Raise Him Up by Derrick and Stephanie Moore

Book - Raise Him Up - A Single Mother's Guide to Raising a Successful Black Man

Authors - Derrick Moore and Stephanie Perry Moore

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Paperback, 265 pages.



For a Mother to be a sole provider for her family is a large burden to carry.  When she is trying to raise a successful son alone, she has it even harder.  This book is a perfect guidebook for single mothers. 

Derrick shares lessons and memories of his own mother.  Her strong and courageous wisdom floored me.  I am in awe of her.   Derrick grew up in a financially poor household. His Mother worked to support him, and his two siblings.  She did a fantastic job. 

Derrick gives us motivational lessons, including inspiring stories and brief Bible lessons.  He talks about mothers being the cheerleaders and coaches of their children.  His writing makes one feel like one is having dinner at his house and hearing incredible wisdom.  He is a valuable mentor!

Stephanie gives us wonderful pep talks.  At one point, I got out my pen and started highlighting sections.  To me, that means I intend to keep this book and benefit from its wisdom for a long time!

I want to share a couple of quotes from the book:

Page 45:  "It's very important that you stay disciplined.  Don't get caught up in attempting to give what your son wants; instead, give him what he needs."

Page 48:  "My mother was great at giving what she had and not complaining about what she didn't have."

Page 26:  "Will you put into use all the tools at your disposal to reach your son and call him forth into the destiny God has prepared for him?"


Throughout the book, you will find sections like:  "Mama's Stories;"   "Time Out;"  "Spiritual Impact;" and "Athletic Tale."     I realize this book was written specifically for single mothers who are struggling to raise their sons, but I found it highly valuable for me - as a wife and mother of five children.  Derrick and Stephanie share tremendous insights into what godly, successful motherhood looks like.  This is a valuable book!




*Disclosure - I received a copy of this book for review purposes.*







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The Tutor's Daughter by Julie Klassen

Book - The Tutor's Daughter

Author - Julie Klassen

Publisher - Bethany House

Paperback, 412 pages



John Smallwood and his daughter Emma run a boarding school for boys.  The story focuses on Emma, who is a young lady.  When the family has trouble getting new students to enroll, they take up an offer to go live in a wealthy household to personally tutor 2 boys.  The home is a manor house in England.  It is fascinating to see how the family operates in such an environment. There are plenty of servants who work very hard.  The description of the different rooms and the meals is wonderful to read about. 

The story has mystery, and a little bit of suspense. There were also a few references to Gothic novels, which I didn't like.   The brief romantic descriptions did not interest me, but I enjoyed reading about the student's lessons.   Overall, it seems like a book that would do very well in the general/secular marketplace.


*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*



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Winner of Little Pilgrims Progress set of Books

For the "Little Pilgrim's Progress" set of books, the winner is:

Carolynn Stewart from Disorganized Thoughts of an Organized Heart!

Thank you so much to all who entered!



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Little Pilgrim's Progress from John Bunyan's Classic - Giveaway

Set of Books:

1. Little Pilgrim's Progress from John Bunyan's Classic by Helen L. Taylor (60th Anniversary Edition)

2. Little Pilgrims' Progress Adventure Guide by Deanna Conrad










The books are written for ages - 8 to 12.  They may certainly be read and understood by older children and adults as well. The vocabulary and style of writing is very clear, interesting and easy to understand.  John Bunyan's classic story, written in the 1600's, is difficult for modern readers.  Helen did a fantastic job, gently taking his masterpiece and bringing it to a younger audience of today.

Little Pilgrim's Progress was originally written 60 years ago. This book is an anniversary edition and contains a few pencil illustrations, which are lovely and help guide the story along.

The main character of "Little Christian" is a young boy who is tired from his burdens and is trying to get to the "Celestial City."  We read about the people he encounters along the way, the trials he faces, his confusion at times, and the help he recieves from God's workers - like Evangelist. It is a beautiful story explaining our own journey to Heaven, in a marvelous way. 

This story will stay with chidren for many years.  As they grow into adulthood, remembrances of Christian's adventures will come back to them and help them in their own walk with the Lord.

As for the Adventure Guide, it is a valuable addition to this book.  Inside you will find a brief biography of John Bunyan.  For many this will be the very first introduction, to young readers, of who he was.   There are comprehension and discussion questions, vocabulary words, and little fun sections for readers to fill in, such as the "Character Chart," which has a two column chart to separate those in the story who had a positive influence on Christian and those who had a negative influnece on him.  There is also an answer key in the back of the book. It is paperback and contains 79 pages.

The adventure guide is an incredible tool, particularly for homeschooling students. Both books are published by Moody.

The Giveaway

Would you like an opportunity to win your own set of these books?  This includes one copy of "Little Pilgrim's Progress," and one copy of the companion adventure guide. 

All you have to do is leave  me a comment telling me who you would give these books to.

For addtional entries:


1. Choose to "Like" Old Time Homemaking Reviews on Facebook.

2. Subscribe in an email to Old Time Homemaking Reviews Blog.

3. Tweet about this giveaway.

4. Blog about this giveaway, with a link back to this post.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

 

One random winner we be selected on Monday, March 18, 2013. (U.S. Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you.

This contest is closed. The winner is:


Carolynn Stewart



*Disclosure - I received a set of these books for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.




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The Fiddler by Beverly Lewis

Book - "The Fiddler" by Beverly Lewis

Publisher - Bethany House

Paperback, 326 pages








Beverly Lewis is well known for her insightful portrayal of Amish living.  Her stories are always vivid, well written and fascinating.  In "The Fiddler," Englisher Amelia is a professional Concert fiddler. She has an exciting life and a loving family.  Somehow, she ends up in an out of the way area and meets an Old Order Amish man, Michael.   He is young and struggling with whether or not he wants to join the Amish church.  The two form a friendship.  We read about Amelia staying with the Amish for a time and seeing it all through her eyes.  We also learn about some of the antics of the Amish youth, during their time of deciding whether they will join the church, or leave it for the English world.  I was so saddened to read that some of the young people actually were using Facebook!  It shocked me.   There is something sweet, nostalgic, and precious about the Amish way of life - it is almost untouched and innocent.  It is a life that many crave. While reading this story, you  sense that you are there, living among them. There is a sense of peace that comes through which makes the story a delight to read.  Amelia's English life is also fascinating. Her classical music endeavors is calming and a nice contrast to Amish life.  Overall, it is a valuable, interesting story.


*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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Book - Called to Controversy

Book - Called to Controversy

Author - Ruth Rosen

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Hardcover, 320 pages










This is the biography of Moishe Rosen, written by his daughter, Ruth.  She did a phenomenal job describing his life and his ministry work.  

I loved reading about his growing up years, seeing the family portraits, and getting a glimpse into the time in which he lived. He was born in 1932. 

As he begins working in ministry, I was amazed to read how God worked in his life to perform miracles (often despite him).   He, like all people, had flaws but he was a tremendously dedicated worker! 

Ruth describes how "hecklers" would attack the street preachers.  Moishe experienced this and found a way to handle them peacefully.  He developed a training program for future street preachers so they were expecting these attacks and were able to continue their work without letting it get to them.  This was fascinating!

This book would be excellent for those working in ministry.  There are explanations of how the work was run, and how procedures were put into place to protect both the ministry itself, and trouble within.  Readers will also be greatly inspired by Moishe's dedication, energy, and work despite so many problems. We also get to read about his family, which is inspiring. His work and life will impact many people, and this book shares his story beautifully.




*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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Managing God's Money by Randy Alcorn

 


Book - Managing God's Money

Author - Randy Alcorn

Publisher - Tyndale

Paperback,  272 pages

List Price - $5.99










There are very few financial books that are so valuable, one wants to buy extra copies to give away.  This is one of those books. Randy does a fantastic job describing the purpose of money, our duties, and the importance of realizing it all belongs to God. 

There are 22 chapters, divided into six sections. The sections are:

1. Money and Possessions: Bible 101

2. Perspectives that Impede Money Management

3. Our Stewardship in Eternity's Light

4.  Giving and Sharing God's Money and Possessions

5.  Wisely Handling God's Money and Possessions

6.  Passing the Baton of Wise Stewardship


I will share a few quotes from the book:

p. 50  -  "If what you treasure most is deposited in the bank and the bank fails, your heart will fail with it."

p. 52  -  "Materialism obscures many of life's greatest blessings.  Ironically, those blessings are often far more appreciated by the poor, whose lives are less cluttered and distracted by  material wealth."


Managing God's Money: A Biblical Guide  has detailed explanations, wise and convicting advice, and will help teach and train the reader how to be successful with their finances.   I would consider this a sort of encyclopedia of financial training. It should be in every Christian home and given to every newly married couple.  If mistakes have been made, this book will educate us to turn it all around and start handling money God's way. This is when the true blessings will come.





*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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