Book Launch: Raising the Challenging Child

This book is co-written by experienced professionals.  Debbie Reed,  Karen Doyle Buckwalter, Wendy Lyons Sunshine (also author of The Connected Child with Karyn Purvis and David Cross). The Connected Child, resources from TCI, and Empowered to Connect training changed my ability to express my view of parenting all children, but especially of children from a hard place.  

These excellent resources are planted in a christian worldview, even though the books do not center on the Word-- concepts from the Jesus life and walk on earth are ever present, and the foundation of the books.  But this new books stands out above the Connected Child in that the formatting, scripts, and tips throughout the book, as well as the focused on one concept a chapter, make this new book my top recommendation to help parent children well.   

Here are some foundation concepts that I believe:

• Lead with Love
• Connect before you Correct
• Redirect before you Correct
• Nurture and Relationship come first
• Make eye contact, smile, engage your child or the child you are working with. 
• Show the child that he or she has your full presence- not your phone in hand or glances at the door, or distractions.  
• Be the calm that your child needs-- so that they can mirror your response. 
• Pray hard and ask the Holy Spirit to change your gut instincts, your sin nature natural response, or the response born out of your childhood or perceptions of the situation.  
• Practice the pause, take a deep breathe (encourage your child too), pray even without words, and then respond. 
• Respond not react
• Don't try to change the behavior in the moment, wait and have the conversation when you are both ready (not crabby, hungry, tired, exhausted.)  
• Love leads.... laughter stops anger, frustration as you can't laugh and be angry.  
• ....

This new book is available January 7th, 2020.... 

Get more info here:  https://www.raisingthechallengingchild.com/

Pre-Order today- Christian Book Distributors has the best price I found.   $12.99 as of 11/25/2019

I’m an avid reader of parenting and classroom management books for 20 plus years. This resource with the examples and scripts built in is exactly what tired weary parents and teachers need. The tips. Seal the deal.

This is the parenting book for the non-reader. Achievable. Simple. Clear to understand. Takes a heart focused on serving and growing kids to achieve. And do overs galore. Grace as it’s best modeled for us.

This is the parenting book for the reader. Well formatted. Clear strategies. A book to be read over and over to remind you that you are growing and improving as a parent and that it matters.

Whether you are parenting a child from a hard place, a neurotypical child, or a special needs child, this book brings all the best practice strategies of research alive and models them well with tips, scripts, and real life examples.

I rarely give a book five stars, but this book is well deserving of this high accolade! Pre-order it today.

Advent Reading: Ann Voskamp

Tis the time of year where everyone wants to know what to read for advent.  I'm always an optimistic advent reader and purchase books and read parts of them each year, but rarely do I read all of the advent books made for adults cover to cover the year I start it.   But I've long since forgiven myself for failing at this task, and reminded me that any reading I do blesses my heart, head, and soul, so I continue to over-achieve in options, and underachieve in 100% of anything.  But I press on, say I won't order any new ones, and maybe this year I won't!  But I do also go through them when I plan my annual Sunday School lessons from a different angle than last year for our kids program, so they get used!  And they bring me joy!

I will start my reviews of advent materials with Ann Voskamp.  At this page, you can see images, read chapter one of her adult book, print off coloring pages (detailed that my daughter loved at ages 7-8).

Anne has a unique style, it is NOT for everyone.  She is a former day-spring greeting card writer and it shows in her style with great flowing descriptions and lots of imagery.  Pretty sure she writes for the picture smart readers of the world.   What I have found attractive with her writing from 1,000 gifts on, is her honesty, vulnerability, and truth telling pointing us back to the Word of God over and over, in ways that make me pause, be silent, still, and reflect.  Her thinking on the pages of her book, on her website, in her many memes and post it notes for your soul beckon me to seek God with a holy and simple child like faith and reverence because He is always at work in my life, heart, soul, and mind.  No matter how broken, successful, pious or humble I come- He's there and helps me become more like Him because I'm drawn to His character and Word by this kindred spirit author who mentors me from afar.

Another great thing about Ann's books and blog, are the free printables that go along with her books- from coloring pages, coloring ornaments, memes, sticky notes for your soul, etc.  She provides it all free for her subscribers and her images are beautiful, and her words speak to my soul.

Her book for adults for advent is by far my favorite-- it's called the Greatest Gift- and each day there is a reading, scripture, a place to journal, and you can print out sticky notes for the soul- and I've been blessed by these year after year!

A sample Sticky Note: 

She also has a family read aloud that tells the Jesse Tree story day by day.  It's got a lot of print and text for each day, and many children struggle to sit through it all, but it's a gorgeous book, and I enjoy reading through the perspectives again and again.


Because it was a challenging read aloud, I suspect, came this next version- a book that opens up to be a tree- and there is a tiny book with short read aloud, and an ornament to hang on this tree that pops right out of the book each day.  It's gorgeous, simple and elegant.  At my house, flat surfaces to keep it on, are not always the easiest to find, so it's not the best fit for us, but I loan it out to others.

This year?  there is an affordable option of wooden ornaments made by Caleb Voskamp.  I ordered mine and think they have been shipped as a pre-order, or will be shipped Nov. 22. Isn't my husband the best gift giver?  He lets me purchase my own joys and I always tell the kids- Dad buys me the best presents- and give him all the credit- because he loves that I love the choosing as much as the presents- and lets me treat myself- and is happy!

There is also a Greatest Gift DVD series- but I've not seen it myself, but any of her videos are delightful, she speaks truth with a gentle, soothing voice, but she has a powerful message to bring.  

Bethany Partner Review: Encountering the Heart of God

This book is simple, yet causes me to pause, reflect, and wonder. 
The readings are short but the thoughts are powerful, deep, and resonate in your heart.

This book has a short daily read going chronologically through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation.  Each day ends with a concept or question, related the passage explained in the short paragraphs above. These concepts are either making the reader think about Who God is or think about How he/she is responding in light of how God has shown Himself in the event mentioned that day.   Then a brief prayer. 

I think the title reflects the theme and spirit of the book well- each day the reader thinks about God's heart for them.  And it works, each day you learn about the event, hear how God is present or at work, or how the man/woman in the event reflected, prayed, or connected with who God is in their life, and then you are asked to recall and fit these truths into your own life. 

I think this devotional would be a great one to read with my almost 10 year old daughter and start a conversation about how we see God in our lives.  I think it would be enjoyable for a long time believer to be refreshed with another perspective on the Bible. And I believe a new believer or faith seeker would gain a deep and intimate perspective of the God of the Bible- and meet Him in these pages, and I pray be moved to faith because of who He is and what He has and is doing in His people's lives. 



Blessed to partner with Bethany House and read this new book.  

Partner Book Review: Abide by Tara Cole

This book is a self published book by a new author.  Another author that I have enjoyed- Christie Thomas, Quinn Says Goodbye children's book author and blogger, introduced me to Tara Cole's blog and writing.  It's available on amazon, and there are pre-order bonuses available now- as self published books really aren't known til they are released for sales!  These are available until October 22, 2019.  

Abide was my word for the year a few years ago, and it's a concept that I have desired to keep in the forefront of my mindset.  John 15 speaks of  our need to abide in the Vine to bear fruit, and I have had seasons of my life where I've kept a piece of floral vine visible in my bathroom or bedroom to remind me to be in Him in all things.  So this concept is dear to my heart.  

I love this book.  It's not a traditional book in that you need to read it cover to cover or even read it in one sitting.  It's designed to remind you of or teach you 40 ways to abide in Jesus as you live your life.  

My favorite aspect of this book is that at the end of the book (and even in the 40 ideas she shares) it discusses ideas to use with your children to teach them at a young age to abide!  It's also divided into sections- Abiding in the Word, in Prayer, in Service, in Worship, and in Community.  

The author shares ideas and practical ways to improve your abiding in the Lord, and she suggests you read the book and implement one idea at a time- so one a day, one a week, etc.  She also provides a plan to try her idea from that chapter as it ends.  So it's very practical and simple to implement.  

My one wonder as I read through the book, appreciated her resources, but found that she refers to Christie Thomas's blog, e-books, and other books a lot more than a more researched and broader resource list.  But she also has some resources that she highlights that are different and are ones I've read or used and are excellent, and I've appreciated the materials Christie Thomas has shared since I started following her this past year.  So they are legit- but their obvious friendship could make some people suspect.  

Every chapter opens with a scripture, whispering the Word to the reader as you move on to another idea.  Her heart shows through often in her suggestions and sharing the struggles she's had, but how she's learned the value of remaining in the Lord and had to continue to choose to overcome the challenges.  But it's a relate-able helpful book!  I highly recommend it.  

Honored to read a pre-release copy provided by the author whom I am following and appreciating her blog as well since I found her a few weeks ago!  But I also went ahead and bought the kindle version to have on hand all the time!!

Partner Review: She Prays by Debbie Lindell

This is a great book to go through for 31 days- I plan to go through it again. I loved and appreciated the growth mindset and encouragement that I could improve my communication with God.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author writes with great insight, sharing personal experiences, and giving the reader tasks to apply her strategies and suggestions to pray and converse with God. I will re-read the book as I think the ideas are wonderful and can continue to be applied at deeper and deeper levels. She's a very down to earth writer sharing practical strategies she applies, and even touches of humor.

The book has four themes that were so helpful. She prays with Understanding, with Knowledge, with Trust, with Power. I loved the optimistic and positive, growth mindset way that the author encourages the reader that speaking with God, while it feels like a daunting task, is achievable in simple ways.

A favorite quote: "Your prayer life is the doorway to a place beyond your everyday, feet on the ground life, into a whole new and colorful world."

Thankful to have an advanced copy to read from the publisher. I enjoyed it and would say it's a great book to own.

Waterbrook-Multnomah Partner Book Review: Jesus in Me by Anne Graham Lotz

Rarely am I speechless.  Rarely do words fail me.  But I'm having a really hard time contemplating what to tell you about this new book by Anne Graham Lotz.  As one who wants our children to grow and be biblically literate young people, I have written lessons about the Holy Spirit and His role in our lives as believers.  But I agree with what Anne Graham Lotz says at some points in her new book, the more she sought to know about the Holy Spirit, the more there is to know, and knowing isn't enough, but living in these truths and the fact that God gives us Himself to live in us, guide us, lead us, work in us, equip us to change, even for intercession when words fail us. 

Her new book releasing September 30th for all, showcases so many levels and layers of the Holy Spirit.  Truly she has been gifted these words by the Holy Spirit to share with the world, who also needs to know, call on, walk with, and live in His presence. 

This book is excellent whispering truths from the Word of God through life experience, growth, an ongoing process, awareness, soul seeking, and utter dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit in her heart, soul and mind. 

Here are some meme's to help sample other's responses or quotes: 

This book is well written and easy to read, harder to process, and choose to follow the questions and suggestions that the author provides.  There are 27 chapters, divided into 7 themes, with a conclusion and some very helpful appendixes to encourage life change and application.  The chapters are short, pointed, and end with questions for your own personal application.  These questions really get to the heart and soul of living with the Holy Spirit in me.  And while easily understandable, the application and processing in me, will go on long after I've finished the book.  The perspective is much needed and for me often convicting.  

Some of my favorite illustrations to make the Holy Spirit graspable for children are shared in this book- engagement rings, seals, promise, guarantee, and I love that I have a new image.  That of the magnifying glass- the Holy Spirit is showing others that Jesus is in ME!!! 

This book would be an excellent book club or Bible study book.  It can be read cover to cover in a day or two, or it can be read a little at a time to help process and apply the truth shared.  But it should be read.  

Thankful to partner with Netgalley and Waterbrook-Multnomah to read an advanced copy of this book. 

Waterbrook Partner: God Gave Us the Bible 45 stories for Little Ones

I really like this Bible story book.  It is well done, attractive, educational, and beautiful.  The author and illustrator have done a wonderful job focusing on who God is, choosing 45 events from the Bible, and weaving in knowledge that is practical and vital for children to learn about who God is, rather than just being able to retell events.  Before the book ends, Mama bear reminds all the little forest friends that these stories are true.  Making sure they grasp that they actually occurred.  

Here is a more detailed review: 

What I liked about the book:

• Hardback book, with nice thick glossy pages, child sized for read with me- just over 7 by 8 inches. Designed for 3 to 7 year olds I believe it's well tailored for this age and stage. 
• 45 stories, tables of content, as well as story title page share the scripture passages the story is from. 
• Artist's renderings, are child friendly, warm, lifelike, detailed, and diverse.  
• The way who God is, and His promises to His people are woven into the retellings of bible events and into the questions and answers of the little animals.  It portrays who God is on many levels and across time.  
• For a book that an adult can read in less than an hour, maybe even a half an hour, there are key details woven into the retellings and thoughts of the forest animals.  
• A few women of the Bible are highlighted: Miriam, Queen Esther, Mary, Elizabeth, 
• Transitions are made and questions asked, as Mama Bear shares the Bible stories with little cub and his forest friends, if a question is asked on a Bible event page, they are framed in a paint box, and this works well to bring in the concept of who God is, across the lives of these historical people and today in the lives of forest friends.  
• Nice transition between the Old Testament stories and the New Testament Stories.  
• Use of the word sin for Adam and Eve doing what God said not to do.  
• Words that are defined throughout the text.  Genesis, sin, miracles, cistern,disciple,parable ....
• This book shares the gospel when talking about Jesus death and resurrection, as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit explained.  

What I wondered about the book: 

• Why when referring to God as He- it was with a little h, not a capital H.  I know it's just my personal preference.  
• Why there wasn't a stronger conclusion and suggestion to the readers that there is so much more of the Bible available, that this book only covers 45 of the Bible's events.  It ended focusing on God's love continuing in our stories with us. 
• How kids will interpret how God speaks to us today, "Through the Bible, through dreams, through thoughts that stick with us, and in other ways too."   I'd want to discuss this statement with any children I read the book to, as I'm not sure that they will interpret it accurately. 

Thankful to partner with Waterbrook Multnomah and read this advanced copy of the book releasing September 17, 2019.