Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord

Raising Your Kids to Love the Lord, by Dave Stone, is a wonderful reminder of what it takes to raise a family. Through story and basic biblical teaching, Stone carefully reminds us that it is our own authentic relationship with the Lord that will have the greatest effect on our children. There is no condescension or accusation but a honest appeal to parents to make God THE priority in our own lives in order for that decision to be made by our kids. Stone covers many areas of parenting from time management and consistent discipline to bible reading and supportive community.

In each chapter I felt that I really could do the thing that he was suggesting instead of hopeless, like many parenting books leave me feeling. This isn't some quick fix, go step-by-step and your kids will turn out perfect angels book. Stone clearly states that the results are in the hands of God. He reminds us, though, that it is our responsibility to place our children in God's hands by our lives lived before them.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Letting Go of Perfect

This book by Amy E. Speigel is all about looking at our expectations for our lives as women. Although I don't agree with every conclusion drawn by Amy, I certainly see her point in more closely examining our lives and what we are striving for. Many times I find myself following along with the crowd instead of searching to see who God created me to be.

Amy uses many real life stories of her life and family to show the kind of inspection our lives deserve. She tells many of the choices she has made for herself and her family, not in a way to make you feel that you must make the same choices but to encourage the reader to actually think about it and make a choice instead of following culture. She covers topics like how we dress, how we face hardship, relationships, prioritizing time and commitments, and other issues that affect our well-being.

The ideas and information in Letting Go of Perfect are eye-opening and thought provoking. I however had a hard time following Amy's train of thought to a succinct point in many of the chapters. I probably wouldn't choose to read it again because of her writing style, but I am glad to have gained another's perspective on life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."