Book Review: Raising Boys By Design

Having just studied the function and design of the human brain, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review the book, Raising Boys by Design, by Gregory L Jantz, PhD  and Michael Gurian. With a unique blend of science and the truths of the Bible, the authors carefully craft a well thought out set of instructions that detail the divine design of your boy’s life, and than put an action plan in place for you as a parent to implement during your son’s journey to manhood.

 

Having raised one son into adulthood, and still headlong into the journey with our youngest son, all while having two amazing young ladies in our home; I especially enjoyed the chapters that dealt with the structural differences in the brains of male and females.   Many times the words on the page rang true, especially during the discussion of gray and white matter circuitry areas of the brain.  It became quite obvious that there are ways that I as a parent could implement, to make our day to day household tasks run in a smoother fashion. 

 

Raising Boys By Design, doesn’t just read like a textbook, but rather transition’s into a how to manual, with practical advice for parents of boys.  They call this section of the book, Putting it to Work.  After all, parenting does take work.  Lots of work.  With a roadmap for success, like that of Raising Boys by Design, I believe parents will be given a new set of tools to make the repairs necessary in their household.

 

I was provided a free copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own.

 

Summer Fun!

The windows are open and a cool breeze is gently blowing through out our home.  It is hard to believe that it is the end of July in Southern Ontario, as we are typically sweltering in the hot humid days of summer! 

 

 

We have been spending the summer of 2014 cheering on our children.  What an honour and privilege I am experiencing as a mom, as I watch the accomplishments and personal bests of each and every game, exam, and spiritual journey.  Each challenge brings strength, drops of sweat bring reward, and even moments of loss build character.  As we look at the calendar, the children know that each precious day of summer is numbered.  So too, as a mother I understand the numbering of days.  At each game, swimming lesson, driving lesson and music practice, I watch the progress of my child and stand amazed that this is the same baby that I spent endless days carrying on my hip.

 

 

The summer of 2014 will not be remembered for having a perfectly clean house, or even well balanced meals set with the latest tableware.  It will be remembered as the summer that I cheered the loudest at each game, laughed until way past midnight with my children and their friends, and spent every available moment cherishing my family. 

Christmas Inspiration!

Looking for a little Christmas Inspiration? 

Here are a few pics that I have been drooling over!

 

 

I love the simplicity of this wreath hanging in the window!

 

 

I might have to decorate the mantle in my bedroom like this! 

...I love the little Christmas Tree candles!

 

The moments time stood still

Five tiny fingers curled around my index finger with a soft, gentle clasp.

Time stood still.

In the quietness of my hospital room I looked upon the face of this precious life and gave thanks to the Lord for this tiny, treasured gift. I had visions of all the memories we would create, and in that moment it seemed that we had a lifetime to create them; for memories are the inheritance of the moments we share.

Those first few years of motherhood brought much joy and laughter, and truth be told there were many tears.

There were days when my little ones tried and tested me, and in those first few years especially, there were days when I am sure I tried and tested them.

Some days were hard, and when my dear husband arrived home from a long day of work I would dissolve in tears when he entered the door. It was in those times of brokenness, that I decided that I would choose joy.
I sought out books and resources that would encourage me through this journey of parenthood. I printed out scripture verses such as Psalm 118:28 You are my God, and I WILL give you thanks; you are my God, and I WILL exalt you.

I taped these verses on the inside doors of my cupboard, along with this beautiful printable from one of my favorite bloggers.

I spent my online time reading the blogs of Godly women who were purposing to daily choose joy. I began to intentionally choose to speak joy into the life of my children. There were days when this was more difficult than others, when deadlines and attitudes squeezed my patience to the limit. Throughout all of these days the precious hands of time moved quickly.

On our family room wall, I have four clocks. It is not that I am very punctual and for those of you who know me, you know this to be true. But those clocks are for keeping time. When we have guests over, we are asked the significance of the clocks. With a twinkle in my eye, I smile and say....

Please join me HERE to finish the rest of the story!

Book review: An Untamed Heart

An Untamed Heart

 

 

If I was to read one book this fall, I would have to say the new book by Lauraine

Snelling would be it! I loved An Untamed Heart, the prequel to the Red River of

the North Series. In fact, before I had read this book, I did not know that the

series existed...needless to say, I have the series on my Christmas list!

This story is one of heartbreak, love lost, and new love born. The story begins

as twenty year old Ingeborg Strand strives to figure out her plans for the future.

She loves the freedom that life in the Seter brings for the children of her family.

Being the oldest she is in charge of all the children while they are up in the

mountains for the summer. There is always jobs to do, such as cheese to

make, the tending of the lambs and sheep, the milking of the cows and the

cooking for all of the hard workers. With all of the work that needs to be done,

there is a joy and a freedom from the life that awaits them as they go back

home in the fall. An unexpected guest, brings quite the air of excitement to the

Seter. Ingeborg discovers the joy and pain of truly loving. As winter

approaches, the blanket of coldness seems to overtake her. Can Ingeborg ever

love again, how will she ever go to the Seter with all the memories of the past

summer. With the coming spring, Ingborgs heart begins to thaw. Just in time

for Roald Bjorklund to come calling.

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Book Review: A Simple Change

 

 

 

Judith Miller, has crafted a beautiful new novel, in the Home to Amana series, A

Simple Change. Growing up in Kansas City, with the hustle and bustle,

carefree lifestyle, and modern conveniences, Jancey Rhoder is little prepared for

the new lifestyle that awaits her as she steps into small town Iowa, Middle

Amana. Yes, the convenience of having a maid prepared her meals is one of

the noticeable changes for Jancey, but women not being able to teach the

children their schooling is the one that plucks the strands of her heart the

most. How can this change really be simple? One day completely immersed in

popular culture, and the next trying to adjust to the rules and regulation of this

new culture. I was intrigued by the heart of Jancey, how she longed to learn the

ways of the Amish. Judith Miller is an expert storyteller, and she does not

disappoint in this novel. There is the usual love interest in this book, but it is

the love that Jancey has for her mother who is dying and the care that she gives

to her that spoke volumes to my heart.  I would give this book 4 stars.

 

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group