Book Review: The Christian Parenting Handbook

The Christian Parenting Handbook: 50 Heart-Based Strategies for All the Stages of Your Child's Life. By Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller, R.N. Thomas Nelson: Nashville, Tennessee. pp. 240. 2013. (List Price $16.99 Paperback | Kindle)

Reviewed by my wife Hannah.

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4 out of 5 stars

If you’re overwhelmed trying to choose a Christian parenting book from all the options available, try starting with this small book. Short chapters and practical examples make it easy to pick up and set down if you only have a few minutes to read at a time. Unlike other books about raising children, I didn’t have to sift through statistics on teen pregnancy or an explanation of child development. The authors stuck to the main point of the book: developing a biblical parenting philosophy.

Besides its conciseness, I also liked how the advice is relevant for any age group, from toddlers to teens. Most chapters present a basic principle, like firmness instead of harshness, and then elaborate on how to use the principle in specific situations. I would recommend it for parents who want to raise responsible, Godly children.

I did not appreciate how the authors pull Bible verses out of context to support their points. The book doesn’t take time to explain to understand the verses outside of a narrow focus on parenting. New Christians may especially have difficulty understanding what they read in the Bible after reading this book because the Bible isn’t a collection of verses about parenting and other topics.

Even though I don't like the authors' use of Scripture, I would still recommend this book because it teaches Biblical thinking about parenting in an easy-to-read format.

I received this book from the publisher for the purposes of review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Most to Lose

Hannah and I have been working through the television series M*A*S*H since last December and are nearing the end of the eleven-season show. Watching it in the original broadcast order, as opposed to seeing it on TV-Land like when I was a kid, allows us to see how the show progressed and the characters developed over time. Hawkeye, the main character, has gone from a womanizing goof-off to become much more serious and jaded. BJ Hunnicutt, who came as a light-hearted and positive character, has been developing a very short temper, and news from home typically sets him off into a deep depression and he becomes very obsessive and erratic.

In the most recent episode we saw Hunnicutt gets a letter from home where his wife tells him she’s getting a job as a waitress. It seems the military doesn’t pay as well as a private medical practice, and his mortgage and student loan debt require her to assist the family. Hunnicutt gets very upset over this news. His children, who were just babies when he left for Korea, are growing up without him, and now he fears they have to grow up without a mother at home as well. He starts gambling in an attempt to win the money he needs to pay off his debts to his wife can stay at home. He raises the stakes far beyond what their typical poker games go for, and he actually wins. Eventually he tries gambling over change, trying to milk every last penny from the people around him, growing more and more obsessive until he’s confronted by Hawkeye and the head nurse, Major Houlihan.

Hunnicutt launches into a tirade against his friends. They don’t have spouses. They don’t have children. And when the war is over they can go back to the lives they left. But he’s never going to get that time back with his wife and children. He’s missing their childhood, and they’re missing a husband and father. Houlihan comes back at Hunnicutt saying, “How dare you think your brand of suffering is worse than anyone else's! Maybe you do have the most to lose but that's only because you've got the most!”

The episode ends with Hunnicutt apologizing to his friends and everyone sharing some of his wife’s rum cookies—free of charge.

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I was really struck by Houlihan’s rebuke of Hunnicutt, “Maybe you do have the most to lose but that's only because you've got the most!”

Jesus could have said the same thing to the rich young ruler. He could have said it to us. I am always amazed at the story of Antony of Egypt who, upon hearing the reading of the story of the rich young ruler, sold everything he owned and gave the proceeds to the poor. Though he became a hermit of sorts, his reaction to Jesus’ call to sell all and follow Him is striking. His story even played a part in the conversion of Augustine.

Every time I hear Jesus’ call to sell all, give to the poor, and follow Him, I struggle. I realize His call was to a specific individual at a specific point in time, but that doesn’t mean He wouldn’t call me to do the same. It’s hard to think about that. I have a wife and child. I’m about to sign a 30-year mortgage. I have a fairly secure job and a regular paycheck. I have much to lose, maybe even “the most to lose.”

Yet, I’ve known for a long time that I desire to serve in ministry overseas. Depending on how God directs and my seminary classes go, I could be there by the time I’m thirty. I’d likely face a big pay cut with a bigger family to support than I have now. I stand to lose much. But that’s only because I’ve got the most.

We all need to examine ourselves and ask if we should really cling to the worldly wealth when God calls us to give. A healthy donation from my estate after I die will not do anything for God’s kingdom right now. Maybe that’s part of the reason why Paul said, “I die every day” (1 Cor. 15:31). A dead man has nothing to lose.

On Being a Parent

Reposted from MyLife blog. By Hannah.

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"So do you like being a parent?" The question caught me off guard. In our culture, too often children are a sticky, smelly interruption to life. Some couples put off having them for a decade or forgo the idea altogether. I constantly see studies that estimate the average cost of raising a child, as if parenting were measured in dollars and cents. Not everyone should have kids, not everyone can handle the same number of children, and no one should pursue the blessing of having children to an extreme (think 20 kids). But parenting IS a beautiful blessing, in spite of the sacrifice, for at least 5 reasons. They're why I like being a parent.

1. Being a parent is rewarding. Every morning I pick Abby up out of her crib, give her a kiss, and see her smile. Those moments are worth more than any amount of money. I've seen her change from a tiny newborn who can barely lift her head to a 2 month old who sits supported and almost rolls over. I can't wait to see her grow even more over the years. Knowing that I have the privilege and awesome responsibility to foster this growth is amazing.
   
   
2. Being a parent puts you in the spotlight. From the minute she was born, a little person is taking in my every word and action in her presence. The way she interacts with her future husband, her beliefs on everything from God to homosexuality, the way she talks, how much she reads, what she wears, and a million other aspects of her life will be influenced by me. She may not realize it, and as a teenager she may soundly deny it, but it's true nonetheless. Not only do I have God and a "host of witnesses", I have one very small little witness watching me.
   
   
3. Being a parent forces you to see life from a new perspective. When I traveled, I used to plan exactly what I would wear each day based on who I would see, what I was doing, etc. Now I carefully pack all the clothes that Abigail might possibly need. Then I grab underwear, a couple pairs of jeans, and some long sleeved shirts or sweaters for myself. I used to have a meticulously clean apartment, partially because it made me feel good about myself. Now I still keep it clean, but I do it for my husband and for Abby. I wouldn't want her playing on dirty carpet. I guess it's made me less selfish.
    
4. Being a parent connects you to other people, especially other parents. On a recent trip to Kroger, I noticed the old lady behind me in line smiling at Abigail in the cart. "She's precious," the lady commented. I probably never would've spoken to the lady if it wasn't for my baby. At church, I've gotten to know a lot more moms through the nursery and just by meeting them. My dad has Parkinson's disease, but one smile from Abigail can rouse him from his chair and have him smiling and talking like a boy on Christmas morning. Bring up the topic of childbirth, the cost of baby clothes, or crying and you instantly have a connection to other parents. Even older children seem less threatening to talk to than adults. Children break down our walls of self-absorption and timidity.
    
5. Being a parent is a huge ministry. Parenting is a picture of God's love for us as his children. God loves us unconditionally. God lovingly disciplines and corrects us. God protects and provides for us. God never leaves us. Although I'm not perfect (surprise!), I can attempt the same for my child. Together with her daddy, I can give her a small glimpse of God's love for her. And unlike church ministries where people can leave, she's a captive audience!

So do I like being a parent? Absolutely.

Book Review: God Gave Us So Much

From Hannah, three out of five stars:

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After reading two other God Gave Us books, I was excited to read the three-book collection called God Gave Us So Much. The stories have the same lovable bear illustrations and simple question-and-answer format, but they have some potential theological problems.

In God Gave Us Heaven, Papa bear explains how we get to heaven. He says, “God knew that our bad choices might keep us from him forever… So he sent his very own Son, Jesus, to be our bridge. All we have to do is walk across it to head toward our forever home.” There is no repentance and a child won't know what it means to “walk across” a bridge.

In God Gave Us Love, the Grandpa bear repeatedly brings up the idea that “God's love brings out the best in us.” He implies that all love shown is God’s love. The Bible teaches that we are all sinful and there is no ‘best’ in us. When God's love enters our lives through salvation, then we can show God's love.

I did thoroughly enjoy God Gave Us the World. We must be extremely careful how we teach children about God, and this collection needs parental explanation.

I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of their Blogging for Books book review program. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

Concern for the Churches of God

And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 2 Cor. 11:28, ESV

This verse sticks out to me because of where it falls in the book of Second Corinthians. It’s the end of a list of trials and tribulations Paul has experienced on behalf of Christ. He’s been shipwrecked, whipped, beaten, stoned, in danger in all places, hungry, and cold. Then he basically says, “And, to top it all off, every day my concern for the churches of God weighs down on me.”

I haven’t experienced much of anything that Paul went through in his life. Compared to what he suffered, it’s been smooth sailing. The closest I come to experiencing any of Paul’s tribulations comes from this verse, and as such it has become very dear to me.

I’ve not been involved with multiple churches all at once, but I have experienced great anxiety for the well-being of the churches I’ve attended. This most often manifests itself through concern for individual members and families that worship alongside of me.

Recently I’ve been having trouble sleeping, and not just because of the new infant at home. Some very dear friends of Hannah and mine are going through some difficulties that, as of this writing, look to leave some permanent scars on them and others, quite possibly including Hannah and me. I can’t give any more details than that because of the sensitivity of the situation.

It has driven me almost to tears, and I know it has done the same to Hannah. I’m afraid that what the author of Hebrews warns against is happening here:

Watch out, brothers, so that there won't be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart that departs from the living God. (Hebrews 3:12, HCSB).

The seriousness of this warning cannot be overstated. The word here for "departs from" is also known in it's transliterated form: "apostatize". I pray that this will not happen because it would indicate that the person involved "was not of us" and we were deceived the whole time (cf. 1 John 2:19).

Yet this situation has also driven me to a firmer dependence on God. I’ve found comfort in 2 Timothy 2:11-13, which says,

…If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself. (ESV, emphasis mine).

The Angry Old Testament God

This post is by my wife, Hannah.

In today’s society, our aversion to any kind of judgment tends to affect our view of God. Many people prefer to view God as a benevolent Santa Claus who smiles down on us. That view clashes heavily with the God we encounter in the Bible. When these people read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, they seem to find an angry, capriciously-judgmental God they want nothing to do with. Richard Dawkins, a famous atheist and critic of religion, said, 

The God of the Old Testament is arguably the most unpleasant character in all fiction: jealous and proud of it; a petty, unjust, unforgiving control-freak; … capriciously malevolent bully.[1]

Even those who claim to be religious have similar concerns. One Roman Catholic recently wrote on a forum;

How does one reconcile the seemingly violent and angry God of the Old Testament with the merciful and loving God of the New Testament?[2]

My goal is not to reconcile God’s works in the Old Testament with the New. I want to address one question: Is the God of the Old Testament unjust and unloving?

Since January I’ve been reading through the Bible and recently I finished Isaiah. Like many Old Testament prophetic books, God pronounces judgment throughout. Most of the punishment falls on Israel, but he also talks about coming doom for Egypt, Cush (Ethiopia), Babylon, other nations—even the whole earth. But why?

The purpose of judgment

(1) God’s holiness. We know that God is holy, that He cannot leave sin unpunished. Yet so often we fail to see the magnitude of our sin. Isaiah points out that our righteous deeds are “filthy rags”. Although we can excuse our sin, God would be neither just nor truly loving to do so. Sin creates a separation between us and God that cannot be overlooked. Isaiah affirms that God’s judgment against Israel is righteous;

Though your people be like the sand by the sea, Israel, only a remnant will return. Destruction has been decreed, overwhelming and righteous. (Is. 10:22, emphasis mine)

(2) God’s glory. God’s overwhelming passion is for His own glory. At its basic root, sin is an affront to God’s glory, a rebellion as we try to take the glory for ourselves. As God declares judgment on Tyre, He offers an explanation;

The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to defile the pompous pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth. (Is. 23:9)

In another passage, God explains His intolerance towards idolatry;

I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols. (Is. 42:8)

The promise in the midst of judgment

God is just in His judgment, but what struck me most after reading Isaiah was the inconceivable depth of God’s mercy;

I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly; your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. (Is. 1:13-14)

God elaborates on their wickedness even more, but then He pleads with them to return to Him;

Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean. … Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. (Is. 1:16,18)

He offers hope in the midst of judgment, salvation in the face of sin. This hope is not only for Israel. Even in this Old Testament book we see God’s desire and purpose to draw all nations to Himself. It’s true that God pronounces punishment on Egypt, but He also promises to make himself known;

So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. (Is. 19:21)

One of the judgments against Israel was that foreigners would inhabit their land. In turn, God would judge the foreigners for taking His chosen people’s land. But He offers a promise even to those outside of Israel;

Let no foreigner who is bound to the LORD say, “The LORD will surely exclude me from his people. …[T]hese I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer … for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. (Is. 56:6-7)

In the last days the mountain of the LORD’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. (Is. 2:2, emphasis mine)

And I, because of what they have planned and done, am about to come and gather the people of all nations and languages, and they will come and see my glory. (Is. 66:18, emphasis mine)

The promise of JesusIsaiah contains prophecies about the end of time, and many of them have a vision for the nations. In fact, the book of Isaiah starts and ends with such a promise;

Of course the biggest hope God extends is the promise of His Son coming centuries after Isaiah was written. Besides the famous Isaiah 53 chapter, there are more references to Jesus, in total over 100;

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Is. 7:14)

What more could we ask for? God promised His greatest gift while proclaiming some of His greatest judgments. If that message is not the same proclamation of hope and forgiveness for all mankind found in the New Testament, I don’t know what is.

Conclusion

If we think God is mean or unfair in the Old Testament, we have not realized the gravity of our sins or we have completely missed God’s mercy. From one book alone, we can see evidence of God’s incredible love. Although I only examined Isaiah, I know the rest of the Old Testament contains similar themes of redemption.

I can read the Old Testament knowing without a doubt that the same God who judges the nations for their sins loves me immensely. He is rightly jealous for his glory, but inexplicably loving towards his people. He is justly angry at sin and idolatry, but mysteriously forgiving towards those who ask forgiveness. Instead of accusing God of unpredictable anger, we can thank Him for His righteous judgments and undeserved mercy.

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[1] Richard Dawkins (2006). The God Delusion. London: Bantam. (31).

[2] http://forums.catholic.com/showthread.php?t=239792

Book Review: Thank You, God, For Loving Me

Thank You, God, for Loving Me by Max Lucado follows the same pattern of short, cute rhymes paired with appealing watercolor pictures that Hermie books are known for. As fall arrives, Hermie remembers how God loves him by being near at night, watching Hermie, and guiding between what’s right and wrong. On one page, Hermie curls up at night with a Bible and the words say, “You’re with me when I am afraid”. It shows on a basic level how the Bible can comfort us.

The target audience of infants and young toddlers will not understand the message, but they will enjoy the sing-song sound of the words. The soft, durable cover and the beautiful nature pictures with irresistibly cute bugs are some of my favorite parts of the book. I only wish the book was longer. Even though children have short attention spans, most board books are longer than 10 pages.

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I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their Booksneeze book review program. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

Book Review: Night Night Blessings

From Hannah:

5 STARS

Night Night Blessings by Amy Parker teaches children to thank God for people and everyday items from family members to bath bubbles. The author uses fun, vivid words such as "zipping" and "sprinkle" and the text rhymes. In our individualistic society, teaching children to thank God is especially important. Toddlers are notoriously selfish, and this book could help parents teach them to be grateful and to focus on others.

One of my favorite aspects of Amy Parker's books is the soft watercolor illustrations by Ramljak. This particular book brings out textures in the pictures like a fuzzy blanket or shaggy carpet, adding to the book's appeal as a bedtime story. Even the cover is slightly padded. The mother is blonde, but the rest of the family has dark hair and a generic color skin and features which allows children of various ethnic backgrounds to relate to the story. When my daughter is older, age 9 months to 3 years, I definitely want to read this book at night before she sleeps.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their book review program, Booksneeze. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

Book Review: Hermie, a Common Caterpillar

A review by my wife, Hannah Wencl.

5 stars

Charming, quality book with timeless truth

Hermie, a Common Caterpillar by Max Lucado tells the charming tale of a caterpillar who didn’t think he was special. I expect high quality books from Max Lucado, and I wasn’t disappointed with this one. Every night, God assures Hermie and his friend Wormie that he loves them and he isn’t finished with them yet. 

Hermie has difficulty believing God as he meets bugs with special characteristics. He must discover how God made him special. I appreciated the book’s message, especially in today’s society that pressures kids to look, dress, and act a certain way from a young age. Although the reading level is 2nd grade and above, kids as young as 4 could listen to the story being read. The repeating story structure makes it easy to follow but still interesting.

The illustrations cover the entire page spreads with bright and expressive pictures, adding to the book’s appeal. Hermie seems loveable and almost human-like with his motions, like folding hands to pray, and intelligent, deep eyes. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to teach their children about God's love from quality literature.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their book review program, Booksneeze. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

The Sin Problem

This guest post is from my wife, Hannah.

Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.—James 5:20, NIV

Over the past several years, I’ve graduated from high school and seen friends and family members make significant life choices. Some of them make me rejoice, some of them make me weep. Out of the choices that sadden me, I find a similar path and theme.

I often asked myself, “What made these people first start to turn aside from what they knew was right?”

Although I found some common factors like caving in to peer pressure, not receiving enough attention, and trying to escape home situations, I finally pin-pointed the reason for these changes. It’s why kids grow up in Christian homes and then rebel. It’s why teens who seem strong in their faith fall away in college. It’s why church members caught in affairs sometimes never return. I call it the sin problem. When our lifestyle begins to tear away from our belief system, one of the two must change.

I have seen it over and over again. Someone starts making decisions that they know God wouldn’t approve of. Then they either have to decide to repent and surrender to God, or they have to change their beliefs about God. Unfortunately, the easier path—in the short run—is a belief change.

To help counselors trying to identify those whose main issue is the “sin problem”, I’ve identified a few behavioral indicators and how to address each one.

(1) Blaming God

Deep down inside, we innately know that God is holy and just. Our sinful nature rebels against that holy, right standard.

For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.—Romans 1:20

As a result, I hear many people in the sin problem imply or make statements like, “God isn’t fair.” “Why does God get to do what He wants?” “God doesn’t want me to have fun.”  Their nature is rebelling; they want ultimate control over their own lives. It scares me when I hear these statements, but people who can verbalize their rebellion are a step closer to surrendering than those who give God lip service while inwardly rebelling.

Once they acknowledge their problem, it’s time to have them think through their choice; God’s way or their way. Ultimately, we cannot change someone’s heart and if they stubbornly hang onto sin, no amount of pleading, sharing, or discussing will change them. At that point, all we can do is pray and continue showing the person God’s love.

(2) Blaming others

Some do not dare admit to blaming God, at least not at first. They settle for blaming others. Those who blame God have no problem blaming everyone else. I barely even need to give examples, but they could be as subtle as, “I was always told…” or as obvious as “____ is a Christian and he’s just a hypocrite”. Our human nature does not want to admit guilt, but we can easily see everyone else’s faults. Without a God intervention, other’s sins become blown up while ours become disproportionately small.

Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things…And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape judgment of God?—Romans 2:1, 3

The best tactic when speaking to someone is to turn it back on them, asking them about their own hypocrisy. Remind them that they will stand before God one day and give account for themselves, no one else. If an individual sees the foolishness of blaming everyone else, they are forced to stare their own sin in the eye. Once again, only God can truly change them. At some point, we can only leave them to decide how to deal with their sin.

(3) The judging clause

Our society views judging others as the supreme offense. On the surface, it makes a great excuse for rejecting a belief system that restricts—even judges—one’s actions. People will say, “You’re judging me.” “That’s nice for you, but I just don’t believe that.” “Christians are so judgmental.” Naturally, we want to sin without guilt. The person is simply expressing a desire to be free of judgment, which will never happen. People will always judge each other. Even if we could be free of human judgment, God is the judge. He created us and has the right to judge our actions and heart.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.—2 Corinthians 5:10

Our response can be similar to the response to blaming others, except we emphasize that God will judge. And there will be consequences.

Many times as Christians we hedge around the sin problem with others, dealing with peripheral issues but never arriving at the core. It’s not primarily about scientifically establishing God’s existence, historically proving the Bible’s validity, or faithfully defending other Christians’ genuineness. It’s about tearing aside the layers of blame and defense to uncover the ugliness of human nature’s rebellion against God. It’s about caring enough to confront and warn;

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.—James 5:19-20

Book Review: It Couldn't Just Happen

This book review is provided by my wife, Hannah, who has an elementary education degree and works in a Christian preschool.

It Couldn’t Just Happen by Lawrence O. Richards uses scientific facts and logic to prove that the universe could not exist without a creator. Eye-catching pictures with interesting captions, bold section headings, and chapter summaries make it easy to read. It looks like a textbook for 8th grade through high school. As it disproves evolution, it covers a broad range of topics, from the solar system to the validity of the Bible.

The author took a strong stand for a world-wide flood and creationism over intelligent design. Early on in the book he did not take a stance on a literal, 24-hour day creation, but towards the end he presents it as the preferable option to the gap theory or theistic evolution. I appreciated the biblical base and the author’s integration of theology into science.

This book would make a great addition to a Christian or homeschooler high school science curriculum. It provides a general overview of the topics in the evolution debate. Some of the most current key arguments, such as the time it takes star light to reach us, are not in the book. For those looking for answers to a specific question or a particular area of science, a more advanced book would be better.

I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their book review program, Booksneeze. I was not obligated to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are mine.

Book Review: Out of a Far Country

Editor's note: This book review was written by my wife, Hannah.

Out of a Far Country by Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan dives into the darkness of a man lost in homosexuality and drugs and a woman held captive by unrealized expectations. Angela dreams that her sons will both work as successful dentists, but the vision shatters as her older son rebels and her younger son, Christopher, becomes a homosexual. Eventually she finds Christ and relates to her wayward son in a new way.

Meanwhile, God brings Christopher to a place where he realizes his need of Christ. The chapters switch between Angela’s and Chris’s perspectives cohesively. I was never confused by the switch and it gave a unique perspective to the book.

Due the brutal honesty about Chris's lifestyle, I would not recommend this book for young teens. Still, it could help anyone who is a prodigal of any kind or who knows a prodigal. As I read about Angela's attempts to bring her son to Christ, it helped me understand how to relate better to prodigals. The chapter on 'holy sexuality' was particularly helpful in understanding how a homosexual could change and live through God’s grace. Chris brings out a pivotal point as he discusses his new identity in Christ, not in his sexual orientation.

To buy the book, visit Amazon.com.
To preview the first chapter, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishers as part of the blogger 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: God Gave us You by Lisa Tawn Bergen

Editor's note: My wife Hannah and I collaborated on this book review. Since Hannah is now 17 weeks pregnant, we were delighted to be able to review a book that talks to a child about what this time is like.

God Gave us You by Lisa Tawn Bergen and illustrated by Laura J. Bryant is a simple book that teaches children about their beginning in mommy’s tummy and shows them how much they have been loved, even before birth. The scenes portraying polar bears add a cozy layer of fur to the story behind the question, “Where did I come from?”

As the title suggests, children are pointed to the giver of life as the answer to this question. The book shows momma bear praying for the infant in her womb, reminding parents to be in constant prayer for the physical and spiritual well-being of our kids while reinforcing the essential concept of our dependence on God.

The text has an even flow, and like the other books in the series, it has adorable illustrations that make you want to reach through the page and hug the bears. Bright colors, soft textures, warm embraces, and unique borders make it engaging to child and adult alike.

Many pictures stretch across two pages and some pages have illustrations off to the side of angel bears, penguins, or other creatures. The pregnant polar bear pictures were particularly funny.

Our culture likes to portray children and pregnancy as a hindrance to our happiness. God Gave us You portrays children as blessings from God. That, for me, is the best part.

This book would be most appropriate for children ages 3 to 6.


To buy the book, visit Amazon.com (direct link).


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: Slave by John MacArthur

Editor's Note: My wife, Hannah, previously reviewed the print version of this book. I recently received the audio book and my review pertains to that format.

I’ve read a book or two by John MacArthur and have enjoyed both his Study Bible and radio program for some time. My wife read and reviewed the print version of Slave, so when I had the opportunity to review the audio book, I figured it was time for me to try it as well.

The concept behind Slave is a good one. We need to be reminded just what it meant to be a slave of Christ, and since most translations prefer “servant,” MacArthur does well to remind us just what it meant to be a slave in the first century (with important comments on the slave trade in British and American history). My favorite chapter described the life of Jan (John) Huss was a fantastic overview of his life.

The book was a little disjointed and at times it seemed like MacArthur was forcing connections back to slavery where there were none. Early on he mentions that he was originally asked to write about the doctrines of grace, so he kind of blended the two themes together when they would have been better done separately.

Still, the recognizable voice of MacArthur makes a great reading companion and the gems in the book are worth looking at. I just wish they could have been a little more polished.

To buy this book, visit ChristianAudio (direct link).

To buy a hard copy, visit Amazon.com.

To look at a PDF excerpt, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from ChristianAudio as part of their Blogger 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: The Story of the Bible by Larry Stone

Editor's Note: The following review was written by my wife Hannah:

The Story of the Bible follows the Bible’s history from a brief review of its writing to modern Bible translation projects. Throughout the book the author emphasizes the Bible’s value, its careful preservation, and its key role in people coming to Christ. The folded pull-outs will fascinate readers with copies of ancient manuscripts and a description on the back. People who enjoy studying archeology, history, art, or the Bible in general will love this book. It is not the kind of book that you might read through in one sitting because it has so many details, but you can learn a lot simply by looking at the beautiful pictures on each page and by reading the captions.

The illustrations are amazing. Even the page backgrounds make you feel like you’re holding an ancient manuscript. Colorful timelines at the front and back of the book help put important events in the Bible’s publishing in a historical perspective. I only wish the pull-outs were visible through the transparent page holders. They are life-sized and come folded into fourths, forcing the reader to pull them out of the page protectors to read them. Still, I would recommend the book for its artistic, educational, and historical value.

5 stars—Great coffee table book

To buy the book on Amazon, click here.

For a preview of the book, click here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of their BookSneeze Blogger 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Book Review: God Gave Us the World by

Editor's Note: Hannah is my darling wife and once in a while she volunteers to do a book review for me. Here's her take on God Gave Us the World.

God Gave Us the World by Lisa Tawn Bergren is delightful as it follows Little Cub’s exploration of God’s diversity in creation. Mama Bear patiently answers his questions and exposes him to bears of different colors, sizes, noise levels, and eating habits.

Parents can use the book as a springboard for introducing cultural and ethnic differences that God has created with their children ages 3-6. The reading level makes it appropriate for children to read on their own around age 6 or 7.

God Gave Us the World addresses some deep theological questions that children may have about God, such as, ‘Why didn’t God make us all the same?’ Mama Bear’s answers explain huge concepts in a simplistic manner, from our responsibility to care for the world to why God created us in the first place.

 The dialogue between Mama Bear and Little Cub is realistically endearing and will make both children and adults relate to the story in a personal way. Soft, colorful illustrations fill the pages with detail without being overwhelming. They add depth and sometimes humor to the story. For instance, in many pages we see Papa Bear in the background, his hands full of wiggly twins. This book should be in every child’s library.

Buy the print version on Amazon.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books 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: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."