A Mom's Prayers for Her Son: Praying for Every Part of His Life

As a mother of three young boys, I'm constantly on the lookout for books that give wisdom and direction in raising boys. More so even than these however, I'm constantly looking for guidance on how to pray for them. Prayer is such a powerful tool and weapon at our disposal, and I constantly feel like I lack in this department, which grieves me because I know how effective it is and how it is our best way to communicate and have fellowship with our Lord and Creator. As Rob Tiegen says in the beginning of the book, "Out of all the things my wife does for our family, the greatest are her prayers for us every day. It's a tremendous way that she demonstrates love for her family." I've read other books on being a praying wife and mother, but they have usually all been general in nature, not necessarily giving examples. This one is different.

I loved A Mom's Prayers for Her Son! Written by Rob and Joanna Teigen, the book has a brief preface from each author before diving right in to the meat of it... 77 prayers that cover the needs of your children ranging from discipline and comfort issues, to spiritual maturity and future decisions. The last prayer is even one for when we don't know what to pray! Intermixed between these are encouraging stories from mothers, as well as advice or wisdom when it comes to topics like idols, blessings or failures, where we as parents can become part of the problem. For example, one point that stuck out to me was that we need to be careful in praying for blessings, because when we think we are praying for bread, we might be praying for stones instead, and we don't want the perceived blessings to break their communion with God. Even though I probably wouldn't pray these prayers word for word, they still gave me wonderful ideas so that my prayers don't become monotonous and rote. Each chapter (prayer) also begins with at least a couple of verses (usually in NIV) that pertain to the topic, which I was so thankful for, because if you enjoy praying Scripture over your children, these will give you some direction on where to begin. Although directed towards mothers for their sons, I think many of these prayers could be adapted to meet the need for prayer for siblings, friends, etc, and I have done this already.

I received a copy free in exchange for my review, but unfortunately it was lost in the mail. It must have been divine Providence though, because when the copy arrived, I had been frazzled after a week of dealing with three sick children. I sat down and began reading/praying through some of the prayers and I could just feel the burdens and weariness being lifted and a divine peace settling over me. These prayers were also a timely reminder that no matter how 'great' we are as parents, every good gift is from above, and only God can bring the increase into their lives, giving us a freedom to just be ourselves, if we choose to acknowledge and apply this truth. Although I recommend this book, I think it is best as a reference to go to when you need guidance with what to pray for a specific situation, as it was hard for me to read straight through for the review, even with the scattered personal stories throughout (which I don't think this was made to be a book for that), as many of these prayers are not applicable to my younger children yet!

Disclosure of Material Connection: As stated in the review, I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for the review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Simplify

Simplify. The book showed up on my doorstep as I was surrounded by boxes and junk, packing for our interstate move. Simplify. It sat on our counter amidst the crazy schedule of our last month, the goings and comings, "last" dinners with friends, celebratory meals with coworkers, tearful farewells. Simplify. It travelled with me as I begrudgingly left my children behind and flew to an earthly paradise with my husband who attended conference seminars while I read and explored. Simplify. It lingered on my nightstand through all those first lonely, emotional nights in our new home.

I think this book took me the longest to read of practically any book I've read recently. And it's not because it was not good or applicable. It's because it was. A little too much. From time management to friendships, God gave me this book in His perfect timing to gently whisper to me and constantly remind me of what I need to do: Simplify.

In his book, Bill Hybel focuses upon ten aspects of a person's life, and how we can simplify and declutter these areas, leading to a richer, fulfilled life with our family, coworkers, friends and most importantly, God. By becoming more discriminate with our lives, we are able to better fulfill God's calling for us, rather than sacrificing the intangibles for the non-essentials that will deplete us.  Each chapter ends with "Action Steps" to give you ideas and help you accomplish the chapter's objective. At the end are two appendices dealing with seeking out a life verse (as a supplement to one of the chapters of the book). The book is filled with practical, applicable tips and one-liners that got me thinking...

• How would I spend my time if I truly believed and lived as if God were in charge of it?

• Knowing that simple decisions have generational legacies, what investment of my time am I taking with my husband, my children and those I love?

• Am I living my life in light of this, with the knowledge that I will one day stand before God for the actions taken in this life?

• Are my excuses really just the surface of underlying character issues that need to be dealt with?

• Am I living my life as though God's current provision for me is not enough? Am I joyfully living within this provision?

• Am I so filled with the grace and love of God that I am not easily provoked when the minor irritations of life beset me? Are they first world problems? Am I in need of a reality check? Am I prioritizing people over convenience?

• Am I fearful and deceived, or am I allowing Christ to reign fully within me, his hand steadying me as I walk on the waters of life?

• Am I thinking in terms of the years for this present life, or in the immensity of the eternal?

• What is God wanting to teach me in my current season of life? Is Christ enough for me?

So I read and reread it's chapters. Underlining. Jotting notes and prayers in the margins. Starring sections. Silencing myself from the voices of the world, listening for the whispers of God amidst my tears. No my life still isn't perfect. No, I still have a long way to go before it's bare-bones and only for Jesus. Yes, I've heard some of this information and advice before, but this book helped to keep things in the forefront of my mind. Yes, I will probably mess up again, and need reminders like what this book offers. But I'm on the right course for this race. And for that I'm thankful.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest, personal review.

I Need Some Help Here!

 

I knew this book was going to be good when I saw the cover of the book and could relate to the picture. With three little ones running around the house, life can be a bit crazy. It's so easy to become overwhelmed, embarrassed or guilty, especially when you compare yourself to others, or your children are not going according to the plans or dreams you had envisioned.

I Need Some Help Here! is a book written by Kathi Lipp. It is filled with not only wisdom and practical advice, but examples and stories from mothers who have weathered and survived the storm of parenthood through the grace of God. I feel like this is a book that I will look back upon often, as it easily relates to young children as well as teenagers. Each chapter points out how the parent can feel desperate, helpless, frustrated or powerless while in the battlefield of life; it then follows with a section highlighting an attribute of God in each of those circumstances. I loved that. It is so easy to forget that He is above all and in all when we are in the trenches. Additionally, many chapters ended with scriptural prayers that can be prayed for both yourself and your child.

This book is for all those moms that need to be reminded that we are not alone, even if it appears that way on the outside. It also serves as an encourager for us to not hold it in, but seek friendships with others that support us, people we can be honest and transparent with, ones that will stand beside us, raising us up and praying for us.

This review was given in exchange for a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own. :)

Finding Spiritual Whitespace

This post is part of the  “Finding Spiritual Whitespace Blog Tour” which I am a part of...
To learn more, CLICK HERE!  

 

We've been a bit non-stop lately.

I once heard the analogy that your life is like a bunch of glass jars lined up on a mantle. Each jar is representative of the time in your day spent with someone or doing an activity. There are only so many jars you can place up there. If you try to put up too many, something else will fall off.

I feel like this is how my life has been these past few months. Some things have unfortunately fallen off the shelf and others aren't getting the time and quality they deserve as I live a jam-packed schedule. And, as, evidenced by the past few posts, my shelf has been sagging, burdened by the weight of it all.

Enter the need for whitespace. In her book, Finding Spiritual Whitespace, Bonnie Gray explores how we can awaken our soul to spiritual rest and a closer communion with Christ. The Bible clearly portrays God as the divine Creator, the great artist in this world, who formed us all to be beautiful individuals... His handiwork. Gray argues that all great works of art and composition need to be surrounded by whitespace, the place where the eye can rest (or in the case of a composition, a musical interval break). Whitespace quiets the noisy background and gives artistic value. Nurturing our souls with whitespace is a call to actually live a life of extravagance, to recognize that God created us beautiful, as is, and we don't need to clutter up our lives like pictures overtaking a fridge and continue to perform in order to improve ourselves. We need whitespace in order to live a beautiful life for God.

Bonnie Gray was working on her book when she began suffering from anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD. She began suffering from insomnia and reliving painful memories from her past, ones she thought she had overcome, but had really just been pushed and hidden within her. Through her struggles and search for whitespace, she discovered four elements that are key in this endeavor: creativity, adventure, community and soul care. Gray, the faith barista, writes and provides examples of how you can sip and delight in these elements while nurturing your soul. At the end of each chapter she provides questions and activities for reflection, ideal for a small group setting.

The book was written in an interesting way, skipping from painful memories of Gray's childhood, to more present ones and sessions with her psychiatrist, to reflective application for the here and now. At times it was difficult for me to read, though I wonder if it was mostly from my own burdens at the time. God used this book to speak to me however; almost each chapter I read helped me as I struggled to trust and serve His direction in our move. I was reminded that often, the harder path is to choose rest, looking to none but Jesus. It is not always easy to choose the intimacy rest requires over the safer and easier path of continuing along in my normal routine. It is not a simple flip of a switch, but requires intentional effort to forcefully stop myself to not think of our impending move, but when I did so, it was only then that I felt peace. At my most vulnerable moments was when I could truly feel an intimate relationship with Him, knowing that when I am weak, He alone is glorified. I would definitely like to read this book again, soaking up more of it's applicable wisdom.

 

Bonnie Gray is the writer behind Faith Barista.com who wrote a book about her inspiring, heart-breaking journey to find rest. I was given a free copy in exchange for a review.
If you would like to know more about the freedom and rest  in Christ that whitespace can give you, you can get a copy HERE.

Just 18 Summers

I normally shy away from fictional novels. It’s not that I do not like them, but I feel like they are not necessarily a good use of my free time, as I would prefer even my “free” time to be productive in some manner; thus I tend to lean towards books that will lead to spiritual or personal growth. And to be fully honest with you, I also lack self-control. When I start reading a decent fictional work, I get caught up in it so that I can’t focus mentally on the tasks around me until I put the completed book down. Even when the ending is predictable, it’s hard for me to sleep until it is finished… not so bad when I was single, but not when I am married with three little ones running around!

So why did I choose this book to review? I read the description and background behind the book and was interested before I realized it was a novel. But by then my curiosity had gotten the best of me and well, let’s just say I didn’t mind staying on the exercise bike ;)

Written by Rene Gutteridge and Michelle Cox, Just 18 Summers is a novel about four families that struggle with grief, identity and life in the summer after the death of Jenny Browning. From the memories and written accounts in the book (each chapter is written from the perspective of different characters), the reader easily deduces that Jenny was not only a wife, sister, and friend, but also a devout believer in Christ whose life had a left a rippling effect in those around her. Each family is thus left treading water at different stages of life, trying to do it alone, apart from God’s grace. Butch Browning is the father struggling with his new life as a widower. The Andersons are suffering regret as they prepare to “lose” to children to the next stage of life (college and marriage). The O’Reilly’s are a young couple expecting their first child. The Buckleys have fallen into the trap of trying to provide their children every opportunity the mother did not have growing up. 

By the end of the book, through the counseling of a therapist who happens to be a Christian, they’ve all learned the truth that an elderly billionaire learned too late, lonely reminiscing that 

When your child is born, eighteen years seems like they’ll last forever. But it goes by in a blink. … You have just eighteen summers to make memories together. You can’t go back and rewind those days. (p167) 

What a good message though! I’ve found myself thinking “18 summers” often since finishing this book, as it does seem to put it into a more tangible time frame how  much time I have with  my children; it is a good reminder to be intentional with our children, both in teaching them to walk in the Lord and to make lasting memories together, while also not being so fully absorbed in them that you don’t have moments to yourself to get the rest and break you need to rejuvenate yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Although their characters seem to each be a stereotypical extreme, they are nonetheless easily relatable- and I believe most people would be able to identify with one of the four families. Reflecting upon the novel, I was most able to relate to Daphne. No, I didn’t baby proof my home with pool noodles, nor did I worry my floor carpeting was too hard, but I do tend to seek out godly parenting books (you can almost always find one on the nightstand!) in order to try to garner “tangible, applicable” wisdom, when  in conviction I wonder whether if I just read the Bible and prayed whether I would be fairing just as well (if not better), rather than struggling with “not doing enough”, the same thought I think each of these four families struggled with at different degrees. So I appreciated the gentle reminder when Beth tells a laboring Daphne that, “All the books in the world won’t help you live in the moment… God has a plan and a purpose for this little child, and He’s letting you be a part of it, so don’t worry.” (p336) 

What a great reminder of the blessing (and calling) God has given us this Mother’s Day!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I will be received this book free from the publisher in exchange for the review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Donkey Who Carried a King

With Palm Sunday just past and Easter approaching, I was reminded of The Donkey Who Carried a King, a children's book written by R.C. Sproul, with earthy-toned illustrations by Chuck Groenink. Although it's title could hint towards it being a story about Palm Sunday, the triumphal entry is really only given a page spread in the book, as it's about so much more.

 

Sproul's frame narrative begins with a little boy Reilly walking home from a day playing with friends. He is sad because he was chosen last in their game. His parents direct him to the sage advice of his grandfather who then tells him the story of a donkey named Davey. Davey was a young colt who had yet to be chosen for any task. When he is finally chosen, it is to carry Christ in His triumphal entry through the streets of Jerusalem. After this privilege, Davey sees himself as too important for the trivial assignments given to him by his owner. Through the wise words of an older donkey, Barnabas, as well as later watching Christ walk to his crucifixion, Davey learns the lessons of servanthood, obedience and a joyful heart.
 

As with some of Sproul's other tales, my four-year old wasn't as interested with the story of Reilly so much as he was with the story of Davey. He did have empathy towards Reilly, especially as he recently had been told by another little boy that they were not friends (The beginning of many scars that will happen in his life, I'm sure, but still hard to take in!). He also enjoyed guessing the Bible stories when the donkeys were talking about their famous predecessors. I once again appreciated how Sproul includes in both narratives the involvement of the generations and the father looking to the older grandfather as a source of wisdom (Job 12:12). There were many wonderful nuggets and lessons tucked into the story and expounded upon in a 3-pg discussion portion at the end of the book. The main lesson being that Christ's life was one of servanthood reflected throughout His life and ministry, and is an example to us, His followers (Matthew 20:28).  I loved that Sproul uses the term "master" when the two donkeys speak of their owner. It makes reality hit home more when the older Barnabas instructs, "...whatever the master decides to put on our backs. Every job is important, even carrying a sack of olives, and you should do your best to do it well." The story shows how God chose Jesus for the worst job- taking the sins of mankind with Him upon the cross; with whatever task we have before us, we should perform it diligently with a cheerful heart for the Lord (Colossians 3:23, I Thess 5:16-18). A good lesson when reinforcing the menial tasks around the house (and a good reminder for this Mama when she is often weary from her calling)! This was a good reinforcement for my young child, who is already constantly trying to be a servant and knight. In addition, both the donkey and the boy struggle with identity and purpose, areas where I think many can relate as well. I was able to use this to show my son that we are children of the King and He is our faithful Friend and will never forsake us.

 

In conclusion, our family enjoyed this book and I would recommend it, again, not as a book specifically about Easter week (though the story finishes with Christ's resurrection and the resulting hope for mankind from His shed blood), but as one to help establish biblical character traits. I do enjoy adding it to our books we read during this Easter season however, as it adds a side narrative to the already well-known story and celebration in our home.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I will be receiving this book free from the publisher in exchange for the review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Let There Be Light

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a 1984 Nobel Peace Prize winner, and best-selling author/illustrator Nancy Tillman were teamed together to produce Let There Be Light. With text taken from his Children of God Storybook Bible, this book is written for young children. It elaborately tells the creation story with anthropomorphic detail to make it personal and palpable for the child, including phrases such as, "God's love bubbled over when there was nothing else" and "God... clapped his hands together in delight. 'Isn't it wonderful!'". In addition, Tillman's artwork is imaginative and vivid, with intricate layers such as the wrinkles on the elephant, and the flower bursting forth from an African plain and music sheet.

I thought the illustrations were beautiful and creative. In each picture, Tillman places either the image/form of God or His hand, to show that He was actively involved in the creation of the world, hovering over its existence (although it could be semantically argued that God merely had to speak, no hands needed...). The text only loosely follows Scripture, taking away some of the important repetition seen in Genesis 1 (although Tutu specifies the days, he only mentions the evening and morning differentiations, as well as that God saw it was good once), while embellishing to draw out the feelings in the young child, by reminding the reader of the glory of a flower or how noisy the world would've been after the creation of the animals. Although my two-year old child enjoyed the story, my only real issue with the book is surprisingly what my disappointed four-year old child also pointed out; after I finished, he said that the book was "plain". Asking him to elaborate for me (the illustrations and text seemed anything but!), he said that it wasn't the full creation story, because although God made children, he didn't do it on the sixth day, but instead made Adam and Eve. My child noted that unfortunately, they forgot to draw in these two essential characters to the creation story, with Tillman instead opting for a scene of multi-racial, crowned children enjoying creation.

  

I don't think that our qualm is necessarily a recommendation-killer, but I do think that Let There Be Light  is for those looking for a whimsical book with well-known names attached, whereas those who would rather have the creation account with less embellishment would be best served looking elsewhere.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

The Prince's Poison Cup

The Prince's Poison Cup is an allegorical book that begins with a little girl, Ella, who has a stomach ache and is given medicine by her father. Unlike the sugary syrups in today's world, this one did not impress the child and she asked the question, "Why does medicine taste so bad if it's going to make us well?" Her father passes the baton to her grandfather who then tells the child a story about the King of Life who can create anything; He has created a beautiful park for His people and enjoys walking in it with them. He also created a lovely fountain, but gave them strict instructions not to drink it's clear flowing water. Of course they are tempted by his archenemy, and their hearts are turned into stone as a result. They leave the park, set up their own dark city and remain in that state until the Prince enters their city to rescue them. Sent by the King, the Prince must fill a golden cup with murky, smelly poison that bubbles up from their city's fountain. When he drinks it, he dies, amongst a triumphant cold-hearted crowd. The King enters the plaza however, brings Him back to life, and the fountain is transformed. The Prince offers this new water as life to all who would come.

After reading the book once to make sure it was theologically sound, I read it to my four-year old. He loved it and has requested it multiple times the past few days. What did he enjoy about it? First, he liked the fact that there was a king and prince involved. Next, he loved that the story was similar to the redemption story of the Bible. After every page, he would point out that "the King of Life was like God, because He created the whole world too!" or "the archenemy was like Satan who pretended to be that naughty snake and lied". It could be just the boy in him, but he didn't really seem to get into the background story at all, usually zoning out at the end, and I think this book would have been just fine without Ella and her Grandpa. The only thing he said was missing was that the Prince needed a white horse just like Jesus, though I had to remind him that Christ won't come riding on His white horse until the end. :)

I also thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The illustrations (by Justin Gerard) are lovely and capturing, from the rounded cherubic faces of those filled with love for their Creator, to the hardened, chiseled features of those whose hearts have turned to stone. The author, RC Sproul, is also the founder of Ligonier Ministries. On their website, he states that he started his ministry to "faithfully present the unvarnished truth of Scripture to help people grow in their knowledge of God and His holiness." I believe he accomplished this masterfully in this children's book, as even my four-year old was able to see the allegorical comparison. You can tell Sproul focused on every detail, hinting back to Scripture when he could (There are some great discussion questions and Biblical references at the end of the book). I loved the progression of sin that you could see with the people and the fountain (James 1:14-15, I John 2:15-16), and how he subtly establishes the respect for wisdom from the elderly. Personally, my only fault was at the end, where the Grandpa notes that the origin of sickness was brought about by sin- I felt that his contrasting explanation of this medicine to the cup of poison was forced. In the end however, I highly recommend this book, as yet another creative way (I'm always looking for them!) to teach such the story of God's love, sacrifice and redemption for us.

Disclaimer: I will be receiving a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.