5 comments about Covenant Marriage: Building Communication & Intimacy.

1. Covenant marriage provides a framework for marriage the way GOD designed it - that is for a man to enter into a covenant relationship with his wife. Every successful marriage is based on and begins with a clear understanding of GOD'S design, plan and purpose for marriage. "Covenant Marriage" is an excellent starting point to gain that understanding!!!



2. we are studying this book in our marriage group and we absolutly LOVE it! i recommend it to anyone who is married or is planning on being married. i think it would help engaged couples understand marriage better too before they say I do!



3. Sadly, based upon our skyrocketing divorce rate, our society has essentially changed the words in the marriage vows to "as long as I get what I want" from "as long as we both shall live." Dr. Chapman says that our marriage vow (promise before God) is supposed to be a covenant to love our spouse regardless of what we receive back from them - not a contract in which we agree to give our spouse something of value as long as we receive back something of value.



4. Excellent! and exciteful. A practical reality check for all marital relationship and potential martial relationships.



5. To be honest, I gave this book every benfit of the doubt I could muster, but still felt let down at the end of nearly every chapter. Gary Chapman's approach to a covenant marriage is decidedly secular in its premise, taking most of its cues from popular psychology (self-esteem issues, childhood emotional distress, personal rights to happiness and self-fulfillment). While I don't deny these problems exist for the average Christian, I believe God, through His Word, has called us to a life that chooses to esteem others primarily and ourselves secondarily, a life that moves beyond the chains of childhood trauma, and a life whose rights have been voluntarily relinquished in service to Christ.
   So many times, he gets close to the root of the problems we experience in our relationships, but doesn't quite go deep enough. The Bible teaches that my own sinful desires are the reason I fight and quarrell with my wife, not the pattern of communication I learned from my parents. The Bible calls damaging patterns of communication sin, not Chapman's sugar-coated term "unhealthy communication". The Bible teaches that we are each responsible for our responses, emtions, thoughts, and behaviors, not our spouse who is assaulting our self-esteem.
   Chapman's use of Scriptre is almost entirely antecdotal, being used as a tool to verify his already-established ideas rather than as the foundation from which he develops his thesis.
   All that being said, I believe he hit the nail on the head with his concept of the "covenant marriage" versus the "contract marriage." The covenant marriage is lived out for the good of both persons involved, with no thought for divorce, to glory of God. The contract marriage is a simple agreement by which I carry my load, you carry yours, and if one party or other violates the contract, consequences (sometimes severe) are in order.
   The bottom line for me is, in a world of blame-shift behaviors and not-my-fault attitudes, we need the truth of the Word of God more than ever. We need to first recognize our own sinful desires and examine them for what they truely are before we can begin properly communicating with our spouses in loving, respectful ways. Certainly, open and honest communication with our spouses is vitally important. We need to talk and share daily, to stay involved in one another's lives, and lovingly correct and rebuke when necessary. But apart from true heart change brought by power of the Holy Spirit founded in the infallable inspired Word of God, all the behavior modifcation in the world will amount to only a stop-gap measure against the root of the marrital problems each of us is bound to encounter.

5 comments about She's Gonna Blow!: Real Help for Moms Dealing with Anger.

1. Simply put. She is funny but she does not ignore the damage that anger can have. I like the "self-help" questions at the end of each chapter.



2. The goose bumps and tears just kept coming through the whole book. I felt like I was reading my own story. I was adopted just like Julie. I did not realize until the past few years that an adopted child's (even a seemingly happy and thankful one)unresolved questions and deep seated anger could shape how you are with your own children. Julie Barnhill is a saving grace in my eyes. Just reading this book and knowing that I am not alone has a massive sence of relief that really helps. I bought this book last year but I am reading it again and I am happy to say that IT IS THE BEST SELF HELP BOOK FOR MOMS that I have ever bought!!!!!!!!



3. I've enjoyed reading this book, although it's a little too "Jesus" based for me. A friend recommended it and I'm glad I picked it up. I can see where it has helped many people. Thanks to the author for sharing her insights!



4. With three children, 4, 2 1/2, and 3 months.... my emotions sometimes get the best of me and I have been surprised at how angry I can get. I found this book on the MOPS website and I loved it. It's humor made it easy to read and I had so many "that is me!" moments. Thank you Julie for being so honest and open with your struggles.



5. This book is a great encouragement to moms who feel they are alone in their struggle with anger. It will make you laugh as you relate with the author's experiences and convict you in areas of sin that can be overcome with the help of God and practical information on what might be triggering the anger in your life.

5 comments about Adopting the Hurt Child: Hope for Families With Special-Needs Kids : A Guide for Parents and Professionals.

1. I read this book twice I liked it so much. I found many books minimized the struggle of raising adopted children and focussed too much on only the positive. Although I have not raised any adopted children myself I do plan on it after I finish university. After reading many books I knew it couldn't be as flowery as they put it. Although I am sure no book could truly prepare anyone for the realities of raising childeren it can help you understand where things are comming from. If nothing else I have a greater respect for the adoptive family because of this book!!!



2. This book was very helpful. It helped me even though I haven't ever adopted. It helped me understand hurting kids more. I will buy this book! I would like to adopt older kids when I'm married. Besides I have known several foster/adopted kids. It helped me understand them.



3. This book contained things that I think all parents should know about dealing with kids and thier baggage. I have refered back to this when dealing with situations with my special needs child, if only to know that I am not alone in my struggles.



4. I thought this book provided valuable insights and gave good real life examples. I would recommend this book for anyone adopting an older child.



5. This book not only deals with the issues of attachment and other developmental issues of the adoptive child, but it gives you practical strategies to overcome and deal with them. This book is very inlightning, but offers hope to parents of hurt children.

4 comments about Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce and Recovery: 101 Stories about Surviving and Thriving after Divorce (Chicken Soup for the Soul).

1. My friendship with my first husband lasted for over fifty years. I am so pleased to pay tribute to that long relationship in my story, When He Looked Like James Dean, in this new book. I urge those who divorce not to allow bitterness to get in the way of getting on with their lives, nor to let differences cloud the memory of the attraction that drew them together in the first place. The key word in this book's title is "recovery." It's not an easy task, but those who get past the first trying days of the divorce often find that they may face opportunity in a way they never had imagined.



2. I, too, have a story included in this wonderful book. But, the divorce I write about is my parents' divorce in the 1960's....the devastation and sadness I felt as a young girl and for many years after. Because of my dad's near abandonment, it took me over 30 years to truly forgive him. Forgiveness is an amazing gift to yourself, as well as to the person you forgive.



3. I have a story included in this collection called "The Gift," which deals with how I cope as a father of three young children, and the myths associated with divorced fatherhood. More that pitching just that, I think a lot of healing and understanding can come from others' true stories -- perhaps more so than can be gleaned from a gaggle of parenting "experts" on television or in magazines. So I recommend the book, if only to know that others are going through what you might be (especially if you're a dad without residential custody). If you like my piece, keep your eyes peeled for a collection of my essays coming out June 2009 called "The 40-Year-Old Version".
   
   Joel Schwartzberg



4. From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
   Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!
   
   Book Review: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Divorce & Recovery: 101 stories About Surviving and Thriving After Divorce (Soul Pub, 2008) by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Hansen
   
   The purpose of this new paperback from the successful Chicken Soup for the Soul series, is to reassure the reader that though divorce and recovery is hard, you'll survive, you're not alone, and you can be happy and independent.
   
   Broken into nine sections, the stories focus on:
   
   * Is this the end, or the beginning?
   * Forgiving and letting go
   * The marriage is over, but we're still friends
   * A family is broken, but our hearts are not
   * Special moments and everyday miracles
   * "It's all about me!"
   * Dating after divorce
   * Blended families
   * New ideas and wisdom
   
   The stories in these sections provide emotional support for shock, complications, children's needs, self-reliance, dating, remarriage, and recovery. Most are from female contributors, exploring viewpoints of both young and adult children whose parents divorce. The reader will also find out what to expect in the dating world after many years of marriage, and learn about how others made peace with their spouses.
   
   An example comes from Monica Giglio, who tells a childhood story of how she barely survived a fall through thin ice which taught her lifelong lessons about how to carry on when life seems bleak and hopeless. These are all heart-warming stories which can help ease the pain of divorce.
   
   Jack Canfield is the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. At one time he received a Guinness World Record certificate for having seven books from his popular series appear on the New York Times bestseller list.
   
   Mark Hansen is the co-founder of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. An author and speaker, he works with Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, and the March of Dimes.
   
   Patty Hansen was President of legal and licensing for Chicken Soup for the Soul Enterprises until April, '08. She remains active in Chicken Soup for the Soul Pub. LLC.
   
   4 Stars

5 comments about An Affair of the Mind.

1. The book was factually correct as to the devastation that porn can cause to a marriage. I was however disappointed that in spite of all that the author did, her husband did not leave pornography. I was looking for a book that provided hope for me, that my marriage can and will survive, but after reading all the negatives, I even became more bitter and hardened against my husband.
   I decided to leave the book and go back to the bible and God for a solution that works without all the negativity I read.
   I must say that as a result of my decision, I can see a marked difference in my husband and our relationship. We can even talk more openly about issues.



2. Many "amateur experts" have raived about Laurie Hall's writing from her personal experience. Some have added this book to their own website recommended list. However, I find her story very dark and shows little hope for wives suffering from the affiar(s) of an unfaithful husband. This book puts a lot of unneeded fear into the reader's mind when there should be some glimmer of hope or reconciliation with a fruitful ending. If anyone reads this book, their spouse better be ready for a lot of "over the top" emotions, anger and questions. Some of those questions are justified, no doubt. But, this book is very unsettling and I do not suggest anyone new to their spouse's affair read this book unless they want more burdens put on a marriage that is already shaky at best. Even a very strong relationship with the reader's Heavenly Father may not provide much healing after reading this one sided story.



3. I read this book nearly 10 years ago when I was dating someone who was addicted to porn. Although the book helped me to deal with my own hurt by finding someone who understood my pain, in the end, focusing on my pain was a dead end. I wholeheartedly agree with the reviewer who shared that instead of turning to books or people, she went back to the Bible and of course to God. God's word is what helped me to overcome and make the right choices for my situation. I moved on and have no regrets.



4. I can tell you the stories here are real, sadly from first hand experience of a similar situation. I was totally unaware of the extent of the addiction until it was in fact too late. But reading this, I reallized some of the most bizarre behaviors, where from his hiding the addiction. Her husband exhibiting startilingly similar behavior to that of my own spouse. It made me realize I'm was not alone in the struggle for a loved one, a losing battle, with devastating results. Pornography destroys lives and families, and is highly addictive.
   I found this book extremely well written, and very helpful. It shows those of us affected are not alone, there are many of us losing the battle every day.



5. The author writes from the heart, avoiding superficialities, intellectualization and spiritualizing. Her journey has not been smooth or easy ... this is not a success story with a fairy tale ending. I have to disagree, however, with the reviewers who think it is too pessimistic and without hope. The progress seen by the end of the book (which is certainly not the end of the story) is marked and more representative of the healing in addict families than is a quick, happy ending.
   
   Good insights on forgiveness, especially regarding the pain that it involves.
   
   After reading this book, I found myself wondering whether it should be required reading for pre-marital counseling. Given that the problem is so prevalent, would earlier awareness of the issues promote their resolution before the sexual addiction and family patterns cause such destruction?

5 comments about Preparing Your Daughter for Every Woman's Battle: Creative Conversations about Sexual and Emotional Integrity (The Every Man Series).

1. What an amazing book. Very well written, and down to earth ideas. Our jobs as parents are to protect, teach, and lead our children in their development. Because of the importance of this topic, we often avoid things we should be taking advantage of. This books help you find things in our everyday lives to use as lessons. I gave this book only 4 stars because I am only half way done. I am learning tons of information, and cant wait until the time is right to read the other half with our daughter who is 10. For now, we will work on planting the seeds for our discussion that will be coming as soon the opportunity arrises. Definately a book that I would suggest. If there is one topic that will shape your childs future, this one is it. Take the time, and spend the money. I couldn't think of a better investment.



2. This is a great book and very relevant regarding sharing with your daughter about her sexuality



3. If it is your hope to raise your daughter with Biblical integrity, this book in a "must have!" Reading the second half with my daughter is challenging but well worth it. Although she is somewhat uncomfortable, she has admitted that she is grateful for the opportunity to openly discuss these topics.



4. The mother of one of my daughter's classmates recommended this book to me. I
   purchased it and stayed up until 1am and read the whole thing! Our daughters are in 4th grade and although my daughter hasn't asked too many questions yet this book gives you the perfect tools for when she does.
   I WISH I would have had this book when I was young! If every mother read this book with her daughter the world would be a better(at least in terms of morals)place!!! I've told ALL of my friends about it...and if you have boys there's one for them too. Don't let this valuable tool pass you by!



5. This is a wonderful easy to read book with your daughter. There maybe some topics that we all find unsettling to talk with our children about, but this book makes it easy to bring up the subject of sex and respectfull discuss how God wants her to conduct herself. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God: What Every Christian Husband Needs to Know.

1. I felt a deep sense of deja vu as I read Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God. It took me only a few pages to realize that this book, in a condensed form, forms the basis for a chapter in Sex and the Supremacy of Christ (edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor). I had enjoyed that particular chapter of Sex and the Supremacy of Christ and felt certain I would likewise enjoy this lengthened version.
   
   Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God is based loosely on the Song of Solomon. C.J. Mahaney shares my understanding of this book of the Bible stating simply, "It's about sex" (page 9). While many have attempted to allegorize Solomon's song, few have succeeded with any degree of credibility. "That's right gentlemen." says Mahaney, "Solomon's Song of Songs is an entire book of the Bible devoted to the promotion of sexual intimacy within the covenant of marriage. It's an eight-chapter feast of unbridled, uninhibited, joyous immersion in verbal and physical expressions of passion between a man and a woman" (page 10). Amen. So as the reader prepares to read this book, he must prepare to celebrate God's gift of sex. The author says, "The purpose of the book you hold in your hands is to lead us back into God's ideal of joyful, unashamed, indulgent, loving sexuality in the context of marriage" (pages 14-15). This book is directed primarily to men, largely because it is the husband's role (not an author's) to lead his wife into a fuller understanding of what Scripture teaches about sexuality. Mahaney will provide the foundation men can build upon to discover with his wife how sex and romance can be done to the glory of God.
   
   Following an introductory chapter Mahaney uncovers the divine purpose for marriage. This, he teaches, is to reflect the relationship between Christ and the Church. He goes on in the next chapter to provide a piece of wisdom he considers the most important in the entire book: "In order for romance to deepen, you must touch the heart and mind of your wife before you touch her body" (page 28).
   
   Several chapters follow in which Mahaney offers specific ways of touching a wife's heart and mind in order to build the type of relationship God desires for a marriage. Turning to the actual act of consumation, he follows Solomon's lead, providing little in the way of specific details that might read like a to-do list. Instead he invites us to study and understand the Song of Solomon to understand what Solomon meant when he wrote, "Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits" (4:16).
   
   The book concludes with a chapter written by Carolyn Mahaney (C.J.'s wife) addressed to women. It is the fifth chapter ("The Pleasure of Purity") of her book Feminine Appeal: Seven Virtues of a Godly Wife and Mother.
   
   With lots of humor (much of it self-deprecating), but also compassion and sensitivity, Mahaney sets forth some principles that will bear much fruit in many marriages. He is honest about his book. "Please don't make the mistake of thinking that simply by reading this book you are being changed. I wish it were that easy. But change does not take place until we apply what we are learning in very specific ways, at very specific times, and always in dependence on God's grace to make our efforst effective" (page 35). This book is just the beginning. Far from a "10 Surefire Ways to Make Your Woman Melt" kind of book, Sex, Romance, and the Glory of God will lead the husband to see his wife as a remarkable God-given treasure. It will help the husband learn to see his wife in color while everyone else appears in mere black and white.
   
   While it may seem strange, this book refreshed my joy in being a Christian. I was amazed at the wisdom of God who saw fit to give us an entire book of the Bible dedicated to teaching us how to love our spouses in a way that honors Him. Truly His Word is sufficient! Truly it is relevant! I was thankful that He has provided teachers to explain the Word to us. And I was renewed in my gratefulness towards Him for providing me the priceless treasure that is my wife.
   
   So men, buy this book. I cannot imagine a husband who would gain nothing from it. Women, buy a copy and slip it into your husband's hand with a suggestive wink. He'll get the idea. Read it, enjoy it, and most of all, put it into practice. Learn how sex and romance can bring glory to the One who created them for our enjoyment.



2. All of the things the other reviewers say about this book are true. It's worth having and gives a Biblically-based view of what marriage is supposed to be about. Mahaney goes to the Song of Solomon to show that God designed sex to be enjoyed--delighted in--within the context of marriage and give several suggestions as to how a man can help to keep that spark in the marriage and the bedroom.
   
   However, I was a bit disappointed for a couple of reasons. First, it was rather short (check out the product details, not only the number of pages, but also the book's dimensions--it's kind of dinky). The main disappointment, though, was that I had already heard most of this before--from the author himself. I bought the book after hearing Mahaney's talk at a conference entitled "Sex and the Supremacy of Christ." I liked his talk and wanted to hear some more from him, so I ordered this book, but he had obviously used this book as the main source of material for the conference, and much of what was in the book was also in his talk.
   
   So, as I said, the book is good and it's worth having. However, for a bit more money one might want to consider going to [...] and ordering the excellent cd set entitled "Sex and the Supremacy of Christ", which has eight cd's, one of which includes much of the material found in this book.



3. The book is hard to read because it is so small! There is some good stuff in the book, but not worth buying it for the content. It seemed like a lot of generic stuff that most couples already know.



4. C.J. Mahaney's book contains a simple but effective encouragement about romance within marriage. What is deeply appreciative about this small book is that it contains a simple message that acknowledges our sexuality within the marriage and how God designed it to be joyously pursued, and that it is to be a source of pleasure and true intimacy with one's wife. The writer also seeks to provide several ideas to inspire men to develop romance in their marriages. The book speaks of this profound truth that we often forget that is to love and know one's wife is deeply connected to the love, and joy of knowing God. For the Christian husband one should have one without the other.



5. Sometimes you pick a book simply because of the title or because you have heard good things about the author. I picked this book for both reasons and have been impressed. The book really addresses all that the title suggests. A short, but great read.

2 comments about Gymboree Play and Learn: 1001 Fun Activities For Your Baby and Child (Gymboree Play & Music).

1. Play & Learn concentrates on key areas of development through age appropriate activities which enhance motor skills, problem solving, coordination, language skills and encourage individual creativity and imagination. 1001 activities for children from birth to age five provides ideas for parents to connect with their children at every stage, helps build a strong sense of self and fosters a positive attitude towards learning.
   
   The first thing I noticed was the sturdy cover, the colorful tab-style layout, with the age clearly marked on the center tab, which makes finding the exact section you're looking for a breeze. The book is filled with gorgeous pictures of children at every stage, brilliant art work and lots and lots of color. At the beginning of each age change (0+, 3mo+, 6mo+, etc.) the authors have written an introduction page that includes a set of four milestones, displayed in color-coded boxes, giving parents a heads-up on what to expect as your little one reaches important and life-changing milestones.
   
   Some of the activities include, recording your child's favorite book on tape, making and decorating gingerbread cookies to enjoy while reading the story, playing footsie and the time tested trick to stop restaurant melt-downs, Mr. Fork and Ms. Spoon. The book is jam-packed with simple but ingenious ideas that help parents amuse and entertain even the fussiest child. With no preparation needed, using everyday household items, or sometimes just the sound of your own voice, these activities will enrich your relationship with your children and provide years of priceless memories.
   
   This is an excellent tool for parents and caregivers, that I highly recommend. Loaded with fun activities that make life a little bit easier for tired parents and lots of fun for curious, energetic little ones.



2. I liked this book because a lot of the suggestions are really good and easy to do. I didn't give this book five stars because some of the suggestions are just so obvious and there were quite a few recommendations in sections that were a few months ahead of where they should have been.

5 comments about Love, Freedom, Aloneness: The Koan of Relationships.

1. OSHO's insightful writing will quench the thirsty and open-minded. His words resonate deep truths that leave me laughing outloud. Love & highly recommend this priceless book. His take on football - Thank God finally - someone puts in writing my exact sentiments and brings it home beautifully. Great Job OSHO!



2. Great insights about Love (Unconditional Love better said) that makes you recondition the meaning of love as that it has been opposed on all of us by the society. Love without attachments.



3. This book is a must have for any human being that wants to learn what it is to have an authentic relationship with oneself and others.



4. Simply put, this book is a "must read" for anyone who meditates with the hope of achieving enlightenment. It contains wisdom about your spiritual energy that you will not find anywhere else (except in Sex Matters, also by OSHO). If you have ever felt an insatiable craving inside, a void that cannot be filled, a deep yearning for love, then this book will help you make sense of that feeling and find the way "to the other shore," to joy and fulfillment. Read it, cherish it.



5. I loved this book and passed it on to my younger brother plus an ex-boyfriend and recommended it to my sister because it is such an amazing book. It is indeed true that you cannot truly love another human being until you are free and are comfortable and confident in your aloneness. All I can say is that this book just confirmed what I already believed.

5 comments about 101 Nights of Grrreat Romance: Secret Sealed Seductions for Fun-Loving Couples.

1. Got this book as an anniversary gift for DH. It is grrreat! You rip out a sealed 'envelope' and open it up for an awesome seduction, complete with ingredients and instructions. We love knowing the other has something planned, but not knowing what it is until it happens!
   
   101 Nights has been completely updated with a new cover, new seduction ideas, and a link to Laura's website where you can send an eCard or an iTease before you seduce your partner. The iTeases are grrreat, too! They add a little mystery and fun to the whole process.
   
   I recommend this book to anyone who wants to spice up (or rescue) their love life. My favorite so far is #8 Peek-A-Boo!



2. My sister in law had the older version of this book, and she showed it to my wife. We wanted something to make our love-life more exciting.
   
   When we ordered it, we found out it was updated, and improved! The seductions are easy to setup and do, with five-star results!
   
   I get romance points with my wife by ripping out the envelopes with these cool ideas, and going to the trouble to make them happen. (Not much trouble, when it's all planned out for you.)
   
   I love it when I get a teaser in my email from the website. It really increases the anticipation, if you know what I mean!
   
   Buy the book!



3. If you are an uncreative knucklehead like me, this book will help your marriage. Chock full of creative ideas. Have used many of them and loved the "results".



4. This is a really fun way to get ideas about how to show your love and add spice to a relationship when you have been together for awhile. My husband and I are having a blast planning and fulfilling the activities suggested.



5. I bought this as a wedding shower gift for a girlfriend of mine. I already own one myself. This book is so much fun for couples. It's a great way to get your partner to spend quality time with you.