The Barber Who Wanted to Pray, by Dr. R. C. Sproul

The Barber Who Wanted to Pray is a book for children by Dr. R. C. Sproul that is sure to delight both young and old. In grandfatherly fashion (one can almost imagine him reading this book to his own grandchildren), the reader and listeners embark into the life of a barber, Master Peter, who learned from Martin Luther about how to pray and then taught his grandson, who in turn taught his own family! As you learn along with the McFarland family about prayer your kids will be guided through the Lord’s Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Apostles’ Creed. They will learn to pray through these prayers as they do this hopefully they will develop an understanding of a deepening relationship with our Lord and Savior and how to better share their deepest concerns, hopes, and fears through prayer. Excellent, excellent, excellent! :-)

I read this book to my kiddos and even though my oldest just turned two, they were both highly interested and hopefully, learned just a bit of God’s goodness and love for them. The story is beautifully illustrated with warm pictures and this book is destined to be treasures and oft read. I am so thankful to Crossway for allowing us the gift of this book to share with our babies. This book would make a wonderful Christmas gift for… well, just about anyone! :-)

More reviews can be found at crossway.org/blog! 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway Publishers. 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.”

Give Them Grace, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick & Jessica Thompson

Give Them Grace, by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick and her daughter, Jessica Thompson, is the best parenting book I have read yet. The results are profound when grace (rather than legalism or condemnation) is applied in a home. I cried often as I read this book as I realized how much failed to receive God’s grace in my own life as well as praying that I would be a grace-endowed mother to my babies, and was deeply absorbed in it while yet on the forward! I would recommend to every parent or individual with a heart for children.

I love how it gave me a thirst for a deeper understanding of the Gospel. Each page resonated in my heart as reflecting what Dwight and I want most for Chloe, Zachary, and lil’ Bitty Baby – that is, for them to love the Lord with all their hearts and to live solely for Him. We want them to desire Him. We also want to reflect His goodness to us by our actions towards them as our children! (I am grieved over how often I show selfishness instead. ) :-(

I appreciate that this book is sensibly applicable as well as theologically sound. Their guidance - while being practical and reasonably wise from experience - is also derived straight from the Gospel, and mirrors the grace that God shows us (His children) moment by moment. If you are quite Covenantly-bent, you may disagree with the addition of charts aiding parents in correct response towards common issues (disobedience, lying, etc.) in which responses differ based upon whether the child is saved or unsaved. Though, personally, I found these to be wonderful! I would also caution parents from straying from grace towards themselves by feeling that they must memorize the charts and apply them word for word. Just receive them as a gift of mentoring, and use them as guidance. :-)

Check out more reviews at crossway.org/blog!  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Crossway Publishers. 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.”

Safely Home, by Randy Alcorn

Although fictional, Safely Home is written by Randy Alcorn in an attempt to share his passion for the persecuted Church with his readers. The many who serve Christ to the point of giving of their lives is certainly not fictional, even though we westerners, unable to grasp the fullness of the horrors occurring even today throughout various parts of the world is hardly fictional at all. Death, torture, pain and persecution is a daily struggle which they view and breathe amidst, for themselves as well as for their loved ones. They have chosen to serve and love God as Savior regardless of the cost. Even though that face deep pain, both physically and emotionally, they are faithful to the end. They love their Heavenly Master with passion and fervor, even as they face fears just like any of us. It is so easy to forget or to gloss over the realism of it all – hopefully this book will be used to build compassionate prayer and expectant hope in each reader.

In this book, the reader meets two former college buddies – the one a successful but emotionally pained businessman who is working in a business liaison with China, the other a Christian Chinese husband and father who serves God faithfully as he works by day at a locksmith shop.  They each come to understand personally what a follower of Jesus may encounter, and of the grace that He always gives freely to those who are His.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale Press. 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.”

Spiritual Warfare for Women, by Leighann McCoy

Spiritual Warfare for Women is a practical guide to basically seeing the sinful nature we have from birth, the saving and redeeming grace of our Savior, and the relentless tactics of the enemy to leave us as discouraged, argumentative, and fruitless saints. The author, Leighann McCoy writes courageously and faithfully to her fellow sisters in Christ (that’s us!) to say that there is victory when we cling to the personhood of Christ and the truths of the Gospel for our daily survival and hope, resulting in a joyful life – even amidst the trials and conflicts that will come – as we stand firm in the faith.

I often really struggle with discouragement and feeling like an absolute failure – which is just how the enemy wants me to be! How this must sadden the heart of my Savior, who shed His blood for me and then rose triumphantly! This book has stirred me and reminded me of so many truths, which although I “know” I haven’t clung to much at all lately. I am so thankful for it and pray that as I reread it in the next few weeks that God would really do a transforming work in my mind and life.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. 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.”

As Silver Refined, by Kay Arthur

As Silver Refined: Answers to Life’s Disappointments captures some of Kay Arthur’s teaching and brings it to us in written form. To me, it seemed to be a compilation of an encouraging book for women to see God amidst life, a Bible study which brings truth to each day’s circumstances in raw relevance, and a sisterly chat over a cup of tea from a mentor with a heart for God. Not a bad deal!

The truth she shares is true… and often hard to live out. Life is full of happiness, but it also brings much waiting, hurt, and disappointments. When things turn unsure or even sour, do I relish my standing in Christ and lean on Him for strength? Or do I feel alone and angry, despairing in the seeming lack of hope? In this study – designed for thirteen weeks – she embarks the reader on a journey towards habitual cycles of freedom and the realization that God wants to make us as silver refined – a living reflection of His goodness and grace.

This book would make an excellent choice for either personal reading or to be studied as a women’s group. Although I have mixed thoughts on other studies by this author (and need to review and pray about them more before stating anything further!), I found this book to be excellent, thought provoking, and eye opening. I am grateful to have received it for review.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Waterbrook Publishers. 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.”

When God Whispers Your Name, by Max Lucado

When God Whispers Your Name, is another compilation of encouragement to a weary soul through the avenue of storytelling by a master storyteller. Well known for his ability to weave truths into words, Max Lucado seeks to share hope to the reader and knowledge that amidst the weariness and uncertainty of life here on earth, we have a Savior who cares deeply for us – and knows us by name.

This book is a collection of many stories. In some the character are old. In others, they are young. Some are Bible stories, others possibly derived from the neighbor next door.  Maybe on one of the pages you’ll find a story that reflects perhaps a bit of you.

Although I enjoy the stories Pastor Lucado shares, I can’t help but feel that the hope he shares is somewhat shallow. Yes, it is encouraging to know that God knows our name when we are feeling down… but the mailman knows it, too. For lasting hope we need an introduction to our Savior and a good look at the cross – knowing that He suffered and rose to bring us victory in the daily life. Then, we can really appreciate that such a great God knows our name, in fact, He knew it well before we were even born. 

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.

The Generals: Pershing, by John Perry

As another addition to the series entitled The Generals, Pershing: Commander of the Great War is a look at the triumphs, legacy, and even love of one whom led our nation’s men amidst the first Great War. General John J. Pershing fought with honor and order and led courageously, yet also maintained a deep love for his family- and was heartbroken when a tragic fire at home claimed the life of his sweetheart and their daughters while he was gone. His son survived, and he strove to maintain a fatherly relationship with him even when separated by distance and war.

I appreciate how each book in this series seeks to offer a reflective and truthful look into the personal lives of each General it presents, while maintaining an attitude of honor. These men gave a great service to our country, and I am very grateful. It saddens me however, how often the reoccurring theme of mistress’s reappears. (Even though in this case it wasn’t until after the death of his wife.) I have seen this more often in the Generals serving in the two World Wars. It serves as a good reminder to pray for those currently serving our country, that God would give them victory on the field, and that throughout their life they would reflect purity and honor in their moral lives. I cannot imagine the horrors they witness and resulting emotional comfort they seek– they need our prayers. 

*This book was gratefully received from Thomas Nelson at no cost in exchange for my agreement to post this review.