The Power of a Parent's Blessing, Craig Hill

I have read several books on this topic but this one is quite unique in that Craig Hill digs into the Jewish history of blessing children. He delves deep into the scriptural promises of blessing and the warnings of cursing. He calls to account each parent - we are either speaking the blessings of God into our children's lives and thereby liberating them or we are speaking curses into their lives thereby opening the doors for satanic/demonic attachment, attack and ultimate bondage. I absolutely enjoyed reading the 7 critical times of blessing! In fact I had to smile as we are pregnant for the 7th time. each of our children was prayed for and wanted - we were not supposed to be able to have even one child and though we lost our 5th child due to a problem during pregnancy - I know each one was blessed at conception. However, this time my husband said that he has been convicted that a child needs to hear the blessings in God's word spoken over them at birth - this book mentions this. I took it immediately and showed it to my husband. I also appreciate the fact that Craig Hill addresses the importance of a covenant marriage upon conception. Though I do know great and Godly people born outside of marriage as a Pastor's wife I know first hand that many of these people struggled with attacks from the enemy because of this and even struggled with understanding God's design for marriage. I know that this topic of co-habitation and sex outside of marriage is unpopular in todays society where such action are considered normal and okay. So in this light - Hill gently but firmly exposes the dangers in this. He uses scripture to back up this stance and shows that the child is born open to an attack of the enemy. Some would argue that the couple was in love at the time - however I would argue that love is enduring and lasts even through a storm and trial - it is not short lived and walked away from. Hill gives practical steps in blessings and breaking curses through repentance of past sins. This book is packed with powerful truths and would be a benefit and blessing to all families. Thanks to Chosen books for this review copy.

Making Disciples, Ralph Moore

Well, I must start by saying I was pleasantly surprised and very challenged by this book. Often books on discipleship are a list of "how-to's" and neat ideas. This book goes further in that Moore challenges you to consider the why. As I was reading this book I became convicted that my thought on discipleship had been contained in a box - in that I considered it a class to be included in our church. A program, a system of growth. I found myself looking at discipleship in a whole new light and started to consider every interaction with people as an opportunity to disciple. In fact my 9 year old and I had a conversation when he came to complain that his younger sister was not nice. I asked him how he was handling it. When he told me (what I already knew) that he teased her, yelled at her and was not always so nice. I simply asked him if he was make a good example of behavior. He said - "well no, but she's always yelling at me and being mean". We then launched into discipleship - I explained that we are always making little disciples (little us)- we have a choice to be a "little Jesus" and therefor make other "little Jesus" or we had the choice to follow the world and make little world followers. I appreciate the fact that Ralph Moore did not write a book that was full of fluff but rather he wrote a book with Truth and conviction. The reader will put this book down feeling the urge to run out and fill the great commission like no other time. When one finally gets a hold of the truth of what Jesus was saying separate from our religious up-bringing one can't help but be excited. Thanks to Regal for this review copy.

Unshakable, Trusting God when All Else Fails, Carter Conlon

Life happens in unexpected ways. Our sure path that is illuminated by His word sometimes takes us deep into the Valley of Shadows. Here we find ourselves crying out to God - wondering where He has gone - questioning this darkness, this pain, this suffering. We look up to heaven, our faith is weak, battered, torn - we fall on our faces begging the heaven's to break open that we can see His face, feel His hand, hear His voice. Today's Christians have been taught a false doctrine that Christianity is a level road, free of pain and suffering. However, Conlon reveals the truth of the Word. Suffering is needful in our walk - it is a part of our story. Sometimes our world must unravel, our hearts must be broken and our dreams must lay shattered so that God can work His perfect will in our lives and reveal the glory He intended. But - knowing this and surviving in these times is two different things. We must not only have a head knowledge of God's goodness, but we must embrace His character in our hearts, we must cling to the promise that He will work it out. Pastor Conlon teaches a truth that many will find hard to swallow - suffering is a part of our walk. It is part of divine purpose. In the midst of our brokenness God is right there - He is working in the midst of it and He will deliver you through it. Conlon points out that we are in a time that is lacking hope. Many walk around today with nothing to hold on to. This Pastor has studied the flock and he stands in the wilderness crying out that we prepare ourselves for this path - dig deep into His strength and become a light of hope in a dark and hopeless time. Thank you Regal for this review copy.

Well Done Good and Faithful Mommy, Megan Breedlove

If you loved Manna for Moms you will love this second book just as much. If you have never read Manna for Moms you should grab a copy when you pick up this book. As a mom of five (with one on the way) I have certainly had days where I felt worn out and over-looked. These are the days when the youngest has used me as a tissue, the older ones think I am their pack mule and the middle one thinks I am a personal napkin in big form. It is those days when Mt Laundry seems daunting, when house work seems to be undone as quickly as I can get it straightened. And honestly on those days I want nothing more than to climb into my comfy bed with a good book and lock the rest of the world away. Ever felt that way???? This book is one that will offer super encouragement for days just like this. Megan has again written a book that is both personable and easy to read - like sitting and visiting with a good friend. I would certainly recommend this book for both stay at home moms and working moms. If you need a good healthy dose of spiritual upliftment and the much needed ability to laugh at this very special season of life - you need this book. I also enjoyed the fact that she always brings things full circle to the fact that motherhood is a special gift from God - and that too soon our children are gone. So on those rainy fitful days of motherhood when being in the trenches is almost too much to bear take a moment to be encouraged by Megan Breedlove's wonderful book. Thank you Regal for this review copy.

Tower of Babel,, Bodie Hodge

Have you ever skipped over the "be-gets" of Genesis - you know the section of family trees that seem to be an endless list of hard to pronounce names that have no apparent meaning? Have you ever struggled to understand how the biblical Genesis account of the history of the Earth and man fit in with what you were taught in school and have taken for granted as the truth. Maybe you choose to skip Genesis all together because it just seems more like a childish story than actual fact, or it seems to huge to actually believe. If this is the case then this book is just where you need to begin! I was so excited when this title came up on the review list for MasterBooks. I could not wait to get my copy in the mail. I would not say I am a history buff, but ancient history has always fascinated me and biblical history put into perspective is a huge draw for me. Needless to say I began to read this book as soon as it came out of the package. As a Christian mom I am always looking for good resources to share my biblical world view with my children. I want them to be able to reconcile scripture with the world - to see that the Living Word of God is accurate and inerrant in all things and that the stories chronicled in it's pages are not mere fiction but that they actually took place and were significant. As a home school mom I am constantly on the search for new books that show secular documents lined with scripture to show my children the truth of God's word and the often flawed view of history. This author has expertly explored the biblical account of the Tower of Babel and given great detail in such a way that any one can understand and become fascinated by the historical significance of this very event. Thanks to MasterBooks for this review copy.

Praying Through Your Child's Early Years, Jennifer Polimino & Carolyn Warren

This is the second book by this author - her first being "Praying Through Your Pregnancy". I received the other book while pregnant with my son Benjamin back in 2011/2012 and have used it again in this pregnancy. So this new book has come at a great time with Ben being only 16 months old at the time. It is quite interesting to be reading both books at the same time. I think this book is best approached as a devotional. As with the previous book this author has included snippits of her personal journal and those of other people including her husband. This makes the book have a very personal touch and easy and interesting to read. As a first time mother she painstakingly kept record of her journey and in doing so created a book not based totally on hindsight but also on the recorded journey. This makes this book easy for most women to relate to and understand. I love that each section is ended with scripture and a prayer. I would say that this book would be a great book to hand to a new mother when she brings her baby home while the first should be given to her as soon as she finds out she is pregnant. Both books are full of encouragement and address fears and concerns of most mothers in an unbiased way. So great!! I really, really enjoy this author. Thanks to Regal for this review copy.

Marvelously Made, Monica Rose Brennan

A book that is relevant for today's world - written for women that struggle with their true identity. In a world filled with labels, and unhealthy, unrealistic and simply non biblical views of what a woman should be, act like, and look like - this book offers a fresh look at the identity a woman has in Christ. This book would be well suited for older teens and college age students. Although I would highly recommend that mother's read this and start to combat the world view of womanhood while their daughters are young. Brennan encourages women to dive deep into God and discover His identity for them. She seeks to impart to women the power and freedom found in a solid understanding of who they truly are. I think that this is a great book for women and would recommend it to anyone. Thanks to the publisher - Regal - for this review copy.