Book Review - Bringing Up Girls by Dr. James Dobson

I have long respected Dr. Dobson for his wisdom and knowledge concerning the well-being of families. I've admired his writings and ministry since before I was ever married or had my own children. He is a resource I always turn to when concerned with any aspect of marriage, parenting or family matters.

Many years ago, I purchased Bringing Up Boys. I had two of my own and one step-son at the time. I now have three of my own, and my step-son is grown and on his own. I loved the book and the insight into the world of boys.

When I was offered the opportunity to review Bringing Up Girls, I couldn't pass it up. Out of the five children I am raising, I've been blessed with one girl. In the sea of testosterone we live in, I wondered if I could successfully bring her up.

In Bringing Up Girls, Dr. Dobson addresses how to raise a lady, how to protect her from the men and the influences of this world, how to teach her to respect herself and what true beauty is. His advice is sound and biblical, and it is something I will apply every day as I teach Hannah how to become a woman of God.

I appreciate that Dr. Dobson includes multiple chapters that discuss the importance of a father in a girl's life. Mothers are important in teaching a girl how to become a woman, but daddies are important in teaching a girl how a man should treat her when she becomes that woman. Fathers don't need to be absent to be "absent." Girls are protected when their daddy pays attention and provides the nurture and affection she needs, so I am grateful that this aspect is included in Dr. Dobson's book.

Another aspect I love about Bringing Up Girls is the fact that Dr. Dobson uses interviews and articles and material from other resources. He doesn't just write the book himself; he includes the advice of others to reinforce what he advises. I love it when an author can recommend other resources, knowing that one person doesn't have all the answers. I appreciate this.

I highly recommend Bringing Up Girls for any parent who is leading a daughter into womanhood. It is a book that I will keep on my shelf until the day I can pass it on to one of my children as they raise their own daughters.

*Please note that I received a copy of Bringing Up Girls from the publisher for review. I am in no way required to provide a positive review. I trust Dr. Dobson and admire his counsel and have given him a favorable review as a result of his integrity and writing. Thank you for reading my review.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Bringing Up Girls, please visit one of the following retailers:
CBD
Parable
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Everything by Mary DeMuth

If you follow me on Twitter, then you've noticed I keep tweeting about #everythingbook. This is because I am super excited to share with you that my favorite non-fiction book, Everything, by Mary DeMuth, is finally available for you to get your hands on and your hearts wrapped around! Forgive me if I start writing in exclamatory sentences!!! I'm really that excited about sharing this book with you!!!

Okay, I'll calm down now. But only so that you'll keep reading...

Everything is all about what you give and what you gain to become like Jesus. In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus tells us there's a price we must all pay in order to be His disciple. We must count the cost before we jump into that relationship. We need to be ready to give our everything so that Jesus becomes our Everything.

This book is all about that. It is a challenge. It is a heart-invader. It is a smack on the spiritual behind. It is filled with love. It is filled with compassion. It is filled with hope.

I was blessed to become a member of Mary's launch team a few months ago. As I opened the PDF file containing the book, I expected life-changing words and fresh revelation of God's will for my life. I wasn't disappointed. As I read word after word, God poured wave after wave of His conviction over me.

I've read Psalm 19:13 multiple times over. "Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression." As I read Everything, my heart fell to the floor and broke into a million pieces. Those presumptuous sins add up after awhile and total great transgression - transgression that the saint isn't even aware of. It's been said that after we've walked with the Lord for a measure of time, leading others, ministering, and working for His kingdom that we tend to get into a groove. One day, rather suddenly, we find ourselves broken again, as we were the first time we came to the Lord. That would be me as I read this incredibly wise woman's words.

Words like,

{AND}

{and}

I believe more of my copy is highlighted than not. My copy of Everything has dog ears and notes in the margin. It has been my Bible's companion and will be for a very long time. I have attempted to read it slowly, enjoying the crumbs and gobbling every nugget left on the page. There's too much to take in the first time through. I will need to wrap it up and save it for later and return to partake of it again and again.

Mary shared her thoughts, her stories, her struggles, her successes, and God's word in such a way that caused me to laugh, cry, and fall humbly to my knees as I read. I feel like I have a twin sister. I feel like she sat across from me, sharing, laughing, crying, and reaching out to hold my hand through the book. I've honestly never read something that drew me in like that - other than the Bible. What a read! What a change I'm going through because of her obedience in writing it!

If you read it, you won't be disappointed. You'll be forever changed as you allow God to move in your heart and your life. If you don't read it, you'll be missing another opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and to take a good look in the mirror of God's word and compassionately shared truths.

Do you love FREE STUFF? I know I do! If you purchase Everything this week {Launch Week} you can get over $200 of FREE GOODIES. Simply visit Mary's website to find out how.

To purchase your copy, please visit one of these retailers, or head out to your local bookstore. :)
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Parable

Please be aware that I have received a free copy of this book for review. I was not required to give a positive review, but this book is positively AWESOME!!!

Jesus became my Everything when...

Two posts in one day. What are you going to do with me? ;)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the Lord and depart from evil." - Proverbs 3:5-7

As some of you know, I'm blessed to be a part of Mary DeMuth's launch team for her upcoming book, Everything. Part of the joy of being a team player is stepping out of comfort zones and doing things unexpected.

For two weeks I've prayed about my Jesus is my Everything video. For two weeks, I've pondered how to eloquently phrase my words. For two weeks I've thought about where to shoot this video, what background to use, and what to wear.

But it isn't really about me, is it? It's all about Jesus. Because He is my Everything. Here's how He came to be just that:

 

I tried to live my life as a unique individual, choosing my own direction, going down the road less chosen (can you quote Robert Frost). What I didn't realize is that every road I chose led to a Dead End. Lifelessness. Every ounce of my energy sucked away. Numb to pain and heartache, I never quit. I just kept going. And going. And going. Nowhere. On my way. My path. My destiny. Nowhere.

After awhile, I got tired of reaching Dead Ends. And I let Jesus become my all-in-all. My Everything. I decided I'd give His way a try. I'd let Him direct my steps. I'd let Him lead the way. He's been my Everything ever since, and the journey's been amazing.

Will you let Him be your Everything today?

 “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." - John 14:6

If you'd like a shot at starring in Mary's Everything book trailer, you can follow the guidelines in her contest blog post. Hurry! Time's running out...

Mary's book releases October 16th. You can pre-order it now. Not sure if you want it? She's kindly provided sample chapters to help you make a decision. My prayer is that you will make Jesus your Everything and follow-up with a great read filled with incredible insight from a woman who's made Jesus her Everything.