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!

When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb

I did receive this book at no charge for my unbiased, honest opinion. This book: When God’s Ways Make No Sense by Dr. Larry Crabb, was a hard read for me. Not in that I couldn’t read it, but that I found it hard to view the subject matter from his viewpoint. Though this book covers a common subject matter that many try to tackle, it came at it from a psychological standpoint. The examples Dr. Crabb provided: Jonah, Saul, and Habakkuk, were all well research and good examples, but for me it lacked a connection to the scripture that I had hoped would be presented, and came through as more text book or essay like rather than theologically based.

After the Shadows by Amanda Cabot

Disclaimer: Please note, I did receive this book from the publisher at no charge for my unbiased, honest opinion. When I read the publisher's synopsis of this book, I selected it on a whim. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy reading it, but I decided to select it anyway. Even after the first chapter, I was unsure if I would be able to finish it. However, the more I read, the more the story developed into a book I absolutely loved! It had elements that provoked surprise, compassion, frustration, and so many other emotions. It was a good example to show how everyone deals with grief and life's obstacles differently. Further, it is a good example of how a small, southern town in America really is: how isolating it can be; how important family and reputation can be in these areas. Neighbors really take care of each other (depending on who you are) or they may completely ignore you. If your reputation is tarnished they will ostracize and abandon you. Between hoping Em...

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