ABOUT THE BOOK
"I wish children came with an instruction manual!"
How many times have we heard this lament by a frustrated or overwhelmed parent? Perhaps we have said these words ourselves. There are "how-to" manuals for practically anything: installing a new faucet, building a remote control car, baking an apple pie, refinishing an antique chair, or assembling a bicycle. Is there a formula or a perfect manual for raising children? Yes! The scriptures.
In Parenting With Spiritual Power, Julie Nelson examines the lives of mothers and fathers in the scriptures (the best instruction manual) and the parenting principles we can learn from them. Discover powerful parenting examples from Adam and Eve, Moses, the brother of Jared, and Captain Moroni, along with suggestions for personal application in this essential book.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Julie K. Nelson is a wife and mother of five children, raising them in
Illinois and now Utah. She received a bachelor’s degree in education
from Brigham Young University and a master’s degree from Utah State
University in marriage, family and human development. Her scholarly
research and creative writing have been published in journals and
anthologies, and she has won numerous state and national awards for her
writing. Julie has enjoyed teaching children in public and private
schools and currently teaches at Utah Valley University. To learn more
about the author, visit Julie’s website here: nelsonjuliek.com.
REVIEWFirst off I will admit that I am not a parent. But I am a teacher and the principles that Julie Nelson highlights in this book apply just as much to me as to any parent. The importance of focusing on the positive rather than the negative, giving warnings, offering doctrine to help children make better choices, and nourishing and encouraging them rather than trying to force them are all very important when working with people, not just with children. I loved the way she used the scriptures (the LDS scriptures include the King James version of the Bible, The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine & Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price) and stories from the scriptures to highlight the points she was trying to make. She also uses quotes from former and current leaders of the church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormon/LDS church) to highlight especially important points.
The chapter on developing and exercising faith in both the child and the Lord's growth process I found especially comforting. When it comes to children, results are not always immediate, it can take months or years to see the fruit of one's labors, but one must never give up and continue to exercise patience, long-suffering, and diligence. The author points out that when a child is born there is a great deal of potential there, but the parent doesn't know yet what that potential might be or the best way to bring it to fruition, the parent and child must learn and grow together.
For those who are parents or who work with children on a regular basis this book provides many principles and reminders about what is most important to remember and practice. I can highly recommend this book to those who are frustrated or confused or exhausted. The book is not only inspiring but a powerful reminder of just how much our Heavenly Father loves us and our children.
GIVEAWAY
Thanks to the publisher I have one copy of the book to give away.
One print copy of Parenting with Spiritual Power.
US/Canada only
Ends 4/10/2013
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I have five children and the oldest is in Chile on a mission....it was hard to see him struggle with the work and the language, but he is doing better and it makes me so happy to know that he can do it...he can do anything....I love watching them grow up and become the person they are going to be...someone great and someone happy to be here on Earth. Thanks
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