Category: good books

Victory Over the Darkness: Book Review

Published on by Velvet2 Comments

victoryoverthedarkness

Neil T. Anderson is an incredible author that captivates his audience page by page. His book Victory Over the Darkness is one of those books that has you stopping every few pages to pause on a thought and apply it to one’s own life.

This book is all about learning how to forgive yourself and others to be free from a past that might be holding you back. It’s about taking control of your own thoughts and mind and not succumbing to feeling like you don’t have control of your emotions. Anderson details each person’s true place in this world and (A) what kind of an impact it can have on us or (B) what kind of an impact we can make in it.

Feeling lost and not really sure what the point of this whole “life” thing is? Read this book.

Feeling torn down by all of your personal and family trials and am not sure there’s hope to move forward? Read this book.

Curious of God and the Bible but are scared of the associations between Christianity and the world today? Cast your fears aside to read this book.

Victory Over the Darkness details how each person is already accepted into the kingdom of God and tells how individuals can stand out, grow strong in their faith (or first get acquainted to it!), and overcome the worldly shadows that rule their life.

Read this book!

Thanks for stopping by <3

Once An Arafat Man: Book Review

Published on by VelvetLeave a comment

51IDmU3JBRL._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_

Where to begin. This was an incredibly autobiographical novel written by Tass Saada about his journey from being a sniper assassin for Fatah under Yasser Arafat in the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to leading Christian ministries in the Gaza Strip and in Israel itself.

The book details Tass’s life growing up in Saudi Arabia and Qatar and the Muslim views instilled in him about the Jews and Israeli’s in general. Like many others, Tass seeked death to all Jews and wished to and win back [what he once believed to be] Palestine’s land.

Tass’s story is extremely unique in its’ nature to the point where it seems unreal. He is a gifted man with an affinity to excel in anything he does; whether that be fighting in the PLO or finding his true fulfilling affinity in ministry work. Though primarily a brutal and gruesome tale, Tass’s story transitions into an incredible testament revealing how God can change a person’s heart.

If you’re looking for an action-packed, exciting read, check out Once An Arafat Man by Tass Saada.

Thanks for stopping by!

<3

A must-read parenting book: Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Alyson Schafer (Review)

Published on by Velvet1 Comment

Last night I had a dream that I baked some sweet potato fries and some tempeh and presented it to my younger sister for dinner. Upon laying the dish in front of her, she wrinkled her nose and said “I don’t like sweet potato or whatever that is”. Now the reason I dreamt this was because it actually happened yesterday! But not with my sister. With the kids I nanny. And just with sweet potato fries. Who actually doesn’t like sweet potato fries? Most likely… nobody.

As nannies, babysitters and parents, we’ve all experienced what a complete bust it is when our kids tell us they “don’t like” what they’re being served. The proper response to this behavior, according to psychologist and parenting expert Alyson Schafer, is replying to our children “I’m sorry you don’t like what’s for dinner tonight. Hopefully there’s enough other stuff to fill you up”. She says getting angry, upset or taking our kids’ words personally is only fuelling the futuristic fire of our kids turning up their noses.

Schafer gives advice on child’s eating habits and SO many other topics in her book Ain’t Misbehavin’ regarding picky eaters, bed-wetters, temper tantrums, sibling rivalry, and child capability among others. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “Never do for a child what a child can do for herself”.

aintmisbehavin

One of Schafer’s main messages in this book is viewing one’s role as a parent from the eyes of an encourager. By encouraging our kids to do their own personal best, figure things out on their own, learn teamwork among siblings and in the household as a hold, we set a foundation for independent, capable children without to resorting to mindless obedience and helplessness.

We don’t give children enough credit for their true capabilities when it comes to helping around the house, getting up on time, fulfilling their roles in the family and being their awesome, creative selves. Too much time is spent nagging the to stop bothering their brother, to clean their room or brush their teeth, or simply taking the tasks upon ourselves to do the work that they’re capable of doing themselves.

Alyson gives some truly fantastic parenting tips that will forever change your relationship between your children and your family. Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Alyson Schafer. Give it a read!