The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent, PH.D. and Gary Smalley

“This book can put into words what you missed as a child as well as provide practical, hands-on ways of communicating unconditional love and acceptance to your children and loved ones.”
-Excerpt, pg. 5, The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance


I am a parent. I want to be a good parent. I don’t think this knowledge just comes naturally. Parents need tools and education to be that guide down the path that God has planned for their children. In the book, The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance, John Trent, PH.D., and Gary Smalley demonstrate a biblically- based plan for blessing your child, and helping them to become everything God created them to be.

There are five elements of “The Blessing,” including meaningful touch, a spoken message, attaching high value, picturing a special future, and an active commitment. The book is divided into three parts that include “Why Is the Blessing So Important?”, “Understanding the Blessing”, and “When the Blessing Doesn’t Happen.” Each of these three sections elaborates more on the five aspects of “The Blessing” and shows why it is so important.

This is a very important book in my opinion. The Blessing is focused on the parent-child relationship, but it will benefit other relationships as well. “The Blessing” can be applied to a relationship with a spouse, a friend, a co-worker, and anybody who you feel compelled to help achieve God’s very best for their life.

I liked this book very much. I cried frequently while reading it. I could see where “The Blessing” had been missing in my own life, and where I needed to work on applying “The Blessing” with my children. I recommend this to everybody. If you want to improve your relationships with people, this will be helpful to you. If you want insight into your own behavior, this book will help you as well, because you will be able to see where “The Blessing” was missing in your own life, which might bring some healing to your soul.

Many “Blessings” to you as read.

In Him,
Beth

Disclaimer: I receieved this book free from Booksneeze as part of a books for bloggers program. I was not required to give a favorable review. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know Your're Doing it Right

Regret Free Parenting: Raise Good Kids and Know You're Doing it Right ,by author Catherine Hickem,LCSW, is a solid book that will give you additional insight to become the parent God created you to be. Mrs. Hickem has years of experience interacting with parents and children through such roles as a pastor’s wife, school counselor, and most importantly mom. She is the founder of Intentional Moms, a national ministry, devoted to supporting and strengthening mothers.

Written for mothers, this book will be a useful asset in your parenting library. Based upon the premise of parenting with the big picture in mind, Hickem arms you with tools to become the best parent you can be. The foundation of her wisdom is derived from God’s Word, of which God is the author, and He is the ultimate parent. As you read, you will learn how to become an intentional parent, and understand the necessity of being a healthy parent so you can have the confidence and assurance you are making good choices for your children.

I enjoyed this book. It is full of information that will help a mom at any stage in her parenting. That being said, I would recommend reading it with a pen in hand, to underline, make notes, etc. You will want to be able to remember where help specific to you is located, and find it easily. My favorite chapter was probably the last one where she spends a lot of time discussing God in our lives as parents. At the end of the book, you will find a Regret- Free Parenting Plan, as well as some additional resources to help you in your life as an intentional mom. Happy Reading!


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. 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