Book Review: Stay

From the Back:

What do we do with everyday aches, disappointment, and pain?
We can run. Or we can stay.It may sound counterintuitive to stay with our aches and disappointment. We prefer comfort, so our default response is to withdraw, avoid, numb, and neurotically fix. But what if Jesus is pulling out a chair and whispering, Stay?

Anjuli Paschall invites you to stop running from your pain and to discover that the deep end of your story is the way to intimacy with Christ. She extends a daring invitation to stay with your everyday aches, your guilt, your loneliness, your anger, your anxiety, your longings, and even your apathy. True power and transformation are found in the very places we resist the most.

It's here, in the staying, where we move from merely knowing in our heads that God loves us to believing it in our hearts.

Stay is an invitation to sit with God at the table of your soul--and be free.

My Reflections: 
Stay, I love how God works in our lives! Most people can't do much else than stay at home right now. I never expected COVID 19 to even reach this type of impact, yet God knows our hearts our needs, those deep painful ones that you don't share with anyone for fear that your intense emotional state will become a reality. This book by Anjuli Paschall is a breath of clean fresh cleansing air. My soul does feel parched and dry as the sierra desert, however, God knows. This book was such a gentle nudge to steep in those feeling, let them come and accept them for what they are. So ironic because that's the exact advice I am getting from professionals. 

This book will really make you examine how you react to the stressors around you, be it the kids home from school, having no job to go to or working from home. Paschall reminds us that isolation doesn't have to be a frightening process. Feelings my friends are just that, they change like the wind. Being present and engaged in the day you are living, connecting to God in deep and meaningful ways brings what our hearts desire, He fills the empty and dry. 

I loved this quote" Anxiety is the Lighthouse in the storm leading me back to my tender need for God" Anxiety, fear all these things are opportunities to run to our saviour. I admit I'm kind of not doing a great job of applying these beautiful words to my life, but little step by little step, perhaps I will get there. Grace is oh so good, God knows, this book exemplifies our need to feel that pain, the loneliness and use it for growth. God's got our back babe. (Family joke, but such truth!)

You won't regret online ordering this book, or perhaps put it on your kindle. The writing is soft, loving and oh so encouraging, so I think in these uncertain times this book was launched divinely at the perfect timing.  

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Anjuli Paschall

Anjuli Paschall is the founder of The Moms We Love Club and writes regularly for (in)courage, a widely followed online community of Christian women. She grew up encircled by an orange grove in San Diego. After graduating from Point Loma Nazarene University,...

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Book Review: You Are What You Love

You are what you love. But you might not love what you think.

In this book, award-winning author James K. A. Smith shows that who and what we worship fundamentally shape our hearts. And while we desire to shape culture, we are not often aware of how culture shapes us. 

We might not realize the ways our hearts are being taught to love rival gods instead of the One for whom we were made. Smith helps readers recognize the formative power of culture and the transformative possibilities of Christian practices. 

He explains that worship is the "imagination station" that incubates our loves and longings so that our cultural endeavours are indexed toward God and his kingdom. This is why the church and worshiping in a local community of believers should be the hub and heart of Christian formation and discipleship.


My Reflections: I was not quite sure what I was expecting when I chose this book. The cover was eye-catching and the title jumped out at me. 

I have never read James Smith's works, so I didn't know his writing was geared to church theologians and high minded individuals. I have to admit I was disappointed with this book, not because of what it contained, but the level of academia. 

I found myself lost, confused and slightly bored. The first two chapters are quite good and have some solid things to ponder but after that, I was a lost cause. I guess my brain has a hard time pondering deeply right now?

The primary idea of the book centers around that we were created to be lovers, not thinkers. In other words, humans were created to have something to love. That would be God, right? I completely get that but, Hmm, I'm not sure I agree with all the opinions expressed in this book, but then again it was out of my league. 

If you love to dig deep into thinking about big ideas, love theology this may just be a great book for you. It will have a happy life at our church library.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Book Review: Secrets of the Happy Soul

From the back:

Experience the Deep Delight You Were Made For

How do some people do it? They rise above the circumstances and distractions of life and remain consistently happy. For the rest of us, the pursuit of lasting happiness can be exhausting. No matter how much we try, dissatisfaction and discouragement inevitably return.

But what if there is another way? A true path to happiness that is far better than chasing an elusive ideal? In Secrets of the Happy Soul, Katie Orr shares six clear ways to nurture the Happy Soul already within us. Through key teachings from the book of Psalms, you will learn how to
· seek God in everyday moments
· grow your resolve to follow His way
· cultivate a growing love for God's Word
· develop a deep-rooted relationship with God
· be confident in God's will for your life
· surrender to the Lord and experience daily delights found in His presence

Uncover the secrets of the Happy Soul and experience the satisfying, fruitful life you crave.

My Reflections:
Katie Orr is a well-known speaker, although she found that it was ironic that she was to speak on her own journey to happiness. 

I am delighted to say that this book is not one of those self- help books that never really give you lasting results. Orr is not talking about worldly "happy" she is referring to the biblical meaning from specific Bible passages taken from Hebrew or "esher". This conversational type read is easy to understand and presents no over the top medical or philosophical language. In truth, it is for us ordinary Christians who want to experience the extraordinary truths God has for us. 

In God's presence. What does that me to you? For me it sitting quietly talking to God, perhaps crying out to him or just listening to his still small voice. Our happiness I'm learning doesn't depend on circumstances, how I feel or how the world defines it. We need to deepen our relationship with God. I know firsthand how hard that can be when you are in a dark place, where did God, whom you love so much go? I don't have those kinds of answers. But this book points us to the Creator, whether we feel him or not he is there. 

All in all, I enjoyed this book, it was a very nice reminder to snuggle up to God when things aren't quite going the way you expect. I mean we are in the middle of a world-changing pandemic, What better book to reach for?

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Katie Orr

Katie Orr is passionate about helping women enjoy God daily. As a conference speaker, prolific author, and online Bible coach, she provides biblical teaching and relevant resources to help women jump-start their journey toward walking with Jesus. Katie and her...

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Book Review: Like Flames in the Night

From The Back:

Strong-willed Tirzah wants to join her people in driving the enemy from the land of Israel and undergoes training for a secret mission inside the stronghold of Shechem. But soon after she has infiltrated the ruthless Aramean commander's kitchen, she makes a reckless decision that puts her and her allies in grave danger.

Fresh off the battlefield, Liyam returns home to discover his beloved daughter is dead. After his vow to hunt down her killer leads to months of fruitless pursuit, his last hope is in a family connection that comes with strings attached--strings that force him to pose as a mercenary and rescue an infuriating woman who refuses to leave her mission uncompleted.

When an opportunity to pave a path to a Hebrew victory arises, can Tirzah convince Liyam to fight alongside her in the refuge city of her birth? Or will Liyam's thirst for vengeance outweigh his duty to his people, his God, and the woman he's come to love?

My Reflections:
I absolutely love biblical fiction done well. You can consistently count on Connilyn Cossette to do her homework. She creates a canvas where the story grips you and takes you to the colourful world of 1367 BC.
Cossette has the gift of bringing her characters to life with their very tangible emotions, burdens and plights.

This fourth book in the "Cities Of Refuge" focuses on the period when The Arameans conquered the promised land and the oppression of the Hebrews.
Tirzah a young widow is a determined young woman who wants to help aid in the fight against the Aramean occupation of Judah's cities and vast land. A woman spy is the last thing I would have expected in this period, but her skill and determination turn her pleas into reality. She becomes an Imposter as a Shechem cook, trading secrets with her brother who holds the astute position as leader of the fighting forces.

Rich in history and vibrant writing make this a very interesting read. A perfect ending to this series! If you love biblical fiction as much as I do. I know you won't be disappointed with "Like Flames In The Night"

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Connilyn Cossette

Connilyn Cossette (www.connilyncossette.com) is a Christy Award and Carol Award winning author whose books have been found on ECPA and CBA bestseller lists. When she is not engulfed in the happy chaos of homeschooling two teenagers, devouring books...

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Movie Review: I Still Beleve

I STILL BELIEVE

One love can change your life. One life can change the world. From the creators of I CAN ONLY IMAGINE comes an inspiring love story for the ages. Rediscover the wonder of love in I STILL BELIEVE, based on the real-life story of chart-topping singer Jeremy Camp.

The new movie from directors Jon and Andrew Erwin and producer Kevin Downes stars KJ Apa, Britt Robertson, Shania Twain, and Gary Sinise. A hopeful reminder that faith tested is faith worth sharing, I STILL BELIEVE opens in theaters everywhere beginning 3.13.20.

My Reflections: While I didn't get a chance to see this movie because of the theater shutting down, I have heard that it an excellent movie. My friend cried, that says something!
I can't wait to view  it sometime soon!

https://youtu.be/2yn_zPs4SKQ

Book Review: Braver Stronger Smarter: A Girl's Guide To Overcoming Worry and Anxiety

From The Back:

"This book helped me remember how brave I am!"--AnnabelleWant to know something? Girls who worry the most are some of the smartest, kindest girls around. The worry you feel happens because you care deeply about things and people. You try hard and want to do the right thing, which is wonderful. But it's not fun to feel pressure, is it? That's why Sissy Goff wrote this book. To help you know how brave and strong and smart you really are.

Whether you're a mom, dad, aunt, or grandmother, you can help the girl you love overcome her worry and anxiety. This interactive guide--created for elementary-age girls but helpful for all ages--teaches you and your girl practical ways to work through overwhelming emotions. With fun stories and writing and drawing prompts to guide her, your girl will feel empowered, knowing she is deeply loved by a God who is bigger than her fears.

Also available from Sissy Goff! Raising Worry-Free Girls, a companion book that provides more in-depth information and strategies for parents and educators.

My Reflections: 
What a great way to connect with your child on a level they understand. I wish books like this were out when I was a child.  This book is recommended for the ages of 6-18. I feel the younger you start addressing these issues the better, however, it's never too late, I'm still working on this stuff!
Learning how to cope and manage worry and anxiety is paramount for everyone in today's fast-paced world. There is never a better time to start than now. So if you have a child who is struggling or if you just want to educate them for their future this would be a fantastic resource. 

This is a workbook designed to be a fun and engaging way for children to learn how to cope with their big emotions. I recommend you purchase the companion book "Raising Worry-Free Girls" It is more geared to the parent, but follows the same elements. Addressing the worry monster, understanding, help and hope. This is all presented in a fun and creative manner giving your child the opportunity to jot down notes, draw pictures and imagine themselves as stronger, braver and smarter!

I encourage you to take a look at both of the above-mentioned books (You can see my review for the first parent book "Raising Worry-Free Girls" on my Blog.) http://citygirlmovestothecountry-tanya.blogspot.com/2019/10/book-review-raisisn-worry-free-girls.html
I'm so glad authors like Sissy Goff take issues like these and help parents put them into practice to tame that "Worry Monster."

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Sissy Goff, MEd, LPC-MHSP, spends most of her days counselling girls and their families, with the help of her assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese. Since 1993, Sissy has worked as the director of child and adolescent counselling at Daystar...

Continue reading about Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Book Review: Protecting Your Child From Predators

 From the Back:

Keeping a Child Safe Requires More Awareness Than Ever
Even aware parents often underestimate the dangers their children face. Research indicates that 1 in 4 females and 1 in 6 males are sexually abused before age 18. In most cases, the enemy is not a faceless stranger, it's someone you know and trust--a neighbor, a coach, or even a family member.

This book provides practical steps to ensure you're doing all you can to reduce the risks of abuse. But since you cannot be with your children 24/7, the authors teach you how to help your child develop awareness and strategies in the face of potential dangers--without making them fearful.

Dr. Robinson, whose decades-long practice focuses on abused and endangered children, calls on her own case studies to show age-appropriate conversation starters for parents, teaching them how to ask the right questions and provide the right boundaries.

This book will help you move from fear to confidence on this critical topic that is just too important to ignore.

My Reflections:

Protecting our children has become harder than ever. The internet, our saturated busy lives leaves our homes and children open targets for predators of all kinds.

In "Protecting Your Child from Predators" you will find tips and real-life stories, is this an easy happy read. NO. Is this a must-read, YES. Each and every one of us must stay vigilant over the safety of our children, this book opens the shutters of our eyes, the ones we rather not explore. 

In Protecting Your Child from Predators you will find three informative sections that deal with your specific age group, these are labelled:

1) Children Five and Under

2) Children Six to Eleven

3) Ages Twelve and Older 

In these sections, the authours do a good job of moving the reader from fear to action. Getting into the minds of preditors helps parents know what to watch out for. This book is a must-read if you have children, work with children or run a church ministry. Don't be fooled, the Bible teaches us to put on the full armour of God, this is no joke, we are in a battle my friends, and some of us do get hurt in the crossfire, but our God is a good God and he does redeem. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Beth Robinson EdD

Beth Robinson, EdD, is a licensed professional counselor and approved supervisor for licensed professional counselors. She is also a certified school counselor with a teaching certificate and is a frequent expert witness in legal proceedings involving...

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Latayne C. Scott PhD

Latayne C. Scott, PhD, is an award-winning veteran of the Christian publishing industry and has written over two dozen books. She has a PhD in biblical studies and lives with her husband in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

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Book Review: Managing Worry and Anxiety

From The Back:

Proven ways to increase peace, worry less, and live with more joy
Scripture says "do not be anxious about anything," yet most of us find ourselves increasingly worried and anxious--about our families, our jobs, our finances, our security, and so much more. We're even worried about our level of anxiety!

Integrating both the psychological and spiritual aspects of anxiety, therapist Jean Holthaus offers this research-driven and faith-informed approach to understanding why we experience anxiety and shows us how to more effectively manage it by developing three essential skills:

· living in the present moment
· suspending judgment
· believing yourself to be competent and equipped by God

Our world is never going to be a completely safe and understandable place. In the midst of this, our hearts and minds can still experience greater and lasting peace. The practical tools Holthaus offers help us get there.

My Reflections:
I was slightly hesitant to read another Christian based book centring on the topic of mental health. I find many of these types of writings can often play down the actual root of the problem. As a Christian and as a person who suffers from anxiety and depression I didn't want to hear that I needed to just be a better Christian or that my issues were apart of sin in my life. This book was, however, a breath of fresh air. There is no judgment just clarity and tools for your toolbox. This is not a book that you will read and it will make everything better, but an explanation in medical terms as to why and what can cause these types of illnesses. You will also find practical insight into your thought process and how to live mindfully.

Jean Holthaus uses her skills as a therapist to break down what anxiety is, what causes it and the resources available to manage it. I loved that she cohesively uses faith-based teaching along with scientifically proven theories and research. Holthaus also explains the use of how therapy and medication can play a role in improving a person's journey. Usually, most of the self-help books I have read published by Christian authors seem to miss the mark where medication comes into play, sometimes it is a key factor in balancing the brain's chemical imbalances. 

You will find 11 chapters that help explain and help deal with worry and anxiety, you will also find a wealth of drawings and diagrams explaining the human experience. It is a very well written book, and I believe this would not only benefit people who have anxiety and depression but also the clinicians who serve them. I also think that think this kind of teaching should be taught in every school across the world. We all can benefit from understanding the way the human body works and how our views can affect our perception of the world. 

This is a well written, comprehensive read. You will want to take this one at a slow pace so that you can really marinate in the teachings, otherwise, you may miss out on some valuable lessons. I am so blessed to have been able to review this book.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Jean Holthaus

Jean Holthaus, LISW, LMSW, has more than 25 years' experience providing therapy. She currently works as a clinician and manages two clinics for Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services. Her professional experience includes working with individuals, couples,...

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Book Reveiw: Raising The Challenging Child

From The Back:

What's the worst you've ever faced as a parent? An all-out tantrum at the mall? A son who won't take out his earbuds to listen to you? A daughter who's failing at school and won't do her homework? A teen who constantly breaks curfew? A call from the police?

Whatever you're dealing with, Raising the Challenging Child will help.
Building on their work at Chaddock, a nonprofit organization that has worked with some of the most challenging kids in the nation for more than 150 years, the authors empower frustrated parents with practical tips and real-life examples on how to:



· minimize behavioural meltdowns
· reduce conflict
· increase cooperation
· promote healthy attachment
· improve family relationships

The strategies they share work both for the child going through a difficult phase brought on by life disruption or trauma and for the child facing chronic struggles. Parents, teachers, and those who work with children and youth will find positive, practical steps they can start taking today in order to understand and address the baffling behavior of the child under their care.

My Reflections:
This book is a wealth of information, a collaborative effort of Buckwalter and Reed from the work they have done with some of the most challenging children in the USA. 

Raising children in our society today is by far no easy task. Every child is different, so the approach we use with one child may very well not be appropriate for another. There is no one size fits all approach to parenting and nor should there be. 

In this book, you will find helpful tips and suggestions along with practical application tools. The most useful tool I gleaned from this book was to remember all those skills I had when I ran my little daycare/ preschool program. How you say something makes all the difference. How have I forgotten all this in such a short time? When the kids were small I always phrased my "don't touch that" to "Look with your eyes, not your hands" Or "Stop running" to "use your walking feet"
Now that my children are much older you tend to bark out orders like a drill Sargent instead of phrasing things in a more positive light. A very good reminder indeed!

Another good point this book makes is that parents, caregivers and teachers all need to be on the same page and consistency is key. This is extremely tricky in our fast-paced day to day world where we are constantly moving from one activity to another, eating at the rink or hurridly before swim lessons. In this light, I think it's fair to remember it may take a few attempts to strike the right balance or strategy. 

This was a fantastic reminder of how I can parent some of the tricky behaviours all children exhibit from time to time. The skills in this book will greatly benefit teachers, daycare workers, parents and grandparents alike. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

THE AUTHORS

Karen Doyle Buckwalter

Karen Doyle Buckwalter, MSW, LCSW, is director of program strategy at Chaddock in Quincy, Illinois. She serves on the board of directors' advisory board of the Theraplay® Institute in Chicago and has trained and consulted at family behavioral health...

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Debbie Reed

Debbie Reed is president and CEO of Chaddock. Currently engaged in doctoral studies, she has also played a leadership role in child- and family-serving organizations at the state and national levels, including the Illinois Department of Children and Family...

Continue reading about Debbie Reed

Wendy Lyons Sunshine

Wendy Lyons Sunshine is an award-winning writer and coauthor of The Connected Child, with over a quarter million copies sold. She is an editorial consultant for leading nonprofits and has written for media outlets including Health, AARP...

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Book Review: Strong Brave Loved: Empowering Reminders Of Who You Are

From the Back:

Encouragement to live as a woman of confidence and victory

You want to be a woman who looks life in the face and says, "You can't beat me." A woman who knows love is a risk and reaches out anyway. A woman who understands kindness takes real courage. Who doesn't fake it or try to hide her scars. Who fights to believe she is who God says she is and helps others do the same.

In Strong, Brave, Loved, bestselling author Holley Gerth offers you sixty short devotions to empower you to be that kind of woman. It's simple, personal, and practical, with room for you to journal your own responses and reflections as you learn to live in freedom, hope, and holy courage.

My Reflections:
This devotional came at the perfect time in my life, God sure does take care of his children. I have immensely enjoyed reading, journaling and growing stronger as I read this book. If you want to give a gift that really will be empowering and encouraging to a woman in your life this my friends would be it!

Holly Gerth is one of my favorite motivational writers, she has a way of bringing you in and gently prying open the tough topics we woman face each day but don't want to explore too deeply. There are 60 short two page topics that end with a prayer and space to write your musings. I found myself pouring out my fears, joys, longing and trials in the journaling section, this seriously was exactly what I needed. 

I will tell you a funny story. When I originally requested this book I thought "Oh yes please!" Holly Gerth, I have to have that! 
However, life threw a few curve balls and for two weeks the book taunted me on the shelf mocking my abilities and self-worth. God won that battle and I finally cracked open the book. I was nourished and renewed within these pages as they pointed me to exactly where I needed to be focusing on God's love, and my Holy confidence began to sprout little tendrils. 

If you are looking for a devotional that will help turn your eyes heavenward this one has just enough depth and the sections are short but impactful, challenging us to fight for who we are in God and what he has for us, everlasting love. 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Holley Gerth

Holley Gerth is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, life coach, and speaker with a master of science degree in mental health. She cofounded (in)courage, a site that received almost one million views in its first six months, and cohosts the popular...

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Book Review: God Confident Kids Helping Your Child Find True Purpose, Passion and Peace

From The Back:

"A must-read for any parent seeking wisdom for their vital and increasingly challenging role."--Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family

Our children and teens are growing up more anxious, depressed, and fearful than previous generations. But if we help them discover true God-confidence--instead of chasing the illusive self-confidence--we can empower them to embrace their uniqueness and find their purpose, passion, and peace as they grow into humble, compassionate, and resilient young people.

In this hopeful book, associate marriage and family therapist Cyndie Claypool de Neve explains how you can help your kids discover the purpose for which God created them. God-Confident Kids is filled with stories, Scripture, psychological insights, and practical tips to help you move from fear-based parenting to faith-filled parenting as you claim Ephesians 2:10 for your kids: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (NIV).

My Reflections: Who as a parent doesn't want their children to have lasting, true unshakable faith? I believe everyone is created with a very special purpose, a God-given purpose no matter who you are. Whether you choose to follow God's leading or not is a choice. As parents is it not our calling to try to help our children follow God's ways? Ah, but there is the choice factor right? How as parents do we help lay out the path for them? We as flawed people flounder and pray, and read books like these to gain a little insight into the best practices, then we leave it in the creator's hands. 

I loved how Cyndie Claypool De Neve uses personal stories scripture and psychology in a synergistic fashion. Her book has many nuggets of wisdom to glean from and I highly recommend this handy little book to anyone involved with children. 

Packed with sound God centred wisdom, I am sure you will be left with many new ideas and some old ones to ponder a little deeper. I especially enjoyed the quick tips sections, where I could find practical skills that I could start implementing straight away!

If you are looking for a great Christmas break book this is it, friends, you can't go wrong with this one. Easy to read, God centred parenting and extremely practical, How can you go wrong?

Cyndie Claypool de Neve

Cyndie Claypool de Neve, a former journalist with an MA in counseling psychology, is the coauthor of Unshaken, Start With Praise, and Raise Them Up. She has appeared on Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk Radio and has a growing speaking...

Continue reading about Cyndie Claypool de Neve

Book Review: Raising Worry-Free Girls

From the Back:

You Can Help Your Daughter Overcome Anxiety and Worry
It's surprising to find a girl who doesn't struggle with anxiety and worry--either in short episodes or for longer periods. For a variety of reasons, childhood anxiety rates are soaring, especially among girls. Today's parents need to know what contributes to anxiety and worry and how they can empower their daughters to overcome fears and live more courageously.

In this immensely practical book, veteran counsellor Sissy Goff shares how you can instill bravery and strength in your daughter. Addressing common age-specific issues, Goff gives you the tools to help you and your child understand why her brain is often working against her when she starts to worry and what she can do to fight back. With your help, she will find the anchoring truth of God's strong, safe love for her and the confidence she needs to thrive.

My Reflections:

In a world where girls are taught from an early age to be happy, perfect and that they can have it all its no wonder our girls struggle with the realities they face daily. 
This is a different time than the world we grew up in. Social media has put so much pressure on our children, they are never able to be unavailable to their 2000 plus friends. It's no wonder that statistics show that anxiety and mental health problems are steeply on the rise. However, this doesn't have to be the norm. With tools and support, our children can lead healthy empowered lives. God is good all the time and he never changes. 

This book is a helpful tool that equips parents and their children to reach a more balanced approach to the stressors they encounter in everyday life. Sissy Goff does not write in a way that engages panic in parents, she sets out clear and easy to implement strategies to help navigate the world our children face. Her background is in counselling, this is exemplified throughout the book with a clear well-balanced philosophy. I really enjoyed her multidimensional approach. 

Her book also covers how anxiety can be expressed within different personalities. This was my favourite part of the book it opened my eyes to behaviours I may have misinterpreted in my own children. I also enjoyed the "Help" chapter in section #2 I found such good science-based information, on what happens when our bodies are stressed and how that may manifest later. I also loved that I could share the "tools for her" sections with my girls, this will empower them to be informed and confident about what they are experiencing. 

If you are the parent of a girl or are involved in any aspect of mentoring girls, this book is for you. I am definitely recommending this one to my readers and friends, wish I had this book when I was young! This book applies to all children, the principals are also the same for boys and girls of any age. Thank you, Sissy Goff, for writing this much need book!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Sissy Goff, MEd, LPC-MHSP, spends most of her days counselling girls and their families, with the help of her assistant/pet therapist, Lucy the Havanese. Since 1993, Sissy has worked as the director of child and adolescent counselling at Daystar...

Continue reading about Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

Book Review: Welcome To Adulting Survival Guide, 42 Days to Navigate Life

From The Back:

Real help for navigating the real world
It's wild. One day people finally start treating you like an adult. And it feels good. For a while. Then you run into adult problems, and everyone acts like you should know what to do in any given situation. But what if you don't? What if, when everyone expects you to stand on your own two feet, you're just trying to put one foot in front of the other without tripping?

If adulting has got you stressed, anxious, or even despairing, what you need is sound, biblical advice from someone who's been there. JP Pokluda's got you covered. He's worked with tens of thousands of young adults, and he can tell you which choices lead to success and which ones lead to trouble down the road. With his expert guidance, you'll learn to navigate the many decisions you have to make in life, including building and maintaining strong relationships, achieving career goals, and overcoming anxiety.

You're just six weeks away from a more confident and capable you. The Welcome to Adulting Survival Guide will get you there in one piece.

My Reflections:

If you read my post on the first book by this authour you will remember how much I admired Jonathan Pokluda for his ability to speak truth into a very pivotal point in life, young adulthood. So much is happening at this time that it is no wonder that so many church raised young people fall away from their faith and get lost in the world. 

Pokluda simplifies things down in this book with easy to read devotionals and thought-provoking topics, even I who is well into Adulting found the readings enlightening and engaging! In this devotional, the reading starts with a topic then scripture and then a passage sprinkled with stories and step by step ways on how to navigate the issue. 

A few of the topics include A Day Of Rest, The Warning Signal For Anger, The Antidote for Anxiety, Too Fast or Not to Fast?, Live For Eternity to name just a few of my favourites. 

If you have a young adult it may be wise to leave this somewhere they may pick it up, or depending on your family you could do this together as a mom and son devotional? I'm pretty sure my son won't pick this up on his own, so I'm going to read a few here and there with him to start some great dialogue. 

Since these daily devotionals are short and sweet these will be a breeze to fit into any busy schedule. That being said they pack a punch and keep you pondering well after you have read your daily assignment. Pick up book one "Welcome To Adulting" but remember to get this companion guide, these two books are very different and you wouldn't want just one or the other. Thanks, Jonathan Pokluda, this is precisely what I was looking for in a Young Adult Devotional!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Jonathan Pokluda

Jonathan "JP" Pokluda is pastor at Harris Creek in Waco, Texas, and former leader of The Porch, where he saw the ministry grow from 150 to more than 7,000 young adults. The author of the bestselling Welcome to Adulting, Pokluda came to...

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Book Review: 100 Words Of Affirmation Your Husband Needs To Hear

From the Back:

Simple, Loving Words to Encourage Him Every Day
Every one of us has tremendous power to either build others up or tear them down through the words we speak every day, and nowhere is this more evident than in our marriages. Are you being purposeful in how you use the power of your words to speak encouragement, strength, and love--breathing life into the heart of your husband? Or are careless words negatively impacting your marriage and the heart of the one you love most?

Lisa Jacobson wants you to discover the powerful ways you can build up your husband in love with the words you choose to say every day--words every husband needs to hear. This book offers you 100 things to say to your husband that deeply encourage, affirm, and inspire him. Start speaking these words into his life and watch your husband--and your relationship--transform before your eyes.

My Reflections:

Lisa Jacobson's book hits the nail on the head with her book titled "100 words of affirmation your husband needs to hear." There were so many things I enjoyed about this book. I loved that it was small, easily read in bite-sized busy mom pieces. Her format is very clean precise and easy to maneuver. It's not overly wordy or flowery.

I adore my husband and want to show him just how much I do admire and love him. Life is busy and in that bluster, we often take for granted our treasured relationships. Jacobson's 100 words, is filled with her humour and candour. Jacobson reminds us that today is all we really have, let's seize this day to use the most powerful gift God has given us our tongue to uplift and strengthen our marriages. It starts with simple phrases like "I got your back Babe." My family roars at this because we have never used pet names, and that phrase is just so unlike our natural language that the kids think it's hilarious....however I think he secretly loves it! 

If you are looking for ways that you can use simple words to empower your relationships this may just be the book for you. I know I certainly enjoyed implementing these easy to use phrases into our everyday conversations.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Lisa Jacobson

Lisa Jacobson is an author, a speaker, and the founder and host of Club31Women.com, a powerful online community of Christian women authors who write weekly on the topics of husband, home, family, and biblical truths--a powerful voice for biblical womanhood...

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