Book Review" Braver Stronger Smarter

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:

I had the opportunity to set the stage for this book as I was able to read "Raising Worry-Free Girls" This first book has much more depth and insight but more geared to the parents. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and thought this book would be a fantastic way to connect with my daughter in a meaningful and safe way.

This second book "Braver Stronger Smarter" Could be done independently or with a parent. The foundation is laid for teaching girls the vocabulary to express their feelings. This is such an important skill for any child. The neat thing about this book is that it is adaptable and multifaceted, girls have the opportunity to notebook as they read through with a parent or independently. The note booking is unique because it takes all learners into consideration. An example is your child could respond with writing or drawing out the emotions they are feeling. Providing the opportunity to create different avenues of communication and expression.

If you have a young girl between the ages of 7-13 this would definitely be a fantastic tool to work on with your daughter (s).

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 counseling 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 counseling at Daystar...

Continue reading about Sissy Goff MEd, LPC-MHSP

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: 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: 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: 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 Review: Confident Moms, Confident Daughters

From The Back:

What we say to our daughters lasts a moment. What we show our daughters lasts a lifetime.
No matter how much we try to tell our daughters that they are beautiful and lovable as they are, words are not enough. And if we're honest, we don't always set the best example. How can we build up confident girls if we struggle to be confident ourselves?

With deep compassion, Maria Furlough delves into the root causes of our insecurity, offers biblical guidance for seeing ourselves as God sees us, and shows how to model our newfound confidence to our impressionable daughters. Speaking as a daughter, a youth leader, and a mother, Furlough shares her own struggles and triumphs, as well as expert advice from a pediatrician, a nutritionist, a Christian counsellor, and more.

My Reflections: If you are a woman who has an influential role in the life of a child this book is for you. Maria Furlough makes it plain that the answer to the issue of how to be more confident lies in our relationship with God. Her assertions are backed up with biblical wisdom and professional advice from experts working in the field.

Furlough balances her subject matter well with ideas about insecurity, self-image and the ways our culture has twisted the Biblical God lense of beauty identity in Christ. This book is a great reminder that our children are watching our actions and beliefs about ourselves and how we need to work on ourselves so in turn, our children can see healthy role modelling. 

The highlight for me in this book was to work hard to portray a healthy self-image regarding myself and my daughters. 
-Don't talk to your kids like you would a friend, they don't need to know personal struggles or burdens. 
-Honest frank discussions will build relationship and help your children feel free to come to you with their big and small problems. 
-Connect with your children, listen when they share their lives with you and be involved in the things they are involved in. 

This book is a fantastic refresher for any mom who has a tween or teenaged daughters or women who work with this age group. Building relationship is critical to the development of our daughters and resources like this one are wonderful tools to help keep this goal in check. I enjoyed the refreshing manner this authour presented her ideas and will certainly be watching for more from Maria Furlough in the future.

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

Maria Furlough

Maria Furlough is a wife to her husband, Dave, and a mother to one amazing eleven-year-old daughter, three ridiculously fun boys, and one baby boy who lives in the arms of Jesus. She teaches women's Bible studies and works as the Missions Team Leader at Lake...

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Book Review: Exhale

From The Back:

Move from running-on-empty to spent-and-content.
Exhale is for the woman suffocating under the pressure of being all things to all people; of filling every unfilled spot at church, work, and home; of trying to do it all right, make decisions that benefit everyone else, and keep everyone happy.

Rather than adding more to your to-do list, Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory show you how to
· lose the ill-fitting roles you've been trying to fill so that you can be lighter and freer,
· love your truest, God-created self with all your glorious gifts instead of trying to shove yourself into a mold, and
· live your one and only life in a way that you know truly matters.
This isn't a time-management book filled with how-to lists and calendar tools. Instead, it walks you through a process that releases you from the things that have created unbearable pressure. Then you'll be able to live the combination we all long for: fulfilling the desires of your heart, loving your people well, and bringing glory to God.

Live the life you were created for.

My Reflections:
This book is exactly what I was searching for and I found the common sense approach spoke to my practical, analytical side. Getting rid of the "things" that clutter my thinking and seriously suck the life out of me was of the utmost importance in my life right now. 

Authors Amy Carroll and Cheri Gregory have created a systematic approach to doing just this. The book is split into three parts: Loose Who You're Not, Love Who You Are and Live Your One Life Well. I liked the layout and found it easy to follow. One thing I will mention is the small font. I found it hard to read as the writing is faint and very tiny. That is the only thing that made me pause. 
I truly enjoyed the content, authors stories and the wisdom shared. Since these are some of the things I have been working on already I was able to dive into this book with new vigour and a sense of eagerness. 

If you are tired of trying to make your life fit into your neatly packed boxes or find those boxes you thought were so well organized just pewed its very contents all over the place, this book is for you. I love books who point us in the right direction, to the one who makes everything right again. Truly a book I will be keeping in my collection to reference again and again. 

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

Amy Carroll is a speaker and writer for Proverbs 31 Ministries, the author of Breaking Up with Perfect, and a cohost for the podcast Grit 'n' Grace. Amy and her husband live in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Find out more at www.amycarroll.org.

Cheri Gregory is a frequent speaker and the coauthor, with Kathi Lipp, of You Don't Have to Try So Hard and Overwhelmed. She's also a contributor to the (in)courage Devotional Bible. She lives with her family on the central California coast. Learn more at www.cherigregory.com.

Book Review: The Perfect You

From the Back:

There's only one you!
When God created the blueprint for the universe, you were already part of the plan. Science and Scripture show you're a unique, brilliantly designed, and intelligent individual who fills a role no one else can. So the more Perfect You you become, the more fulfilling and impactful your life will be.

What is the Perfect You? It's how you process and exhibit your uniqueness through the way you think, feel, and choose. Everything you do and experience has an impact on the world, which is why it is vital for you to understand

· what your Perfect You is
· when you are stepping out of your Perfect You
· the mental, physical, and spiritual implications of stepping out of your Perfect You
· and how to stay in your Perfect You

In this book, Dr. Caroline Leaf tackles this concept from theological, philosophical, and scientific angles, challenging you to think deeply about your identity and enabling you to apply these insights to your daily life. Drawn from thirty years of original research and twenty-five years of clinical experience, The Perfect You includes groundbreaking new insights and an eye-opening questionnaire designed to help you understand your Perfect You.

Are you tired of living in a suffocating box of expectations? The Perfect You will help you realize there was never a box to begin with!

My Reflections:
Ever have a book cross your path exactly when you need it, Yes this one was it. 
I love how God works! 
In "The Perfect You" you will find a harmonious blend of science and faith. 
Dr leaf invites her readers on a journey of self-discovery. 
Who has God created you to be when he knit you together in your mother's womb?

I have been a follower of Dr. Caroline Leaf since I read her book "Switch on Your Brain"
Dr. Leaf's expertise in brain science shines throughout this book. Leaf clearly lays out the brain's function, the philosophy and the science behind the unique ways we function. She weaves in how God created us each uniquely and perfectly formed. How we think is directly linked to how we feel, which often times is warped and just plain wrong. The deceiver wants to shatter our joy. God has the perfect plan for our lives. He already knows. Quote from the book:

"The Perfect you is how you uniquely and specifically feel, and how you uniquely and specifically choose. Our thinking is designed to reflect his image since we have the mind of Christ"

This is a very heavy book, don't expect to sit down read it over and have it all sorted in one go. Caroline Leaf has been studying the human brain for the entirety of her career.
There is a lot of information to get through in this book, but your effort is absolutely worth every minute. I love to unravel human nature, why we think certain ways and the outcomes of negative and positive habits. I find this stuff insanely intriguing! 


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

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist whose passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain and find their purpose in life. She is the author of Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat...

Continue reading about Dr. Caroline Leaf

Book Review: Free to Focus

From the Back:

Slay distractions, reduce your task list, and free yourself from interruptions

Everyone gets 168 hours a week, but it never feels like enough, does it? Work gobbles up the lion's share--many professionals work as much as 70 hours a week--leaving less and less margin for rest, exercise, family, and friends. If we're not careful, we can trade what matters most for a task list that grows longer by the day. What's the solution?

In Free to Focus, New York Times bestselling author Michael Hyatt reveals nine proven ways to win at work so you are finally free to succeed at the rest of life: your health, relationships, and more. He helps you

· redefine your work so it works for you
· filter your tasks and commitments
· cut out the nonessentials
· eliminate interruptions and distractions
· set boundaries that protect your focus and drive results
· leverage your time and energy for maximum productivity
· build momentum for a lifetime of success

Most people think productivity is about finding or saving time. But it's not. It's about making your time work for you. Just imagine having margin and free time again. It's not a pipe dream. You can be free to focus, starting today.

My Reflections:
As a small business owner time is always an issue. Have I done enough?, can I make this run more efficiently? How can I spend more time with my family?  Why don't I ever have enough time!? These are some of the questions that run through my head on a daily basis. 
Our business has a seasonal aspect to it so being productively efficient is more important than ever in my life right now. Imagine my delight when I spotted this book. I didn't think twice, Yes, please!

The system is a part of a whole bigger network of books by this author. He has written other books that will complement this one, and help readers further their skills. Another resource this book offers is online supplemental material recommendations, apps you can use to focus, It also gives you the website where you can download templates. I found this very handy, and easy to navigate.

I was a little worried at first, unplug from work? how does one do that with a home-based business? I'm the only one running this show! The phone rings I had better answer that! 
I was happily surprised by the s!simple framework, the easily manageable steps Michael Hyatt laid out. Will they be easy, no, are some of them achievable, absolutely! The affirming thing about this book was that I realized that I am already starting to incorporate some of the ideas presented here. 
All in all, I was very happy to read this book and think it is a must for anyone wanting to reclaim more time, dedicated work focus and the desire to become a more efficient and happy business owner. I am eager to implement these ideas and am sharing this book with my husband and co-owner!

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

About the Author: Michael Hyatt is the founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company, a leadership development firm specializing in transformative live events and workshops, plus digital and analog planning and productivity tools. Formerly chairman and CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers, Michael is also a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of several books, including Living Forward, Your Best Year Ever, and Platform. His work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Businessweek, Entrepreneur, and other publications. Michael has been married to his wife, Gail, for forty years. They have five daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. They live just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Learn more at MichaelHyatt.com.

Book Review: Switch On Your Brain Every Day

From The Back:

A happier, healthier, more enjoyable life--starting today! What we think about affects us both physically and emotionally. According to researchers, the vast majority of the illnesses that plague us today are a direct result of a toxic thought life.

In her bestselling book Switch On Your Brain, Dr. Caroline Leaf offered a prescription for better health and wholeness through correct thinking patterns. Now she shows you how to instill the practices for living a healthy, happy life into your daily routine. These readings offer encouragement and strategies to reap the benefits of a detoxed thought life--every day!

Are you ready to experience maximum happiness and health? Then switch on your brain!

My Reflections:
January to March are usually the months where people start to think about changing their lives whether it be more exercise or a total revamp on one's life patterns. I reviewed this book "Switch On Your Brain Every Day" because one, I absolutely love this authour, and two, I'm in the stage of life where I need to revamp and switch to a few healthier habits.

Before delving deeply into this book I read the introduction, titled "How To Get The Most Out Of These Readings" This was extremely helpful material, and I would highly recommend you start here as well. If you haven't read Switch On Your Brain, I would go out and get that book first, as that teaching is the fundamental structure of this book. It is not absolutely necessary, however, it is one of my all time favourites and I highly recommend it! This introduction will give you insight into the daily readings making your journey that much more impactful!

Each daily reading opens with a scripture verse that correlates with the daily topic of discussion. This is followed by a daily brainy tip. following these is a thought-provoking message, guiding readers to think deeply and grow in your daily walk. You are encouraged to journal and really walk out the teachings. I really enjoyed the many scriptures and God's message to us all about how he created our mind, body and spirit to work in unison.

I highly recommend this book along with "Switch On Your Brain" Life is a never-ending journey filled with growth and ups and downs, focusing on scripture and God's design for our lives is one of the best ways to maneuver through the maze and hills we call our lives.
I absolutely loved learning about the many deep and complex subject matters. I was especially interested in learning about neuroplasticity, neurophysics, toxic thought patterns and the connections between mental/ physical health faith and healing. 

Seriously go get this book, it is a game changer!

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

Dr. Caroline Leaf

Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist whose passion is to help people see the power of the mind to change the brain and find their purpose in life. She is the author of Switch On Your Brain, Think and Eat...

Continue reading about Dr. Caroline Leaf

Book Review: When Your Kid Is Hurting

From the Back:

No parent likes to see their child in pain.
But you can navigate even negative events with less drama, more resilience, and a positive attitude.Life isn't always predictable or safe, and today's kids live in an increasingly unstable world. Being bombarded by headlines highlighting school shootings, bullying, and ethnic violence is only the start. Add on peer pressure, a friend's betrayal, nasty jabs on social media, and being stuck in the middle of a divorce, and it's no wonder kids of all ages are facing significant trauma.

In When Your Kid Is Hurting, internationally known psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Kevin Leman offers practical, time-tested strategies to best help hurting kids, including

· what to say (and not say) when bad things happen
· how to get a hurting kid to talk to you
· when to intervene and when to let your child problem-solve
· how to turn trauma into teachable moments rather than fostering a victim mentality
· understanding the three greatest fears every kid has . . . and the biggest antidotes
· how being proactive can turn difficult situations around and provide future protection
· why the words you choose to use with your child are critical to their recovery

You can help your child get up after being knocked down. When Your Kid Is Hurting will help you not only be your child's best advocate in a healthy way but also reveal secrets for strengthening your lifelong relationship.

My Reflections:

Kevin Leman's newest parenting book was not quite what I was expecting. This book is geared for parents trying to support the next generation to a successful, happy life. Our world is changing faster than ever, our kids are experiencing things we never had to deal with, which leaves me often scrambling trying to support the emotional and mental fallout. 

Hard experiences are an everyday battle we all face, and children are just that more vulnerable to the backlash of hurt and rejection. Kids can't escape from the pressure these days, with social media, net addiction and the ever constant connectedness kids don't get the same reprieve we did growing up. Faith, love, safety, understanding and acceptance are the scaffolding we all need. Sadly our children are often lacking on one or more of these essentials.

I found many very helpful topics in this book, after all, Kevin Leman is one of the leading Christian authours parents default to. However, I had to disagree with a few aspects of this book. I expected Leman to teach from a Christian worldview, however, this book seems to have a secular bent. I know our children face issues like gender identity, and adolescent pregnancy and many others, however, I expected Leman to address issues with a Christian perspective. This was not the case. I understand writing to all audiences but I was hoping for substance, good hard questions to be answered in a biblically sound manner. This was not my experience.

That being said I did glean much from the book, I found it to be a good refresher on parenting, and especially enjoyed Chapter five Getting behind your child's eyes, very thought-provoking.

In closing, though I didn't feel this parenting book lived up to the Christian standards I adhere to, and I will not be recommending it to my friends and readers. Some readers may find the topics enlightening and disagree with my opinions, as they are solely my own.

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

Dr. Kevin Leman

Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, radio and television personality, and speaker who has taught and entertained audiences worldwide with his wit and commonsense psychology. He has made house calls for hundreds of radio and television...

Continue reading about Dr. Kevin Leman

Book Review: Battle Ready Train Your Mind to Conquer Challenges, Defeat Doubt, And Live Victoriously

From The Back:

"The best time to be strengthened against the Enemy's tactics of doubt, disappointment, and devastation is before he makes his first move toward us. We all desperately need the biblical guidance and preparation found in Battle Ready!"--Lysa TerKeurst, New York Times bestselling author and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries


Too often we fail to prepare for our battles. So when challenges, troubles, or opportunities arise, we rapidly become burdened with limiting thoughts of self-doubt, fear, impossibility, and lack. But it doesn't have to be this way. We can train our minds to conquer uncertainty, beat insecurity, and step past the tragedies of yesterday.

Battle Ready is a hands-on scriptural plan that teaches you twelve easy-to-implement, confidence-building mind-sets designed to transform your thoughts and, therefore, your life. You'll gain practical wisdom, like how to

· make new habits stick in just five steps
· disarm the seven most common attacks that plague women
· exchange self-limiting thoughts for purpose-driven, love-releasing thoughts
· implement thirty-second mind-lifters that deliver peace
· create boundaries so you live life full of what matters

You can live victoriously.

My Reflections:

This book is brilliant! I was not quite sure what I was expecting going into this one, but it was probably along the lines of getting a few good points then moving on. Not this book. This book is a slow, savoury filling of the mind, heart and soul. This book has so much depth you just need to soak it in and let the word bath you in truth and ready you for the next battle. 

Kelly Balarie's book encourages us to look at scriptures we all know and love in a whole new light. She points out that our feelings are not reality, that God's word is the only stability we need. 

Balarie lays out twelve warrior mindsets, and an action plan to utilize them. I absolutely love how encouraging and down to earth this authour is. Her writing is well laid out, with plenty of resources to support the journey along the way. It is exciting to really delve into a book that has a systematic and well thought out plan to change the way we chatter to ourselves in our own mind. We may not be aware of the lies, judging and comparisons we are playing over and over in our own thoughts on a daily basis, but these lies are shaping who we are and how we act. I for one am done with this useless limiting behaviour, I'm ready for God's truth and love to replace the tarnished bits. Bring it on!

Battle Ready is much more than a mear Bible Study or another self-help book, it is a powerful weapon that will enable you to become more aware and apply God's truth to your life!

This book is a life changer, and I have read a lot of these books, it won't happen overnight, there is no perfect sequence, it will take God's spirit in us, encouraging us one step at a time, are you ready for change?

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

1. Kelly Balarie

   Kelly Balarie is a passionate national speaker who has spent nearly ten years leading groups of women in spiritual growth, marriage building, and general Bible studies across the nation. She has lived her subject matter. Her faith was built as she battled...

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Book Review: How Joyful People Think

From The Back:

The secret to getting the most out of life is within your reach

Two people can face the same type of adversity and have two vastly different reactions, even when they have the same background and worldview. What makes the difference? Perspective--the way they think about things. Right thinking matters, and thankfully it's something we all can learn to do.

In this insightful unpacking of Philippians 4:8, pastor Jamie Rasmussen shows you how to focus your thoughts and attention on the things in life God has declared will make a meaningful impact on both your outlook and experience. It's the kind of thinking that has the power to change us, pointing us away from self-pity, anger, and resentment toward contentment and personal peace.

My Reflections: 

Funny how a book comes along just when you need it. Is this coincidence or is this God? You guessed it, his love surpasses all understanding, and I will never understand just how he can love me enough to peak into my life in the seemingly smallest of areas! This week has been hard. Nothing earth-shattering, just mundane hard days, kids fighting, booking errors, homeschool angst. You know the run of the mill joy sucking kind of week.

How Joyful People think is a remarkable deep book considering it is focusing on a teeny tiny passage in the Bible, Philippians 4:8.

If you are anything like me and have read so many self-help books you basically are a self-help encyclopedia. I am amazed that a book can tell me anything I have not already heard. This book by Jamie Rasmussen is truly unique. It shows how real change is accomplished through God's design. 8 way of thinking. Could it really be that simple? 
Seems like God thinks so, so it must be. We have all heard you are what you think, but it is so much deeper than this. If you have ever found yourself running on that Ferris wheel of negative self talk, unhelpful nerritives, this book was written for you (and me.) 

I so enjoyed this authours deep, yet easy to read book, the unpacking of Philippians 4:8 was done in such an understandable and readable fashion. 
A must read!
"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc."

Jamie Rasmussen

Jamie Rasmussen (MDiv, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the senior pastor of Scottsdale Bible Church, which is regularly listed on Outreach magazine's Top 100 list in both size and speed of growth for the past ten years. He has been an ordained...

Continue reading about Jamie Rasmussen