Book Review "The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood" by John Croyle

I was recently sent a complimentary copy of the book "The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood: A proven game plan for raising sons" by John Croyle from B&H Publishing from Shelton Interactive.  I was not paid for my opinion and my review is my honest opinion of the book. 

John Croyle has much experience when it comes to parenting and helping raise young boys.  He established Big Oak Boys' Ranch for abused and neglected children in 1974 and has been helping more than 1,800 children since then.  He also has 2 of his own children as well.  Our sons need to be ready to be men in this society that so desperately needs men of God.  John Croyle uses the acronym MANHOOD to give a game plan for helping raise our sons.  This is a simple plan to remember but each step is very important in helping our sons become the men God has called them to be.  The book is called "The Two-Minute Drill to Manhood" because of how quickly the teenage years are upon a parent and how important they are.  Just as the last two minutes of a football game are crucial, so are these formative years in our sons lives.  I loved this book and will keep it as a reference for my son who is only 2 at the time, but is quickly growing up before my eyes. 

Book Review: "The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years" by Erin MacPherson

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years" by Erin MacPherson from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program.  The opinions below are my honest opinions of the book. 


In Erin MacPherson's new book, "The Christian Mama's Guide to the Grade School Years," she gives wonderful insight and wisdom for the mother who is about to send her little off to school for the first time.  Sending your little one off into the world for the first time can be scary for many moms and this book will help prepare you!!  She covers everything from choosing the perfect school for your child to helping them become the person God wants them to be.  It gives practical advice for helping to equip your child to handle different social situations and how to instill in them courage and kindness.  I loved this book and enjoyed the parts where a principal of 35 years gives advice as well called "From the Principal's Office."  This would be a great book for any mom preparing to send her little one to school for the first time.  It will encourage you to pray for your child and to help them when difficult situations may arise.  I would highly recommend this book!! 

Book Review "Organic Outreach for Families" by Kevin and Sherry Harney

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Organic Outreach for Families" by Kevin and Sherry Harney from Zondervan Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program.  The thoughts and opinions below are my honest opinion of the book and I was under no obligation to give a positive review. 
In this wonderful book by Kevin and Sherry Harney, they give many practical ways that you can turn your family and home into a lighthouse for your community.  The book begins with talking about how to share Jesus with your own children within your own home.  This is the only way our children will understand what it means to be a beacon of light for Jesus.  It then discusses how to raise children in this dark world.  I love how it gives different ways to make your home a safe haven, an emergency room, a playground, and a place of prayer.  They then talk about how to make your home a lighthouse and how you can reach out to extended family and neighbors.  I love how this book gives wonderful, practical ideas and activities to inspire Christians to reach out to the community and others.  It also helps you to teach your children what it means to reach out to others just as Jesus did and He commands us to do as well.  I highly recommend this book to families who wish to be a lighthouse in their community!!

Book Review: "Intentional Parenting" by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, Melissa Trevathan

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Intentional Parenting" by Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan  by Thomas Nelson Publishing from Booksneeze as part of their book review program.  The opinions below are my own opinions of the book.

Sissy Goff, David Thomas, and Melissa Trevathan have many years of experience as counselors at Daystar Counseling in Nashville, Tennessee.  Bringing their expertise together, they have written a wonderful book that all parents need to read today.  Many parents today are just parenting on "autopilot" and trying to just get through each day with their children.  "Intentional Parenting" helps parents to discover things about themselves first so that they can then lead and help their children.  It is based around 12 chapters that are common myths in parenthood today.  Some of the chapters are how to be a patient parent, consistent parent, merciful parent, and hopeful parent.  I loved every chapter and needed to read each one.  I have heard Sissy Goff and David Thomas speak before so I was very excited to review this book.  It did not disappoint and I will be reading this book again and again and adding it to my library.

Book Review "If you have a Craving, I have a Cure" by Sheri Rose Shepherd

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "If you have a Craving, I have a Cure" by Sheri Rose Shepherd from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review program.  The opinions listed below are my honest opinion of the book. 

In this wonderful book by Sheri Rose Shepherd, she gives many wonderful spiritual applications for our lives when we are having a specific craving in our lives.  She gives ways of turning to God instead of always turning to food to help one live a healthier lifestyle.  Coming from a past where Sheri lost 50 lbs and has kept it off, she has much insight in staying healthy and growing spiritually at the same time.  Each chapter looks at a different specific craving we may have in our lives and then gives a spiritual application for satisfying that craving and also follows each with yummy, healthy recipes.  For example, chapter 5 is titled "Craving Something Sweet: Real Sweet Recipes and Some Sweet Jesus Time."  I really enjoyed this book and it gave me wonderful ideas for not only growing in my faith, but also growing into a healthy lifestyle with my food choices.  Some of the recipes seemed a bit daunting and time consuming for a mom with 3 young children such as myself but most of them looked wonderful.  I love the verse she uses from Psalm 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good.  Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in Him!"  I would recommend this book to anyone struggling with turning to God instead of turning to food!! 

Book Review: "Here's Lily" by Nancy Rue

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Here's Lily" by Nancy Rue from Thomas Nelson Publishing as part of the Booksneeze book review program.  The opinions below are my honest opinions of the book.

This series of books titled "The Lily Series" has not only these fun fiction stories but also nonfiction books about coming of age to help young girls as well.  This story is the story of Lily Robbins, a sometimes awkward sixth grader, who loves school and her friends.  Things begin to change when a model agent comes to speak to the girls about makeup and fashion and compliments Lily on her looks and offers her a modeling job.  Lily begins to become obsessed over her looks and forgets about the things that were once important to her including some friends and school.  Something happens the night before the fashion show she was supposed to be in and it causes her to learn an invaluable lesson on what's really important in life.  This series is a great one for young girls who are feeling that awkwardness of growing up and trying to find their way in life.  It is encouraging and also has Bible lessons sprinkled throughout.  My daughter is seven and this what a bit over her head but she still enjoyed me reading it to her each night as we discussed some of the issues mentioned.  We will hang onto the book for when she is older and I am certain that she will love it then!!
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Book Review "Bringing Up Girls" by Dr. James Dobson

I recently received a complimentary copy of the book "Bringing up Girls" by Dr. James Dobson from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their book review program. The opinions below are my personal opinions of the book and I received no compensation for my review.

Dr. James Dobson began this journey by writing the famous book "Bringing up Boys." He then wrote this book to help out all the parents raising the next generation of young women. This book is written in a down to earth way to help parents understand the heart and mind of their daughters. Whether your daughters are little girls or young teenagers this book is a wonderful tool to help encourage you in your walk of parenthood. In today's society we have so many negative things influencing our girls and this book gives practical advice for helping steer them in the right direction. We all want our daughters to excel in life and be successful women and this book is a great go-to book for answers to go along with our study of the Bible and what God has to say in raising our children. I have two beautiful daughters myself and I am positive I will be rereading this book for years to come.