Setting Limits with your Strong-Willed Teen by Robert J. MacKenzie, Ed.D.

First of all, let me just say that I think that any parent would benefit from reading “Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Teen” by Robert J. MacKenzie, Ed. D.  The author shares a plethora of stories and ideas about communication, expectations, setting guidelines, and examples of consequences if your child makes the choice not to follow the rules. 

I must admit that I don’t buy in 100% with everything the author suggests, but I learned so much about being clear with expectations and communicating those with the good/bad consequences if they are/aren’t met.  Every child is different, but I believe that any parent will see their child in this book somewhere. 

Being a parent is far too important to just hope and guess.  I would highly recommend this book.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest opinion.   

Devotions from the Garden with Miriam Drennan

If you are like me, you love devotionals.  This one, "Devotions from the Garden: Finding Peace and Rest from Your Hurried Life" with Miriam Drennan is filled with gardening references that creatively parallel Biblical truths.  For the new gardener or an avid one, the readings are interesting.  Starting with a Bible verse and ending with a prayer, the devotions are short yet meaningful.  All this and beautiful photography, too.

I enjoyed this devotional and think it would be a wonderful gift, too.
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible by Keith Ferrin

When I had an opportunity to review "How to Enjoy Reading Your Bible" by Keith Ferrin, I felt like this book could be an answer to a prayer.  Honestly, I have been struggling with this and have been feeling badly about my luke-warm feelings about reading my Bible.  I appreciated that Mr. Ferrin meets this head-on without making you feel like a second-rate Christian, and logically explains why this is happening and the game plan to overcome it.

I am looking forward to using the suggestions, tools, and questions and am looking forward to the joy of reading my Bible.  The reason for 4 stars and not 5?  That would have to come with actually putting the 10 Tips into practice.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion. 

Only God Can Make a Kitten by Rhonda Gowler Greene, illustrated by Laura J. Bryant

Although my children are "too old" for books like this, I'm not!  I must admit, children's books make fabulous gifts and I normally adore books that have a faith-based message, too.

"Only God Can Make a Kitten" by Rhonda Gowler Green and beautifully illustrated by Laura J. Bryant are no exception.  This witty little book with its soft and delightful illustrations are sure to be a family favorite.  I really appreciated the overall theme of this book which is God made everything.  Length of book is good, too, for little attention spans.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Revolution that Changed the World by Dr. David Jeremiah

"The Revolution that Changed the World" by Dr. David Jeremiah is an easy-to-read and -understand account of the end of Jesus' ministry and the beginning of the Christian Church after Jesus' death, resurrection, and ascension. 

Dr. Jeremiah gives great insight to what the new believers faced at the time and focuses on Peter's ministry as well as briefly on Paul's. 

A great resource for new believers or those questioning the Christian faith, but would also be appreciated by life-long followers as well. 

Although I was unaware of the "television event", it it is half as good as the book, it would be well worth watching.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture by Kevin Harvey

"All You Want to Know About the Bible in Pop Culture: Finding Our Creator in Superheroes, Prince Charming, and Other Modern Marvels" by Kevin Harvey is an interesting and entertaining book  filled with parallels in movies, television shows, and music to the Bible.

I must admit, I'm not much of a TV watcher (unlike Mr. Harvey), so a lot of his analogies were lost on me, but not entirely.  The author definitely has done his homework and the amount of effort and research put into this book must have been considerable.  For the reader, though, it was a fun and sometimes fascinating ride.

Not only are there similarities in pop culture to the Bible given, there are great Bible quizzes throughout the book (multiple choice... yet some tough questions) as well as the last 50 pages or so are mazes, crosswords and other puzzles that make you dive deeper into your Bible.  Very cool.



Great book for those who really enjoy movies and TV, like puzzles, and/or are fascinated by what is going on in pop culture today.
 
Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Sex Matters by Jonathan McKee

"Sex Matters" by Jonathan McKee is a great read for both parents and teens.  It is honest and doesn't hold anything back, all backed by Scripture.

A great companion to "More than Just the Talk" by Jonathan McKee as well, this book gives answers and sound advice that we can share with our children.  I love how easy the author makes it and the priceless courage he imparts with his experience as a youth minister.

If you have kids, you need this book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.