4 comments about Jesus' Family Values.

1. Written by Professor of New Testament (The General Theological Seminary, New York City) Deirdre Good, Jesus' Family Values is a rigorously scholarly examination of exactly what "family values" and dimensions of the family were in the days of Jesus Christ and the apostles, and precisely what the New Testament has to say - and what it doesn't say - about such matters. Setting scripture in a firm and well-researched historical context, and meticulously noting the nuances of translation as well as which scriptures are considered apocryphal by which churches other factors influencing their interpretation, Jesus' Family Values makes every effort to analytically answer the questions: What were Jesus Christ's family values, and those of his apostles? What does this mean for modern Christians with abiding faith in both God and the importance of family? Of especial note is the keen observation that today's suburban family household divorced from the workplace perhaps resembles Victorian era households more than those of Jesus' time. A desperately needed antidote to proponents of "family values" who quote or misquote snippets of scripture to support specific narrow views, Jesus' Family Values places the highest value of all on truth - and concerning such thorny and controversial topics such as religion, the best way to reach the truth is to offer as much research, evidence, broad-ranging interpretation, and logical means of analysis as reasonably possible and let the reader come to his or her own informed conclusions, precisely as Deirdre Good has done. Highly recommended.



2. If your intent is to learn what the Bible says about family values, read the Bible and avoid this book. If your intent is to dismiss what the Bible says about morality and family values, read this book. The author (a lesbian) is a professor of New Testament at General Theological Seminary, a seminary of the Episcopal communion. As recent so-called scholarship testifies, you don't really need to believe the Bible is The Word of God to be considered a Biblical scholar. The author is one who believes in reinterpreting scripture to fit her view of morality and denying those she can't easily reinterpret. In her view of life, whatever form your family takes is fine with God. If your family doesn't fit the model set in scripture, paint the scripture as outdated and the particular offending scripture as being added later by an oppressive patriarchal church. This tack is fine as long as you don't then attempt to use other scripture to justify your position. When scripture says something you don't like, either take its position to heart and acknowledge you are mistaken, or form your own religion where everything goes, but for heaven's sake, don't say that your position is found in the Bible.



3. I think it was in high school English grammar that we learned about the sometimes overpowering effect of "glowing generalities". "Family values" might be an example these days. "Jesus' Family Values" is a clearly written, intelligent, even scholarly response. What Jesus and then the early church really taught and lived about family, discipleship, and inclusion, especially as found in Matthew, Luke and Paul's letters, is clearly presented by Deirdre Good. If I were not retired, I would lead a parish Bible study using this book as text...



4. Deirdre Good is a world wide New Testament scholar. She addresses a topic of upmost importance in today's globally diverse world: Jesus' Family Values. She systematically reviews the question through the lenses of New Testament writings from the writings of Paul to the various Gospel naratives. Deirdre concludes that the New Testament portrays a variety of teachings in regards to the most controversial issues facing our religious communities and world. She conludes there is, as a matter of fact, no "unified teaching on marriage, divorce, households, or families." As was true in the day of Jesus, people are continuing to come to Jesus representng a wide variety of lifestyles. No one lifstyle represents Jesus' true family values. Real family values will stand the test of time, she concludes. This is a must read for any person who takes seriously the call to follow Jesus, without sacrificing one's authentic personhood. After reading her book, I conclude that "real" family values reflects a radical commitment to family and neighbor. Conceivably diverse constellations of familes, immediate and extended, are called to reflect God's cosmic,universal, kingdom values. True family values nuance as families continue to live out Kingdom values in a diverse and changing understanding of family and neighbor. As an Episcopal priest, I believe Jesus' family values will ever challege racisim, sexism, homophobia, and hate wherever it is found.

2 comments about Divorced but Still My Parents.

1. The authors shared the real life emotions that young children feel when they have to deal with the divorce of their parents. This book is a workbook for a young child, to be read and talked about with a caring adult. The story of Kristen, the cat, was skillfully written to help children feel understood, how to handle new members of the family that might come, and how to not be the "messenger" for each parent. It inspired me. It gave me hope that I can help them feel "whole" again. It is the book that I will choose as a gift for adults who want to help young children understand and talk about what they are experiencing.



2. I loved this book for my children. I bought three copies, one for each of my children because it is workbook style. It is a great book for those that are going through a divorce right now or for those that have already been adjusted but want to open communication just to make sure things aren't left unspoken (I've been divorced for three years and my children still loved talking about it). My almost four year old is a little too young but still enjoyed the one on one help with it. I LOVED it for my six year old and eight year old. The eight year old wanted to do the whole book in one night while the six year old got a little worn out after a few topics. But, it is easy to pick back up and start where you left off, so either way works well.
   
   My eight year old is a boy that doesn't "talk" much about his feelings. This was the best book to get him to open up and share some things he was happy about and some things he wanted changed. Not that he all of a sudden did that on his own after reading the book. It was the book itself that pulled it out of him. For example, he never says I'm mad because of this or that. But, the book opens up communication about anger and leads the children into filling in the blanks and I heard my son express for the first time that he was angry that we don't have anymore family pictures with his dad in them. I don't think he would have EVER expressed that on his own. And if he had it would have been in a heated rage. The books helps them explore and reflect on anger but doesn't cause them to be angry, if that makes sense.
   
   The book is written in a way where right when it is about to be too much emotional talk for the kids it switches to a story about a kitten who has a lot of the same experiences and feelings my children have (including getting a new step-mom and siblings, etc.). It helps the children see that some things are the same and some things are different and gives them tools to deal appropriately with some of the emotions they may be having.
   
   One other thing I would like to point out is that it doesn't have to be a book that you have to do with your child. If your child can read and write they could do it on their own and it could be a journal type thing that helps them with their feelings. I just personally liked doing it with my children so it could be a communication starter.
   
   **WARNING** This is NOT a book for the single mother or father where the other parent is absent. It talks over and over about spending time with mom and dad and both parents loving the children, etc.

No comments about Parental alienation syndrome: how to detect it and what to do about it.: An article from: Florida Bar Journal.

1 comments about File for Divorce in North Carolina, 4E (Legal Survival Guides).

1. I found the book to be very helpful as I was unaware of most of the divorce process. It helps you to be better organized and informed.

1 comments about The Best Parent Is Both Parents: A Guide to Shared Parenting in the 21st Century.

1. This book surveys a lot of research on joint and sole custody and gives the reasons why children do better when they have both of their parents in their lives. There is enough material in here for any parent to know what to say to his/her lawyer or to the judge as to why he/she wants joint custody. There is also ample information in this book to enable parents to draw up shared parenting agreements. There is also an index of the custody laws in all 50 states, and an index of mediation statutes and practices in all 50 states. A terrific book!

5 comments about Ghost Soldier.

1. Ghost Soldier

   There is a boy named Alexander whose Mom left him many years ago, he still waits for her day by day year by year to come back. He expects her to just come walking down the street one day but that hasn't happened yet. So Alexander is forced to live with his Dad in North Carolina, that is the last place he wants to be. The one-day Alexander finds himself in the center of the Civil War battlefield. There is where he meets Richeson, the ghost of a Civil War soldier. Richeson has problems of his own. Alexander doesn't care at all. Alexander can barely take care of himself let alone ghost from the past. Alexander is put into a mystery 100 years old. I didn't really enjoy this book because I don't really like ghost stories and it was kind of hard to follow. Him and his dad are trying to get along with each other through about the whole story. It gets hard to follow. I wouldn't really recommend this book to everyone.




2. Ghost Soldier was definitely among my favorite novels I have read in my freetime. Alexander, a somewhat lost thirteen-year-old, is forced to spend his Spring Break with the Hambricks, a family consisting of a hyper seven-year-old boy, a stubborn teenage girl who can't seem to cooperate at any costs, and a mom who is deeply admired by Alex's dad. Alexander's vacation takes a turn when he ends up in Petersburg, an old Civil War battlefield, expecting to see nothing more than a few trenches and a historical reenactment--when he finds himself witnessing the famous battle in the very time period it took place. Richeson Francis Chamblee, a ghost drummer boy and persistent soldier who died for his country, won't seem to leave Alexander be, until he finally gives in to help the ghost solve the mystery of his century-old family. As time goes on, Alexander learns the meaning of teamwork when he makes some pretty unexpected friends, and realizing sometimes, the answer to a problem could be right under your nose.
   
   I found this as an excellent book because of the time period that the story refers to (I believe I'm the only twelve-year-old girl that obsesses over the eighteen-hundreds), and the part of the story that relates to the main character's supernatural powers to see and communicate with ghosts. If you're interested in the Civil War, paranormal, or are just looking for a good kid's read, Ghost Soldier is a perfect match.



3. Ghost soldier
   By: Elain Alphin
   
   The book Ghost soldier is about a boy named Alexander. Him and his dad are going to North Caroline. They going there because Alexander's dad is wanting to meet a lady he likes, Paige. During this trip Alexander finds himself going through time windows. In one part of the book he goes into a time window. Alexander doesn't know if it is real or if he is imagining it. He meets a ghost who needs his help. While trying to decide if he wants to help he realizes he is has a problem of his own.
   The parts I really like that Alexander becomes closer to his dad. This story reminded me of how I felt growing up with out a dad. This book almost mad my cry. The book isn't just sad it is funny too. This book is for children or adults who like fun and interesting facts about history. The book would be perfect for ages 9-14.



4. Ghost Soldier
   
   By: Elaine Marie Alphin
   
   4 out of 5 stars
   THE SCARIEST BATTLEFIELD
   In the book Ghost Soldier a boy named Alexander lives in Indiana and is on a trip with his dad to North Carolina to visit a woman that his dad wants to marry. Alex's real mom just picked up and left many years ago. A couple of days into the trip they go to see a battlefield, and Alex falls into the past and experience something that you could never even imagine! When Alex gets back into his time there is a ghost that just won't leave Alex alone! This Ghost name is Rich, and he insists that Alexander must help him or he will haunt him in a way for the rest of his life. Rich also starts to haunt the people around Alex.
   I thought that this was a pretty good book. A reason that I liked it is, because it was always right there keeping me on edge convincing me to keep on reeding. The main reason that I liked this book so much, is because it was about the Civil War, and I have always found books about wars to be quiet interesting. There was also a lot of action in this book.
   If you like books about action adventure and a ghost every now and then this is the book for you! Gary Paulsen is a great writer, and I enjoy his books, I liked this book even more, so if you Like Gary Paulsen books you'll love this book.



5. In this book a boy named Alexander, from Indiana, and his dad go to North Carolina to met Mrs. Hambrick. They live with her and daughter Nicole and son, Charleton. While Alexander is down there they all go to a Civil War, or what the south called it The War between the States, battlefield. It is Fort Stedman, which the north took and won the war. While Alexander was there, he fell and woke up to a battle. There was a young man there named Richeson Francis Chamblee or Rich for short. Rich kept telling Alexander to help him. When Alexander gets back to the real world, he meets the ghost of Rich. Only Alexander can see, and talk to him. Rich needs him to trace his family so he knows that his family survived. If you want to know if his family survived, and Alexander helps, Rich you will have to read the book.
   There is hardly anything in a book I did not like. It has all of my favorite kinds of stories put into one. It also goes to different things, and is not caught up in one thing.
   In a book there is a battle so, if you like action books this would be a good book for you. If you like, mystery books this is a good book for you because new things always pop up, or things happen when you do not expect them to.

4 comments about The 7 Pitfalls of Single Parenting: What to Avoid to Help Your Children Thrive After Divorce.

1. I wish there had been a book like "The 7 Pitfalls" when I was a single parent! This is the book I needed and describes parenting as a divorced parent in real life terms and situations.
   
   The excercises are helpful and the format of the book is easy to grasp and understand. This book will become a part of "Tiers of Healing" curriculum.
   
   If you are a divorced parent this is a book that you must own.
   Anne Browning
   Tiers of Healing, Inc. Trainer



2. Carolyn is so genuinely passionate about helping people to THRIVE. Her enthusiasm rings throughout this book. I wish my parents had read it when they split up. What a gift!



3. Great book - really gives great advice in handling your relationship with your ex and the kids.



4. Carolyn gives you a clear understanding on how to thrive after any unpleasant event in your life!

1 comments about Some Frog!.

1. This is a very real to life story in which a boy waits for hisfather to come to help him catch a frog for a big jumping contest atschool. As he waits for his father to come home it gets later and later until he knows that his father is not coming. So after dinner his mother takes him down to the pond to catch a frog for his class race. The mother and the boy end up catching the winning frog. The whole time at school the boy is watching for his father to come to school to see him race his frog. However the father never does show up for the race. At the end of the story the young boy figures out that his father is probably no longer part of their family picture. Great story for children 8-10 years old, who are having a difficult time adjusting to a parent who has left the family or dealing with separation/divorce.

4 comments about Strengthening Your Stepfamily (Rebuilding Books).

1. This book is not only well designed and written and has really helpful information for me as a therapist, but I also recommend it to any one who is in a blended family. It is very useful as a way to work together to solve some normal problems and I use it as a way to start conversations with those with whom I am working. Elizabeth's personal and "road" experience shows in the excellent content in this book. I highly recommend it to every stepfamily, and anyone who works with them....that is just about EVERYONE!!



2. With more and more non-traditional families these days, Ms. Einstein provides an excellent roadmap for navigating through complex areas of remarriage, children, unresolved emotions, unrealistic expections, communicatiion and discipline. For more of an intro, listen to her recent (1/30/06) interview on Voices in the Family (whyy.org/91FM/voices.html).



3. Elizabeth Einstein has "walked the walk" and even taught the walk. Her years of experience in the field of step-parenting have given her a depth of insight that is not easily found in the plethora of books on this topic. Her writing style is "user friendly" and while she pulls no punches, she does offer both useful and practical information on how to deal with situations that are usually fraught with peril. Even people who are not part of a stepfamily would benefit from reading this to gain a better understanding of what their friends, neighbors and loved ones who are face daily. Although Einstein was a pioneer in this area, her expertise and writing have stayed fresh and up to date.



4. I have specialized in providing professional education and therapy to divorcing, courting, and re/wedded couples since 1981. I am (a) 68, (b) a stepgrandson, stepson, and ex-stepfather and stepbrother, (c) an invited Board member of the Stepfamily Association of America, and (d) the published author of six personal-growth and family-relations books - four on stepfamilies.
   
   I recommend this book above most others to readers who want an upbeat, interesting, realistic, readable introduction to stepfamily challenges and rewards. I do not recommend the book to anyone who wants to avoid or resolve core stefamily stressors and probable psychological or legal re/divorce.
   
   There are many fine features in Einstein's and Albert's updated book: relevant cartoons, tables, guidelines, hilights, chapter summaries, 8 "workshop" sections, some vignettes, examples, and related questions; relevant references; lots of white space; a large font; a useful index; and a consistently positive flavor. An unusual, welcome feature is the authors' including proactive grieving as a requisite to long-term remarital and co-parenting success.
   
   However, like most lay and clinical stepfamily authors, Einstein and Albert focus mainly on typical surface issues, and omit explanation and effective advice on these widespread underlying (primary) stepfamily stressors:
   
   1) why and how to assess and reduce co-parents' psychological wounds from childhood (vs. divorce). In my experience, most divorcing-family and stepfamily adults appear to be significantly wounded - and don't (want to) know it, and what it means for them and their children and descendents. One thing it means is that most co-parents will be unable to follow much of the worthy advice in this book;
   
   2) how to spot and reduce blocked grief in adults and kids. The authors DO acknowledge that all stepfamilies follow (and cause) a series of profound losses (broken bonds), but the authors don't suggest how to assess for blocked grief, and what to do about it. They also don't focus effectively on...
   
   3) typical co-parent unawareness of five key topics: (a) normal personality formation, composition, and function; (b) primary human needs, and specific traits of high-nurturance families and relationships, (c) seven specific effective-communication skills, (d) resolving up to nine typical barriers to co-parenting teamwork, and (e) stepfamily realities, norms, and step-identity implications. The authors' well-meant treatment of these is generally simplistic and superficial; And they seem to gloss over...
   
   4) What to do about the lack of qualified, effective stepfamily help in the media and most commuities, and how to evaluate and select effective (informed) stepfamily counseling, and support programs and materials.
   
   In my clinical experience since 1981, these factors will often promote needy, love-dazed, courting co-parents to commit to the wrong people (mate, stepkids, and "other parent/s"), for the wrong reasons, at the wrong time. Then unless improved, the factors inhibit typical co-parents from identifying and effectively resolving these core personal, role, and relationship problems:
   
   http://sfhelp.org/10/problems.htm
   
   This helpful introductory book would profit from a chapter on how courting couples can make wise re/marital-commitment decisions, and another chapter on specifically how to spot and resolve four common interactive stepfamily stressors: (a) adults' psychologal wounds, (b) values and (c) loyalty conflicts, and (d) relationship "triangles."
   
   For more perspective on this review and more (free) detail and effective suggestions on these topics, see:
   
   http://sfhelp.org/11/choose_bks.htm

1 comments about DIVORCE 101: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO DIVORCE.

1. I purchased this book for my best friend who had just separated from her husband, in hopes it would help her to know her rights in this state we live in, as well as to prepare her mentally, emotionally, financially etc for the coming proceedings.
   
   I carefully reviewed this book online, and read excerpts of the book, read others reviews and finally decided on this book. There are many books around on the subject of divorce, but in my opinions, this book is the absolute best. Divorce is hard enough without having to deal with legal terminology in most books. This book was written by a woman, for woman.
   
   If you or someone you care about is considering or planning divorce, do as I did and buy this book for them as a gift.