Praying Circles Around Your Children–Book Review and Giveaway

The attitude and motivation of an author shows up pretty quickly in books about parenting, prayer and spiritual issues.  The first few pages will either win me over, or make me put the book in the “to be donated” box. 

The third sentence in Praying Circles Around Your Children by Mark Batterson reads:

“Parenting our three children is far more difficult and far more important than pastoring thousands of people.”

Yeah, it had me.  As a mother who gave up a high dollar career in an exploding industry in order to “just be a mom”, it’s a wonderful thing to pick up a book and have the author confirm that our kids are worth it!  Sadly, even in Christian homes and circles, children today are looked on as little more than an inconvenience instead of blessings from God.

This is a small book, only 4”x7” and 103 pages in length.  It easily fits into your purse or briefcase, you can read it through in a short amount of time.  It’s small in comparison to what’s “typical”  by industry standards.

Though small in size, the content is huge.  There are no steps of do this, then this and then this and you’ll get this result.  It’s simply a father and pastor emphasizing how important our prayers are in our children’s lives.  You can read it over and over to encourage yourself when discouragement threatens your resolve.

Author Mark Batterson shares real life stories from his family to encourage readers.   There are snippets and quotes that will stick with you to remind you of your commitment to pray for your children.  My favorite quote is “Your focus determines your reality.”

Giveaway!!

The publishers of Praying Circles Around Your Children have provided TWO copies of this book for giveaway to my readers.  If you’d like to win one of these books, simply leave a comment below telling me why you’d like to win.

This giveaway ends January 25, 2013 at midnight.  Open to U.S. residents with U.S. mailing addresses only.

^{I received this book from the publisher for review purposes only.  I received no other compensation, nor was I required to write a positive review.}

One Million Arrows (Blog Tour)

Will the world change our children...or will our children change the world? Time is short and lives are at stake. Right now, God is inviting our families to become part of a bigger story—a vision that will engage hearts to make a radical difference. One Million Arrows is an inspirational call to raise our kids to impact their culture, community, and world for Christ. If we want our kids to discover their purpose, if we want them to live with passion for the Kingdom, if we want our family to go down in His-Story, accept the mission...and leave a mark for eternity.

Author Julie Ferwerda is recognized for making the Bible exciting and relevant to everyday life through her writing and speaking. Her articles are featured in many Christian magazines and websites for both adults and teens, and she frequently volunteers her time and talents to international orphan ministry. Learn more at OneMillionArrows.com. 

I always find God's timing to be very interesting.   When Julie Ferwerda contacted me to participate in this Blog Tour, the horrible earthquake in Haiti had not yet happened.  When I received the book, I let it sit on my bedside table for a week or maybe two.  I finally cleared some room in my things to do list, and sat down and began to read this thought provoking and challenging book.  Throughout One Million Arrows, Julie mentions her love for the children of Haiti, and talks about the orphange that she and her husband have helped to fund and build.

Several chapters into the book, the January 12, 2010 catastrophe hit.   As I saw bits and pieces of the news coverage and heard of miraculous rescues of one here, one there I thought to myself these are some of those Arrows to be launched into this generation.  I doubt that it's coincidence that this particular Blog Tour is taking place at this time.   More, it's "for such a time as this."  In the days, and years to come we will not only sharpen our biological arrows, but will openly investigate the opportunity to invest in, sharpen and launch other arrows....for such a time as this!

To preview the first chapter of One Million Arrows, click here.

This book is available at Amazon.  Visit the One Million Arrows How to Order page for full details as well as information about church, ministry, and bulk orders.

Wright on Time (Blog Tour)

Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley and her daughters spent countless hours searching for children's books about homeschoolers.   Their search was relatively futile, so in true homeschool mom fashion, Lisa decided to create what was missing, and TADA!  along came Wright on Time Books!

The Wright on Time series follows the Wright family on their homeschooling adventure.  Why an adventure you ask?  Simple, the family lives in an RV, travels the country and lives, learns and  explores together.

In Arizona, Book #1 in the series, the family of four spend the day exploring caves.  I LOVE the way the author works learning into the storyline!  The family discuss the rocks, minerals, rock formations and cave dwelling creatures in a fun and engaging way.  There is enough information to pique the interest of young readers to want to know more...but not in a boring textbook sense!

The front of the book contains a state map, state facts and lovely illustrations. In the back of the book you'll find a glossary for terminology used in the book; as well as more state factoids.

Olivia (6 years) sat down and read the entire book (her very first chapter book of her own choice).  She did have to get some assistance on some of the words, such as stalactite and stalagmite for example.  But like I mentioned, it made her curious and we had to dig out the encyclopedia's to find photos.

I love the book, and so did both of my kids!   One of children in the story uses the term "freaky" a lot.  Such as "freaky awesome", "freaky cool", "freaky weird" and my favorite "freakociously".    This is his excitement statement, and not used in a derogatory way, but I thought I'd mention it knowing that some folks may not care for the phrase.

You can purchase the book directly from the Wright on Time site!

This book was provided to me, free of charge by the author, Lisa M. Cottrell-Bentley.  The opinions in this review are mine alone, and I did not receive any compensation for my review.