Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room - Nancy Guthrie

Do you struggle each holiday season to keep Christ in Christmas? I know that I do! I am forever finding myself feeling negative about the commercialization of Christmas and eventually become apathetic towards the big "box" stores. With decorations showing up right after Halloween it's easy to do!

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie has been a breath of fresh air for me and my family this year! Each day of the Advent calendar is presented in this cute little book highlighted by a family devotional, prayer and discussion questions. Personally, I loved the discussion questions. They provide a great way to get your children involved in the season. The devotionals and questions will draw your family together and provide a springboard to real heart to heart conversation.

It is so easy to get caught up in the "wish list" stage and the chaos of coming and going, doing, baking and planning that you can easily find yourself on Christmas Day wondering where you went wrong yet again. This book will help you to pull yourself back in to the heart of Christmas and will create an atmosphere where you can draw your family into the real meaning of the season as well.

For example: Today in the devotional, Nancy talks about our tendency to ask everyone what they want for Christmas. It's a common question and it is one that we ask automatically. Nancy challenges us to ask instead.. "What are you giving for Christmas?" What a simple way to turn the conversation away from being self centered and towards self sacrifice. Of course, giving is not a huge sacrifice but it is a great way to take the focus off of "ME" and put it on others.

I would recommend this devotional for any Christian who is searching for a way to combat the commercialism of the holiday season. It is a wonderful way to share Jesus and his values with your children in a manner that invites conversation instead of a lecture.

Help create the season as it was meant to be with Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie!

*This book was provided by Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes

First Things First - Kurt & Brenda Warner

First Things First
by Kurt and Brenda Warner
Tyndale House Publishers

I am not a football fan but I am a Mother of 4. When I picked up First Things First, I was not sure what to expect. I did not already know Kurt and Brenda's story. I did not know who Kurt was or even who the Cardinals were!

Before I knew it, I was hooked on the Warners story. I couldn't imagine what I could possibly have in common with an NFL players family. These two really surprised me!

First, Kurts complete transparency in his writing touched me. His love for his wife and children warmed my heart. He shares everything with his readers. He shares the good, the bad, the embarassing and the pride that we all experience but may never speak about.

Brenda also openly shares about everything from her time on public assistance to jealousy and her intimate feelings for everyone in her life.

The Warners grab you and place you right up front and center in their family with all of the chaos, noise, arguements and prayers. They offer refreshing advice that the world needs today. Too many families are living their lives as strangers without faith or hope.

I went from feeling unsure while looking at this cover and thinking "football" to grabbing a notebook to record the Warner family "rules" and various quotes that spoke to me.

This is such an inspiring story that leaves you wanting to be more - to do your best and to step out of your comfort zone to be a better spouse, parent, friend and more!

I've never said this before but I don't think I can do this book justice in a blog review. You just really need to get your hands on it and read it for yourself!

*A copy of this book was provided to me by Tyndale House Publishers for review purposes