Raising Passionate Jesus Followers: The Power of Intentional Parenting

::Book Description::

For Christian parents, there is no greater joy than seeing their children learn to walk with the Lord. And there is no greater fear than that their children will walk away from God.

After serving together in pastoral ministry for forty years, Phil and Diane Comer know those hopes and fears well. Thirty-seven years ago, they became parents themselves. And like all new parents, they were intimidated and unsure about how to take on the task of spiritually training their young children.

Now, with all four of their children grown and establishing their own households of faith, Phil and Diane have embarked on a quest to help the next generation of parents raise passionate Jesus followers. Drawing on years of pastoral counseling, teaching, leading, and decades of watching families from the perspective of pastors and leaders in ministry, Phil and Diane instruct, guide, encourage, and offer hope and practical help to Christian parents.

Raising Passionate Jesus Followersis a manual full of practical, biblically based guidelines that parents will be able to turn to again and again through each stage of their children’s development. Starting at birth, into grade school, through the daunting teenage years, to launching them into college, and finally letting go, this book contains the why’s and the how’s parents need. This book will serve as an invaluable resource for any parent whose greatest longing is to shepherd their children into a vibrant faith in God.

::My Thoughts::
I am always interested in discovering new parenting books and getting new parenting advice. In a world that is ever changing, it's always good to get all the advice you can. Especially when it comes to Christian parenting.
This book has a lot of relatable stories throughout, and a lot of tips. There are even various sections with advice on ages which I appreciated because methods differs with each age group. I believe this can be a great instructional book for new Christian parents who may not have been raised in a Christian home as well. Those that don't know where to start with their children's faith and Christianity.
This is basically a reference book, but I did enjoy it. It definitely will work best as a sort of handbook where you can go back and look at it whenever you need it. Definitely a good option to keep on your book shelf.


I rate this book:: 4/5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book is available on Amazon.

Click here to check out my review on Goodreads.



::Product Description::

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (March 6, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310347777
• ISBN-13: 978-0310347774
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.8 x 8.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.4 ounces

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Read and Share 5 Minute Bible Stories

::About the book::

Five-minute Bible stories will help little ones understand God's love.

Selections from the successful Read and Share® Bible, part of the bestselling Read and Share® series, are now available in a new design and format! Parents will capture little ones' attention during storytime with these engaging retellings of classic Bible stories. Kids will enjoy the big and bright hardcover format and the colorful, vibrant illustrations as they learn about God's love and biblical characters-including Noah, Joseph, David, Paul, and Christ-in a way they can understand.

Every entry in Read and Share 5-Minute Bible Stories is just the right length to be read out loud in about five minutes. Parents will appreciate having readings that are easy-to-digest for kids and perfect for a short, snug storytime. Plus, each reading includes interactive components, encouraging Scripture memory and reinforcing comprehension with quick activities for parents and kids, so the shared fun and learning can continue beyond storytime.

::My Thoughts::

This is a really fantastic book! We greatly enjoy this book and I highly recommend it to those with little ones! The title tells you exactly what you are going to get with this book. It is most definitely a read and share book. I was actually quite surprised by the size of it! It is definitely big enough to hold and read with your kiddos. The pages are thick enough to where you don't have to worry about little hands ripping the pages as they help turn them. It is a hardcover book, but the cover is puffy and soft. It seems like a very durable book, and my children always look forward to reading it. 

I love reading to my children, and love to read to them each day. Sometimes it can get a little hectic, but this book is perfect for those days because the stories really are only about five minutes each. It takes no time to fit in a story here or there during the day. Each story is only a couple of pages long, and the illustrations go along perfectly with each story. 

The illustrations are very colorful and sure to grab your little ones attention. Plus the stories are interactive with follow up questions and verses for your little ones. It is very fun, and a great devotional type book for kids! My children love answering the questions, and I love hearing their answers. That not only shows me how they have paid attention to the story, but it gets their minds thinking and wondering. Then we get to move onto the next story where they find out the answer, or we can start a discussion. It is really a lot of fun! And one of the truly great things on the path to being a good reader. 

More often than not we will read this book before bed. Bedtime stories always help my kids settle in, relax, and just kind of unwind. This book is great for morning, afternoon, or bedtime. Just whenever you want to fit it in. It's another reason why I highly recommend this book to those with young ones.

Another good feature of this book is that it is so easy for children to understand. Bible stories are the best stories. Sometimes, however, for younger children bible stories are a tad hard to absorb and understand. This is a great choice to get kids started on a journey to learning about the Bible. This book makes it so simple for them. Because the stories are short you can easily break between stories, or even read on as long as you would like. So it fits well for beginner readers and the younger ones whose attention doesn't hold as long just yet.

I think this would be a great addition into any parents, grandparents, and even Sunday School library! There is so much children can learn from this book! It opens up questions and discussions about God and Jesus, and is just enjoyable for all those who read it! There are 90 stories so there is plenty to read without worry of running out. Then when you have finished the book you can read again from the beginning or just pick your favorites!

Check this book out today!

::Product Details::

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (August 4, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718036581
• ISBN-13: 978-0718036584

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review. However, all opinions expressed are solely my own.

God Gave Us Sleep

::From the back of the book::
“Little Cub!” Mama called. “Time for bed.” 
 
Little Cub is having so much fun building an igloo with her friends that she doesn’t want to stop for bedtime! Who needs sleep when there’s fun to be had? Mama patiently answers her child’s questions as she puts her to bed, explaining the importance of daily rhythms of work, play, and rest. As they talk through the fears that come with nighttime—and work through Little Cub’s endless stalling tactics—our favorite bear learns to realize that God gave us sleep as a vital gift.
 
 
“God gave us rest so we have energy for our day, and patience to enjoy it. And so we have quiet time to listen to him.”
 
This charming addition to the best-selling God Gave Us series, with its Arctic characters and relevant message, will help all little ones prepare for a peaceful night’s rest.


::My Thoughts::
This is the perfect bedtime story for any little one that may struggle with bedtime. As a mom of three I can't tell you how many times I have been asked questions about bedtime. Questions such as:

• "Why do we have to go to bed?"
• "Why do we need sleep?"
• "What happens while we sleep? Will we miss out on anything?" 

and so forth...
This book explains about bedtime, and why God gave us sleep. It is adorable, and my three children loved it. It also seemed to tremendously help them settle into bed and drift off to sleep easier. We have even incorporated this book into our bedtime story routine on a regular basis. We read this at least twice every week.
They know how it feels not to get a good nights rest just like Little Cub does in the story, and then they more fully appreciate a good night's rest. It also shows that sleep can be a fun thing for our imaginations!
I love that Mama Bear is very patient in answered all of Little Cub's questions in this story. And all of the questions Little Cub asks are questions that pops up in every child's mind at some point. So for it to be laid out in a book like this with answers is just wonderfully done.
The illustrations are wonderfully done, and everything is worded so your children will understand. After reading this book my children understood more fully that God gave us sleep because we need it. It is a gift to us to be more well rested, and rejuvenated for another day. Often times when my kids are tired now they will even say they are ready for bed!
I love the God Gave Us... series of books. We have several of them, and I can't wait to read more to my children in the future.


::Product Details::

• Age Range: 3 - 7 years
• Grade Level: Preschool - 2
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 8, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601426631

Available in::   Hardcover   Kindle

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a Blogging for Books member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Be The Best Mom You Can Be

::From the back of the book::
What if you could sit down with a wise, experienced mom--someone who has dealt with her child being bullied, who has seen the impact of permissiveness, who has been forced to depend on God for every single day, and still talks with grace and compassion?
Through many years of tested faith, and her close walk with God, Marina Slayton has written this amazing book to help guide mothers through today's often times impossible expectations. In her book, Marina will help you to write a life-changing family vision statement, break the cycle of generational sin, and explain why you don't have to measure up to many of the difficult expectations society has created. With every move across the country, every illness she's struggled through, Marina knows more in heart, as to what it truly means to rely on the only trustworthy source of life. What is the source to being a good mother, and the strength to go through life's hardships? Quite simply, Jesus Christ.
 
 
In an age when brokenness abounds and cultural voices only add to the confusion, Godly mothers have never been more crucial. Many parents--and children--feel lost amidst the decaying family values in the culture, and the ever increasing amount of "best" parenting practices in the market place of ideas. With all of these issues and struggles being raised in today's modern family, some questions are raised by many mothers:
 
How can we avoid the pitfalls of a secular culture?
How do we raise children who are healthy emotionally and spiritually?
What if we're doing it wrong? 
 
Many mothers can agree, that wise counsel from a friendly corner is desperately needed. And Marina Slayton is here to do just that, sharing her experiences, her struggles, and her faith as she walked with God through it all. 
 
Marina has spent the past thirty years as a mother raising four kids. From California to Bermuda, from public school to homeschool, Marina has been there, and she's not afraid to share her mistakes, epiphanies, and practical ideas. But she doesn't stop there. In this incredible book that Marina authored together with her husband Gregory, Marina demonstrates how the power of God's Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit can give direction and freedom to parents who need it most. In this practical book for mothers, you will gain a deeper understanding of what it really means to Be The Best Mom You Can Be.




::My Thoughts::
I am always on the lookout for parenting books. Especially those geared towards mothers. This one grabbed my attention right away with the title BE THE BEST MOM YOU CAN BE because what one of us doesn't want to be the best mom we can be? I always look for ways to improve not only myself but my parenting style. Especially during these ever changing times. It seems like everything bad is acceptable these days while everything good is being pushed aside. So it's great to find a holistic book such as this that gives practical advice on bringing our children up whole.
This book doesn't lecture or drag you down. It doesn't focus on any faults per say but rather shows you how you can grow during your mothering journey. Once a mom always a mom, and we can always find room to grow.
I love that the author gives advice from her experience as a mom herself! Because let's face it while it's still good to take on information in general it's even more useful to often take advice from a fellow mom!
Communication and encouragement is focused on in this book. These are things that parents can sometimes forget to do. In a highly competitive world we can find ourselves lecturing more than encouraging. The world tends to get more and more busy and so do we. So we can forget to always keep that communication line open. We are the key to guiding our children through life experiences such as education, dating, drugs, world events, peer pressure, etc. Children are getting stressed and mothers are getting stressed. Through it all we must communicate and shower plenty of love on one another.
My absolute favorite thing about this book, though, is the talk on generational curses. We often pick up parenting styles from our parents who got it from theirs and so on. Not to say they are all bad, but we tend to use those styles also and may not realize it. We have to break the bad ones and stick with the good.
This is a great book for all moms no matter the age. This is great for moms of all kinds, and even dads who want to learn some great parenting advice. I highly recommend it.
There are also questions and reflections at the end of each chapter that you can go over, and will get you to take a deeper look into yourself while keeping you encouraged.






::Product Details::

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (April 14, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0718022149
• ISBN-13: 978-0718022143

::Find this book::
Kindle   Hardcover   Nook 



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a BookLook Blogger in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Noah: A Wordless Picture Book

Noah is an excellent children's book. It's a great new way to bring Bible stories to life that children can really get into. Especially ones who love pictures, considering this is a picture book. Usually I don't find a lot of picture books around targeted at older children so it's nice to find one with colorful vivid illustrations that help spark that imagination and vision, but this one does a good job of that.
If you are reading this to younger children there are a couple of dark photographs, and you have to be able to tell them the story since this is a wordless picture book.
For older children that are familiar with the story of Noah then they shouldn't have a problem getting through it. It will actually give them more time to look in depth at the pictures as they go and be able to visualize more.
I think all in all it's a great book. I hope the author will continue to make more children's wordless bible stories like this as we all enjoyed them very much.


::Product Details::

• Age Range: 2 - 18 years
• Hardcover: 64 pages
• Publisher: Plough Publishing House; SEW edition (October 24, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874866391
• ISBN-13: 978-0874866391

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Handlebar Publishing in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Noah and the Mighty Ark

This is an exceptional book for children that tells the story of Noah and the Ark in a rhyming, easy to remember way. It is written in such a way that a child of almost any age, especially the young ones, can relate to. It is filled with big, bright, colorful, wonderful illustrations that will capture your young readers attention immediately.
My children ages 6 and 3 really loved reading this book. We read it often, and have fun counting and naming all of the animals that go in and out of the ark. Plus there are a lot of fun sounds in here to have fun with as your reading. My kids got such a laugh out of that. Like when the snakes s-s-slither. The book is hardcover so sturdy enough for younger children without being heavy, and the pages are glossy and easy to turn.
My favorite thing about this children's book is not only the story, but the fact that the author does a fantastic job of staying on track to tell the story accurately and in a short amount of time to capture a child's attention. It is put in a way the children can understand, and while you may need to explain a few little words to your young reader it is definitely worth it.
The Bible verse Genesis 6:14-19 is included in the front of the book, and this is the verse on which the story is based. It helps connect the actual bible with the story and better opens discussion opportunities with your little one.
I would recommend this book to any child's personal library, for a children's Sunday School class, etc. We have a lot of fun reading this book as a family for fun, and for a bedtime story. Books like this help our children understand the stories of God, and in a way they can more fully understand. This book is recommended for ages 4-8 although I think it fits even a bit younger, and maybe even a bit older children who still enjoy illustrated books and the rhyming technique of storytelling. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars, and highly recommend that you check it out soon! :)

• Age Range: 4 - 8 years
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (April 22, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310732174
• ISBN-13: 978-0310732174

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of the above mentioned book for free through Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Raising Boys by Design

Paperback: 240 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook Press (September 17, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0307731685

ISBN-13: 978-0307731685

::Description::
A book about how to help your son become the man God created him to be. Find out what is really going on inside your son's brain and build a HERO who values Honor, Enterprise, Responsibility, and Originality. In this book you will learn how to strengthen your sons character, and overall well being. Find out what your son needs from you and develop healthy thoughts and emotions that fit with his brain chemistry. Questions at the end of each chapter will give you personal insights into your son, and the book overall a deeper understanding of raising and understanding your son.



::My Thoughts::
As a mother to two young boys I am always interested in parenting books, especially when focused on boys obviously.
This book was very interesting to me because it explains how boys develop, think, and differ from girls. Boys think differently, develop different, and while both girls and boys may go through some of the same struggles in life those struggles are approached differently. This book explains in depth how to talk to your son about self-discipline, technology, sexuality, education, emotions, and how to be a HERO:

 Honor: adhering to truth, values and principles beyond self
Enterprise: working at important things whether they seem small or large
Responsibility: carrying important things and people throughout life
Originality: being a dreamer, a thinker, an explorer in the world

 

While I did feel there weren't enough personal stories from the authors to relate to I still took a lot away from this book. There are a lot of things I can tell will come in handy later on, and even stuff that I can apply to my sons at their ages now 2 & 5.

It never hurts to absorb all you can as a parent when it comes to parenting. I love how this book addresses various topics in depth with questions at the end of the chapters for parents to ask themselves about their son. One of the main problems I see that parents face when their children get older is their children tend to stray. I hope and pray that does not happen with my sons. I think a lot of it has to do with lack of communication, nurturing, and understanding. Even if you are the best parent in the world teen years are very hard to come by. We all went through them, and as good as some of my times were I don't think I would go back. So it's important for parents to always stay involved and to know how their children are feeling. Because boys and girls while equal are not the same at all. They are different in their own God given rights not just in the way they look, but their behaviors, emotions, actions, thoughts, etc.

I love how the book talks about what a boy needs to learn from both his mother and father, and how to create a Biblical journey from your son.

This book is a mix of both scientific and biblical examples and advice. I enjoyed it even though it did feel a little dry at times. I can see myself re-reading this book many times over the years, however, because in these times we are in it is very important to nurture our children and set out a good path for them.

I would recommend this book for a parent with a son of any age.

 

 

This book is available in:   Paperback   Kindle   Nook   ...and more!

 

 

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

The Christian Alphabet

• Hardcover: 80 pages
• Publisher: Love the Dove Publishing (October 17, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0985792809
• ISBN-13: 978-0985792800

::From the back of the book::

Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible

• Do you know your Christian ABC's?

The Christian Alphabet Book is a unique, visual, and enjoyable way to learn the basics of Christianity. "Love", the dove from above, guides you from A to Z with special Biblical lessons of love for all ages.

• What is more important than a firm foundation of faith?

Similar to learning to read from knowing the regular ABC's, one will be inspired to know, love, and serve God by learning The Christian Alphabet.

• Share the Gospel with your Children

Jesus told Peter, in the gospel of John, to "feed my lambs." The Christian Alphabet Book will help all teachers of children feed their little lamps spiritually. Give those you love this book to help spread the Good News about God's everlasting love and life.

The Christian Alphabet Book is more than just a children's book. It is a book that families can cherish together while sharing its timeless messages that give Glory to God.


::My Thoughts::
This is truly a wonderful book for children. Not only does it help teach ABC's but this book teaches about Jesus, the bible, and prayer.
There are questions, exercises, and tips throughout the book to help your child delve deeper into their Christian faith.
This makes a perfect book for parents, caregivers, Church teachers, etc.
Symbols are provided throughout the entire book to help explain what each symbol means should your child ask you, or if you want to explain to them in easier words.

My children 5 and 2 adored this book. They had plenty of questions to ask throughout, it helped brush up on their ABC's, and helped teach them more about Jesus, prayer, and our Christian faith. They loved "Love" the dove who is on every page with a basic lesson or activity for your child to participate in.
Everything is well laid out in this book according to the letters. Such as if your child wants to talk about Heaven just simply go to the H pages. If your child wants to learn about Prayer simply turn to the P pages.
It's wonderful for reference, study, and reading for fun.
The illustrations are colorful and will hold your child's attention with their vivid details. If your children have any questions about any of the illustrations explanations are found in the back of the book so you can easily give them answers to their questions.
I loved how the book was laid out with everything easy to find, you won't find yourself hunting through page after page to find certain references or answers to your child's question. It's something you can read with them or if they are old enough, that they can study on their own. I would recommend it more for children ages 4+, or for children just learning about Christian faith. This is the perfect book for a child learning about Christianity. My two year old didn't have any trouble staying interested in it and was asking a lot of questions regarding the illustrations. My five year old was more able to comprehend what everything meant and took away a lot more meaning, but it was something that we ALL enjoyed nonetheless.

Our book came with a wonderful CD singing the Christian Alphabet which my children took to immediately and wanted to listen to it over and over again. There are other songs such as Jesus Loves Me, Silent Night, and Amazing Grace. Some of our favorites. They can also be found on the website: www.TheChristianAlphabet.com

This book is available as Hardcover on Amazon as well as http://thechristianalphabet.com/
A big plus is if you visit thechristianalphabet.com you will find other personalized Christian gifts available!




Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book through BookCrash in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

God Gave Us Easter

The Easter Bunny, egg hunts, candy filled baskets, oh my! What happened to the REAL meaning of Easter? What happened to teaching our children about Jesus' Resurrection as the actual reason for Easter? We can still have fun with our children with the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, and candy filled baskets. It's just so easy to lose the actual reason to celebrate Easter. Maybe it seems too hard to explain to our children? Luckily this is a book that will help with that.

It's so refreshing to find a colorful children's book that tells the TRUE meaning of Easter. Most books focus on the egg hunts, the Easter bunny, etc. This book however, puts things in an easy to understand manner for kids to take in. While this book in no way leaves out the Easter Bunny, it explains there's more to Easter than that. I love how Papa Bear takes the little bear on a walk to look at nature. God made everything, and along the journey Papa Bear explains how God had a plan for Easter from the beginning. Papa Bear shows his young one how death can bear fruit to life, but not in an upsetting or complicated way.
I also like how the author gave examples of how even the smallest voice can speak to Jesus, and how we can hear him in our hearts. That was my child's favorite part of the story. My preschooler especially took the most away from it. He has been asking questions about Easter, and this was the perfect book to answer those questions. He now knows we wouldn't have Easter if it weren't for Jesus, and He is the reason. My preschooler is also still excited about the Easter Bunny, egg hunts, baskets, etc., but he is now excited that we are celebrating Jesus coming back to life.
This is the perfect book for toddlers and elementary aged children. The illustrations are, as always, bright and detailed. The polar bear family makes the story fun and engaging, and this is definitely a book you can discuss with your children.


This book is available in the following formats:   Kindle   Nook   Hardcover   eBook

There are more books in the God Gave Us...series. If you liked this book check out some of the others: http://lisatawnbergren.com/books/

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are my own.