Winning Balance by Shawn Johnson

Because my daughter is a competitive gymnast, I knew this was a book we'd have to own as soon as I discovered it. Our family remembers well rooting for Shawn in the 2008 gymnastics. Watching her smile and intensity. The way she sparkled as she competed.

When I handed my daughter this book, I was curious whether it would resonate with her or be one she started and then put down. The pages flipped pretty fast as she learned more about Shawn and her journey. The book pairs her journey with her spiritual journey. It's told in a way that perfectly targets teens. The style is conversational taking you behind the scenes in the events in her life. Each chapter also ends with a Lesson I've Learned: a nugget of truth that applies to all of us.

This is a sports memoir with spiritual applications. A worthwhile read, and one I look forward to reading with my daughter next time.


Subscribe to my quarterly mailing list

Live to Give by Austin Gutwein

Live to Give by Austin Gutwein is a book targeted to a young adult audience. It's a book filled with inspiration and motivation to help young adults see how they were created to partner with God. From a launching point of the boy with the five loaves and two fish, it explores how God chose to work with each of us and challenges readers to search for ways God can use them. At the end of each chapter, there are five questions that walk readers through applying the principles to their lives. 

In a time when our focus is often inward, I loved the way the author encourages readers to look at how they can work with God to solve problems. It's a great companion to Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. And it exemplifies a generation that wants to be used by God. Made me think of my niece who for her 16th birthday had her friends help her serve a meal in a homeless shelter. And instead of gifts, she asked people to bring times they could put in blessing bags that could be given to the homeless. 

This is a great book that will challenge others to think outside the box and in big ways.

Pressing the "Hot Buttons"

Today I'm delighted to turn over my blog to my good writing bud Nicole O'Dell. I love her heart for tweens and teens. And my What are Hot Buttons? Well, in the broader sense, the phrase Hot Buttons means a lot of different things, anything really, that can get a rise out people. Something that charges them up and receives an intense reaction. For the purposes of Choose NOW Ministries, I've defined hot buttons as those tough issues that teenagers face--the things parents are often more afraid of and most hesitant to talk about. Some examples include:

• Drugs
• Alcohol
• Sex
• Friendships
• Racism
• Internet Activity
• Faith Matters
• Divorce
• Dating
• Bullying
• Occult
• and more

Why press the Hot Buttons?

Why not just leave it alone and let the kids figure it out? We can pray for them and trust it all to work out in the end. In some ways it does work itself out, true. Circumstances happen, pressure hits, relationships change. . .and your teens gets to figure it all out. In the heat of the moment. On their own. Hopefully they'll make the right choice, but it's really hard to know what will happen when the prep work isn't done. Take an issue like dating--we talk about the boundaries. We set rules for curfew and other things. We even make sure we apprrove of the date and talk about saying no to sexual advances. Right? And that's great. It really is. But there's something missing. Our teens need to know what to do and what not to do, and what we expect of them, but they also need to understand why that's going to be difficult for them. How does the body respond in ways that make it tough to say no? What will the feelings be like that make it difficult to leave the room or douse the proverbial flames? You see, if we don't hit those truth head on before they become an issue, our teens will think it's a secret, it's specific to them, and we really don't know what we're asking them to say no to. But, if we press those hot buttons in advance, if we have the difficult conversations, then our teens will enter those pressure-filled situations armed with understanding and equipped with the words to say to stay true to their commitments. With every hot button issue, someone is feeding your tweens and teens information--do you really want that someone to be anyone other than you?  

How do I press the Hot Buttons?

Now that you've made the decision to be proactive about helping your tweens and teens battle peer pressure, I love to share the principles behind the Hot Buttons book series and the method of communicating with your teens it prescribes. Each book is topical based on a single Hot Button issue and its surrounding sub-topics. For example, the Hot Buttons Internet Edition deals with social networking, pornography, predators, cyber bullying, and more. The goal isn't to convince parents to keep their kids off the net, but rather to arm them with the tools they need to navigate it in a safe and healthy way. Same with the Dating Edition. It covers early relationships, physical boundaries, date rape, and more. Instead of just handing down rules, parents need to walk their teens through the details and equip them with the understanding of what's out and how to rise above the peer pressure.  

How does Hot Buttons work?

Each book is designed the same way. The first few chapters discuss the hows and whys of tackling hot buttons early and effectively. Part two dives into the topics with statistics and information that every parent should know. Next are the application portions of the book. This is when you put into practice the principles we discuss early on. Strategic Scenarios (up to 15 per book) allow you to walk your teens through a fictional situation and then offer options, choices, as to how they think they'd respond.

Here's an example of the way a Strategic Scenario works:

You really like this one guy at school. You have for a long time, actually. Problem is, your BFF likes him too. And you have to admit, she’s liked him longer, but he seems to prefer you. You just don’t know what to do about it. You don’t want to hurt your friend, but you have to take care of yourself first, right?

Finally, he asks you out. Now it’s decision time. What do you do?

Present the following choices to your teenager:

1. He obviously like you best and telling him no isn’t going to make him like your BFF. You might as well go out with him and deal with her later. What’s she going to do about it anyway?
2. You’ll go out with him, but only secretly. Hopefully she'll never find out.
3. You thank him, and tell him you need a day or two to think about it. Time to have a heart-to-heart with your friend. If she’s okay with it, you’re in!
4. No, too much is at stake. Your BFF will tell you she’s fine with it, but you know it will break her heart. Then what? It wouldn’t be the same again. Plus, you’re supposed to be the Christian; you need to put her first.

Now let your teen make a choice between the responses without feeling judged or directed. You want the response to be as honest as possible.

Here are some discussion points you can use to lead the conversation after the choice is made:

• BFs come and go; BFF last a lifetime
• What would Jesus do?
• How would you feel in your BFF’s shoes?
• Talk about this sort of thing ahead of time. Don’t wait until it’s a real issue. Clear the air.
• Loyalty and honestly are qualities of Christ.
• A year from now, when you look back on the situation, which choice will make you proud?

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12, NIV)

The final chapters of each Hot Buttons book will lead you and your family through confession and forgiveness and then help you walk into the future with a clean slate, armed with the tools you all need to face those hot buttons. If you're a parent of teens, or you know one, I hope you'll visit www.hotbuttonsite.com to read more Hot Buttons posts each week. Also, the first two Hot Buttons books: Dating and Internet, release on 6/1. Following soon after on 10/1 are the Sexuality and Drug editions.   Nicole O'Dell, founder of Choose NOW Ministries and host of Choose NOW Radio: Parent Talk and Teen Talk, is a youth culture expert who writes and speaks to preteens, teenagers, and parents on preparing for life's tough choices. The mother of six, including toddler triplets, she’s author of YA fiction, including the popular Scenarios for Girls interactive fiction series and the Diamond Estates Series, and non-fiction for teens including Girl Talk, 2/1/12, based on the popular advice column she writes with her two daughters. Hot Buttons, O’Dell’s non-fiction series for parents pre-empts peer pressure by tackling tough issues. Visit www.nicoleodell.com.   

Subscribe to my quarterly mailing list

Girl Talk by Nicole O'Dell

Are you looking for a resource for the teen or older tween girl in your life? One that answers the questions buzzing through her head? This colorful, magazine-like book could be just the ticket. It's like sitting down with a big sister and couple of friends and asking them the questions plaguing you. With its colorful and wisdom filled pages, this book is designed to be a go-to for young ladies with questions about life.

Questions about life stuff–relationships, body image, fashion. . . ? Look no further! This fabulous resource offers awesome advice from popular author of teen fiction, Nicole O’Dell. 180 days of Q&As plus related scripture selections will encourage and challenge your faith walk.


Popular blogging trio--mother, Nicole O'Dell, along with daughters, Emily and Natalie--offer trustworthy, biblically-based advice with a devotional flavor for girls ages 10 to 16. Culled from actual questions they've encountered on their blog site, this fabulous resource offers real-life helps for girls on issues including relationships, character, body image, fashion, gossip, and more. 

Girls will find 180 questions along with answers and related scripture selections that will both encourage and challenge them in their faith walk. Girl Talk, presented in a trendy format that reads like a magazine, is a super tool for girls' small groups or for individual use. 

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door Review & Contest

Most of us have heard of Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler. Josh McDowell is known for books like More than a Carpenter and Evidence that Demands a Verdict. He is known for taking apologetics and making it understandable. Bob Hostetler is a writer, pastor and teacher.

Don't Check Your Brains at the Door is a book they first wrote and released in 1992. The cover alone was in desperate need of freshening :-). Guess which one is the new one.

This book is broken into short chapters of 3-5 pages that are easy to read in a few minutes, but address big questions. The ones our kids have got to be able to answer if they are going to own and defend their

Praying for Your Future Husband...Giveaway

I am sooooo excited to tell you about this brand new book from two of my friends, Tricia Goyer and Robin Jones Gunn. Last summer while I attended ICRS, a Christian Retail Show, I got to listen to these two talk about writing the chapters to this book and how very jazzed they were to get to read it.

Then in early May Tricia sent a copy to my daughter. I was THRILLED. I'm even more excited to have a copy to giveaway to one commenter/follower on this blog and one on my blog!

Let's face it young adults are concerned about finding that perfect spouse. But in the pursuit of the right person, we often forget we need to become that right person. What I love about this book is that Gunn and Goyer focus not only on how to pray for your future spouse -- before you even know who that is -- but also on how you need to prepare yourself to be the right person, too. Can you imagine what would happen if we poured half the energy we devote to dreaming and fretting into praying? That could be amazing!

Goyer and Gunn also have very different experiences that lead to marriage. These experiences bring a richness to the book because it's not all rosy nor all warning. Instead, it casts vision for what is possible. They guide the reader through 12 areas they can pray for their future spouse. Areas like his heart, that he would be a God lover, for patience, understanding, intimacy and commitment. This book would be a great gift for a girl who is starting to focus on young men -- especially if it's coupled with a commitment to read it and discuss the principles with her.

Here's more:
From when we were small girls, most of us dream of “The One,” our future husband. We think about what it would be like to be a bride. We wonder who that special guy is and when we'll find him. The great news is that what you do now can make a difference in your life and the life of your future husband!

Authors and good friends Robin Jones Gunn (Christy Miller series) and Tricia Goyer (author and former teen mom) believe God answers women's prayers for husbands—even husbands they may not meet for years. They invite young women to pray boldly for their future mate … while also asking God to prepare their own hearts.

In Praying for Your Future Husband, Robin and Tricia share their two vastly different experiences, including the things they did right and the mistakes they made on the path to meeting and marrying their husbands. Each chapter includes helpful Bible verses, prayers, and practical application, along with true stories of women who prayed for a husband and how God answered in remarkable ways.

God has a beautiful romance prepared for you. Prayer is the key to unlocking the love story … with your future husband and with God, the lover of your soul.

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris

MOST PEOPLE DON’T…
A different kind of teen book

A TEENAGE REBELLION AGAINST

LOW EXPECTATIONS -

FOR TEENS

AND ANYONE ELSE THAT CONSIDERS

THEMSELVES A CHRISTIAN!

Janna's REVIEW:

I had to put this book on my Top 8 of 2008 list because of how awesome this book is. Some people would say it should be on my Most Awesome YA list, but no. This is not a book just for Young Adults. Every Christian should read this book - who of us does not revert back to that "teen part" of us that will do the bare minimum in our lives and then we're miserable because of it. It is time to break out of that and to start exceeding the low expectations placed on us!

I was absorbed by this book when I started it and was blown away by it when I was done reading it. I told our church's youth pastor about it and made mention that as wonderful as it is geared towards teens, I think this is the kind of book that every Christian should read to encourage all of us living for God to rebel against low expectations. I loaned him my copy of the book and he put it off for a few months... when he finally read it he finished it in a couple days and then went out of his way to tell me how amazing it it. He plans on buying about 6 copies and circulating them among the youth. I plan on making this my standard graduation gift for people I know. But no matter what you decide to do with it, this is a book that I would strongly suggest getting your hands on, for you and everyone you know :-)

I was not able to reach Alex and Brett with them being away at college now and the Christmas holidays and everything, so I don't have an interview and giveaway - but I wanted to get the word out one more time on this great book!

ABOUT THE AUTHORs:

Alex and Brett Harris founded TheRebelution.com in August 2005 and today at age 19 are the most popular Christian teen writers on the Web. The twins are frequent contributors to Focus on the Family’s Boundless webzine, serve as the main speakers for the Rebelution Tour conferences, and have been featured in WORLD magazine, Breakaway, The Old Schoolhouse, and the New York Daily News. Sons of homeschool pioneer Gregg Harris and younger brothers of best-selling author Joshua Harris (I Kissed Dating Goodbye), Alex and Brett live near Portland, Oregon.

Do Hard Things by Alex & Brett Harris: Cara's review

I have been reading the most fascinating book this week. In about 40 minutes on Saturday I blew through the first 60 pages. This book is targeted at teenagers, but will resonate with many, many more. In my opinion, this book should be a graduation gift for all junior high and high school students. It phenomenal.

If you've been around the homeschool movement for any length of time, then you're probably familiar with Gregg Harris. If you've been in a bookstore since 1997, then you're familiar with I Kissed Dating Good-bye and Josh Harris.

Now it's time to meet sons and younger brothers Alex & Brett Harris. I first ran into them with their modesty survey and posted about it at Generation NeXt Parenting on February 20, 2007. Then I was given the twins' book Do Hard Things. Here's the official blurb...but keep reading for my take and the giveaway details:

With over 10 million hits to their website TheRebelution.com, Alex and Brett Harris are leading the charge in a growing movement of Christian young people who are rebelling against the low expectations of their culture by choosing to “do hard things” for the glory of God.

Written when they were 18 years old, Do Hard Things is the Harris twins’ revolutionary message in its purest and most compelling form, giving readers a tangible glimpse of what is possible for teens who actively resist cultural lies that limit their potential. Combating the idea of adolescence as a vacation from responsibility, the authors weave together biblical insights, history, and modern examples to redefine the teen years as the launching pad of life and map a clear trajectory for long-term fulfillment and eternal impact.

Written by teens for teens, Do Hard Things is packed with humorous personal anecdotes, practical examples, and stories of real-life rebelutionaries in action. This rallying cry from the heart of revolution already in progress challenges the next generation to lay claim to a brighter future, starting today.

This book is incredible. Many of us have seen teens, young adults, even thirty-somethings who are floundering through life. They can't seem to get any traction. Frankly, this approach to life drives my crazy, because I live on the other extreme. The Harris twins pinpoint the problem as a plague of low expectations when we're teenagers. As a result, we aren't trained to push ourselves and ask how God can use us -- especially during our teen years.

The verse that motivates their ministry is I Timothy 4:12. I smiled when I saw that as it was my life verse until I was 30 and decided I might need a different verse since I wasn't exactly a youth anymore. I've often wondered what my parents did or didn't do that made me believe anything I wanted to do/be was possible if it lined up with God's Word and will. Telling them at 12 or 13 that I wanted to start college at 16 -- no problem. When I turned 16 and still wanted to do it, they marched me down to the community college and figured it out.

There was an expectation that everything was training. The teen years weren't a time to goof off. Instead, they were a time to prove myself and gain increasing independence as I proved myself faithful. Everything I've done, accomplished, am doing is a direct result of that philosophy.

So I find myself in a church that doesn't offer a Bible study I'm interested in. No problem. I'll offer to lead one. So I want to teach at a major Big Ten University. No problem, I'll fill-in until I earn a contract spot. So I want to write books. No problem. I'll read books and wait until God says go. Then I'll invest the time and energy to write the books and take the steps necessary to prepare myself as God opens doors.

In a sense this is exactly what Do Hard Things is about. It challenges teens to do intentionally do 5 kinds of hard things:

1. Things that are outside your comfort zone.
2. Things that go beyond what is expected or required.
3. Things that are too big to accomplish alone.
4. Things that don't earn an immediate payoff.
5. Things that challenge the cultural norm.

We'd all benefit from applying those principles to our lives. But how much better if we taught them to young people. I've talked about this book since starting it. Eric is lined up to read it. I'll be giving it as graduation gifts. And it will land in my children's hands by the time they are twelve, so we can fully discuss and apply these principles in their lives.

Dear Mom: by Melody Carlson

Happy Mother's Day a bit late, everyone. Whether you have children, care for children, teach Sunday School, or pour your life into others, you are a mother. God calls us to constantly give in II Timothy. So enjoy your day!

Here's a book that may help you in your mothering.

Teenagers are a bit of a mystery. Let's face it -- even though I'm not old, the world has changed since I was a teen. And now that my oldest is getting closer to those mysterious years -- thankfully we still have a few years to go! -- I'm on the hunt for books that will help me prepare for when my girls are teens, but also to help me relate to the teens I know right now. And frankly, this book won't hurt me when writing teens either!

What book am I talking about? Dear Mom by Melody Carlson. I found this book compelling. It addresses what teenagers think about their relationships with their moms and how can we as parents reach out to them in a way that encourages a healthy relationship. Very easy to read, but also very packed with great information.

This book is incredibly readable and filled with awesome information. For example, the chapter on privacy forced me to think about the importance of building trust so I don't have to snoop or violate my child's privacy to know what is going on in her life. There are times that may be necessary -- but there were strategies to avoid that, too. I found myself nodding as I read. Much resonated from when I was a teenager. And even more struck home as I considered how I should respect and treat teens. Read this book while handing your teen Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris. Together they'll get you both prepared!

Dear Mom: Everything Your Teenage Daughter Wants You to Know But Will Never Tell You By Melody Carlson Popular teen girls' novelist Melody Carlson helps moms cut through murky and uncharted waters so you can hear what your daughter is really trying to tell you through her anger, silence, and mixed messages. Dear Mom focuses on your daughter's heart and soul. Get to know her hopes and fears, doubts and dreams about her identity, guys, friendships, and even you. You can connect on a deeper, more intimate level that will carry both you and your daughter through the stormy seas of life.