win the Mommy Sanity Saver Sweepstakes – a $100 VISA GIFT CARD for you and a treasure trove of fun for your little one. Visit Treasure Toons on Facebook or Instagram to enter. Promotion runs 12/1/16 – 12/15/16.

§  Grand Prize: There will be two (2) grand prizes available to be won, consisting of $100 Visa Gift Card, Treasure Toons DVD, Wonderfully Made CD and frog plush toy. TOTAL ARV of grand prizes is: $240. One winner to be selected from each Facebook and Instagram promotion.

§  First Prize(s): There will be 10 first prize(s) available to be won, each consisting of TreasureToons (ARV: $13 each). TOTAL ARV of first prize(s): $130. 5 winners to be selected from each Facebook and Instagram promotion.

§  Second Prize(s): There will be 20 second prize(s) available to be won, each consisting of Wonderfully Made CD (ARV: $12 each). TOTAL ARV of second prize(s): $240. 10 winners to be selected from each Facebook and Instagram promotion.

Visit www.treasuretoons.com/sweepstakes for more information.

Be sure to like their Facebook page!

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

DVD: Theo God's Grace

I received a DVD called Theo Volume 2 God's Grace for my review.  Have you ever heard of the Theo series?  I had not!  I was impressed though and really liked what I saw!

This DVD has three episodes:  Armor of God, Redemption, New Birth.  These are wonderful little lessons approximately 10 minutes in length each.  I am glad to be introduced to these!  We watched these together; my son (age 11) liked them too.  They are appropriate for families and children.  The lessons are easy to understand and have great application for Christian living.  I can tell that the lessons are thought out with real life application that children will understand and be able to apply.

My favorite was the Armor of God one.  It really made me think with the example it gave at the beginning of how athletes would not go into a game without the right equipment.  Christians have certain "equipment" they need each day to be prepared for battle.  All three of the lessons were great and I found application in each one as an adult.

Click to find out more about the Theo God's Grace DVD at FishFlix.

You can get a $5 off coupon to FishFlix.com for joining their email list.  Visit here to join.

I was sent this DVD by FishFlix.com for my review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Owlegories Volume 3 and Giveaway!

I'm excited to share Owlegories with you today.  I had never heard of this and was excited to receive this DVD for review.  Keep reading for more information, to read my personal thoughts, and to find out how to enter a giveaway!

Information about Owlegories:
Owlegories is a new animated series and interactive digital app that teaches kids about God through the amazing things found in nature and revealed in God’s word! You can tell a lot about artists by what they create. That is the premise behind Owlegories, the animated series. Owlegories explores the nature of God as the creator of the universe through this new, fun-filled, animated series.

Owlegories Vol. 3 - The Fire, The Duck, The Seasons.
Owlegories follows a group of student owls as they travel on adventures learning about nature, faith, and God. Each lesson focuses on an element of nature that helps teach children about the nature of God and the truths found in His Word. In Owlegories Vol. 3, families learn about the refining fire, the greatest gift, and God’s sovereignty!

Here is a link to our blog post about the announcement: http://owlegories.com/blog/announcing-owlegories-vol-3/

Episode 1: The Fire:ut pure gold and discover three ways God is like fire. Recap presented by Ben Stuart, the Executive Director of Breakaway Ministries. The KEY VERSE is Hebrews 12:28-29! Episode 2: The Duck: The class travels to the swampland to meet Professor Owlester’s old college roommate, Duck Dynasty’s Si Robertson. They learn the importance of working together and discover three great gifts given to us all by God. Recap presented by Silas “Uncle Si” Robertson from Duck Dynasty. The KEY VERSE is 1 Peter 4:10 Episode 3: Seasons: Our young explorers go on a high-tech adventure through a souped-up seasonal simulator where they learn three things followers of Christ can learn from the seasons. Recap presented by celebrity photographer and entrepreneur Jeremy Cowart. The KEY VERSE is Ecclesiastes 3:1 Here is a little video introduction.  Aren't the owls fun little characters?


My thoughts:
I was impressed with this video.  I was very particular about the videos my son could watch when he was little (I still am for that matter!)  This one would have qualified.

I'm so glad I was introduced to Owlegories.  These little owls and their professor owl are a cute cast that teach valuable lessons.  One thing in particular that I liked was that these episodes were not on typical "bible stories" we normally see on children's videos.  They are lessons about creation that teach about God.  After the segment with the owl, another segment is a couple of minutes long reviews what the owls learned. I liked the approach.

If you think this sounds like something your child would enjoy, you can go to this site and enter for a giveaway for 1 of 10 DVDs of this episode.  Enter today; giveaway ends June 15!

I think this is a great teaching tool for parents and see it being used in a church setting as well, like for a children's time or Sunday School class.  I liked the length of each episode and how each one had a theme for the owls to learn about.

You definitely need to check out Owlegories.  Don't forget to click here for the giveaway!

Visit the Owlegories website and use coupon code FRONT20 for a 20 % off discount on your order.

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to FrontGate Media and Owlegories for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Selection of winners are chosen by random.organd require no purchase to enter.  Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Messy Molly

Poor Molly!  She is always getting into a mess. Whether it is rain puddles, ice cream cones, or spaghetti, Molly cannot seem to stay clean.  One week she decides to try her hardest not to get dirty because she has a special school program on Saturday.  Will she make it to the program and still be clean?

This is a cute picture book by Jo Williamson. As a teacher I could see it being used in an early elementary classroom to reinforce a lesson on the days of the week. The illustrations throughout the book use only the colors seen on the cover.  This book would be enjoyed by children aged 4-6.

This book was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.  Thank you.

Have a day of blessings!
 

Raising Grateful Kids In An Entitled World

I have completed a wonderful book called Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World by Kristen Welch. Visit her website here. I've read her blog for many years as well as her previous book Rhinestone Jesus so I was excited to be able to read this new book.

There's no question our society as a whole has an entitlement mentality. I've witnessed this multiple times in my life, and it's just everywhere really in all different age groups.  In this book the author shares her experiences with her own family off  what they do to raise grateful kids. She admits it is not easy to be different from the world, but as Christians that is who we are supposed to be. I appreciate her honesty as a Mom that she is not an expert and doesn't have everything figured out.

The book is easy to read with 4 parts divided into ten chapters. Each ends with practical ideas of how to implement the ideas in your own family with ideas for parents, toddlers/preschoolers, elementary aged, and tweens/teens.

I marked a lot in this book as I read and gained some wonderful ideas to incorporate in our family. I want my husband to read it next, and I plan to reread it too at some point because it just has so much good stuff.

You can pre-order a copy for yourself today. Visit this website for more information about the special offer for when you pre-order.

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

Have a day of blessings!

Seeds Family Worship New Album!

Our family has enjoyed the music of Seeds Family Worship for several years now.  I've written about them in the past on the blog.   Each CD contains songs to teach you verses from God's Word. I love that the songs are word for word out of the Bible.

They have a brand new CD out.  It's called "When You Lie Down  Lullabies and Scripture Songs."

I have loved listening to this CD.  Several of the verses are familiar to me from past memorization, but it is nice to hear them as new songs.  This is a wonderful CD to have playing because it has such a calming effect.  I love it!

This is a wonderful CD. Get a copy for yourself or to give as a gift.

Visit Seeds Family Worship at their website or on Facebook.

Thank you to Seeds for sending me a copy of this CD for my review.

Have a day of blessings!
  

Special offer for "No More Perfect Kids"

Guess what??? It's time! I've been telling you about the No More Perfect Kids book and encouraging you to wait to get it until Bonus Week and it's finally here!

Hearts at Home, Celebrate Kids, Inc, and Moody Publishers have put together an incredible package of parenting tools for anyone who buys the book during Bonus Week!

Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the bestselling book The Five Love Languages, says, "Few things in life are more satisfying than succeeding as a parent. No More Perfect Kids will help you do just that!"

If you pick up the No More Perfect Kids book (e-book or hard copy from any brick and mortar store or online retailer) anytime between March 13 - 23, 2014, you will be eligible to receive over $100 in free resources! Here's how it works: 1) Buy the No More Perfect Kids book between March 13 and March 23 2) Scan or take a picture of the receipt 3) email a copy of your receipt to freebies@nmpk-extras.com 4)Within 24 hours your will receipt a reply with a link and password to unlock you free resources! So what is included in the bonus offers? It's over $100 of incredible parenting resources! Here's what you'll get: 4 Printables:

• You're Special Poster
• I Corinthians 13 for Parents Poster
• Compliments and Corrections Booklet by Dr. Kathy Koch
• Conversation Starters for Parents and Grandparents Booklet by Dr. Kathy Koch

4 Hearts at Home Audio Workshops:

• When You Feel Like Screaming--Sue Heimer,
• Getting Inside the Head of Your Kid--Shaunti Feldhahn
• Raising Grateful Kids--Marianne Miller
• Real Ways to Connect with Your Kids--Kathi Lipp

3 E-Books:

• A Perfect Pet for Peyton by Gary Chapman,
• How Am I Smart? by Kathy Koch
• The 10 Commandments of Parenting by Dr. Ed Young

You'll also want to check out www.NoMorePerfect.com where you'll find free videos to accompany the No More Perfect Kids book and other great resources! What a wonderful opportunity this is to get some great parenting resources at an incredible price! Tell your friends, your moms group, and any other parent who would benefit from this wonderful opportunity!


Have a day of blessings!

Review: No More Perfect Kids

I was excited to be part of the launch team for a new book called No More Perfect Kids.  I've posted some excerpts from the book here on the blog and wanted to share my own review of the book with you today. 

I have loved and appreciated every book I have ever read by Jill Savage, and this one is another to add to that list. The basic idea of this book is to show parents that children are each unique beings with special talents. As parents we need to accept that reality and accept our children as they are, not as we dream them to be. If we do this, we are allowing our children to grow and develop the God given talents and gifts they have. Our children are not perfect and we should not expect them to be.  They are going to make mistakes and do things differently than we may desire.  This book helps you see your children as unique individuals created with a purpose by God. 

This books is a great encouragement with ideas for ways to improve as parents.  If you begin reading and see ways to improve, the book encourages you to do just that. Don't dwell on the mistakes of the past or feel guilty because of how you have handled certain situations.  I found many ideas to try in my own parenting...ways to rephrase questions, discussions to have as a family, and several others.

Another thing I want to mention is I feel this book is appropriate for both Dads and Moms. Personally I'd like to read it again with my husband and see what we get out of it together.  I believe teachers could also benefit from this book in how they deal with their students. There are also discussion questions at the end which would be ideal for a small group.

There is a special going on through the 23rd when you buy the book. I will post more about that tomorrow.  If you pick up the No More Perfect Kids book (e-book or hard copy from any brick and mortar store or online retailer) anytime between March 13 - 23, 2014, you will be eligible to receive over $100 in free resources! I hope you will take advantage of this offer and check out this wonderful resource.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me this book for my honest review.

Have a day of blessings!

No More Perfect Kids

I'm so excited to announce that the No More Perfect Kids book is now here! Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch have been working so hard over the past year to bring parents this powerful book! I am part of the launch team and have already had the opportunity to read the book and can highly recommend it! However, they say good things come to those who wait. This saying is especially true where No More Perfect Kids is concerned. The official release date was March 1, BUT if you are willing to wait to get your copy until March 13 - 23, you will be eligible to receive over $100 in free resources! I'll provide all the info you need during release week to get the book and the bonus offers so stay tuned for the details. You’ll also want to pop over to www.nomoreperfect.com where you can sign up to receive weekly antidotes to the perfection infection on the No More Perfect Blog, or learn how to better love your kids for who they are through our free 13-day No More Perfect Kids e-challenge.

While you're waiting for those bonus offers, here's an excerpt from the book: Ten Ways to Encourage Your Child An excerpt from No More Perfect Kids by Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch

Parenting is hard work and sometimes it seems our kids do more wrong than right. Add in household responsibilities like laundry and meals, spilled milk at the breakfast table, a child who comes in from playing outside and is covered in dirt, and sibling rivalry where the kids pick at each other all night and sometimes life just isn’t easy. Fatigue is normal and frustration is, too. Learning not to act unkindly in our frustration is a journey requiring grace for ourselves and our kids. Even in the midst of real life, it’s important to say far more encouraging words to our kids than correcting words. When we encourage kids, we give them courage. It’s empowering, freeing, and strengthening. When encouragement is the norm, children will learn they can take risks, try new things, ask for help, and make mistakes without the fear of losing the acceptance, love, and support of their parents. It’s not easy to give encouragement, especially on the hard days. There are, however, steps we can take to increase encouragement in our home.

Here are 10 Encouragement Enhancers you can use in your family:

1. Don’t expect perfection. When we expect perfection we notice every little thing that’s wrong and that creates an environment of discouragement.
2. Encourage childlike behavior. There’s a difference between childish behavior and age-appropriate childlike behavior. Discourage the first and encourage the second.
3. Value what your kids learn. We need to pay at least as much attention to what’s being learned as we do to grades being earned and performances at games and concerts. This is one way we communicate that our kids are more than what they do and how they do.
4. Resist the urge to judge all performances. One way to emphasize learning rather than performance is not always to ask about their scores or grades.
5. Ask them how they feel. When talking about one of their athletic competitions, concerts, or tests, sometimes ask first how satisfied they were with the outcome. Two-way conversations about grades, concerts, and competitions will be more profitable than one-way judgments.
6. Notice their strengths. Point out their character, attitude, and action strengths to help them when they work to make progress in weak areas.
7. Don’t worry about their challenges. Understand some areas will remain challenges for our kids no matter how hard they try. Trying to get kids to change what they can’t improve is a sure way to discourage them.
8. Celebrate what’s real. When one child deserves to be celebrated for something significant (e.g., no C’s on a report card for the first time in a year, a soccer championship, art being displayed in the county library), don’t create fake celebrations for your other kids in order to be “fair.” Use these opportunities to teach children to genuinely celebrate their siblings.
9. Introduce them to overcomers. Discuss relatives and local people your kids know who have overcome great odds. Read biographies and autobiographies of people who have been highly successful even though they also struggled. We can often learn our greatest lessons from our greatest challenges.
10. Have fun together. Play with your kids. Relationships are deepened while building forts and having tea parties with your little ones and going shopping and watching ball games with your older ones. The fun, relaxed moments you share make tough times easier to walk through and go a long way to creating an encouraging family culture.

Be patient with yourself as you work to increase the encouraging environment in your family. If you choose too many things to change, you and your kids will be overwhelmed and little progress will be made. Don’t look back with shame or guilt either. Today is a perfect day to look forward with hope, choose one Encouragement Enhancer to start with, and walk in a positive direction!

Have a day of blessings!

Why do kids make mistakes?

Why Do Kids Make Mistakes?
An excerpt from No More Perfect Kids by Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch


Does it ever feel like your child does more wrong than they do right? As a parent, we know our kids aren’t failures. They can fail a quiz here and there, not win a tournament, and not earn a raise during their first job review, but none of that makes them failures. They will make mistakes, though, because they’re human! To best help our kids overcome their mistakes and not feel like failures, we need to understand why they make mistakes. When a parent understands, it increases their compassion and decreases their frustration. As you listen closely and observe intently for the “why” behind their mistakes, you can know how to best support them.
Let’s explore eight reasons kids make mistakes.
1. They need more experience. When kids complain that school is hard, remind them that if it were easy, they wouldn’t need to go. School—and much of life—is about trying new things. We must let our kids know they’re not stupid when they get things wrong. Mistakes are a part of life, and they often show up when we need more experience.
2. They need to be taught in order to be successful. Mistakes can occur when content and tasks are new and teaching hasn’t yet occurred. Kids might enjoy trying things on their own, but then can get very frustrated when their independent approach doesn’t go well. Protect their self-esteem when you notice that the reason they did something wrong was simply because they need help or more instruction.
3. They need more time to learn something. Errors occur because kids didn’t learn something well enough, although teaching has begun. These mistakes are a part of learning. They happen, and it’s no one’s fault. How did you learn to drive? By driving imperfectly for a while. How did you decide which barbeque sauce you prefer? By cooking with one and then another. Did you make a mistake? No. It was a “learn by doing” experience, not a “mistake by doing” experience. The language we use to discuss mistakes matters; this includes what we say to our kids and what we say inside our heads when thinking about them.
4. They need healthy motivation to do things well. Sometimes kids make mistakes because they don’t want the additional pressure that comes with excellence. Maybe your son’s teacher keeps calling on him because he’s always attentive and right, but your son wants to take a break from that. Maybe your oldest is feeling like all your happiness is on her shoulders. That’s unhealthy motivation and creates a lot of pressure for any child.
5. They need our understanding and attention. Kids will occasionally fail at something or make mistakes just to push our buttons. Let’s face it: They are smart little people even at a young age, and they learn the power of manipulation early. In these cases, responding with understanding is important. When the time is right, and depending on their age, let them know you understand they’re angry or frustrated but you’d rather have them talk with you about their feelings than to act their feelings out.
6. They need more modeling and instruction related to character and obedience. Sometimes mistakes are an issue of character. Kids might hurry through a task or assignment so they can get back to their video games. They can choose to not double-check their work because pride is in their way and they’re just convinced they haven’t made any mistakes. As parents, we need to discern whether our children are making occasional errors in judgment or if they’ve developed consistent character flaws that need to be addressed.
7. They need self-respect, self-control, and respect for others modeled for them and taught to them. Sometimes kids’ strengths get them into trouble. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing! For example, word-smart kids might talk too much. Logic-smart kids with a heightened curiosity may ask questions to keep you distracted and to extend bedtime. We don’t want to paralyze their strengths by overreacting and being too critical, but we do need to teach the concepts of self-control and respecting others.
8. They need sleep, food, and/or emotional stability. Do you sometimes underperform or make unhealthy decisions when you’re tired, hungry, or emotionally vulnerable? So do kids. You might discover your daughter should start her homework after having a snack. Your son may not be handling the long day of school well and may need to go to bed thirty minutes earlier than you originally thought. To track patterns, you can keep a written record of their misbehavior using a calendar or a list. After recording a few days of when mistakes and misbehavior occur, who was present, if it was near mealtime, or if they were fatigued, you can often identify possible strategies to decrease the misbehavior.

It’s okay, in the midst of mistakes, to verbalize that your child is not failing or a failure. Look for impressionable moments when kids need the reassurance that making mistakes is how people learn. You may not be happy with their choices, and discipline may be necessary, but also let them know they’re not stupid. In fact, letting our kids know they’re not mistakes even when they make mistakes is very important for us to communicate, especially in the hard days of parenting!

This excerpt is from No More Perfect Kids, a new Hearts at Home book by Jill Savage and Dr. Kathy Koch! Pick up your copy of the book between March 13-23 and you'll get over $100 in bonus resources! Find out more at NoMorePerfect.com!

Book: Praying for Boys

There is a new book called Praying for Boys by Brooke McGlothlin that I would like to share with you today.  If you are a parent or grandparent of boys, I encourage you to check out this valuable resource. 

About the book:
What Are Your Biggest Concerns for Your Son?
Instead of trying harder to change your boy's behavior or worrying about his future, enjoy the peace that comes when you pray specific prayers for him straight from the Bible. This encouraging book helps you target your prayers on what your son needs most--from patience and self-control to having a pure heart and making wise decisions.
Today you can start giving whatever concerns you have to God and
- learn to fight for your son's heart in prayer
- look at raising boys as a gift
- see how even quick prayers make a difference
- understand boys' deepest struggles, no matter their age
- rest in knowing that God is the only One who can change your son's heart

Written for moms but great for dads (and grandparents) too, this easy-to-use book is filled with uplifting stories and biblical wisdom that will equip you on your journey to raising a godly man.

Includes a 21-Day Prayer Guide for Small Groups, in Person or Online!My thoughts:I have read a blog called The MOB Society for a while now which is written for Moms of boys by other Moms of boys. (Check it out if you have boys!)

Brooke McGlothlin had previously published a 21 day guide to praying for boys and that turned into this book.  First she shares some background on why we should pray for our sons as well as a chapter for single Moms.  Then there are 21 chapters about specific areas to pray about for our sons such as integrity, a servant's heart, purity, and overcoming fears.  I thought the author did a great job choosing 21 things that apply to boys.  She shares a little story about her own mothering of boys in each of these chapters to make it relevant.  Each chapter is followed by verses to pray over our sons about that particular area.  Then there are some questions too if you want to use this book in a group. 

Our boys need our prayers and praying for them does make a difference.  This is a wonderful guide to help us pray daily for our boys using scriptures.    
You can find out more about this book at this website. 

This book was sent to me for my honest review by Bethany House publishers.  Thank you. 

Have a day of blessings!

My new necklace!

I wanted to find something to wear after our miscarriage to remember our baby.  After our first loss 10 years ago my Mom got us tiny footprint pins.  They represent the size of a baby at 10 weeks, just the time of our first loss.  I wore mine for a long time and eventually stopped wearing it, I think I lost one and had a replacement and lost it when I put on my seat belt.  I had a bracelet made after Caleb was born with his name on it.  It also had a special green bead in memory of our first loss and had CALEB spelled with little blocks. 

 

I looked around on Etsy and found several necklaces I liked.  Now that I have one child here with me and two in heaven, I wanted something to represent all three.  We have a name for the first baby because of a dream I had before the miscarriage happened.  But this baby we have not named yet. I chose the hearts to represent those two babies. 

 

I just loved the heart necklace I saw at this shop called Polka Pear.  I messaged the owner and asked if she could do hearts or baby footprints.  She gave me the idea to do the hearts vertically on one side with Caleb on the other.  I loved how it turned out!  Here is a picture of it that I took from her Facebook page.  The heart is shiny silver and has two green stones (for August for our first baby's due date and Caleb's birthday) and one orange stone (for November for our third baby's due date) hanging in the middle. 

The owner of the shop, Sabrina, was very kind and helpful.  She answered all my questions, and I appreciated that I had my necklace within a week of ordering. 

She didn't ask me to do a post about this, I just wanted to because I like my necklace so much.  :)Also, I am hoping to have a giveaway in the coming days here!    

Go check out Polka Pear and look at her other stuff!  She told me she is working on some things for Father's Day, and I look forward to seeing them. 

Have a day of blessings!

Book: Moms Raising Sons to Be Men

I realized I finished this book a week or two ago and forgot to type the review!  It is called Moms Raising Sons to Be Men by Rhonda Stoppe.

About the book:
Mothers of boys have the special calling to shape future men of God. Popular speaker Rhonda Stoppe, mom to two sons, knows this opportunity is a challenge, a joy, and probably the most important work of a woman’s life. Drawing from years of ministering to youth and to women and from her own parenting experience, Rhonda provides refreshingly relevant guidance, biblical and contemporary examples, and humorous insights to help each reader discover

• how to guide a son without hovering and smothering
• how every action and choice can serve a godly goal
• ways to communicate so a boy will listen and be heard
• God’s power and grace to become—and give—her best

My thoughts:
This was an enjoyable book to read as a Mom.  One thing I appreciated was the various mothers from the Bible that she used as examples in her writing.  Some of them I had not considered from the angle of how they felt as a mother.  She makes the point of the valuable influence mothers have had on their sons for generations and how we need the Lord's help to do this. 

Here is a quote I liked at the end: Every woman who has raised sons for God's glory has found her effectiveness not in her own abilities, but in her relationship with the Lord.

I would recommend this book to you.

Thank you to Harvest House Publishers for sending this book for my review.


Have a day of blessings!

31 days of prayer for our schools



It is hard to believe it is the end of July!!  Where has summer gone?  Caleb told me before bed the other night that it feels like summer went by in 2 seconds.  I totally agree.

I'd like to invite you to join me in praying for our schools during the month of August.  I will provide a new item to focus on in prayer throughout this month.  I have made a schedule and pretty much have the month filled up already.  The 4 main areas we will pray about are: people at the school, teachers, students, and college students.  This is where I am focusing and each day will be about one particular person or idea. 

It is my goal to have a post each morning for each prayer request.  I hope to write a short post to give you some ideas of things to pray. 

This is the first time I've done something like this, and I believe it will be a learning experience (as anything is when you do it for the first time).  I have been reminded of the power of prayer and feel strongly that our schools desperately need prayer.  What better time to join together in prayer than at the beginning of August and the start of a new school year? 

Please join me Monday morning (August 1) for the first posted prayer request and feel free to ask others to join us in praying.  Thank you. 

Have a day of blessings!

Image by Cool Text: Logo and Button Generator - Create Your Own Logo

2010 Book #25: Growing Grateful Kids

I finished a book I've been reading on and off for a while called Growing Grateful Kids by Susie Larson.

This is a book that gives ideas of ways for parents to teach their children to appreciate what they have even in the midst of our materialistic world. One of the important things I saw over and over is that "We can't impart something we do not possess." So if we want our children to be grateful, we have to be in check on our own attitudes and behaviors. The author shares stories from her sons' younger days to give examples of teaching gratefulness.

Each chapter begins with a verse and quotation. Then at the end of the chapters the author has a personal application, personal application and a prayer.

This is an enjoyable book to read and I found it helpful as a parent.

I received this book for being part of the Hearts at Home blogger program

Have a day of blessings!

2010 Book #21: Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman

At our library book sale, I found the audio version of Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman and Dr. Ross Campbell. Being a fan of his book The Five Love Languages, this is one I've wanted to read. Since I like audio books now I was glad to find it and get it for a quarter. It was new, still in the package too.


I listened to this book last week and really enjoyed it just as I expected. I liked listening from the approach of a parent. We all have different ways to give and receive love. This is true of us as parents and also of our children. When we learn each other's language, we will be able to give love in a way that they understand and will meet their need for love. The five love languages are:

• Words of affirmation
• Quality time
• Receiving gifts
• Acts of service
• Physical touch

If you are a parent I recommend this book to you.



Have a day of blessings!