Book Review: Passionate Parenting

Tags

Book Reviews, Cary Schmidt, Family, parenting, Passionate Parenting, teenagers

As the parent of a teenager (and another all-too-soon) I am on the lookout for resources that will equip me to be a better parent. As a pastor I look for those that I can recommend to the parents in our congregation. Passionate Parenting by Cary Schmidt is both.

There’s much for which to recommend this book, but here are four basic reasons I feel comfortable doing so:

1) It is focused on principles.

I’ve long been of the opinion that there are two kinds of books on parenting: Those that dictate EXACTLY how EVERY parent must raise EVERY child, and those that discuss basic principles that are diversely applicable in the unique situations each family will face.

This book is one of the latter. Each chapter shares a different characteristic of Passionate Parenting. While there is established Biblical teaching about raising children, each child and family is different. Passionate Parenting provides principles that will fit in each of these varied environments. This broadens is effectiveness and makes it a great tool for any family.

2) It has a positive perspective of the parent-child relationship.

There is no question that parenting a teen can be challenging, but Pastor Schmidt doesn’t assume that the relationship has to be adversarial. One of my favorite chapters, “The Laughing Parent” focuses on the importance of edifying humor and laughter in the life of a family. In fact, the entire book has a positive tone that emphasizes the blessing of children.

3) It includes practical insights and suggestions.

Each chapter has a practical aspect, but some chapters deal with issues relevant to modern parenting. “The Techno-Savvy Parent” (chapter 17) for example highlights issues specific to media and technology. The ever-increasing encroachment of media in the life of the modern family demands that parents be vigilant, educated, and strategic. The author shares a list of action-items to help even the most technologically-uninformed parent.

4) It has a pastoral tone.

This is not a book of sermons, but it does include the spiritual aspect of parenting. Its heart is to create a passion in each parent to foster a passion for God in their child. Chapters such as “The Repenting Parent,” “The Praying Parent,” and “The Shepherding Parent,” all address this important truth. The author’s pastoral heart shows clearly in this work. He cares about parents and teens.

I hesitate to recommend some books because, while good, their benefit is limited. These four points assure me that this is not a book that is helpful to a select few – I can heartily commend it for any parents who have or will have teenagers.

Passionate Parenting challenges parents, but is not a challenge to read. Very seldom do I enjoy “parenting” books, but I frequently found myself smiling through this one. It finds a singular balance between stomping your toes and touching your heart, between principle and practice, between ancient truths and modern issues. It is a book I have benefited from, and one which I will recommend to others.

This and other resources from Cary Schmidt are available at his website.

Passionate Parenting is also available in hardcover and Kindle editions at Amazon.

Nephos 9

Tags

boycott, Daniel Wallace, footnotes, Martha Stewart, Russell Moore, Snoop Dogg, Starbucks, Timothy Paul Jones

For your weekend reading enjoyment . . .

1. In honor of April 1st, here’s the story of the greatest April 1 prank, ever.

2. Last week I commented on Kathy Keller’s article on raising children in the city. Jonathan McBride presents a different perspective in Why Do Cities Just Make Sense.

3. One word comes to mind here: Ouch!

4. Running + Life Lessons = Winning Combination. I really connected with Running Lessons from Trails from the Heart.

5. A national Christian organization called for a boycott of an international coffee chain.

6. Russell Moore responded with an explanation of “Why Christians shouldn’t boycott Starbucks.”

7. Being of the “Don’t boycott OR buy” mentality, MereOrthodoxy’s Starbucks, Boycotts, and (Not) Buying Coffee resonated more with me.

*Whatever your view and/or approach to this matter, it’s not going away. The number of corporations who are pro-actively working against our positions on social issues is going to increase. We need to be prepared to have a well-thought out ethical and Scriptural response.

8. Two prominent professors have recently begun blogs – both have been added to my regular reading list:
Timothy Paul Jones and Daniel B. Wallace.

9. Perceptively accurate!

Book Review: Reading Scriptures with the Reformers

Tags

Bible, Book Reviews, History, Reading Scriptures with the Reformers, Reformation, Timothy George

Why should I care what men who lived centuries ago believed?

The “imperialism of the present” would tell me they are irrelevant. It would, however, also blind me to the benefit of those who have traveled the road of faith before me. In Reading Scripture with the Reformers Timothy George argues there is legitimate and substantial benefit in understanding the Scriptures through the eyes of the Reformers.

George guides the reader through the twists and turns of the Reformation. Along the tour he introduces the leading (often little-known) figures of this period. Their distinct and occasionally conflicting approaches to the Scriptures provide the thematic understanding of its history.

What becomes evident through this historical excursion is the centrality of Scripture to this era. From leader to layman, Protestant to Catholic, saint to sinner, new-found access to the Bible opened up opportunities and influences. The author shows the influence of what the Reformers read, how they interpreted their reading, and how their influence shaped how subsequent generations viewed Scripture.

The contemporary church has much to learn from those who have journeyed ahead of us. For those seeking to explore the benefits of this section of the road, Reading Scripture with the Reformers is an excellent guide-map.

Nephos IX

Tags

abortion, Brian Regan, dinosaurs, Hobby Lobby, Jon Acuff, King, Martin Luther, Twitter, Wal-Martfree book

1. Jon Acuff proves Solomon invented Twitter. Well, maybe “proves” is a little strong, but see what you think . . .

Solomon invented Twitter

2. This bit of MLK history from Owen Strachan illustrates that spiritual and theological convictions can motivate great change.

Christopher Hitchens was Wrong: Martin Luther King Jr. on Cosmic Companionship

3. Ever wondered why dinosaurs don’t talk? Brian Regan’s son has the answer.

4. Weddings are a blessed part of pastoral ministry. They also raise questions and can provide headaches. Brian Croft helps with the questions.

What are the boundary lines to determine whether a pastor can/should conduct a wedding?

5. This is one of the most chilling, sobering things I’ve ever seen. Justin Taylor shares the trailer It’s a Girl! The Three Deadliest Words in the World.

The 200 Million Missing Girls.

6. Desiring God offers a free e-book on abortion and asks you to “Please feel free to download it, print it, copy it, and share it with as many people as you like.”

Exposing the Dark Work of Abortion

7. Steve Green, president of Hobby Lobby has an extraordinary collection of Bible artifacts. Here he discusses a few items from the collection, including a recently recovered papyrus fragment of Romans – estimated to be the earliest (2nd century) extant manuscript of the book.

Hobby Lobby president’s rare collection.

8. Increased religious freedom in China? Christianity Today reports that increasingly the Chinese have legal access to Christian literature.

Discipling the Dragon: Christian Publishing Finds Success in China.

9. Abraham Piper has found his favorite Wal-Mart in the Dominican Republic. I think I agree.

HT: 22 Words.

Loving the God of the Gospel

Tags

Gospel, gospel-centeredness, J. D. Greear, Nathan Finn, theological snobbery

There is no shortage of current books related to the “gospel” in some form or another. That fact in itself might have kept me from this excerpt that Nathan Finn shares from J. D. Greear’s new book Gospel: Recovering the Power that Made Christianity Revolutionary.

Recently, I talked with a little old lady who had been my Sunday school teacher at the very traditional church in which I grew up. She said, “You know, as I lose more and more friends to heaven, I often wonder what it is really like up there and what I should be looking forward to. I know they say there are streets of gold, but that doesn’t seem to excite me very much. The one thing I really want to do is see Jesus.” This lady has never heard of John Piper and has no idea what the Gospel Coalition is, but she has been changed by the gospel. She loves Jesus, and that is the whole point of gospel-centeredness.

There are many little old ladies serving in church nurseries who may not understand how to articulate the theories of gospel-centeredness or have the ingenuity to dazzle our minds with psychological insights, cultural observations, and Christocentric interpretations of obscure Old Testament passages. Their hearts, however, burn with love for Jesus and overflow with gratefulness for His grace.

Their humble, gospel-rich love for God is worth more than all the books you or I can write on this subject.

So don’t be quick to judge them. Be humbled by them. Mastering the theory of gospel-centeredness is not the point. Loving the God of the gospel is.

Glad I didn’t miss that! One of the things I fear is developing educational and theological snobbery – primarily because it can cause me to miss the point: loving the God of the Gospel!

You can read the entire excerpt here.

Book Review: Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor

Tags

Book Reviews, Chuck Black, Knights of Valor, Sir Quinlan

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor
Chuck Black

5th in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series, this is the engaging story of Sir Quinlan, a young man who leaves home to serve in the “Swords of Valor.” These knights serve the King, doing battle with the forces of the Dark Knight who plots to take the Kingdom.

Taking the blame for a tragic failure, Quinlan seeks to flee from his past. He finds redemption through the help of Taras the Silent Warrior and by facing up to a task that will challenge his courage and commitment to the King.

This is an engaging story that is obviously spiritual allegory. Written for older children and young teens, it is an enjoyable story that communicates important truths. Young boys would find this an engaging story of knights, battles, evil enemies and challenges. Parents will be glad for reading material that enforces the values the want to instill in their children.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Nephos 9

Tags

Alfred Hitchcock, Billy Graham, Dave Ramsey, E-sword, Jon Acuff, Rick Santorum, Russell Moore, Shane Vander Hart, The Birds

1. Russell Moore considers the possibility that the next Billy Graham Might be drunk right now. Christianity is NOT genetic.

2. I love Jon Acuff’s warning about post-mission trip pretentiousness. I also enjoyed using the word “pretentiousness.” (Was that too pretentious?)

3. Greg Howlett’s application of Dave Ramsey’s formula is true for finances, music, and other areas of life as well.

4. If, like me, you use the E-Sword Bible program you will appreciate these links to commentary modules from A ‘Goula Blogger. If you are not using it, you should check it out – it’s free! I’ve used it for some years now and highly recommend it.

5. Those who are familiar with Southern Gospel will recognize the name Ken Turner. Aaron Swain reports that for the first time in some years Ken is singing full-time. The videos there demonstrate what I’ve always thought: Bass singers just get better with age!

6. Many are blogging about their resolution for Bible reading in 2012. Aaron Armstrong explains why he’s not using a Bible reading plan this year.

7. Iowan Shane Vander Hart shares his thoughts about Rick Santorum’s near-win in the Iowa Caucuses.

8. Are biographies good for the soul? Jason Helopoulus thinks so. Having just finished an excellent biography of Patrick Henry, and having enjoyed quite a few in my life, I concur!

9. This just speaks for itself. A new take on an old classic: