Daily Encouragements For the SMART Stepfamily by Ron L. Deal with Dianne Neal Matthews

As a mom and stepmom, I can absolutely see the value in this book for myself and my family. This daily devotional can be implemented at any time with the ability to pick up with whatever day you are starting. And although this devotional is geared toward stepfamilies and the prismatic dynamic of those relationships, many daily passages could easily apply to a nuclear family or other family group dynamic.

It contains nuggets of thought perfect for individual reflection or family/couple reflection. While geared toward the parental units of the family, several of the passages are 'kid' friendly. The author encourages the reader to share these passages with their children, with consideration to the age appropriateness of each passage.

Each page is a useful tool with insights for that days reflection and from page 1 gives the reader ways to look at things from more than just 1 perspective. There is a prayer specific for each of day as a guideline that corresponds to the principles discussed for that day.

The only negative I have is that not each day shows a corresponding biblical passage, though they do go over different biblical principles and moral standards. The pages that do have a corresponding biblical passage makes sure to give an example of how that passage can be applied to that day.

The book overall stresses the importance of communication, love, and compassion which are things important to all relationships, especially blended families. This will be my go-to devotional for this year. I highly recommend this book!

Comments

The Edge of Over There by Shawn Smucker

I did receive this book at no charge for my unbiased, honest opinion. I absolutely loved this book! While it is listed as an adult fiction, it could easily be a great read for Young Adults as well. Abra is fearless! She is a wonderful lead character who is dynamic. I loved reading about her overcoming hear fears in order to do what she knew was right. Without a doubt, she is one of the best female characters created in a heroine/lead role. The characters were also just as relatable. The storyline was easy to follow and excellently detailed. I thought it was brilliant how the author incorporated history and legend/folklore into the story. It afforded the narrative a sense of realism that is otherwise otherworldly tale. It was incredibly imaginative story and an overall great read!

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The Aging Brain by Dr. Timothy R. Jennings, MD

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